Some Black Magic

Kauai: Tues 12.06.11

Last day on Kauai...
Let's go back to the unique North Shore. When you travel with Mike amazing things happen and it was the same this day. The sun was out on the North Shore, which is a rare thing.

One road around the island and there was an car accident so that slowed us down a bit and it was interesting to see what a mess traffic was.

Kilauea Point and Lighthouse

There was a 3-5ft swell around the shore that morning so the water was a little rough. We explored and watched turtles. We found Tunnels Beach eventually. The underwater topography made this place amazing. Turtle, all the normal fish. You are in a tunnel of sand and you head out and all of the sudden the reef drops off and the ocean floor is deep. The kids had a good time on the beach and were good sports to babysit while we snorkeled one last time.

Mike and Jessie had a good time in the waves.

Feeding the birds

So I mentioned the kids obsession with coconuts... we stopped off at a farmer's market and walked around. Sampled passion fruit, and star fruit.
We visited with a sweet old lady that cut up papaya for us.

We ate those mini bananas and the had some coconut water and ate the coconut meat. Even Amy tried it all!

We checked out of the hotel early so we wouldn't have to go back and get our stuff. We had a yummy Italian dinner at a quaint restaurant and ten headed to the restrooms at Hanama'ulu Bay to shower and change for the plane ride home. I sat there holding Jessie waiting for everyone to shower and felt the cool breeze and breathed the air , listened to the waves crash and watched the clouds pass by the moon. Hawaii is beautiful and I will miss it.

Kauai: Mon 12.05.11

HaPpy BirThdAy to bRigHam!!! 5 years old and we aren't there to celebrate so we hope you will forget and forgive!

We had a busy Sunday so we relaxed again on the South shore and soaked up some more of that Hawaiian sun.

We went early to Poi'pu before the lifeguards were there and Mike snorkeled out around the reef. He said it was amazing! He saw lots of turtles and big fish. When he got back I took Tyler out (and my cell phone) we were a little braver this time and went further too and ran into the "snake" again. We sat and watched the eel until Tyler was okay. The fish were amazing!

Splashed in the big waves at Brennecke Beach. Amy's favorite beach!

We kept seeing a turtle in the surf and I was so jealous of Mike's morning swim with the turtles so I went out to get me a turtle.

Took Katelyn out and couldn't find the turtle again.

Went back for some lunch and to wash up! Then hiked along the lithified sand dunes and cliff cracks.

Shipwreck Beach and Makawehi Point a popular place for pole fisherman. While we were walking we saw a guy catch a fish and the kids got to touch it.

Drove through abandoned Sugar Cane fields to Gillin's Beach, a popular place for windsurfing. We ran into another seal. Katelyn and Ty enjoyed the swing.

Went back to Spouting Horn to buy souvenirs!
Just taking a look for some decent snorkeling at Prince Kuhio Beach and we heard a lady get out of the water because there was a turtle! Yeah!!
We threw our gear on as fast as we could. A big old turtle was just snacking on rocks and we got so close. Too close for mom! Katelyn got to swim with a turtle!

Dad watching Jessie and soothing SC while we swim with the turtle.

Another breath taking sunset at PK Beach

Kauai: Sunday 12.04.11

Tyler and Dad went and caught the sunrise and found some treasure

Sacrament Meeting at the Kalaheo Ward began at 9am. It was the last Fast and Testimony meeting of the year. We sat in the back with all the other visitors.
It was neat to see the building and listen to the testimonies. Mike was invited to a baptism and yummy lunch, but we headed up the west coast right after the meeting.

Waimea Canyon: " the Grand Canyon of the Pacific"- Mark Twain
Each layer of this canyon represents a different eruption and subsequent lava flow. The canyon is 10 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3,600 feet deep. The road is 40 miles round trip with a 4,000 foot elevation rise.

We had a great little picnic at the Kokee Museum and park. Jessie is getting some hydration before the big hike.

The kids had fun feeding and chasing the chickens and Jessie just squealed in delight.

Kalalau Valley is the largest valley on Na Pali. It's beach is only accessible by an 11 mile hike or by kayak. Just revel in the view!

Looking for whales

Wai ale'ale' One of the wettest spots on earth!

Don't get too close to the edge!
This hike was something else. We hiked through the clouds, mud and trees. the view was awesome and we felt like we had tons of oxygen to breath!

We did it!

Mike and Jessie on top of the world!

Coming down!

Glass BeachStuff from an old dump washes ashore.. mostly from broken glass and auto glass. A colorful tapestry of sand and multi-colored glass.

One of my favorite things in Hawaii are the "Go Dog Go" trees. Their canopies are huge and I just want to lay down under one and gaze upward. Just magnificent!