This is the route I took, traveling counter-clockwise. It's not that far a distance, but the uphill portions of it are a real workout. There were two killer uphills on the H-3, and one on the old Pali Highway that was steep and slippery enough to force me to walk the bike. The route (in green) was recorded by my GPS and uploaded to DeLorme's Street Atlas to make this map.

This is a view of Kaneohe Bay, taken from the H-3 lookout. The small island in the center of the picture (difficult to see) is Coconut Island. The mountain in the distance on the right is Kualoa Point.

The lower portion of the old Pali Highway where it's closed off to traffic. From here, you go around the gate (it's legal) and continue up the road. Caution is advised for bicycles here because of all the moss on the road and the fruit which has fallen from the trees, making things very slippery this time of year.

Another shot of the road from around a few bends, and up part of the hill. Sometimes I run across kids wandering around here with very long bamboo poles. They are looking for Jackson cameleons which feed in the trees. But I'm told they have to come early as the cameleons come down to the ground to feed during the night and work their way back up the trees when it starts to get light. They don't move very fast so it takes a while. Nevertheless, I didn't see any cameleon hunters today - probably too late.

Here I am taking a break. Seems like I'm always scowling! Actually, I was concentrating on the camera which only gave me a scant two seconds to get into position before it fired off! I have another picture taken just before this one where I am half in and half out of the frame, trying to position myself on the wall, but didn't make it in time.

The small view is looking out over the Pali Golf Course from the old road. The larger view is looking up the old road where you can see the new Pali Highway (with truck). Above it is visible a short stretch of the old Pali Highway. And above it, the mountain disappears into the clouds.

In this one, I'm passing under the new highway. As you can see, the kids have been busy here with the spray paint. Reminds me of a mix of old Hawaii and new Los Angeles. But, I guess it's best they get this out of their system in a remote place like this rather than along the highly traveled freeways.

I'm getting close to the top now. The old road is very narrow, and the weather has become more cold, damp, and windy. The peak in the distance is part of the Koolau range.

Looking down from the old road, one can see the H-3 freeway cutting its way across the landscape. A very controversial project, and a giant man-made scar on the landscape.

The 'view' at the top! Little bands of Japanese tourists, bunched together for protection against the unrelenting wind. The other picture is one I quickly snapped before it started raining. I intended to take a series to make into another panorama, but the rain came very quickly and everyone scattered; the Japanese heading for their cars (bus?) in the parking lot while I took off down the old road. When I rounded the corner, the wind was so severe (I would estimate 50mph) that I could make absolutely no headway into it for about 20 seconds. In fact, it began pushing me backwards and I worried about my bicycle flying out of my grip. Once I made it past there, I went about 80 yards down and hid under a large tree with two tourists while the horizontal rain flew past us. In about 15 minutes it was all over and everyone continued on their way.

These two pictures were taken alongside the road in the swamp and mark a very sad event. A while back a carload of teenagers was speeding through the swamp when they lost control on a tricky turn and crashed at this spot. One of the passengers - a young local girl - was killed. Friends and relatives have placed items at the spot, including photographs, letters, teddy bears, flowers, toys, and trinkets. I have to admit that looking at this site brings a big lump to my throat, even though I did not know the person. An entire lifetime over, because of the momentary carelessness of another. And symbols of the pain and suffering of those who knew her.

Sorry to end the pictures on a sad note, but it was a part of my ride today. Perhaps if the pictures cause one person to slow down one time, it might make a lifetime of difference to them or their friends.