Day 16 - Mountain bike adventure
Today we got up pretty early to meet Rob, our guide (from Mountain Bike Maui), in the forest. The problem was it was raining pretty badly in the forest we’d planned to ride in so we had to change venues to the volcano instead. The forest would have been very, very muddy and Rob said we’d have more fun on the volcano. The drive up was crazy enough and once we’d reached the top car park we quickly got the bikes set up and started the climb.
What a climb it was, we started at 1,950m and 1h later we’d climbed to 2,284m (580m total assent). When we stopped for a breather, Rob explained there was still about 45 minutes climbing required to get to the ridge line followed by a 10 minute hike-a-bike… needless to say we opted for a short nearby forest trail rather than committing to another hour+ of climbing.
The forest trail had just been cleared of downed trees so it was pretty bumpy with lots of volcanic rocks/pebbles, bits of branch and big twigs. Essentially, technical off-piste single track. I got branches logged in my wheel and dropped my chain at least 5 times (I even got it back on myself once because Phil and Rob had gone on ahead at a quicker pace).
When we got to the mid-way point there was a a second trail which required a 3 miles technical climb. So we cracked on. About 20 minutes in, I ran out of skill and energy. It was super steep, covered in loam but very rutted in some places, loose and slippery in others. I had to push up quite a few sections because I just couldn’t get started again on the steep incline. I wasn’t upset though. I found myself a little tree to sit on and just chilled whilst Phil and Rob carried on up for another 15 minutes.
They met up with me on their way down and we continued together. The downs were fun. When we got back to the turn off to the original forest trail, it was raining pretty hard. We were soaked by the time we got to back to the cars.
I really enjoyed the adventure and I’m super proud of myself for doing as much climbing as I did and for ‘riding blind’ on some pretty tricky terrain. It would have been amazing to get up to that ridge line but we’ll just have to save that for another day.
On the way back to the hotel we discovered our hire car not only has a dodgy wheel bearing issue, it also has rubbish brakes! [I didn’t tell Carol-Ann at the time but they faded right out coming up to one junction - pedal straight to the floor….] We are definitely getting it swapped out before we attempt any more driving at altitude.
In the afternoon, we chilled by the pool having a well deserved rest. In the evening, we went to the Birdcage restaurant for cocktails and Sushi (mmm).
Day 17 - Snorkel tour
Today was a very early start to get to the boat for 7;30am (that meant a 6am start). What this meant was that Phil didn’t take his seasickness medication two hours before departure and this was (perhaps) the first mistake.
The crew of the Trilogy welcomed us aboard with a fresh breakfast of hot cinnamon buns, fruit, juices and coffee. This was (perhaps) the second mistake. We headed out to Molokini, a crescent shaped reef crater which is a marine reserve below the water and a bird reserve above the water. It was about an hour’s sail to Molokini. Phil popped down to use the restroom in the belly of the boat, at a point when we were going against the swell, and came up looking rather pale! This was definitely ‘the’ mistake. Within minutes, Phil’s queasiness turn to seasickness.
When we reached Molokini Phil just wanted to stay very still in the shade so I left him with the crew and dived straight in. The visibility was amazing, like swimming in a tropical fish tank. Almost as good as the house-reef at Como Maalifushi (but lacking in reef sharks).
I stayed in for 20 minutes and then went to check on Phil. He was starting to feel better.
The next stop was Turtle cove, probably about 20 minutes away from Molokini. The visibility isn’t as crystal clear here but it’s still amazing. Phil was feeling well enough to give snorkelling a try so we headed out together, slowly following the volcanic underwater ridge line and spotting fish as we went. Getting in the water and being in the sea seemed to be good for Phil… the problem was that the act of getting back onto the boat and up the steps set off his sea sickness again. Grrr, nightmare.
On the way back, I was served a lovely lunch of sticky honey-soy chicken, sticky rice and Caesar salad. Followed by ice cream, cookies and chocolate sauce. Downed with Mai Tais. Phil avoided all food and Mai Tais.
After lunch we caught the wind and the sails went up. The wind really helped Phil’s nausea and I think I even managed to get a picture of him looking relaxed.
Happy to be back on dry land we headed home for another afternoon hanging out by the pool. And today I discovered the inflatable flamingo!!
- Hippie -
