Kauai 2012, Day 5

Being Sunday, yet on vacation, we wanted to do something a bit mellow today.  Dan had been reading in a book about this "walk" that led to a swamp that had raving reviews.  So that's what we decided to do.  We drove back to the West Shore, back to Koke'e State Park (where we hiked the previous day) and drove to the end of the road to the start point for our Alaka'i Swamp hike.  The guidebook says (about the trail), "It combines awesome views of the Kalalau Valley and takes you through the highest swamp in the world.  The terrain in the swamp is like nothing you've ever seen, and we've been told many times that it was the highlight  of many people's hiking experience on Kauai.  You're insulated from the mud most of the time by a wooden boardwalk."  It goes on and talks about "as you walk on the boardwalk" and about "gawking as you make your way".  Silly us; we thought that those descriptions indicated an easy, casual walk to this amazing swamp.  We were thinking an Everglades-style boardwalk trail  Wrong assumption.   This HIKE went up and down and up and down the side of a mountain.  Yes, most of it was on boards, but in several sections, the boards were staircases of unevenly cut heights with long and steep sections.  Heading (mostly) down to the swamp, I was thinking, "we are in trouble".  The sections that weren't boarded were steep ups-and-downs that were cut into the side of the mountain.  Well, we made it to the swamp.  We weren't overly impressed as it was mostly fogged in.  The end of the trail lead to a lookout of what was supposed to be a beautiful view of Hanalei Bay and Ha'ena.  It was clouded over.  We sat in the mist and ate lunch.  Funny thing though, here we sat in the middle of nowhere in a cloud and my phone chimes.  I got a text.  I had cell phone service; 4 bars actually.  Well, after being less than thrilled with the hike on the boardwalk, we headed back.  I was not looking forward to climbing what we had recently descended.  Neither was Dan as he anticipated hauling Miles up the mountainside in the backpack; lucky for him, Miles decided he wanted to walk.  He hiked 90% of the return.  He hiked 100% of the nasty steep stuff (that even Nolan admitted was tiring).  He was amazing.

Two other hike issues- not anticipating a strenuous hike, we didn't pack a ton of water and by being judicious with what he had, we make it back to the car with 6 sucks of water left in the the last cambelback.  Also, I think we forgot that all hike distances in the book are listed as one way, and we forgot to double the distance.  It was an 8 mile hike.

We got in the car and drove over to see Waimea Canyon. This is an amazing canyon.  It has red rock walls like the Grand Canyon but has green plants and trees everywhere.  Beautiful!  Being later in the day and tired from the hike, we just drove to the viewpoints.  Unfortunately, since it was late afternoon, the lighting was bad for photography as the canyon was shadowing.  It was still beautiful though.

We ended the day with a yummy pizza from (according to the guidebook) the only pizza place on the island worth going to. 

Kauai 2012, Day 4

Six years ago, one of the highlights of our Kauai trip was a hike that went to vista points on the Na Pali coastline.  The hike was long.  The hike was hard.  The views were awesome.  So much that I wanted to take Jonathan and Nolan on that hike.  It's an 11.5 mile long hike.  You have to make up a 2,000 foot elevation change in the last 3 miles of the hike.  It's rugged; the trail is eroded in places.  Signs warning of potential death dot the trail.  There are no facilities other than 1 picnic table.  The is no water.  But it's awesome.  Today was big hike day.

We had to deal with a couple of problems... #1- yesterday I sunburned the back of my knees (feeling sorry for me?) and everything I brought pants-wise rubbed my sunburn painfully.  We stopped at Walmart so I could buy something that was comfortable.  #2- Miles is with us and he hasn't been too thrilled with the backpack lately and the trail is too dangerous in some sections to let him be free.  It also is a long hike and if he became obstinate, there would be much we could do about it other than endure.  I have to say that Miles was awesome!  He liked looking "way, way down" and seeing the ocean and "sandcastles".  He did get to get out and walk at times; he probably covered 1.25 miles.

We had one unanticipated problem.  I was carrying 2 camelback bladders which were leaking.  I was soaked from my bum to the back of my knees and around to the front.  We couldn't dump the water because there wasn't any way to replace it.  I was not enjoying being wet.  It made my pants heavy enough that they were falling off.  Also, it looked like I peed myself.  Finally, after we'd tried a couple of troubleshoots, I hit the "that's it" point and took a final look at the problem before I did something drastic/stupid.  Well, I fixed the problem.  Evidently, the part on the bladder where the tubing threads on wasn't completely tightened on either bladder.  A quick twist and the problem was solved!  However, I was so wet, and Kauai is so humid, that 7 hours later, my clothes were still damp.

So, the hike... it was awesome and spectacular again.  The views are indescribable.  Hiking, we look down on soaring birds and on the helicopters giving the Na Pali tours.  The plant life is incredible and so variable depending on which side of the canyon you are hiking.  Turn by turn the plants changed from tropical vines to pine trees to cactus.  Amazing.  The boys thought the hike was great as well.  I learned that with a 40 pound load strapped to Dan's back, I can almost keep up with him hiking uphill.

