I decided to take a day trip up to the visitor information center at Mauna Kea, and perhaps take the weekend tour to the top. The center is essentially a little souvenir stand at about 8000 feet, with some telescopes, an informational slide slide show, complementary hot water (cocoa and instant coffee available inside, and a microwave (remember water boils faster!).
Actually reaching the summit requires either a 4WD vehicle (and remember, your rental agreement does not allow you to drive further up than the information center) or taking a commercial tour. OR you can hoof it - there's a foot trail that will take you up. 5 hours each way, so plan accordingly.
Actually, I drove to the half way house twice, as I discovered on the drive home that I had lost a water bottle I would rather keep. Besides - freewheeling down a 17 percent grade is fun.
The true highlight of the trip though is driving along Saddle Road. This roller coaster has everything - it weaves, it rolls. No shoulders of course. Intermittent "one lane bridges" that fortunately the local drivers handle well. Want more? How about geese and free range turkeys to dodge. About half way through you cross the county line, and the road quality goes to handbasket. My ride also featured a second driver drafting behind me, just to keep things interesting.
I'm really looking forward to star gazing later this week, then riding the Saddle back in the DARK.
January 17, 2010 10:49 PM
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