Hiking Sleeping Giant

Hiking can be so exhilarating, relaxing, strenuous, and fun, all at the same time! We recently went on a hike I had never done before. There was a new discovery at every turn in the path ... incredible panoramas of the island ... stately trees ... deep peaceful breaths. 

The hike: Sleeping Giant, otherwise known as Nounou Mountain.

photo courtesy Wikipedia

The beginning of the trail traverses a Norfolk pine forest. Quiet and cool, the regal trees towered above us.

The trail itself is like other Hawaiian trails: red dirt that gets very slippery in the rain, tree roots forming natural steps.

The Giant's Toenails (leaves from the Koa trees, I believe):

The goal: make it to the top of the cliff alive.

Okay, so it wasn't that scary. Besides, this view is the reward:

Norfolk Pines in Black and White

I love black and white photos. They are so clear cut and sharp. No colors interfere with the meaning of the shot. The darkness is obvious against the light, and the contrast is easy to see. I sometimes wish life were like that - black and white and easy to understand. All the colors of life blend together in this confusing way, making me unable to determine where the lines are. I can't seem to find the pretty white fenced-in path that leads to all things beautiful. Wouldn't it be easier if I were colorblind and only saw the darkness and the light? But then again, black and white photos are filled with gray as well. And if the world were colorless, we could only lead pale and colorless lives. Not all things need to be known and understood this very moment. Sometimes the colors need to blend and time needs to grow before we can really see. 

These are some photos of the Norfolk pine trees that grow all over the island. They always remind me of Lincoln Logs for some reason. Their scattered branches and clumps of needles are best shown in black and white, I think.