Going on a hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven Hawaii on the island of Oahu calls for in-depth preparation on your part. It is one of the most dangerous hiking trails. It is also known as the Haiku Stairs.
In this article, you will find information on the hike’s history, current status, alternate routes, incline, security, distance, best weather conditions, helpful gear, and a guide to get there.
History Of The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii
lifeonearth.com
In 1942, contractors for the U.S. Navy began the construction of the Haiku Radio Station. It was a top-secret facility that transmitted radio signals to Navy ships that were operating in the Pacific. To get the right altitude for the antennae, they stretched them across the haiku valley, which is like a natural amphitheater. You might still see the remnants of the wooden ladder beside the new metal steps.
The radio station was commissioned in 1943. A stronger transmitter that could relay powerful signals was necessary. This could not be done with the vacuum tube technology used at the time. So they chose to go with an Alexanderson alternator, which uses a huge device that can generate powerful yet low-frequency radio signals. It would need a large antenna.
When the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was transferred to the Marine Corps around the 1950s, the U.S. Coast Guard used the Haiku Radio Station site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. The total number of stairs stood at 3,922. The Coast Guard did not stop hikers in the 1970s but had to stop after it featured in the Magnum P.I. movies, which increased the number of visitors. The station as well as the trail have both been closed to the public since 1987.
Recent History
In 2003, plans were made to reopen the stairs to the public, and the cost incurred to repair the stairs was $87,500. The public access being shut down, residents found themselves surrounded by unknown faces of hikers and tourists and litter all around. In early 2018, the City and County of Honolulu released a statement to not open the stairs to the public, showing liability concerns. Some hikers, however, continued to trespass, which only strengthened the local community’s resolve to keep the structure closed to the public.
The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail, pitched that there could be an alternative to a no-trespass, safe public access to the trail without taxpayer costs. The trail now is a disputed one with all its beauty and thrill. However, it has not stopped the locals, hikers, and travelers from stealing past the guards posted at the bottom of the stairs. This hike is a strong dose of adventure, climbing nearly 4,000 steps along an 18-inch wide staircase to reach an elevation of more than 2,000 ft.
Incidents
squarespace-cdn.com
The hiking trail is not a site for any major injuries or accidental Stairway to Heaven Hawaii deaths on the stairs. There have only been minor incidences in the last decade. However, between 2021 and 2022, there have been more number of injuries and rescues of hikers trying to get to the top of the stairs. The rescues have mostly taken place for hikers going through the Moanalua Ridge, which is the longer and more difficult of the trails. Many hikers are rescued “near the Haiku Stairs” and not the Hawaii Stairway to Heaven itself.
In 2014, 6 people were arrested, and 135 were quoted to have climbed the stairs. According to the City Prosecutor’s Office, a criminal trespass in the second degree carries a $1000 fine.
The Stairway To Heaven Hike Hawaii: My Experience
The Stairway To Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, is possibly the biggest attraction on the entire island. A grueling number of 3,922 stairs go up to the imposing mountain ridge. Most of the time, the incline is vertical, with only a handrail to save you from falling into the valley below. It sounds dramatic, but it is what it is. But it isn’t too dangerous if you are prepared for it.
Distance: 2 miles or 3 km round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m
Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down
We started out by being dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning. It was a clear night with just a few light clouds hovering over the mountains. As soon as we got out of our car, a resident came rushing out of his front yard, yelling at us. Thus, startled by the old man, we hurried away to the “main entrance” to get our eyes fried with a beaming flashlight.
The Trail
We silently went off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, keeping in mind that the old man quite possibly called the guard or the police to warn them about us. We were thrilled by the idea of being caught and afraid of being caught, actually.
Walking through the neighborhood as quietly as possible, the barking of dogs totally blew our cover, making our presence known. We ran down the street to a small alley that led up to the hill. We had to cross over the barbed wire fence, which was close to a residential area. It is understandable why the residents are so annoyed with trespassers.
From here, we had to steal past the knee-high undergrowth as quietly as we could go. We were nervous when approaching the guard, understanding that we had trespassed multiple sites that were strictly no-go. As we approached the red car of the guard, we found that no guard was around. We walked past it and towards the stairs. As we ascended the stairs, we finally felt relieved to think that the police or guards didn’t go after the trespassers on the stairs.
On The Stairs
change.org
We felt much safer, and we could now enjoy our 3 a.m. hike along the Stairway to Heaven. In 2015, a storm damaged many parts of the stairs to the point where they could not support use. It is not dangerous per se, but it makes your ascension more thrilling. A few of the steps were loose, and we had to keep that in mind while treading on each of them.
