This artistic shot was taken on one of the switchbacks. We would be climbing the ridge on the left, well most of us would go straight up while others would take an alternate route making a loop of their hike. The left ridge is Maakua Ridge and the gulch in the center is Maakua Gulch. There is a very exciting hike up the gulch which is on State property and has been closed to hiking ever since the Sacred Falls landslide. The gulch is VERY narrow with VERY steep wall on both sides. There have been some recent landslides which will keep it closed for a long time.
At 9:00 I reached the junction of the Loop and Ridge trials. Kenji, Bill and Thea were already there discussing something. The loop trail cuts off to the left, its that grassy looking area.