 Miles found ways to amuse himself while hiking.  He recited his favorite books to us.  He learned about "big names". He knows his immediate family members' big names.  We also learned that Santa's big name is "Santa Belnap" and that Mickey Mouses' big name is "Mickey Mouse Belnap".  He also amused himself with a game that got really old (and really hard fast).  Miles loved the book, The King, The Mice, and the Cheese.  The book says that "The king has everything he liked.  He liked cheese best of all."  Miles likes to change what the king likes best of all.  During the hike, he kept asking us, "What king likes?"  We'd suggest all sorts of foods and he'd insert it into "The king liked ___________ best of all."  Unfortunately, that was all he would say about the book.  The game turned into a cycle of "What king likes?" and then inserting the item into the next phrase.  After about 1,000 cycles of his game, Dan and I were out of suggestions for what the King likes best of all.  Unfortunately, Miles wanted more suggestions.  Luckily he got distracted and starting point out to us all of the trees that has fallen over.

Long day.  Hot day.  Tiring day.  Good day.

Kauai 2012, Day 3

After yesterday's failed beach attempt, we were determined to have a beach day.  We went to the South side of the island.  We found a beach with a calm protected swimming area that was perfect for Miles. There was snorkeling nearby for the boys.  There was even a Hawaiian Monk Seal sleeping on the beach.  The only problem was that Miles wasn't enamored with the beach.  It didn't take long for him to decide he was done.  We also discovered that we left our lunch back in Kapa'a.  We decided to go back and get our lunch, then find another beach closer to where we are staying.

Before heading back, we stopped at Spouting Horn.  It's always amazing to watch the water shoot out from the hole on the shore as it washes under the sea shelf.  There were sea turtles playing in the rough surf as well.

So we drove back and ate lunch then went to another beach that is just minutes away.  It too had protected swimming areas and this time, Miles thought it was great.  "Miles is happy.  Ocean so fun."  We couldn't get him out of the water.  The swimming area actually has a population of fish- extremely tame fish that are happy to eat right out of your hand.  Some locals came to feed the fish and we were surrounded by swarms of fish jumping and splashing to get some free food.  I'll admit it... fish creep me out, but this was cool.

Dinner was at our favorite cafe from the last trip.  Unfortunately, while the menu was the same, the food wasn't.  We got back, and Miles almost immediately passed our from such a busy and fun day.

Kauai 2012, Day 2

This morning we did the Walmart/Costco run.  Much easier with daylight. Then we headed to Ke'e Beach, at the end of the road on the north shore.  The last time I was here, this was was my favorite beach. That was in the summer.  October is considered the Winter season (ha!) and it's quite a different beach.  When I was here before, the ocean was calm as glass.  Sea turtles were everywhere eating from the shallow reef.  Well, this time, the beach was full of crashing waves and was closed for swimming.  Bummer.  Miles wanted to build a sandcastle, but got mad because the waves kept destroying it.

Since we couldn't swim, we decided to hike on the Kalalau trail.  Dan and I hiked the trail last time until it was too muddy for us to want to go any further.  Today the trail was essentially dry.  The trail goes along the Na Pali coast- up mountains, through valleys, across streams.  We decided to go as far as the first beach.  Miles was squirrely and Dan almost turned back with him.  We got him settled and kept hiking.  Miles even walked a decent section.  The jungle is amazing!  We boulder hopped across a river and stayed off the beach with the dangerous waves.  On one of the "dangerous beach" warning signs, there was a death by drowning tally.  The boys cooled off in the river, then we hiked out.

I remembered the amazing sunset from Ke'e Beach from the last time we were here and wanted to see it again.  We weren't disappointed.

The boys wanted Costco food court stuff for dinner, so we obliged them.  Did you know that the hotdog and drink combo costs the same on Kauai as it does on the mainland?  I guess we're subsidizing the Hawaiians.  Actually, the prices on everything except milk, bread, and produce were the same...

Back at the condo, the boys went swimming before bed.

I discovered I can make due wearing Dan's glasses if I only look out the left lens.

Kauai 2012, Day 1

For the boys' fall break this year, we decided to take a quick trip to Kauai.  Day one was our travel day... SLC to LAX to LIH.  We were scheduled to arrive in Lihiue at 5:40 p.m., or 9:40 p.m. Utah time.  Knowing that we needed to help Miles get on Hawaiian time, we kept him up late on his birthday (midnight), then hauled him up early on departure day.  Our hope was that he would sleep most of the leg from LAX to Lihue and get there, and stay up until Kauai bedtime, sleep normal, wake up normal, and be on Hawaii time. Guess what?  It actually worked!  Miles fell asleep as the plane took off from LAX and slept for 3 hours.  We arrived, he played, went to sleep a bit later than planned, but woke up happy and ready to go and hasn't had any adjustment issues!

