A Honeymoon
It finally happened! Colin and I got our asses to Hawaii! It was a bit stressful getting our flights worked out, luckily we have a veteran flight attendant in the family!
The second we arrived at the airport all our stresses seemed to just melt away. I can honestly say that the flight to Maui was one of the best. Maybe it was the digiplayer, or perhaps the doubles the flight attendants were supplying me- hard to say. Actually, I am pretty sure it was both.
The honeymoon was front loaded with lots of adventures, compliments of Dad and Steph. Unfortunately, we were more concerned with having a blast than we were with taking pictures. I am sure that is petty typical of a topical vacation! Getting my ass handed to me by the big surf at Baldwin Beach, tanning on a paddle board and snorkeling were among the early adventure highlights. Oh, and having a giant wave clobber Dad and me and Colin capturing it on film!
Ever notice how a great adventure is never complete without a celebratory beer?
The second half of the trip was much more relaxed. Colin and I took a couple days off from the beach due to post snorkel sunburns. We figured what better way to stay out of the sun then to go to the bamboo forest! We hiked the The Pipiwai Trail- coming across a beautiful banyan tree.
Continuing on, we came to this crazy unnamed waterfall - super cool!
It was at this point that the fun really began for us! It started to rain as we made our way into the bamboo forest. It was so dark and mysterious and absolutely peaceful! We were pretty much the only people there and we spent a lot of time just stopping along the trail and taking it all in. We were able to get a few shots before the rain became to much for our camera!
Colin and I spend probably close to 45 minutes near the waterfall. It was just us and the rain and cool mist from the waterfall. This is truly worth the drive to Hana and something I will do ever time I visit Maui.
On our way back we passed several couples and young families on their way to the waterfall. I am so glad we had an uninterrupted experience with this magical place.
Back at the trail head we decided we can't come this far without seeing the Seven Sacred Pools. I can only image how beautiful it is when the sun is shining!
Well, the rain in Hana followed us to Lahaina. So for about 4 days we did this non stop:
Our last day was spent in the sun by the pool. No phones or cameras. Our trip home was long with a layover in San Diego, but we came home to tulips, coffee and creamer, and clean sheets.
Vacations are good for the soul, good for family, good for relationships. Vacations don't have to be trips to tropical islands. I have learned (after returning from Hawaii) that mini vacations are a must even if it just means turning off the TV, computers and phones and curling up with a drink and a good book with a good buddy. Pizza and 80's music for an even also constitutes as a vacation- just ask Zobia.
I learned some great things on this trip:
1. I love the ocean and am a pretty decent swimmer.
2. My husband is part fish.
3. Being a good sport on vacation is imperative to having a great time and so is being open to trying just about anything once (except shrimp heads).
4. I'm a great navigator.
5. All alcoholic beverages should come in cans or plastic. PERIOD. Learned that the hard way.
6. Coors Light silver bullets do not fit in beer snuggies.
7. Colin and I have an absurd appetite for beer and vodka.
8. Cheap sunblock is about as good as not wearing it at all.
9. My family is beyond generous. Without them Colin and I would have missed out on some serious memory making opportunities on this trip.
10. My wonderful husband wants me to be happy and stress free- ALL THE TIME and will tell me to my face to chill out and enjoy the moment and then force me to. I love him for that.
11. Sea turtles are the most enduring creatures ever and butterflyfish mate for life. I want to come back as a sea turtle or butterflyfish in my next life.
12. My next vacation can't come soon enough. Like tonight with my buddy, aka, my hubby.
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