We did not have headlamps. We followed the full moon up the narrow and damp stairway. I managed to keep looking back to see the highway, which kept getting smaller as we went higher in order to reach platform one.
Grasping the slippery railing tightly, we made our way to the second platform, where an abandoned cabin lay with old machinery inside. It looked straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Another two hours went by, and we almost reached the summit. The final section of the hike consists of boards instead of stairs, which make it a catwalk at 2000 ft. in the air on top of a sharp ridge.
At The Top
squarespace-cdn.com
At the summit, we found an old cabin with huge antennae on top. We moved around the space on top among the clouds. We then returned to the bunker to wait for the spectacular sunset this place always has. Putting on a fresh pair of dry shirts and jackets made the experience much more comfortable while at the summit.
The sky became a pale blue and then shades of purple. With that, the sun came tearing through the haze. It shone yellow and gold over the Haiku Hawaii Valley. Many others witnessed the sunrise along with us, who began their descent once the spectacle of the sunrise was over. One of the trails downward is the Moanalua trial, which is a 6-mile route, but you can miss out on the views. It also helps you avoid the guards if that is your main issue, but it is 3 to 4 times longer than other routes.
The hike down was a treat for photographers. We were in no rush, so we got down at our own pace, taking in the views and shots for our socials. It feels amazing to have ascended in the dark and then descending in broad daylight. It took less than 2 hours to reach the bottom. We saw the guard’s red car where it was in the morning, but this time, we took the risk and did not avoid it.
The Guard Below
.journeyera.com
Meeting guard, he joked, saying, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself. His sense of humor eased our anxiety. He gave us the look of get-out-of-here-before-you-get-caught, and we crept away on queue.
The situation has become much more serious in the recent past, so the guards may not be as friendly as they were. Be careful if you go in 2023.
At the final gate, we saw no signs of police or angry residents. We were free! We could not believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii! This is truly a place for one and all. It looks like the real version of Jurassic Park. It is dreamy as well as eerie. You can totally attempt this hike if you visit Oahu.
Try to have someone who has visited before guide you through this hike if you visit here for the first time.
Alternate Route
thatadventurelife.com
The alternate route is the Moanalua Trail. The route is 9.3 miles in length. It gets you all muddy and is not the easier option, either. It can help you avoid the guards at the beginning of the trail. But it is not hassle-free. It all depends on when you go and how well-prepared you are for any kind of situation.
Things To Pack For The Stairway To Heaven Oahu Hawaii Hike
Going unprepared for the hike is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. You must have the basics and stay prepared for bad weather. Here is a list of essentials you must consider among everything else.
Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is the rain jacket of your dreams. They are super light. They will fold into the tiniest ball and save you from the harshest storm.
Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For better ankle support on that 400-step long hike, waterproofing and toughened exterior are necessary for your boots. These Solomons can easily be your best buddy.
Black Diamond Head Torch: In case you return incredibly late from your hike and it gets dark, a headlamp will help you as nothing else will. Keep this one handy for sure.
Darn Tough Socks: These will be the most comfortable hiking socks you will own. They don’t wear out easily, either. They have a lifetime warranty. You simply send them with any sign of wear and tear, and they will replace it without further questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Here are some common questions people ask about this hike, take a peek:
1. How Did The Stairway Come About?
The stairs were originally built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility to transmit radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs went public, deeming it fit until 1987, when it became dangerous due to disrepair. Residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the stairway to heaven legally a long time ago.
The city of Honolulu reportedly spent almost a million dollars in renovating the stairs and considered re-opening the stairs to the public in 2002. Resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening, and the stairs have stayed closed ever since.
2. What Are Some Of The Other Places To Visit In Oahu?
You could take a helicopter flight tour without the doors. The view from above will blow you away. A shark cage tour can ensure you don’t talk about thrilling adventures for another year or so. It will give the adrenaline rush like no other. Ecofriendly dolphin and snorkel tours are also available.
Wrapping Up
The Stairway to Heaven Hawaii trail is dangerous when seen from below. It is only when you undertake the hike (with proper planning and preparedness, of course) that you understand it is not as daunting as it looked. All you need is a thirst for thrill and sharp wit that comes in handy when you go face to face with adversity. There is also the added fear of strict laws around the hike, which will keep you on your toes.
Let us know if you visit this amazing trail. And if you have questions or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, located in the southeast of the country. With a population of over 9 million people, it is one of the most populous cities in Europe and the world.
London has a rich and diverse history, dating back to its founding by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Throughout the centuries, it has been a center of trade, commerce, culture, and politics, and has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world.
