kauai – Shananigans

Sleeping Giant Trail: Why do one trail when you could do both and fall on your ass repeatedly?

And maybe hiking is the carving out of a mentality; that sometimes the adventure is is in the misadventure, the growth is in going the wrong way.

Waipo’o Falls: Third Times a Charm

Immediately, we heard the bubbling and gurgling of the water and intercepted groups of other hikers. Careful to find our footing down to the edge of the water, we all took our moments to breath deeply and appreciate where we found ourselves. At the top of a waterfall.

Salt Pond: Two lessons learned at the beach

Those people out there cutting through the waves like the fish themselves, DO THAT REGULARLY. A gal who grew up in the tasty fresh waters of Michigan who does a better job of floating on her back than stroking, can’t be expected to see a sea turtle on her first attempt because she can barely get off the shore and keep the salty waters out of her nose.

Pihea Trail: A morning above the Clouds

Along the river, over the planks, down the muddy bits, and through the ferns. With a mile to go, the clouds had lifted, and once again the panoramic views fell before me.

The Aloha Mentality: A smile from a stranger goes a long way

When I turn on the news, it often depicts a world of otherness and violence, of injustice and pain, of fear. I don’t intend to discredit the weight and importance of that, instead, I simply note the lightness there is in knowing the faces of my neighbors. Of looking people in the eye and wishing them a good day. Of having a reason to smile because the man in the gray shirt I see everyday is smiling back.

Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: Sometimes you don’t find what you’re looking for

With that, sometimes I don’t find what I am looking for, sometimes the paths are unmarked, and sometimes life hands me some saltiness straight to the face. But there is appreciation of the journey, gratitude for where I did end up, and the saltiness came with a cool breeze, so no complaints here.

Ku’Kui Trail: Whenever you go down, you must come back up

At the top, the grasses tickled each other in the wind and roosters bawked across the path. At the midway I thought I was traversing Mars. And the last half mile being dense forest cover and the gurgling sound of the river ahead.

Kauai, Hawaii: Boots on the ground, feet in the sand

So with that said, I welcome you to follow along, maybe hit a subscribe button. It will be a summer of boots on the ground, hiking breath taking trails, and feet in the sand while I watch the waves crash.