Better & Better

Have to say that this lifestyle is pretty nice. After a couple of days of heavy rains and some localized flooding the weather has tuned up nicely. We have enjoyed days of hiking along sand stone and lava headlands and up behind Kapaa on the old volcano. We've wandered along ridges and down through narrow valleys...found water falls and all sorts of birds and flowering trees. It was a bit muddy, but quite nice with great vistas to enjoy along the way. Hiked close up towards the so called rainiest spot on earth, and sure enough it rained. The trails were pretty good, but next time we will bring along better hiking shoes, although we did see the odd soul trying to hike in flip-flops. They didn't get too far. Its a pretty special day when you can hike in the morning and 30 minutes after coming off the trail you are playing in the waves on a lovely, almost empty beach. I could get use to this!

I think Annemarie is already planning our return visit for next year. Hard to argue... Easier than Mexico and no drug wars (comes in handy when trying to relax), but I'll acknowlege that we haven't seen much of back road Mexico which we understand to be impressive. We have managed to partake of the abundant local sea food and its been a real treat to do so. Kapaa area is definitely what we were looking for...while there are a few condo developments along the water, the area definitely has a local flavour which is appreciated when you go looking for things to do and places to shop for groceries, etc. It has been a nice break, and while work hovers just over the horizon it will be easier going forward knowing that we are so very close to an alternate lifestyle. This type of trip can't replace the travel that we want to start shortly, but it does serve to reinforce that we need to include breaks during our wanderings.

So what are we doing with our last day? Well, given that our lanai is only 30' from the Pacific and there are whales breaching just out there, we plan to sit here and read books and just enjoy the view, sounds and a few cold beers (later). I think one more swim will be in order as well. Mahalo!