With London Attraction tickets, you can explore London which is a global hub for finance, business, media, and the arts. It is home to some of the world's leading universities, museums, and cultural institutions, as well as numerous iconic landmarks and attractions.
Some of the best places to visit in London include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. It is also home to some of the world's leading museums, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and Tate Modern.
In addition to its history and culture, London is also a vibrant and diverse city with a thriving food scene, nightlife, and fashion. From traditional fish and chips to trendy street food markets, there's something to suit every taste.
The British Museum
The British Museum is one of the world's greatest museums, with a vast collection of over 8 million objects from all corners of the globe.
The museum is home to the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the mummies of Ancient Egypt, as well as countless other treasures. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may require a fee.
The Tower Of London
The Tower of London is a historic fortress located on the north bank of the River Thames. It was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury over the centuries.
Today, visitors can take guided tours of the Tower's various buildings and learn about its fascinating history. Be sure to see the Crown Jewels, housed in the Jewel House, which are some of the most valuable objects in the world.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London's premier art museums, with a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the 13th century to the 19th century.
The museum's highlights include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, as well as many other masterpieces. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may require a fee.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and has been the London home of the royal family since 1837.
Visitors can take a tour of the State Rooms, which are used for official occasions and receptions, and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily during the summer months and every other day during the winter.
The Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is a modern art museum which is located on the south bank of the River Thames.
The collection of the museum includes works by Picasso, Warhol, Dali, and many other contemporary artists. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions may require a fee.
The West End
The West End is London's theater district and is home to some of the city's best-known musicals, plays, and other performances.
From long-running shows like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables to new productions, there's always something to see in the West End. Be sure to book tickets in advance, as shows often sell out.
The London Eye
The London Eye, a huge Ferris wheel, is located on the southern bank of the River Thames.
This place offers great views of the city skyline and is one of London's most popular attractions. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, and it's a good idea to book a time slot to avoid long waits.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London's largest and most beautiful parks, with over 350 acres of green space to explore.
It's a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and relaxing, and it's also home to many famous landmarks, including the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the Serpentine Lake, and the Speakers' Corner.
The British Library
The British Library is the largest library in the world, with over 170 million items in its collection.
It's home to some of the most important literary and historical documents in existence, including the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, and manuscripts from authors such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens.
Visitors can explore the library's exhibitions and attend talks and events, as well as access the library's reading rooms for research purposes.
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Cathedral is a historic church located in the heart of London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century, it is one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral's interior, including the Whispering Gallery, which offers stunning views of the nave and climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of the city.
London is a city full of history, culture, and excitement, and there are countless other places to explore beyond this list. From the colorful streets of Notting Hill to the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Dalston, there's always something new to discover in this vibrant city.
Read Also:
6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall
10 Best Days Out In London For Football Fans
10 Best Places To Travel In June – Travel Guide 2022
Hectic office work schedules boar you and you want a life where you can travel and work as per your own wish. If this is the case, then you must be well aware of some of the crucial tips that can help you working remotely while traveling.
Working for long hours in the office with long hours of stress can make your life difficult. You should follow the best process that can make things easier for you while meeting your dream work and lifestyle with complete ease.
Tips To Work Remotely While Travelling
There are several tips you can follow while working remotely while traveling. You should not make your choices on the wrong end when you want to fulfill your requirements with ease. Some of the key factors that you should take care of here are as follows:-
1. Assessing Your Job's Remote Viability
Before you pack your laptop travel bag, evaluating if your current job can be performed remotely is crucial. Begin by reviewing your daily tasks and responsibilities. Are they location-dependent, or can they be completed online?
Next, consider the need for physical collaboration with your team. Is it possible to substitute in-person meetings with video calls?
Discuss your remote work aspirations with your employer to understand their stance on remote work and to negotiate terms that benefit both parties. Assessing these factors is the first step to ensuring a smooth transition to working remotely while indulging in your travel desires.
2. Setting Up Your Mobile Office
Choose a lightweight and durable laptop, as it will be your primary tool for creating an effective mobile office. Invest in a reliable VPN to ensure secure connections and protect your data, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Portable power banks and universal adapters are essential for keeping your devices charged, regardless of location.
Lastly, noise-canceling headphones should be considered for focused work sessions in noisy environments. These essentials will enable you to transform any space into a productive workspace, allowing for seamless work while exploring new destinations.
3. Managing Time Zones And Work Hours
Managing different time zones and setting consistent work hours is vital when working remotely and traveling. Start by understanding the time zone differences between your location, your company's base, or your clients'.
Use online tools and apps that help track multiple time zones to schedule your work and meetings accurately. Establish a routine that aligns with your most productive periods while accommodating the essential overlap with your team's or clients' working hours.
