The Mule Ride that Wasn't - or Molokai Adventure Part Two

So bright and early this morning we drove to the top of the world, at least the Molokai world, ready to start our mule riding adventure to Kalaupapa. It was a gorgeous morning, sun shining, light mist misting, and we were ready to ride. We met J.R. , the charismatic guide, and reconnected with Lulu and Nicolette, guides we had met by chance the day before. We got our receipt and told the other members of the crew all about the fact that my parents had done this ride many years before.  They brought the mules out, saddled and ready to go.

And then one of the worker's cell phone rang.

There had been rain the night before, and there was a problem on the trail.J.R. sent R.J, the 18 year old, down the trail a bit to see what was up. Soon he was back. Between switchbacks 3 and 4, the rain had caused damage.  The trail was gone. The National Parks people closed the park to everyone, hikers and riders. Our adventure was over before it had begun.

J.R. then expressed his regret, not only that we had missed the ride, but mostly because we would not get the chance to ride the trail, visit Kaluapapa, and be overcome by the sense of "aloha" (love) that he believes can save the world.  He talked for a long time about the dark time in Hawaii's history when they lost their aloha and condemned those with leprosy to be banished to live in an isolated spot with little or no support.  He compared the fear that Hawaiians had about leprosy to the fear people have today about Ebola.  He then talked about how the people of the world need to find aloha again, and said that he had enough for everyone.  He gave each of us a big hug, full of meaning, and we left feeling that we had indeed experienced something unique.

Will I ever get back to Molokai to take the mule ride?  I don't know.  I do know though, that I will remember being here even if I didn't get to Kaluapapa, and will try to go into the world with "aloha". 

This is as close as we got to the mules. The spotted one was earmarked for Ross, as it was a bit bigger than the others.

Kaluapapa from 1700 feet above.  We would have gone down and around 26 switchbacks.

These are the present day bumper stickers, and yes, we were given one, even if we didn't do the ride.

This is the car we rented on Molokai-NOT!

Last night's sunset from the beach in front of our condo.

And on that note, farewell Molokai.  We have loved getting to know you.