Kauai Day 14 Wiamea Canyon Drive

Day 14 Wiamea Canyon Drive

Today was one of those rare days when there were no clouds over the wettest place on earth. Somewhere I heard that only happens seven times a year—a perfect day for a drive up the volcano.

We started the day at ten o’clock with the fish-feeding time at the front entrance. There is a lovely water feature in two levels with a waterfall in between, surrounded by lawn and tropical plants. The pond is home to dozens of large Koi fish and many tiny fish fry. I saw no small fish, so I suppose that the fry became part of the diet.

Once a day a few guests, so inclined, gather on the lawn to watch the youngsters feed the fish. At first it was just Dave and I and one other family from California—mother, father and two young sons. I became acquainted with Vickie, the mother, who was a Journalism major and so we had a lot to talk about. They have relatives from Michigan, South Haven and Grand Rapids.

The boys operated their two cameras, one a tiny video camera called a “GoPro,” which could operate underwater. They also have relatives here, in Princeville, lucky for them. We talked about today’s high tech children, lamenting how they are losing the art of cursive and spelling. I hoped to run into them again. Was sorry I didn’t have my business cards with me. Must keep some in my pocket.

 

At about 10:30, we left directly from there for our trip along the southern coast until we turned inland on route 552, having missed our turn at route 550. The coastal drive is interesting, through some open spaces, small towns and ocean views. Nearing route 552 we drove along the “Barking Sands” beaches. I knew we must have missed our turn. On the map 552 is shown as having more twists and turns than 550. Nevertheless we took it, not fearing a bit of mountain driving.

The two lane road was good and well-marked. Occasionally we caught a glimpse of the blue Pacific below. This must have been a favorite route for sight-seeing busses, because we met a half dozen of them, and very few cars.

At last we came to the first visitors’ viewing area where we knew there would be spectacular views of Wiamea Canyone, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There was a vendor in the lot, selling fruits, snacks and beverages. I declined the public toilets but Dave, being a healthy but elderly gentleman, believes in the motto, “Never pass up an opportunity…” After a few minutes he returned, laughing ruefully, and telling about the open-air urinal at which you had to be careful that your urine didn’t blow back at you.

The wind always blows on Kauai.

There was a steep climb to the viewing area, which was on an incline. Most of the folks were mature, but a few kids let off steam by scrambling up and down like monkeys.

Ever mindful of the dangers of falling, Dave and I always watch our step carefully, while he holds my arm.

Leaving this viewing area, we drove on up to another and another. Dave was tiring of the long drive, ready to go home, but I pressed him onward.

 

I knew there was a campground above us with picnic tables. And so we drove on. For once my memory was right. By now, the air had cooled from the elevation, and so we chose a sunny table for our lunch break. The ever-present wild chickens gathered ‘round hoping for crumbs, in the same way the ants gather at home. They have no fear of humans. These chickens are everywhere on Kauai, quite beautiful.

Back to our drive.

I stated that I would like to turn left and see what was on up the road. On a previous occasion, we had gone no further than the campground.

Dave thought that road only led to the other side of the campground. He was ready to go home. Deciding to say no more, I zipped my lip, thinking he certainly had every right to be getting tired. And so, I was surprised when, upon leaving the parking lot, he turned left. Up the hill we went for another few miles. I began to catch glimpses of ocean through the dense foliage, although I could not swear it was ocean and not merely sky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crikey! another viewing area. This one looked out over the famous NaPali coast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suddenly no longer the least bit tired, we set off on another walk to gape at more gorgeous views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m afraid that these pictures do not do justice to the depth perception. But, try to bear in mind that we were looking down about at the ocean below. The Na Pali cliffs rise about 4000 plus feet. The blue that you see is actually the ocean. Notice the clouds hanging on the horizon about at eye level with the camera.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been fortunate, on previous visits to Kauai to see the cliffs from a catamaran and also, from the hiking trail. Below is a professional picture taken from the trail, to give you another perspective.

Courtesy of Wikipedia Encyclopedia, online. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much revived, Dave turned left again, determined to hoe to the very end of the road. We were rewarded by another visitor-viewing area of the NaPali cliffs-- some say it is the wettest place on earth-- bathed in sunlight for our benefit on this rare day in September. I wondered how many of the other visitors realized what a gift this was. By tomorrow it will be hidden from view, again.

Here we are looking down 5148 feet, according to the sign.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entire trip took almost two and one half hours, even though we covered perhaps only forty miles or so. The speed rarely exceeds 25 mph on the straightaway.

Arriving home, mid-afternoon, we spend the remainder of the day reading and watching TV. I think we are going to try snorkeling tomorrow.

 

 

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