Yep, we made it down this hill.

Yesterday, we decided to visit Queen’s Bath but not to go into the dangerous ocean pool. I’m not much of a swimmer and although Tom is lifeguard-capable, it wasn’t worth it. Instead, we decided to take the trek down the cliff to see what we how close we could get.

This spot was tricky.

We’ve discussed how difficult our lives would be if one of us was to be seriously injured. After all, we have no home to go to for recuperation. What about all the prepaid future bookings? Instead, we err on the side of caution in most of our adventures, of which there still have been many and will continue to be many more in the future.

I was thrilled when we approached easier spots such as this.

Not all adventures revolve around extreme sports, as mentioned recently in a prior post. However, many tourist activities in Hawaii require a strong under 40-year-old body, which neither of us possesses. Caution prevails.

Tom reminded me that if I fell to lean to the opposite side of the ravine. Good advice, Honey!

Yesterday, for us old-timers, one very sure-footed (Tom, of course) and me, not so sure-footed, especially in my worn-out shoes, (soon to be replaced when our shipment of supplies arrives from the mailing service), the hike down the cliff to the Queen’s Bath, was daunting, to say the least.

This path was never created for exploring the Queen’s Bath. It was worn over many years of curiosity seekers traveling down the cliffs.

The photos we’ve included here are not a totally fair representation of how steep, and at times slippery, the trek really is. I hung onto Tom’s hand most of the way up and down, especially when we walked over thick roots and wet leaves within a foot of a drop off to a ravine.

The creek below.  Crossing this area was challenging. At times I grabbed any sturdy branch I could hold onto.

By the time we made it to the final descent, with another short but rough patch ahead, Tom insisted I stay behind and wait while he explored the pool in more detail, promising not to go into the water. I waited for what proved to be a long 10 minutes fearful that he’d fall. 

Ah, another level spot.

When he rounded the turn and I saw his smiling face, I was relieved. Don’t get me wrong. Tom is quite steady and strong, more than many much younger. But, the terrain was difficult for any level of fitness other than those experienced hikers who are comfortable managing treacherous paths.

Finally, we could see the ocean as we maneuvered closer and closer to the end.

Making it back up the cliff was a bit more challenging. I was relieved when I looked up, up, up, and saw the parking lot. Feet firmly planted on the asphalt, I found myself feeling a slight bit of satisfaction for having gone as far as we did. 

It was thrilling to finally see the waterfalls.

Oddly, I’m physically capable of such a hike but the horrid condition of my now pain-free (due to diet) spine tends to make me a bit fearful of falling. A fall could be disastrous putting a fast end to our travels. 

It wasn’t a huge waterfall but the sight, the sounds and, the chickens crowing in the background making it pleasant to stop and admire the scenery.

Through it all, we managed to get these photos, see the waterfall, and return safely in one piece for which we’re very grateful. Would I go again? Probably not. But then again, we seldom return to the same spot preferring to always pursue the next best thing.

Another waterfall view. Oh look, there’s a sturdy stick to hold onto in the left of this photo.

Tomorrow morning, we’ll post the photos of our way back up the cliff before we take off early for our trip to the Waimea Canyon, a three-hour drive from Princeville, hoping to arrive before the clouds roll in, a daily occurrence after 10 am. Later in the day, we’ll head back to Poipu for the overnight at the hotel.

We encountered several chicken families along the way.

Have a fabulous “Hump Day.” For us, seniors, every day of the week is Saturday…pure pleasure…pure freedom.