Secret Falls Wailua Kayak Trip

 Renting a kayak to paddle the Waillua River was the best $60 I have ever spent. I am so glad James and I decided to explore on our own instead of doing a guided tour. For the last two nights it has been raining hard and water levels in the rivers have risen. The guided tours were not taking their tours up to Secret Falls. Too dangerous they said, which made it even more exciting to us. The weather was nice, and we took our time, hoping the water levels would fall.

 There were a couple little side rivers and streams that feed into the Wailua River. We decided to check them out. This one reminded us of the Little Spokane River, only more tropical.

 About half way to our destination, we stopped at this beautiful little garden area called Fern Grotto. It was a loop trail full of plants, fruit, and chickens.

 Papaya, one of my favorite fruits here. These are not quite ripe, if they were I probably would have sneaked some.

 These are called mountain apples. Not quite as tasty as an apple, more of a mild fruity flavor.

 And our journey continues up the river. The water is definitely becoming more difficult to paddle, but we are determined.

 The current in the river is to fast to paddle all the way to the falls.  There was an area to beach the kayaks and a path that lead to the falls that was made by foot.  We walked up a muddy path to this rope. The people we rented the kayaks from said that if the rope was above the water then it was possible to cross.  We saw the rope and decided to go for it.  We crossed the river here, holding on to the rope for dear life. The water was up to James' chest, which meant it was up to my shoulders.  The hardest part was knowing where to put my feet. the water was so muddy and flowing quite fast.

 The path was quite remarkable too. Streams with small waterfalls trickled down to meet the muddy river.

 These falls are only accessible by kayak and foot. There is no big parking lot by this beauty. We had the falls all to ourselves. Paradise

There were a couple places were flowers had been laid down as gifts to the Hawaiian gods. This was one of my favorites. So much beauty to behold, yes, thank you mother nature for your beauty.

Hiking Nualolo Trail on Kauai

 There is a reason they call this island The Garden Island of Hawaii. It is absolutely breath taking. There are no big towns here, leaving more of the island rich with beautiful and amazing vegetation. It is everywhere you look. This particular trail is located at the top of Waimea Canyon. James and I were the only ones on the trail, which was quite pleasant. It probably had something to do with this particular trail being rated "Strenuous", however, we were up for the challenge.

 Ah, here is where it all begins. Smiling faces, Camelbak full of water, and lunch awaiting us at our destination. And to top it off, some thoughtful hikers left some great walking sticks for our journey.

 Now if I could just make this picture come alive with the sounds of birds singing melodiously in the trees. Your heart cant help but sing along too. They sound so happy, so content.

 So many tropical flowers everywhere you turn. Their fragrance filling the air, my lungs, and my soul.

 This clearing made way for these lovely vines full of pink blossoms entangled in the bushes along the way. There were also ripe blackberries, not quite as large as the ones we have back home in Oregon, but tasty none the less.

 We are starting to see some really beautiful sights between the trees. We were sweaty and hungry, but eager to see what awaits around the bend.

 The humidity made the air thicker than I am used to. I am not in shape like I want to be, and this hike was not easy. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, we came to this muddy portion of the trail. I wasn't sure if I should walk or slide down, so I picked both. James snapped this picture halfway down. It was worth the mud. Just a couple yards further and we saw the beginnings of this canyon.

 James thought these where quite interesting. Some kind of pillow basalt formation?

 The Na Pali coast is massive. Do you see that little white blob in this photo? That's a helicopter. One right after another flying people into this deep massive canyon.

Those trees out at the tip provided an excellent spot to fill our tummies and feast our eyes. This is why we come to this island.

Day Three, Cape Disappointment Charter Fishing

Knowing my eldest son has a deep love for fishing, I worked extra this summer to give him an early Birthday present. James took Wes charter fishing on the ocean. They had to wake up super early to board the boat at 5:15 am. As soon as that alarm clock went off, I gave Wes a gentle shake, "Do you know what time it is?" He popped up out of bed ready in 30 sec. Wes caught 6 altogether. The boat had 12 people aboard, and the limit is two fish per person. It doesn't matter who pulls them in, once the boat catches 24, the trip is done. The boys brought back 4 beautiful fish. 3 Silvers, and one Chinook.   

The best part! 

Fish on Wes! Look at your pole!

James spent a good part of his morning researching how to use the whole salmon. We got fillets, fish cakes, smoked, fish steaks, and even saving the fish heads for fish head soup. Yum yum! Bet you cant guess what we are having for dinner ;-)

Day Two at Cape Disappointment

This day wasn't so bright an sunny, but that didn't stop us. From our camp, we hiked out onto the North Jetty. Its this long narrow stretch of rocks an sand extending into the ocean. Along the sides there are many fishermen casting and reeling in their live bated hooks waiting to catch the "Big One" That's where we lost Wes. He wanted to watch them all day. James an Tim ventured out a little further then I could with the little ones. At the end of the Jetty, it becomes pretty dangerous with deep pits, sharp rocks, and huge waves. James an Tim saw a sea lion swimming near the Jetty. Tim thought that was pretty cool.

Those cargo ships are huge. Kids enjoyed pointing them out as the fog lifted.

It was nap time for half our crew, so James, Wes and a couple of our friends headed down the beach.

Love this boy. He is so adventurous. Taking in all the elements, using all his senses. Rain or shine, Wes would rather be outside. 

Saw this guy as they headed back to camp.

Day One Continued

The weather was so nice, we headed for the beach. There was a little walking trail that led us to the great little beach with massive rocks to explore, large pieces of drift wood to build forts, and water as far as the eye could see. 

My children. It doesn't matter if the water feels like it just melted off a glacier, they will still play in it. 

There were actually some good waves forming out there. We saw a guy with his paddle board catching the surf, having a great time too. 

The sand was so warm. It was a nice contrast from the frigid water. Ocean sand makes great castles.   

Rowan found a warm puddle of ocean water to play in. 

Weston the mighty castle maker.

James helped Alli dig a deep hole. He then convinced her to get in it. Hehhee, then he buried her once she hopped in. Turkey daddy

I wanted to bury one of my kids. Tim volunteered. He said he felt like he was receiving a spa treatment the sands warmth felt so good.

Weston the Merman. 

There were some moments I wasn't able to capture that I wish I could have. Like when James swooped me up and ran me into the waves.  I was fully dressed, screaming, begging him not to throw me in. It's in those unforgettable moments, as my kids come running towards the water to join us in our play, that I remind myself how awesome life is. Thankful my family is health, happy, and overflowing with joy. 

Cape Disappointment, Day one

I have had a huge craving for some beach adventure with my family. This year, after doing a little research  on cool places to camp on the WA coast, we set up camp at Cape Disappointment. Our neighbors, who have young children of their own, also thought that was a great idea, so they came along for the adventure. 

We arrived Sunday night, and began our exploration early Monday morning. We set foot on a 2 mile hike to one of Cape Disappointment's Light Houses. Didn't take Wes long to notice there were many creatures to pet an hold along the way.

This was a beautiful path. With thick green foliage, and vegetation growing on the trees, it made you feel like you where in the movie Avatar. The trail was well maintained with wooden walkways that hovered above water so you didn't have to swim across. 

The view from the light house.

The weather was beautiful for sight seeing.

So you had to be at least seven to enter into the light house. James took the kids up, since I'm not one for heights, and Rowan needed someone to keep him company. 

Saw this guy looking for some lunch by our camp.