Kalalau Beach on Kauai in the winter of '73.

The way in along the Napali cliffs is rated as one of the finest hikes anywhere, but not an easy one. Two days up and down valley sides in tropic heat. The narrow, slippery trail often right on the edge of 800' sheer to the surf.

On the trail, a surprise. Two girls hiking out wearing boots and packs - nothing else. In the Kalalau valley, clothes were not needed. Then, blue-painted flower-children still grew pot and carved pipes, living in camouflaged jungle huts way up the valley. Supposedly all flushed out by the military when it became a park...but I like to think some escaped.


Hiking across Kiluea Iki, on the Big Island in 1990.

This morning it was raining, and we were alone traversing the huge, empty crater floor. In the quiet mist, hot steam rises up through cracks in the plain of lava.

A surreal, unforgettable experience.

Comments welcomed! Email me at