Exploring the Garden Island by Land & by Sea

Transcription

1 Exploring the Garden Island by Land & by Sea Hiking & Snorkeling in Kauai, Hawaii An Appalachian Mountain Club Adventure Travel Trip May 9-21, 2019 Oi Kau ka lau, e hana ola honua Live your life while the sun is still shining Trip Overview Waimea Canyon Trail Aloha kākou! The trip will focus on hiking, beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling on the beautiful and topographically diverse island of Kauai. Like most Hawaiian islands, Kauai is divided by its central mountains into 2 distinct areas. Tradewinds bring frequent rain showers to the north creating a lush environment and fueling hundreds of tall waterfalls, while the south is relatively arid. Our group will stay in comfortable condos on the south shore within walking distance of a beach park perfect for swimming and snorkeling. We will drive to trail heads and beaches in rented vans while leaders provide commentary on history, flora and fauna of Hawaii. We plan full and some half day activities each day around the entire island, often with stops for a swim or picnic lunch at a scenic beach.

2 This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in Kauai through shared participation in activities in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are known for their cooperative and helpful spirit and enjoyment of the company of others who enjoy the outdoors. Leaders expect all participants to be considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience. AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations. Points of Interest NaPali(Kalalau) trail Kauai is a taste of old Hawaii and has resisted a lot of the commercialization which characterizes Maui and Oahu. It has made a great comeback after the hurricane in the 90s, with many of the old trees showing significant regrowth. Sugar cane and pineapple fields have been replaced by coffee and seed farms within the past 5 or 6 years, and there are other small signs of changes in the economic direction. But the scenery remains largely untouched. The dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali coast, which we should see from top and bottom and both ends, are unparalleled! It is also the home of Mt. Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth. There are many unique Na Pali coast trail forms of lush vegetation to view in this area, mud conditions permitting. In the shadow of Waialale lies Waimea Canyon nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, as well as Kokee State Park running along the rim of the NaPali Coast. Both areas offer tremendous views and hike options. And of course, Kauai has dozens of beaches in all sizes and varieties. We ll include stops at many of these beaches for snorkeling/swimming, lunch, walk or even just a scenic overlook. To help us appreciate this unique island, we ll visit Kokee State Park museum to learn about local flora and fauna and threats to same, as well as the elements which formed and continue to mold the island chain. A hike in Keahua Arboretum goes through a forest of giant tree ferns and misty mountain views. And every snorkel spot gives us a chance to see different fish or perhaps a monk seal. The main recreational activities will be hikes and beach walks of 5-8 miles (ranging from flat to 1700' max. elevation gain) and snorkeling, on beaches near our lodging and at other outstanding locations. Because of the many hiking opportunities we will mix the more difficult hikes with easier, shorter hikes to allow us opportunity for scenic stops and picnics at lovely beaches near our driving route. Participants can

3 also choose a day off to lounge at local beach or pool, or indulge in one of the many optional activities (not included in trip cost) such as helicopter rides, horseback riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, visits to local gardens and guided snorkel trips. Flights Leaders will assist you with recommendations for flights to the Lihue Airport from Boston, NYC, and other points on the East Coast departing on May 9, We anticipate most flights will leave in early morning and arrive early evening on Kauai. Once your air tickets are purchased they are your responsibility do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so by the leaders. Leaders will pick up participants at the Lihue Airport on May 9, 2019 and transport everyone to our condos. Accommodations, Meals, and Transportation in Kauai We plan to stay in Poipu Beach on Kauai s calm south shore in walking distance to a lovely beach with good swimming and snorkeling, where sea turtles are a common site and even the rare Hawaiian monk seals can be seen sometimes basking on the beach. Accommodations will be 3-4 persons in 2-bedroom condos, with full kitchens, wi-fi, washers and dryers and pool on lovely grounds. Groceries will be provided for all breakfasts and lunches. Leaders will arrive early to purchase group groceries, after which participants will share in shopping responsibility. Participants will prepare their own breakfasts and trail lunches. Dinners: On two nights, we will take participants to local restaurants for group meals included in trip cost. On 8 nights, the leaders and each condo will take turns preparing dinners for the rest of the group using the kitchens and/or outdoor grilling facilities at the condos. Beach picnics to watch the sunset have also been popular on past trips. These dinners are also included in the cost of your trip. On two other nights, the leaders will provide restaurant recommendations so that participants can explore a wider range of dining choices on their own, perhaps smaller restaurants that can t accommodate large groups. Or simply prepare a meal in your condo, kick back and enjoy sitting by the pool. Local transportation will be in rental vehicles driven by the trip leaders and volunteer participants. All drivers, including leaders, are screened in advance by AMC to confirm their safe driving records. Experience Participants on this trip must have recent intermediate-level hiking and swimming ability. Although hikes will be moderately paced, this is not a trip for beginners or for anyone who has not hiked in the past year. The terrain of our hikes will be quite varied and trails are often rough and can be muddy and slippery in places even if the majority is dry. The overall trip level is considered moderate, Level 3. Prior to acceptance on this trip, you will have a phone conversation with the trip leaders to ensure that this trip will be safe and enjoyable for you.

