So I had heard of the legend at the End of the Road. The town is named Teahupoo (Cho-po) and it means "skull scrape" in Tahitian. I just didn't know how personal it was going to get. It makes you think twice as you hike through the Tahitian jungle, passing huts with tin roofs, eyes are on you, you are alone.
So the story goes... that not so long ago there was an argument between two Tahitian warriors. At this time not so long ago, the method of resolution was a foot race to the top of the village mountain. The winner kills the loser.
The mountain at Teahupoo looks like a green, lush perfect pyramid. I can imagine the summit moments before the loser staggers up. Legend has it that the great warrior cut open the loser's skull and ate his brains. But that is just legend.
During one of my visits to Teahupoo in 2004 I stayed with a wonderful family near the point. You have to walk in. Over a footbridge, along a stone trail, finally crossing a slippery wet 4"x4"; toe-to-heel balancing across a small creek. I stayed in the room Laird Hamilton uses when he comes in to visit the mortals. Celine, my wonderful and friendly hostess, had been chatting with me each afternoon after the surf sessions. The day before I left, her husband Heiani, told me that he was the great grandson of the man the village was named after. I looked into his eyes and knew instantly that this legend was real. (Gardner Wade)
