Launiupoko Reservoir Trail

Shaina, Ashley and I went for an afternoon hike in Launiupoko.  The trail starts at the reservoir and then cuts back into the valley.

We started a little too late in the day, so the heat was definitely an obstacle.  It was great to check out a trail that's so close to home, and I definitely want to come back and explore this one a little further.

We made it to the reservoir.  T-Bone, Ashley's red hound dog, plunged right in.

T-Bone was the most indignant that our hike was so hot.  He shot into the water and swam around the reservoir, lapping up water at the same time.  Impressive.

The ducks wanted to come over and see if we had any treats for them, but T-Bone kept them at bay.

{Looking back towards the trail leading into the valley}

{T-Bone taking up the rear}

We finally coaxed T-Bone out of the water, and he reluctantly followed us further up the trail.  Unfortunately, he pooped out, so Ashley took him back down to the reservoir while Shaina and I explored a little further.

{Shaina posing next to a crazy tall plant.  She says that it's a relative to a yucca plant}

{Seriously.  This thing was huge}

We made it back to the mouth of the valley.  The temperature immediately dropped a notch.  The valley acts as a wind tunnel, and it brought welcome breezes down from the mountain.

I got a kick from all the great plants along the trail.  We passed a clump of dried out coffee plants.

After exploring the beginning of the valley trail, Shaina and I turned back to meet back up with Ashley.

We took the private road back down to our truck--the faster route down for T-Bone than subjecting him to the trails.  On our way down, we admired this beautiful home built up on the hill.  You can tell that they have a ridiculous view of the ocean.

{The girls hiking back down to the truck}

{I'm rocking those Revos}

{This goat has a killer view}

Once the truck was in sight, T-Bone trotted right up to it--grateful for the respite from the hot trail.  Although we had to cut the hike disappointingly short, we were all excited to check out a hike that is so close to Lahaina.  I can't wait to get back there.  I plan on starting either earlier or later so the sun's not quite so brutal at the start of the hike, and I also plan on wearing exercise leggings or jeans--the tall grass on the valley trail is tall and scratchy.

Who's with me?