We arrived and went to claim our luggage.  Delta broke a piece of Miles' carseat.  It's still usable, but now we are dealing with their claims department.  We stood in line for an hour to get the rental car.  We ended up with a minivan.  We'd planned to hit Costco and Walmart for groceries, but due to delays, a lack of street signs, and no street lighting, we ran out of time and patience, and headed for the hotel in Kapa'a.  It's a yucky place.  Dirty.  I had to go buy a magic eraser and do some cleaning.  But, no bugs (so far) and it's serving it's purpose.  We picked up a few things at the local grocery store, then called it a night.  That's when I realized I'd forgotten a few things- sandals and my glasses.  Not disastrous, just inconvenient.   

Happy Birthday Miles

Miles is 4! 

He made the transition from 3 to 4 with ease.  I think he only needed to be reminded once that he was 4 before he'd just tell you he was 4.  Mile was excited about his birthday this year.  He had 2 requests- yellow cupcakes and presents.  Easy requests to fulfill.  His day was filled with errand running and a marching band competition (which he loves!).  For dinner he wanted to go to "Happy Star" and get a cheeseburger, french fries, and a Coke.  Truthfully he just wanted to play on their indoor playground, which he did.  After dinner he opened his presents- sand toys, a cheap-o guitar, and his first pair of skis!  He was so funny- after opening each present he said, "Oh, it is beautiful.  Thank You!" 

Then it was cupcake time.  All day long, he'd been carrying an unfrosted cupcake around.  At one point he even wanted candles on it.  Next thing I knew, the cupcake was still intact, but he'd eaten his 4 candles.  For candle time, we used a frosted cupcake.  He was very nervous about us lighting the candles.  Then we sang and encouraged him to blow the candles out.  One at a time, he did it (first time ever)! 

 Then candle blowing out became a game and he did it at least 20 times with up to 4 sets of candles at the same time.  Fun day for Miles.

A Walk, the Weather, and a Joke

This morning, Miles decided that 5:20 was a good wake up time.  For over an hour we tried to convince him that he was wrong, but he won.  Since his early rising messed up my morning plans, as soon as I got Nolan to school I decided to take Miles for another backpack ride in the dark.  He was happy to go, so long as he could bring his Rubik's Cube.  He loves admiring all the neighbors' Halloween decorations- pumpkins and skeletons are his favorites.  For some reason this morning, Miles got bored (and it wasn't because it was dark- dawn breaks early around here!).  He was done with the backpack ride before I was half way finished with my walk.  To protest/amuse himself, Miles decided to start jumping up and down while in the backpack.  He found a place on the backpack frame where he could push off with his feet and land in the backpack seat.  As he'd land, the force would pull me backwards from the head to the waist.  Not falling was quite a feat.  Luckily, he grew tired of that as well, but he started amusing himself by picking his nose and slurping.  Seriously nasty.  The slurping sound was vile.  The amusing thing was that Miles didn't have a runny nose; he just has a bad habit from the 2 week long cold he just got over.  On my route, I pass by an apple tree.  Miles loves seeing the tree.  This morning, the tree had dropped some apples and I picked one up for Miles.  He was pleased.  But since the backpack ride was "boring", he started amusing himself by asking me, "What's that?" over and over and over again.  Evidently, behind my head he was holding up either his Rubik's Cube or apple and I was supposed to know what he was doing and label the item he was showing me.  Not a fun game.  By that point, I was ready for my walk to be over so I skipped the last loop of the route and went home.  He was angelic the rest of the day.

Miles told his first "joke" tonight.  Every night, Miles wants the same 4 stories read- Put Me in the Zoo, Are You My Mother?, Go Dog, Go!, and The King, the Mice, and the Cheese.  Truthfully, Dan and I are sick of reading them so to amuse get through the books faster, we try things like reading really fast or skipping pages.  We get caught when we skip pages.  Last night, from another room in the house, I heard, "Once upon a time in a far away country there lived a king.  The king lived in a beautiful palace.  He had everything he liked.  He liked hotdogs best of all.  His hotdog makers made the best hotdogs in the land.  Everyone in the palace could smell the hotdogs.  Everyone in the town could smell the hotdogs.  Everyone in the country could smell the hotdogs.  A mouse did..."  Evidently, Dan was amusing himself by changing the words.  Miles thought it was pretty funny as well; I could hear him giggling.  So tonight it was my turn to read the stories.  I asked Miles if he wanted the "King book".  He smiled and said, "Once upon a time in a far away country there lived a king.  The king lived in a beautiful palace.  He had everything he liked.  He liked Spam best of all" and then he started giggling.  Nice joke Miles!  So tonight I read about the best Spam in the land.

I'm loving the weather right now!  I've had windows open for over a week now, day and night.  It's the best!  As much as I love this mild autumn weather, I'm getting anxious for snow.  Not in the valley; not on my driveway; and I am hating the thought of the cold, but I'm anxious to go snowshoeing.  It sounds like so much fun, and will be, in a few more months.  Until then, I'll enjoy the fall and anticipate strapping on my snowshoes!