Koko Crater

Well, you may have guessed that we survived the climb up the crater. I think that I was as hot as if the crater was still active. Here is the story in brief summary.

Sunday night, prior to the planned hike, I was reminded of Passover, not Sukkoth. Some time after I was sound asleep but before midnight, Charlie awoke me with angry "yellming". official definition of "yellming": a variegated mix of screaming and yelling with remarkable consistency only broken by short moments to catch one's breath". Charlie has fallen into the habit (as well as one other) of nursing several times a night. He used to sleep almost 11 hours straight in Seattle. Things have changed here on island. Anyway, this night Eema had had enough. On all other nights, she nurses seemingly at will but this night was different. It was a "special" night. On all other nights, I get interrupted sleep but at least I get sleep. On all other nights, I don't intend on getting up at 4:30 a.m. to do a very difficult hike. So, there I am, being "yellmed" at and I admit, it was a very good, thing that I did not have spray bottle next to the bed or my little blue eyed boy would have been more miserable than he already was. I even restrained myself from throwing pillows. I thought myself rather saintly at the time for such self control but the overriding thought in my mind at the time was truly: "why on this night?" Eventually I was fully awake and simply did not care anymore.

I woke the girls around 5:00 am and we headed out what seemed like much later for the 15 minute drive to the crater. We started up the trail around 6:00 am  in the barely visible light before dawn. Some intrepid hikers were already on their way down. Excitement led us forward. The trail (an old railroad line) led straight up the side of the crater. The top was not too far distant even from the beginning. I thought "piece of cake".................Oh you foolish soul!

this is not a piece of cake

After several breaks in the first 15 minutes (seriously) the girls needed a longer break than Abba could handle. he left them by wayside and headed up on his own. (by the way, its a very safe place with loads of fellow hikers even early in the morning) Eventually Abba made it to the top. gorgeous 360 degree views.

Mr. "tomato face" survived

I (returning to first person) was sorry the girls couldn't make it to be with me and share the experience, but glad they did not suffer the last miserable, steep section. I headed back down about 1/3 of the way when I spied the girls on their way up. They were determined to make it. I turned and headed warily back up with them. Surprisingly, it hurt less the second time up than the first. My heart had also had a nice break at the top for 10 minutes.

The girls had a nice clip going the rest of the way up (rest is really a strange word to use here). We enjoyed the views and relished the victory over our struggle.

we were exhilerated

Coming down the "steps" was less difficult than expected, but we took care not to stumble. The consequences would not have been good.

on the way down

same place looking up

I look forward to my next summit experience.