Well, we finally hiked Diamond Head this last Thursday . . . as a family! Dan took a day off so we could enjoy a weekday together (weekends on Oahu are nuts, since everyone who lives here also have to mingle with all the bloody tourists). We also ate at a place in Kailua called Cinnamon's. I was the only one who actually ordered what they are known for. Well, there are three things: guava chiffon pancakes, red velvet pancakes (I don't like red velvet so that wasn't happening, but for those who do, it's extremely recommended to try them), and their coffee. I got their coffee (not disappointed at all) and guava chiffon pancakes.
I also ordered a side of hash browns with cheese (oh, my). It was a fantastic day!
However, I nearly died. That
walk up through Hades hike was Purgatorial in every sense of the word for a slightly over-chunked, nearly 43-year-old, unfit (to be completely honest the housework, running errands, and an occasional stroll through the neighbourhood aren't cutting the mustard) woman . . . !
There are all sorts of warnings that tell you to dress in loose clothing, bring water (drink it before, during, and after), wear a hat, sunscreen and to take your time (1.5 - 2 hours round trip), but do they bother to say you'll need an oxygen mask with a full tank? Uff da!
In all honesty, I was alright on the uneven switchback path and even chuckled self-consciously at the first staircase. There was a lovely look out space to rest up before the staircase. I rested, what I felt was, adequately.
Up the stairs I went and entered the 225 foot tunnel . . . I almost passed out in the mouth of that thing, but hearing Rachel behind me saying, "I'm getting claustrophobic" sent me into waves of panic . . . "What in bloody hell was I thinking to even bother with this?!?" Next in my line of thought were: "Geesh, Sarah, you can do this. Show Rachel the way the heck out! It's dark in here and I can't breathe, my child is freaking out but can't hear her any longer because I'm breathing like a freaking dragon chasing after a mouse . . . GET OUT OF HERE!!!! And, POP! Back out into the sunlight we were, looking left at a monstrous staircase (Oh, dear God, have mercy!!!! No way!!!) and then left, a landing to rest (Thank merciful God!!!!). We opted to the landing where Dan and the boys were waiting for us. Rachel and Connor sat the rest of the hike out.
I nearly joined them. However, I am stubborn and I think now that I know for certain I will die that way. Stubborn to the last! But, not that day! Ha ha! After a bit of a rest and a gallon of water, I waddled and struggled up a few stairs (there was another way up!) and an inclined path (oh, shit, shit, shit! Please don't judge me, this is my story and what was going on in my inner dialog was much much worse). Anyway, I rested again when I saw the next two sets of staircases.
Let's just say, I nearly quit again. But, I kept seeing so many people going by who were barely breathing (just like me), red-faced and determined (just like me) . . . people of all ages and races and we were all smiling at our feebleness and getting indignantly cross at those who took it in like Hercules (several sets of runners - running, the show offs! - and - very fit folks of all ages who weren't smiling at all, actually). I guess for fit people, this place isn't much of a test at all. It certainly was for me and those who were older than me, some with wrapped knees and canes! Old folks everywhere, taking to the top!
I managed those damn stairs! I rested on each landing, my chest heaving while I tried to give a crap about the view. Oh, and those views were spectacular! The breeze that high up was kind and refreshing! Eventually I caught up with my husband and Christian. We took pictures and departed in the opposite way we went up. This was the cool part, if you ask me. You enter a turret-type cement Army thing (crouching down to get in) and enter a room . . . down some spiral stairs, into a tunnel and down that dreadful flight of stairs (with the choice to continue down by entering the Purgatorial tunnel, or, to go back to the landing where the other two kids were waiting for us). Of course, I decided to be silly. I came into the landing with my arms waving in the air and humming out loud the Rocky song. Yes, man, I did this thing! I came, I saw, and I freakin' did it!!!!
I also managed to make some Japanese tourists believe Americans are idiots and crazy. Perhaps.
I think I'll hike Diamond Head again. If I'm asked, but in the mean time I think I will exercise more than I used to. It kind of scares me how out of shape I'm in. Physically. The rest of me is okay. I'm glad of that, but I'm too young to be breathing my last because I decided to hike a crater.
That Friday I suffered. My legs ached a bit, but nothing terrible. I had that pain in my chest again. That pain we can't seem to figure out what it is. We know it's not my upper GI or my heart or my lungs. The pain went away some time on Friday, thank God. Motrin works on it like magic. It could be a few different things, but I'm still going to my doctor since WebMD might get me some ideas, but it's not like getting a doctor on your case.
I will add some pictures once I get my phone pictures uploaded to the computer.
UPDATED: Going to the doctor this morning to see what's up with me.
