Living a Dream

Wailua Secret Falls

Kalalau Trail

Hanakapia'i Falls

I have loved being here in Kauai. I've had so many amazing opportunities and met some amazing people. I just completed another big hike. It was a 8 mile round trip hike to Hanakapiai Falls off the Kalalau Trail. I was hopping over boulders, balancing along rocky and muddy paths, sloshing through mud puddles and marveling Mother Earth.

This journey has been so inspirational and rewarding. This place is so spiritual. I love it here. I'm so proud of myself for following my dreams and not letting anything or anyone hold me back. I'm looking forward to my future adventures.

Hikes in Kauai

If only hikes everywhere led to views as gorgeous as these.

Waimea Canyon

Sleeping Giant Trail

Mahaulepu Beach Trail

Kipu Falls Trail

Opaeka'a Falls Trail

Surprises in Hawaii

When you hear people talk of Hawaii, you get a ton of "oh my, how beautiful" or "the waterfalls are amazing" Such beauty everywhere. Of course they fail to mention or warn you of what can be creeping round the corner among such beauty.

The most common and my first visitor in the apartment was the good ole cockroach! I've lived in Texas for a good portion of my life and I'm not a stranger to this critter. The bait traps have helped but ugh!

Thanks to a few ladies at work, I have been warned of the centipedes that sneak into the little crevices especially into the dark spots such as shoes and clothing. "Shake out everything that is near to the ground" is the most common advice. I don't think I'll have as much as a problem with this one since I'm so close to the beach and this critter is more in the more green lush areas of the island.

Now my next critter guest was the cane spider. This guest definitely made me have a true girl moment. It's presence on my bed none the less caused me to practically scale my wall. I jumped off my bed so fast and let out quite the yell. Then I proceeded to launch every shoe I could get my hand on. Obviously the girl moment passed quickly and the warrior in me surfaced! Unfortunately the little bugger escaped me and the flipflop attack. I really wasn't able to sleep very well. Thanks to a few good friends who informed me of the common arachnid of the islands, I have some relief that it'll at least eat the roaches. I say some relief, I really meant a smidgen.

The hilarious and random island critter isn't much of a critter, it's a chicken. Feral chickens have taken over the island. Some say that it is the effect of a hurricane that hit the island, damaging multiple farms. Chickens are hard to claim so they are just allowed to roam free. They are everywhere and some. It's pretty funny when you spot them on the beach.

So it goes pretty much without saying that I get a little freaked out at times when I feel my hair brush against my skin or a slight tickle here and there. My first thought is "oh shit, the critters are back for a visit." I usually survey the area and double check under the sheets. ;)

Oh the adventures they don't necessary put in those guide books.

ALOHA from KAUAI!

Oh my goodness! What a beautiful place.

I arrived a bit exhausted, but so excited to be here. I made friends with the airport transporter. Well I forcedly asked him to be my friend. Lol! That's basically been my thing recently. I spot someone who looks about my age or shares an interest and ask if they need another buddy for outdoors stuff. I now have a surf gal pal who was the hotel hostess. I say was because she now has a new job at the paper. :)

My first day was gorgeous. I walked around on the beach and got a bit of sun. Being so close to the equator, the sun is a bit more fierce. I also met a nice guy from Oahu at the hotel who I asked to drinks later in the evening. I moved into my new place which is so cute. It's like a big hotel room. No kitchen though. :( I'm not too concerned though. I have my blender and rice cooker! I'm set!

My evening was at a quaint plantation with beautiful greenery and views of the beach. Took a stroll down to the beach and watched the stars. Once my eyes adjusted, it was an amazing site. The moon and stars reflecting off the ocean. I can see how this place is quite the romantic spot. A sweet and unexpected beauty of a first evening. Welcome to Kauai!