Day 13/14/15/16/17? The Trail, one of the most dangerous trails of the world: Kalalau Trail

Back again in the world of the living.. after being off grid for 4 days.

Day 13: As we arrived at Kauai Island, last island of our trip  we picked up the car again and drove to our hotel. Very luxurious Westin hotel, where we even had laundry machine in the room. So we washed quickly all our stuff and made sure we were fully packed for our adventure for the next day. We had a lovely dinner and went to bed. I was a bit nervous though. The trail is one of the most dangerous trail of the world. Due to many reasons.. and many people died or just simply disappeared.. the main reason for me being nervous was about the weather.. if it rains the trail is almost impossible and the streams you need to cross are to wild and you get stuck. It is 19km trail one way and 1200 m of incline and decline. And from those 19km at least 16km is hiking on very tiny edges of the mountain and if you fall, you go down straight to the ocean ☠️. It is very muddy even in dry conditions due to the jungle/waterfalls/streams. But one you arrive you are in paradise beach and the views on the way are so amazing. Jurassic Parc was filmed partly here..

 Day 14: D-day. We got up relatively early and left our suitcases at security to be picked up 3 days later. Our backpacks were fully loaded with food for 4 days and all our camping gear. And we had a very good mood and excited and still a but nervous. Rene had arranged all permits 6 months ago for parking and overnight camping. We parked the car and started our adventure! Weather forecast was still good but it can change every second here. And off we went!

The first part was around 5km till first crossing of stream and first beach. This was/ also the most crowded part of the trail as you do not need a permit for this part. So a lot of day hikers going in. The first climbs were very steep already and some part very slippery due to wet mud. The first views were WOW! Just before the stream we exchanged our shoes to our sandals to cross easier the water. We skipped the beach and we went further on the trail. Up and down and up and down. Corner after corner, huge zigzag through the mountain on the trail. We encountered some very tiny edges already with deep ground to fall into. Every step you need to be 200% focussed. One little misstep and you are gone. So far the weather was also still good. A few drops of rain. But mostly just cloudy and the sun peeking once in a while.

Just after half way, also after the camp where we would stay the third night, the ‘horror’ part should begin. They call it Crawlers Ledge. It is a part of the trail fully taken by erosion, with no plants or trees hiding the deep ground next to the trail, just  the 20 cm wide trail and the cliffs with underneath the banging wild ocean. 🌊

We crossed it quit easily. Some other parts of the trail were for sure more challenging than this one. But I can understand the mind can play tricks for some other folks.  And people really die at that edge. 
 

We were getting closer to our end of the trail. On day one we wanted to hike all the way in and stay for two nights at paradise beach and hike in parts back. So we had to complete the 19km before sun set and preferably also including setting up our tent. The last part of the trail was a steep decline for 2km until we reached finally the beach. Both really dirty, sweaty, smelly, tired.. but very happy we made it safely and on time! And the views were breathtaking! 
 

I will make day 15/16/17 seperatly.. otherwise too long..🤪