Standing on the trail, our eyes first noticed the whale watching boat. As they crept toward shore, we gathered they spotted one. Sure enough, a giant whale jumped completely out of the water, sinking downward with a giant splash. 6 seconds later, the smacking sound would reach our ears. We stood there mesmerized. Truly, where else could you see such a thing. It was the highlight in a spectacular day of climbing.

 The day started with a knock from Rick at 6 a.m. We wanted to get an early start. John and I had climbed a small portion of it in 2006 during the middle of the day and the sun pounded us. 

The five mile trail climbs over 1,600 feet above sea level and winds along a very rocky path. The trail isn't a loop. It runs between Mile Marker 5 on Route 30 and Manawaipueo Gulch .25 miles west of the Pali Tunnel. Obviously, if we had climbed part of the trail, we were somewhat familiar with it. In 2006 we started at Manawaipueo Gulch and that is where we planned to start again. We realized in the end, where Route 30 has it's five mile marker sign, is the exact spot where the dirt road can be found to take you to the trails dirt parking lot.