Falling Some More

In addition to looking for waterfalls in the distance, Tammy and I were also able to explore some waterfalls without requiring a telephoto lens during our recent trip to Kaua`i.  And, before I get into this blog, there have been some questions directed our way as to how long we intend to keep showing pictures and writing about this trip.  The answer is - of course - as long as we feel like sharing them and as long as I have energy to write about the trip.

How's that for a nebulous and unsatisfactory answer if you were looking for something a bit more precise?

So, back to waterfalls!

The first picture is one of Opaeka`a Falls, which can easily be viewed from an overlook just off of the road.

The background behind the falls can often be obscured by cloud cover and the most difficult thing, in my mind, with taking a picture of Opaeka`a is trying to give the image depth.  The second is trying to get my tongue and mouth to say the name of the waterfall and stream with the same name correctly.

oh pa ay kah ah

Opae`ula are a red shrimp that were apparently once abundant here, but I have not been able to determine with quick searching to see if there is a population in Opaeka`a Stream in the present time.  The full phrase or name "Opaeka`a" is approximately the same as "Red Shrimp Falls," where "ka`a" is referencing the tumbling of the waterfall itself.  In fact, once you learn that "Opaeka`a Falls" is a bit like saying "Red Shrimp Falls Falls."

But, that's really neither here nor there as far as useful explanations are concerned.  All it does is explain how my brain sometimes works (thinks it works).

 
One of the revelations on this trip for us was that the bridge between the Kuilau Ridge Trail and the Moalepe Trial (both of which we have walked and will share with you later in the blog) crosses the Opaeka`a Stream.  The sign that you see in this picture alerts hikers that they are leaving one trail and entering the other, but it does not (if I recall correctly) indicate the name of the stream.  

If it does, then I'll blame myself for being terribly unobservant.  And, at the moment I typed this, I realized I took a picture of that sign.  So, let's all take a look together!

Ok, maybe I can be forgiven for not knowing this geographical tidbit of knowledge.  And score one for knowing how to read maps of varying types!

This, of course, likely raises a question for some of those reading this blog.  

Why in the world do you bother taking the time to snap pictures of SIGNS?!?  

Well, it's simple really.  First, the event of digital cameras takes away a great deal of the expense that used to come with picture taking.  When you had to develop film, you would consider the wisdom of each and every time you hit the button to capture an image.  Now, you can just keep taking shots until the memory card is full and look later to see if you got lucky with an image or three.  The signs are just an easy way to keep track of which photos came from where.

Of course, we also visited Waipo'o Falls in the Waimea Canyon.  This has been one of our favorite overlooks in the world since we first visited it many years ago.  We made sure to stop and enjoy this view multiple times during this trip.  In fact, it is pretty typical that we'll sit long enough that we'll cycle through many iterations of other tourists who want to get their quick photos as proof that "they were there."

It doesn't take long to figure out who the people are that might be kindred spirits when it comes to cultivating awe and wonder by viewing waterfalls and beautiful canyons.  Sometimes, we find ourselves providing helpful comments about what they can see from the viewpoint and making suggestions about how to best enjoy this beautiful part of the world.  Other times, we just step out of the way and stay silent while they make their noise and dash off to the next big thing.

Waipo`o can actually be viewed from more than one vantage point and, of course, it is more visible during the wet season and less so in the drier summer (or so we've been told).  Our first viewings this year came just after some significant rainfall, so the waterfall viewing was at its best, in our opinions.

This waterfall has a total drop of around 800 feet, if my memory serves me correctly.  The falls draw your eyes from as you view the Waimea Canyon from many of the various overlooks.