The misty drizzle forms a myriad of dazzling dots on my windshield as I scout to find the one and only Queen’s Bath in Kauai, Hawaii.
Thankfully, Siri on my iPhone led me to this small secluded parking lot. Just a chain linked fence and not a soul in sight. I grabbed my headlight out of my bag and pushed the button. Nothing.
You gotta be kidding.
Maybe harsher words than these.
I fiddled with the back battery compartment and pushed the button again. Nothing. Of course I had no extra batteries, so I left it and swiped my camera bag and off I went.
I approached the fence gate when I discovered a big fat chain and lock on it. I heard the eerie sound of footsteps behind me in the pitch dark.
“Locked, eh?” It was a friendly voice, maybe a friendly ghost.
“Yes," I responded to the mysterious voice. I turned back, attempting to read the sign on the gate, but couldn’t quite make all of it out.
“I think we can go this way,” he said.
He seemed like he knew what he was doing.
(famous last words?)
He walked along the fence line until I couldn’t see him and suddenly he appeared on the other side of the fence like a magician. Some fence this is…you can literally walk twenty feet and get around the gate.
He cruised down the steep slope and I slowly took one step at a time. The rain had made a muddy mess of things, and my water shoes were like ice skates on this terrain. Step by step, I made my way down. Each step felt like I could tumble down into the dark abyss.
“Kind of slick down here,” he said.
Yikes, more than up here?
I kept meandering down and with each step, it got muddier and steeper.
“You all the way down yet?” I hollered.
"No, there’s quite a ways to go…..” and his voice just faded out—the distance between us was significant now.
I stopped and took a moment. Was it worth the risk?
The frogs and other lurking creatures had their loud opinions, but I couldn’t translate.
Wait, what was that? Sounded like a dinosaur.
Perhaps my dead headlamp was a sign that this wasn’t the day to embark to Queen’s Bath. Perhaps another day. I made my way back up and retreated in defeat.
Two days later...
Another morning came, and it was time to conquer Queen’s Bath. This time I had hiking boots on, a towel, and I waited for the early morning light to give me some guidance on the steep path.
I arrived to the lonely parking lot once again and made my way as the sky had its first sign of light. Boots on, towel in hand, I was ready for the battle with this terrain.
I slowly made my way down and it was no wonder why it was a mess—the moisture had nowhere to go, creating mud puddle after mud puddle between the spider-web like roots of trees that stretched across the path. Some spots had steep sides and if you were to fall, it would not be pleasant. I grabbed anything and everything during each step on my way to Queen’s Bath.
I finally made my way to the amazing formation of lava rocks where I heard the wonderful sound of a waterfall to greet me.
Wow, look at this place. So much to explore.
The welcoming sound of the waterfall from the treacherous trail did not disappoint. I knew immediately it was worth it.
As I continued my trek on the lava rocks, I recomposed the beautiful waterfall.
I then discovered that I was not alone. I must confess I wasn't too thrilled about them being in imminent danger of the ocean's bite, but it made for a good picture.
The waves would crash over creating these beautiful streams of water. See the crab?
I wanted to create a more painterly artwork to capture the essence of the scene--the water and the clouds.
As the sun slowly rose, it illuminated the pathway I took to get to this majestic place.
The ocean's rogue wave burst through the scene, and I was safe and ready to capture it.
I was so glad this second time trying was successful.
The daylight was bright now and I could see the terrain I was maneuvering around in the dark hours ago.
No wonder this was so difficult in the dark!
"Jurassic Park Style"
The three words entered my mind during the climb.
I got to the top and noticed the sign at the gate.
Yeah, makes sense. I'm glad I couldn't read it in the dark.
Queen's Bath is a must-do in Kauai...that is if you can get there. I heard from a recent visitor that the entire area was roped off. You never know if you don't go. But please be safe.
