The Paumalu Bunker Hiking Trail on Oahu’s North Shore
For the most part, only locals with intimate knowledge of the North Shore are familiar with the Paumalu Bunker that overlooks the Banzai pipeline on Sunset Beach. However, most mainlanders can easily describe the legendary conditions out on the Banzai Pipeline of Sunset Beach. The Banzai Pipeline is a famous surf reef break off of Ehukai Beach Park in Pupukea. The pipeline hosts some off the most gnarly surfing competitions in all of North America. With waves reaching as high as 20 feet in the winter months, it is no wonder that surfers and non-surfers alike flock to this sandy shore to see surfing professionals risk life and limb for the glory of the sport.
Since I am by no means a serious surfer, and I did not wish to go to my watery grave on any Pacific Island, I chose to participate in a much-lesser known excursion in the area involving dry land – the Paumalu Bunker Hiking Trail.
The island of Oahu is littered with numerous bunkers and pillboxes which defended her coastlines during WWII. Most of these defensive positions, if not all, have become popular hiking spots on the island.
Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, North America and tagged Banyan trees, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu, Paumalu Bunker by Big John with no comments yet.
Toddlers with Tantrums Raze the Deadwood Hills
Venturing through the Black Hills in early April often involves encountering snow, alongside navigating the challenges and joys of parenting young children. Amidst unexpected blizzards and the whirlwind of family life, we eventually found ourselves in need of a break from our vacation. Despite the hurdles, the Cutler family embraced an unforgettable journey exploring the stunning landscapes of South Dakota and Wyoming. Deadwood, a historic town, served as the central hub of our western adventure, offering a glimpse into the past amidst our present-day escapades.
Gold was found in the Black Hills in 1874, leading to a major gold rush that attracted thousands of miners in search of wealth and recognition. Named after a significant gulch filled with fallen trees, Deadwood gained fame for its colorful residents like Wild Bill Hickok, Poker Alice, and Calamity Jane. Living in Deadwood for two years during my childhood holds a special place in my heart.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged Black Hills by Big John with 2 comments.
Hiking Up the Lanikai Pillbox Trail with Precious Cargo
The precious little girl you see pictured below is Selah and, not unlike her daddy, she loves a good adventure. Selah has completed many hikes in the Aloha State, most of which she did while perched high on her daddy’s back. As with most hikes, the Lanikai Pillbox trail being no exception, I like keeping her up high where she can navigate the terrain. Her daddy has a habit of sometimes stumbling off the designated path and getting lost.
The Lanikai Pillbox hike on Kaiwa Ridge is one of the most popular hikes on all of Oahu and well worth the effort despite it being heavily trafficked. This moderate hike, located near the beautiful community of Kailua, is 2.9 kilometers long and offers hikers an abundance of wild flowers and spectacular views. The Lanikai Pillbox hike trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Aside for the rare occurrence, the hike is easily accessible 365 days a year.
(more…)Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, North America by Big John with no comments yet.
The Historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel
In all of Oahu, there is perhaps nothing more iconic than the luxurious Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach. Opening its doors on February 1, 1927, the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” has been receiving guests for close to a century now. Patrons of the hotel have included everybody from military personnel on R&R during the Second World War, to glamourous Hollywood stars looking for some Hawaiian fun under the sun. In my eyes, there have been no visitors more noteworthy than my very own daughter, Selah Mattie. She had a ball exploring the hotel’s grand halls and corridors while creating a small bit of mischief along the way. Luckily, that rambunctious two-year-old had her daddy close by to help navigate her path.
The iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel is one of the most recognizable man-made features on Oahu.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Historical Journeys, North America and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, pink hotel, Pink Palace of the Pacific, Royal Hawaiian hotel, Waikiki by Big John with no comments yet.
Selah Lou Who goes to Helen for Christmas
For Selah’s very first Christmas in the continental United States, we decided to leave the continent and fly to Bavaria, Germany… well no, not really, but she’s not even two-years-old so we took her to Georgia instead. She didn’t know the difference.
Alpine Helen, Georgia only has a population of around 430 residents, yet it is the state’s third most visited city. If you visit this charming little town, you will see why it so good at packing a crowd. Helen is a recreated Bavarian Alpine village with the Chattahoochee River flowing gently through its center. Helen first began as a home to the Cherokee Indians before European settlers eventually arrived for the gold and the timber. When Selah Lou Who came to town, she was simply there to see Christmas.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Great Dining, North America and tagged christmas in dixie, Georgia, Helen by Big John with no comments yet.