Camping trip Part 1

We drove to Kokee State park which is about 10 o'clock on this map and a bit inland. It is only about 70 miles from Princeville but it took us about 2.5 hours to get there. We camped at Kokee and planned to hike the swamp and visit the canyon.

This was our first glimpse of Waimea Canyon which is a large fissure that runs down through the western side of the island. This is the 'end' of the canyon at the south end. To get to this part of the island we had to drive all around to the south part of the island and then back north up Highway 550. Our little car did a great job, although we labored in 1st gear up some of the steeper parts of the drive. In about 18 miles you go from sea level to over 3600 ft which explains why the city of Waimea at sea level is permeated with the distinct smell of burning brakes and clutches.

Notice the patches of bright red dirt in the lower right corner. Locally you can buy Red Dirt Shirts (C) which are shirts stained using the local iron rich soil. We bought some and I was happy that I got the local discount.

A family portrait at Waimea Canyon. Etel is doing her part to keep Fraggle Rock memory alive. 

This is a partial view of Waimea Canyon. I will post a few more views in the next posting.