Clear communication about your availability and setting boundaries will help prevent burnout, ensuring you enjoy your work and travel experiences.
4. Staying Connected And Productive
To maintain connectivity and productivity, prioritize reliable internet service; consider portable Wi-Fi devices for consistent access. Embrace cloud storage for easy document retrieval and collaboration. Establish daily goals and use productivity apps to track progress and stay organized.
Regular breaks, ideally exploring your surroundings, can refresh your mind and enhance creativity. Engage with digital nomad communities online for support, networking, and recommendations on shared coworking spaces. By incorporating these strategies, you can ensure high efficiency in your work while enjoying the freedom and inspiration that travel brings.
5. Choosing The Right Destinations
When selecting destinations for your remote work and travel lifestyle, consider factors such as internet reliability, cost of living, and safety. Look for places with a strong digital nomad community, as they will likely have the infrastructure you need for productive work.
Climate and personal interests should also influence your choice, ensuring you enjoy your environment. Research visa requirements and stay durations to avoid legal issues. Destinations that balance your work needs with exciting exploration opportunities will make your remote work journey enjoyable and sustainable.
6. Balancing Work And Travel
Finding the right balance between work and travel requires discipline and flexibility. Set clear work goals and allocate specific times for sightseeing and relaxation to avoid overworking or underworking. Make the most of your travel days by planning work around your travel itinerary, focusing on lighter tasks during travel periods.
Remember, the beauty of working remotely while traveling lies in the freedom it offers, so allow yourself some spontaneity to enjoy unexpected adventures. You can achieve a fulfilling blend of productivity and exploration by managing your time and responsibilities effectively.
7. Decide Weather You Will Be Check In Or Check Out
You must review the policies of your company for your remote work so that it can meet your time off expectations. Additionally, you must discuss this with your managers and team members regarding your workload management during your travel.
Ensure that you match the time of your work with your fellow team members while traveling. This will make the process of work smoother and you can finish off all your tasks and work within the deadline. Thus, within the comfort of your home things can become easier for you.
8. Plan Your Workload Around Your Travel Itinerary
You should prioritize all your tasks before leaving. This thing requires proper evaluation of your task before you leave for your work. Try to track the work time and evaluate the fact how long it will take to complete your task.
Try to schedule all your work tasks around the given time. This will help you to finish of your task within an estimated time frame. In order to maximize the level of your productivity you should utilize the complete travel time for your work.
9. Find Out The Potential Workspace That Plays Around Your Productivity Style
You should find out the potential workspace that plays a vital role in increasing your productivity. which means the workspace must be comfortable for your focused work. Ensure that you have selected the ergonomics and tried to reduce the distractions as much as possible.
To enhance the level of productivity and comfort, you can make an investment in tools that are essential for external monitors and ergonomic accessories. Here, you have to focus on things that can make things easier and perfect for you.
10. Be Strategic With Your PTO
You should maximize the level of flexibility in remote work. There, you have to strategically plan the time off that can make things easier for you. The more you can make your choices perfectly, the better you can reach your goals.
The best strategy here is to split up your PTO days to balance your work and leisure activities while traveling. You have to seek out the best options that can help you to meet your objectives.
11. Create Easy To Pack Work Station
You should create an easy-to-pack workstation that can boost the chances of your brand development in perfect order. Ensure that you follow the best process that can help you to balance work and time in perfect order. This will help you to attain your goals with complete ease.
Investing your money in a Laptop backpack can be a great option for you. As it can help you to meet your requirements with ease. Figure out which workstations you will require during your traveling. This mind mapping will also help you to ease your load during the travel.
Final Take Away
Hence, if you want to maintain your work-life balance then you can follow the mentioned points. Here, you need to identify the best solution that can boost the scope of your work requirements with complete ease.
As you navigate this exciting path, stay adaptable, continuously seeking ways to optimize your work and travel experiences. Let each destination inspire you, fueling your creativity and passion for your job. Here's to your adventures across the globe, where your office is wherever you choose.
Learn More Also:
9 Tips For Authentic Travel Experiences
Thailand Travel Guide: This Is The Best Time To Visit
5 Tips To Improve Holiday Experience For Next Vacation
It’s only normal that you have already heard of big companies like Skyscanner, Expedia, or even Booking.com, for that matter. These are all known as OTAs or Online Travel Agencies. Travelocity sell traveling services, making it relatively more convenient for their customers to plan a vacation with different alternatives from a single platform.
With more options, detailed information, and instantaneous booking procedures, OTAs are ideal when you are planning your next trip. While some OTAs provide multiple services, others focus on specific services like vacation rentals and accommodation. Plus, you can also compare rates, especially when you have a strict budget.
