Some interesting architecture in Suwon

Suwon

Suwon is a bit south of Seoul.  This city was once surrounded by a fortress, but it has grown so much that the city now surrounds the fortress.  It takes several hours to walk around the entire fortress!

Han River

Not exactly a hike, but a looong walk along the Han River.  It was a sunny day which was really nice since it was about 30 degrees.  They have work out machines set up in a lot of parks and there was an area along this path as well.  It was like a small outdoor gym.  Many people were using the machines too.  (i.e. Nautilus equipment and elliptical cardio machines)  A very cool idea.

also from Seoraksan National Park, South Korea

Biryong Falls, Seoraksan National Park

I recently took a trip to Korea and was very happy to be traveling with other people who enjoy hiking. We spent a few days at Seoraksan National Park.  It was beautiful.  This rather short hike was to Biryong Falls.

Group Hike

Had a blast today hiking with the H.O.T. Group up Pu'u O Hulu!  It was overcast as we started up, but cleared once we got to the ridge.

Natural Beauty

Lovely little finds along Waimalu Ridge Trail

Running along the Trail

I love it when the dogs can be off leash for awhile and just run, play, and be dogs.

Out back

Walk/hike along a trail at the base of our mountain one evening.  Although the moon was not yet full, I still found it appealing.

I was surprised when I noticed these silhouettes at the top of the mountain.  They watched us for quite awhile (and I, them)

Waimano Valley Loop

This hike was with the Hawaiian Humane Society.  Usually it feels that the hikes go at a rather slow pace...dogs sniffing & playing around.  We were moving through this one!  It was rather quick, but I got a nice little workout.  Mackey made some new friends, as always.

Manana Ridge

 Gabby enjoying the view...

 Looking west

A lovely find!

Kuliouou Ridge

Working our way to the summit...last view before the clouds rolled in.  I will be doing this hike again as we were in the clouds at the summit, unable to see the stellar view that I keep hearing about.  Although, I can't complain too much as I did enjoy the cool temp while climbing this ridge.

Wouldn't you know it...the sky cleared as we were heading back down!

Ka'ena Point

It was a beautiful day at the point...came across some lovely catcus blooms...

Was also greeted by a monk seal...

and spotted a baby shearwater in a nest in the ground...

There is always something to see here!

Aiea Loop with HI Humane Society

The monthly Hawaiian Humane Society hike was today.  It was at Aiea Loop Trail this time.  I've done this hike many times, but I love that there's always something different or new.  Today, I came across these really interesting blooms.

Pu'u O Hulu~a different path

Yesterday, I took the day off of work.  We hiked up 'our mountain', Pu'u O Hulu.  Here is the view from the park in the valley.  Instead of going up the ridge line, we took the switchbacks up the side. 

Here is the view from the highest point.

It was a workout getting up there, but well worth it.  And what a great start to the weekend!

Pu'u O Hulu~Successful Second Attempt

My friend & I tried this mountain again.  This time we were successful in completing the entire route.  I have been wanting to climb this mountain for several years & am so glad that I finally did!!  It was a beautiful day with lots of cloud cover which was nice since there is no shade on this hike.

Old Pali Road

Some lovely views along the Old Pali Road this past weekend.

Critters Around The Yard

They all have a watchful eye!

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Run ~ Pearl Harbor

This past weekend I participated in this Run/Walk.  I have not run a race for years!  I ran many before, but had to stop due to back problems.  Anyway, my friend is on a journey to get in shape and she decided to participate.  I decided to support her and this great cause by walking it.  I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.  It helped that we walked over the Ford Island Bridge and could see the Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri (Battleship), and the USS Bowfin (Submarine).  A New York City Police Officer walked the race as well.  It was interesting hearing him share some of his memories of that day.  The Marine Corps Band also played...all made for a wonderful experience.

Hiking with Gabby

A few pretty, but very chatty birds caught Gabby's attention

Pu'u O Hulu~first attempt

Recently attempted to climb this mountain with a neighbor.  We made it about 2/3 of the way.  We did pretty good considering we lost the path pretty early on.  This mountain caught on fire earlier this summer, so there were no markers left.  I hope to try again soon from a different point.

Orchids

Lovely orchids on the Likeke Falls Trail

Likeke Falls Trail

Hiking with the Humane Society again...started this hike just before the falls.  What a nice start to a hike!

A few miles in, we came out of the jungle to this wonderful view. 

Wahiawa Hills Loop Trail

View from atop the first hill...looking west toward the Waianae Mountain Range

In the valley there was a stream and swimming pool

Heading out here...I didn't take too many pictures as I was too busy scrambling up and down the 6 miles of hills!