4 Being a Team Player Trip leaders will play many roles during our group adventure: guide, host, caretaker, trouble-shooter, and fellow club member. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable, smooth the way with trip logistics, and help you navigate through unexpected situations. Your role is to be a good team player, stay flexible, and support the overall group experience of your fellow club members. Risks & Safety Considerations Merriam Webster defines adventure as an exciting or remarkable experience but also an undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks. So, by definition, Adventure Travel can involve risk. As a participant, you are expected to be aware of the risks involved, assume personal responsibility, and conduct yourself in accordance with guidelines communicated by leaders. The most common potential hazards we could encounter on this trip include heavy rain, heat/humidity and wind. There are a few pretty plants and flowers which are poisonous and/or skin irritants so we will not be eating anything on the trail and avoid bushwhacking. Rainy conditions produce very slippery mud in unexpected places even after days of sun, and many trails have some steep sections. Because these conditions create footing/fall risk we require everyone to hike in boots and bring a hiking stick. There are also the usual stinging insects and wild pigs can be found in many forests. Potential water hazards include surf, strong currents, sea urchins, jelly fish, and potential for scrapes from coral and rocks. While many beaches we visit do have lifeguards, including the local beach park, not every beach we visit will. Leaders will always advise when no swimming is permitted, but with or without lifeguards it is always up to participants to decide what is right for them. Leaders will select hikes and beaches on a day to day basis to make sure conditions are as good as possible, and changes can be made last minute. Weather and surf conditions on all parts of the island will be monitored each morning before departure. If you apply for acceptance on this trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions.

5 Trip Leadership Merri Fox is a software specialist at a major CT aircraft company. Because she loves sharing her favorite outdoor destinations, over the past 22 years she has led hiking, snorkeling and cultural excursions in Belize, Paris, Hawaii, Arizona, the Tetons, Switzerland, California, Utah, New Zealand, and the Virgin Islands. Merri leads local hikes in CT, participates in training programs for new leaders, and serves as secretary for the AMC s Northwest Camp. Merri lives with husband Rance in NW Connecticut, where she enjoys gardening, cooking, and entertaining guests. Bonnie Riedinger, also from northwestern Connecticut, is director of elearning at a university. Her travels have taken her to Italy, France, Switzerland, Costa Rico, Canada, the Azores, and Antigua, as well as quite a bit of the U.S., including St. John. When she s not traveling or working, she plays tennis, gardens, writes, sculpts, swims, snowshoes, paddleboards, reads, cooks, rides horseback, volunteers at a horse rescue farm, and, of course, hikes. She s always pleased when she can combine some of these interests with travel Trip Cost and Exclusions The cost for this trip is $2,875 per person and includes multiple-occupancy lodging in condos, vehicle rentals, park entrance fees, groceries for all breakfasts and lunches, and 10 group dinners from arrival day to breakfast on departure day. This price does not include airfare (~$600-$1,200 depending on departure location), extra snacks, dinners on 2 nights when there are no group meals, and items of a personal nature. We will take up to 14 participants plus 2 leaders. Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing some of the leaders' costs. Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion and unused funds will be returned after the trip. The trip price also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure Travel excursions. The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval. The final price of the trip could be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. If the trip s financial position is strong enough at the start, the leaders may make partial refunds during the trip, in the form of payments toward some meals and/or free time activities which would otherwise not be included. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase. All Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued after the trip s financial accounting is complete.

6 Insurance The trip fee includes a minimal fee for emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage, which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, or cancellation, or for baggage loss. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, will be provided to participants in their formal acceptance letters, which will be sent out when the trip has the required number of applicants. Should you have to Cancel The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the fact that your cancellation may not raise the cost to the other participants. There is no cancellation fee if you change your plans before leaders officially announce, via , that trip is full and all participants are officially accepted. After that, a $200 fee will be charged if a participant cancels before 11/1/2018. After November 1 and until March 15, 2019, if expenses already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration are higher, you will be charged for those unavoidable costs, unless another acceptable participant takes your place. Cancellations after 3/15/2019 will receive no refund unless we are able to secure another participant to take his/her spot. If we are able to secure a replacement, the $200 cancellation fee still applies (as long as the cancellation does not raise the trip cost to other participants. Leaders Right to Change Itinerary Various factors may require changes of the itinerary for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability, and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip. It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant s being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible. Next Steps Ready to take the next step? Please call or send us an . We will send you an application, a confidential health questionnaire, and a release form. Complete the documents and return to the address on the form with a $1,500 deposit made out to The Appalachian Mountain Club. After we receive your application, we ll give you a call to discuss any questions the leaders or you have about the trip. Upon acceptance, you will be notified by and your check will be deposited into the trip account to start covering expenses incurred on your behalf. A final payment of $1,375 is due by Jan. 1, After January 1, 2019, any new participant pays full price of $2,750. Call or send us an Merri Fox, Leader Bonnie Riedinger, Co-Leader (860) HikeCT2017@gmail.com Fox_m@att.net

7 The south shore is the dry side of the island, while the north shore offers beautiful, lush tropical vegetation and waterfalls supported by trade wind rain showers, most often in the afternoon. Our hikes will take us almost full circle around the island with hikes in Waimea Canyon, Kokee State Park, Princeville, Kapa a and right where we are staying, Poipu.

8 SOME OF THE PLACES WE LL BE VISITING Merri likes to do this short, warm up hike from our condos in Poipu early in the trip. It runs along these cliffs formed by lava. A calm beach park near condos with shaded picnic areas. Great for swimming and snorkeling even the native Monk seals (below) visit sometimes to sleep in the sun

9 One of many scenic lookouts we ll stop at this is much lusher North Kauai Polihale State Park beach and one end of the Na Pali coast cliffs 7 miles of beach great for walking and watching sunset but this is a surf beach, not for swimming. We ll come here to walk the beach and watch the sunset. \