Travelocity is one such multi-service OTA. Although it’s an established brand, the question is - are they keeping up with its current market competitors? Before you can invest your money in Travelocity, let’s check out all that you need to know about the same.
So, What Is Travelocity?
The Travelocity website was first launched in 1996 - it is a travel agency online that offers a wide selection of services. The popular Expedia Group, a leading global travel service agency, owns and manages Travelocity. On this platform, you can book car rentals, travel packages, cruises, hotel deals, and flights.
Additionally, you can even reserve tickets for various popular attractions, share vacation plans with family and friends, and read engaging travel content.
The App:
Before you can look for the best Travelocity flights online, let’s find out more about the all-elusive Travelocity mobile app. The app version also helps users to browse as well as manage their reservations easily. Plus, it’s available for iOS and Android services - users automatically get notified about gate numbers and flight status for tracking delays.
Additionally, guests can communicate with different hotels by directly messaging via the application. More importantly, guests can also access all their travel data in a single place, even when they are offline.
You can easily download the Travelocity app via your Android or iOS devices to ensure that you are able to obtain a convenient experience.
What Does Travelocity Offer?
Obviously, Travelocity offers so much more than just flights - from exciting Travelocity cruises and accommodations to really great Travelocity car rental services and even entire trip packages, you will get everything on this platform. Stay tuned to find out more!
Stays: You can choose your accommodation from a wide selection of resorts, hotels, condominiums, and other types of stays.
Flights: You can book airline tickets to your chosen destinations at both standard and bargain rates.
Cars: You will find rental cabs and cars offering pickup and drop from/to the airport.
Vacation Packages: You can book all-inclusive travel itineraries, including car rentals, accommodation, or/and flights.
Travel Deals: You can enjoy discounted offers under travel deals.
Activities/Things To Do: You can book tickets and make reservations for popular tourist attractions, exciting experiences, performances, and concerts.
Using The Travelocity Platform: The Pros And Cons
If you are already looking for ‘flights Travelocity,’ then stop - first, let’s find out the benefits of using this platform. And not just that - we also need to be aware of all the cons that are associated with using Travelocity. So without wasting time, let’s get started!
The Advantages Of Travelocity:
The advantages or rather the pros of using Travelocity are as follows,
It’s a convenient platform - one single platform provides multiple solutions.
Users can enjoy a wide range of choices when it comes to planning the perfect vacation.
The Travelocity price guarantee is unbeatable, making the app ideal for budget-friendly trips.
The Disadvantages Of Travelocity:
The disadvantages or rather the cons of using Travelocity are as follows,
The customer service provided by Travelocity is definitely not at par with the company’s top competitors online. Plus, customer support is mostly unresponsive.
Although the platform promises no cancelation issues, so many customers have complained about the same.
Exploring The Travelocity Application: Is Travelocity Legit?
Before spending money on the Travelocity platform, it’s best to check out a few Travelocity reviews from Google Play for the most effective results. Stay tuned to find out whether the platform is worth spending your time or money on.
Review By Deborah Eddy:
“Enjoy using the app. It's easy to use, with lots of choices that are discounted off the airline and hotel websites. Love having one-stop shopping. Had an issue once where I couldn't complete a booking correctly. It took a while to get someone on the phone to help. Don't stop having a live person for 'support' issues.”
Review By TMH:
“Love this app! It is my go-to travel app. It's easy to use, has great deals, dual-pay options, and easy cancellations. One time I accidentally booked the wrong date for a staycation with my daughters. The Travelocity rep not only canceled my booking without charge but the rep also worked with the hotel to give me an upgraded room that same night at the same price. Amazing!”
Review By BM:
“Horrible experience all around, with the service. Had to cancel my flight, and I purchased a cancellation policy. Sadly things happen, and plans change. Don't need credit for a future flight, I need my funds back. I had to file a claim, where you have to attach files of everything, then proof of the reason why you cancel. I probably won't get my money back.”
Review By Jaleen Martin:
“Absolutely love the app! Very self-explanatory and so simple to use. My first go-to app when planning a trip is Travelocity. The only thing I don't care for is when you have to talk to customer service, you can't find a single person who speaks clear English at all. So terribly hard to understand. I hope to see improvement on that part soon.”
And It’s A Wrap!
And that’s a wrap on Travelocity. Now that you are aware of all the services you can get on this platform, you can go check out individual features, like this rental car services or accommodation options for your next vacation.
So, what are your thoughts on using OTAs or Online Travel Agencies for planning a vacation? Have you used this in the past - then feel free to share your experiences mentioned below in the comments.