There’s a German saying which translates as “hope is the last thing to die”. When I look at this picture I think of that saying. My friends and I were driving through Polipoli State Park on Maui, where there are amazing views on clear days. That day, unfortunately, was not clear. Apparently there is something here called “the fog belt” but at the time (and at 6000 foot elevation) I firmly believed we were driving around in the clouds. It felt that way when we got out of the car (usually to inspect a ginormous pothole and deliberate whether we could drive around it or through it) – cool and wet against the skin, like ocean spray.

We were in search of a camp site from which an extensive hiking trail system extends. I was tired of sitting in the car and at every bend that snaked off into the fog that feeling of hope filled my chest. We’re almost there. Just around the next bend…

We never did get there. The unpaved access road finally got the best of our sad little rental car and we were forced to turn around.

©Sarah Girner