New-ish state

It's been two months since I checked something off this list? For real??

Well, this is a cheater check, but I'm going to count it.

Nick & I headed to Hawaii over Memorial Day weekend -- the cheater part is that we've been to Hawaii before (Oahu twice), the non-cheater part is that we went to a totally different island which is basically a different state. I'm counting it.

Kauai is known as the Garden Island and is the furthest west of the main islands. It reminded me a lot of Moorea in French Polynesia: a big island with a mountainous, forested middle. We spent four days on the four sides of the island. We also did some fun things: helicopter rides, ATVing, snorkeling, hiking, 8 mi run as part of our half marathon training -- we barely spent ANY time on the beach!!

Happy 33rd birthday Nick!  

The helicopter ride got you to see parts of the island that were otherwise inaccessible and gave you a really beautiful overview.

The northwest shore - to get here takes a strenuous 11 mi one-way hike and then you have to camp.  We just looked from the sky!

A view of the west coast from a viewpoint in Waimea Canyon State Park

A view of the canyon from our first hike in Koke'e State Park

Oh, that's pretty - now let's go run in 75 degree humidity for an hour & a half

We ate simply - Hawaiian BBQ, poke, shave ice.  It's not shaveD ice, just shave ice.  And it's a big soft snow cone that is yummy yum yum yummy - I liked it over a scoop of ice cream (Mac Nut - that's macadamia nut to all you non-Hawaiians).  Nick got his with condensed milk on top.  Both pretty darn refreshing after busy activities!

It was a quick trip, only 4.5 days - that ended with an injury!  But we can't wait to get back!  Anyone want to come with us??

#46 - a new state: Check!