Today was our last day on the Big Island. Our flight to Oahu didn't leave until 6:30, so we decided to try to see a bit more of the Island. First we drove to the north end of the Kohala Coast to hike down into the Pololu Valley, a slightly shorter version of the Waipo Valley Hike. We started out in sneakers, not realizing the steepness of the trail and the lack of good footing. About 50yds into the hike, I found some very loose gravel and gracefully (according to Jeri) landed on my ass with some significant road rash. Back to the car to clean my wounds and put on some proper footwear. The hike was definitely worth it, though.
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| King Kamehameha unifier of Hawaii |
Our final stop was to check out the petroglyphs at the Puako Petroglyph Park just north of Kona. The hike to the petroglyphs took us through fields of lava and low scrub. The petroglyphs were only moderately interesting, and we began our hike back to the car. About 100yd from the auto park Jeri, distracted by my hitting my head on a low hanging branch, turned to check on me, and tripped falling hard onto aa lava (the real rough type). She hit her head hard, lacerating her ear, and scalp, along with abrasions on her arm, shoulder, and hands. Got her up and to the car to clean up the wounds, and realized the that sutures were going to be necessary. We needed some more gauze and Hibiclens, and drove to the nearest pharmacy. Here in the parking lot, I sutured Jeri's ear and scalp with Dave assisting. He did an admirable job, but I certainly could have used Kathi or Sandy! Jeri was a trooper through it all as usual, a much better patient than I.
Our flight to Oahu was pretty uneventful (considering the traumatic events of the day). Arriving in Honolulu was quite a cultural shock after spending a week and a half in the outer islands. We grabbed a late dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise and tried to forget about the crappy day. Tomorrow, Pearl Harbor.
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