UYE Hike to the Hollywood Sign

In Hawaiian culture, rain upon an event is a blessing…
My first instinct was absolute FEAR and TERROR as I read the message from Gold Elite, LA Unilocaler, Tim C. The title of the message read «HIKING EXPEDITION». I could not recall the last time I had hiked. Maybe it was a few years ago on a relatively flat, paved pathway to the Makapuu Lighthouse on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. Luckily, I don’t have a good memory because I didn’t recall anything bad happening… like pain… hahaha! but it did cross my mind — and if you know me, I do not like pain — for example: spicy food! LOL!
I had originally wanted to hike to the famous Hollywood sign in May 2015 when I had visited the Hello Kitty Exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum. My roommate and I only had a few days to conquer my very long list of things to do and see in Los Angeles. We just ran out of time and didn’t get to go. This time, the hike was a priority!
Tim C. was very organized in assembling the troops and disseminating the message about where to park, meeting at Cheremoya Ave Elementary School, and getting our Breakfast Club badges together. His confidence was contagious as I kept talking to myself, «You can do this! You walk at the Mall — it’s just like that except for the inclines, lack of air conditioning, and SNAKES! You need to Grin and Bear it! Show the Aloha Spirit and Represent Unilocal Hawaii!»
So — armed with positive affirmations, my Mickey Mouse visor, my lucky UNLV t-​shirt, Avengers towelettes, lotsa water, and some homemade spam musubi, I was ready to conquer this mountain! And conquer, we did!
Despite threats of a storm, Kym B., Tim C., Carrie N. and her coworker, Lynsey R., Lynsey’s husband, David, and I, met as planned and carpooled up to the top of Beachwood Drive. The six of us squeezed into my little rented Huyndai where I taught them how to sit «front, back, front, back» in the back seat (for better use of surface area)! Tim C. dropped us off at the beginning of the trail where there was an Estate Sale (aka high class garage sale with Star Wars, Elvis, & Michael Jackson figurines!) and walked back to us about a half mile from parking the car near the store — out of the restricted residential area.
Hopping over the horse droppings at the start of the hike was like an obstacle course. The fragrance and the sight of the large-​sized excrement was quite amusing to me. That, and the loud, ominous sound of thunder and the flashing lightning added more memories to our adventure! The intermittent rain helped keep us cool and focused on our goal: the white Hollywood sign! Higher and higher we climbed until Tim announced, «This is it!» I didn’t believe him until he pointed at the chain link fence which protects the treasured sign from vandals and keeps hikers from danger. We had made it!
An hour had passed quickly and almost painlessly. We ventured to the highest point where we enjoyed another water break and some snacks. It was an awesome view of Los Angeles and a valuable experience! We almost skipped down the hill and back to the car in virtual silence and satisfaction in knowing we had accomplished our goal! Mahalo nui loa to our fearless leader, Tim C., and my fellow Unilocalers, Carrie N., Lynsey R., and Kym B. for enhancing my journey through life! A hui hou!