Today we set off to see Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of the Pacific). It is on the west side of the island which isn't too far from where we are staying. We drove to the top of the canyon which was only about 4000 ft above sea level but had amazing views. Tom would have liked to try riding his bike up, but April was happy that our bikes are safe and sound back in Santa Monica. There were several lookout points along the way to the top. The first few looked out of Waimea Canyon towards the middle of the island and
a beautiful waterfall, but the last stop was definitely the best. The view looked down a canyon on the most western part of the island that went down to the ocean. The sheer drop from the green canyon walls was unbelievable. We could also see clouds forming and then dissipating at the top of the ridge.With all these great views, April's favorite part of the trip was much more simple - a family of goats and more chickens. As we looked out over Waimea Canyon, a family of goats walked by us along the cliff walls. They ended up coming over to the parking lot where April chased them around trying to feed them grass. These goats were pretty wary of her intentions and wouldn't let her g
et anywhere near them. Of course, this was after she spent about 10 minutes video taping an enormous brood of chickens. We're not sure what this one rooster had been eating but he's probably been using HGH and hitting the weights pretty hard.After the trip to the canyon, we went snorkeling again with less than stellar results, visited a local blow hole, watched turtles play in the surf, and walked on a quiet beach in front of some swanky hotel. Despite all these great activities, nothing could erase the disaster that was breakfast this morning (or highlight, depending on your perspective-This
is obviously a Tom comment). Before we set out this morning, April decided to have a second bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats. As she poured bowl 2 she found the prize - A 4 inch long LIVE GECKO. It was definitely one of the loudest screams she's ever made. In the confusion that ensued, somehow the gecko got trapped under a measuring cup. Tom, who is none too fond of pests and lizards, was of no help in the Gecko removal process, so April had to set him free outside. Needless to say, she's done with Honey Bunches of Oats for a while.Let's hope tomorrow gets off to a better start!
5 comments:
Which condominium you are staying at?
The "blow hole": is it the Spouting Horn at Kukuiula Harbor?
There are a lot of geckos! Maybe as many as there are chickens :)
The canyon is beautiful. There are several lookout points from the highway 550, and a nice hike. If you would like to take a hike, make sure you start early because it's a long trail. Take 50 west then 550 north. On the way, check out old Russian fort Elizabeth just short of Waimea (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=russian+fort+elizabeth&near=Kauai&fb=1&cid=6376258209882656576&li=lmd&z=14&t=m
there isn't much to see except remains of the fort's wall, and the placard is quite interesting. Basically, the fort was established by Russian doctor in early 19th century in an effort to gain trading privileges with king Kamehameha. He promissed king of Kauai Kaumualii that tzar Nicholas will support him in his break-away from Kamehameha. Kaumalii allowed Georg Sheffer (there were plenty of Germans serving Russia after Peter The Great and Cathrine The Great's rule) to build three forts on the island, one at Waimea and I don't remember where the rest were. But since Sheffer didn't in fact have the backing of the tsar he was kicked out. Eventually the fort has been taken over by Kamehameha's supporters and used to put down rebelion by the island's king, which concluded unification of Hawaiian islands under Kamehameha's rule). You want to go all the way to the end of 550 to Kalalau Valley lookout. You can see though the whole canyon all the way to the shore. The hiking trail will lead you to a 3000ft waterfall, but it's about a 5 mile hike and it's pretty slippery and wet when get get lower.
If you didn't have enough heli flying, there's a guy that gives rides on motor-hang-glider from Port Allen airport. He has wing-mounted camera too.
If you are into large waterfalls, on the east part of the island Fern Grotto and Wailua Falls are worth driving to. We ourselves saw them on the day of return flight. Just got up 3 hours earlier and drove there. Most of it is a gravel road though.
If you plan to explore the northern part of the island, there's pretty much nothing to stop for all along highway 56 until, except a very scenic Kilauea lighthouse (i think it's called) - you'll need to detour from 56 to see it. Just drive to the end of highway 56. There are couple of caves, but nothing exciting. Just past Haena we have discovered some beautiful lagoons with small secluded beaches, not visible from the highway. To find them, watch for stopped cars on the roadside. From Kee Beach Park there's a beautiful hiking trail on the side of the mountain that goes for like 20 miles all the way to Na Pali state park. You can't really walk all of it in one day after 3-4 hours of driving there, but it's still a fun walk.
Locals sell fruit along the highways. Cheaper then supermarket or ABC Stores.
Do you catch The Daily Show?
That gecko thing was really wild!!! He was just probably trying to see if you were up to date on your car insurance and offering a quote! How unsettling, though. Can you sue for that???!!!
Your pictures are breath taking. I am so enjoying this account. It is like I am actually there. I sure hope I can get to see these wonders before I die. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Did you ever try wearing the geckos as earrings... they are harmless:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nan77/443198267/
pe'e
is pronounced
peh eh
not pee like in peewee herman ;D
Post a Comment