Hawaii Recap

 There is usually a long layover on the Captain's annual work trip to Kona, Hawaii and I've taken to hopping on a flight to join him there for a couple of days in the last few years. When in Rome - or Hawaii as they say! 

I flew in Tuesday and after being picked up, we spent the afternoon ocean dipping, then pool dipping, wash, rinse, repeat. I wouldn't go so far as to say the winter Hawaiian sea was, "warm", but it definitely was not cold either. Easy to jump in, slightly warmer than, "refreshing", very enjoyable. The crew stays at the same hotel year after year, but there is always a new walk to go on or corner to pop around and it's kind of nice that it all feels familiar.

On Wednesday, the first full day there, we decided to hike into a beach for some snorkeling. If you were expecting a lush hike through a tropical forest just turn yourself alllllll the way around because this hike was the opposite of that, try two miles through the lava fields. We've done a hike like this before on Maui and learned a few things. Bring lots of water and sun coverage. At least we went into it fully aware of what we were getting ourselves into - it's not for everyone (shrug).

 

We did in fact find the water eventually and picked our way to a little spot to don our snorkeling gear. This was a good trial as both of us had new gear to break in, the Captain with high end diving gear and me with my Dick's off the shelf tourist special, enthusiasm was high. Fish and creature count however were not. We stayed for a bit but eventually called it to head back to the hotel's iced coffees and sandy beaches. We did try snorkeling in the bay, but visibility was dismally low, possibly from the weeks of rain prior to our visit. 

Thursday we recruited a couple of the other crew to have an adventure day. We drove to the north end of the island and parked at the Pololū Valley Lookout where we accessed the Pololu Trail. It was quite a hike! Out and back, a half mile down 400 feet of rocky (but doable) terrain to a beautiful green valley and black sand beach, and then back up again. Getting back up was a bit character building but we all made it. Would 100% do again, bring more snacks and more water, maybe a good book... Really stunning, just beautiful views at every turn, and the black sand beach with its rugged crashing waves. You could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon just absorbing it all. We stopped for lunch in one of the tiny towns on the drive back, and of course popped into the shops, grabbed a local coffee. Such a fun day. 

Friday morning we rented paddle boards, and if you know me and my love, no my need like I need air to breathe, love of a good paddling mental reset you will understand how this scratched an itch. We had them for an hour, and just in the bay in front of the hotel, but it really hit the spot. 

We attempted more snorkeling in the afternoon - first visiting one beach, which turned out to be the boogie boarding beach and then finally found the beach we were looking for, a beautiful quiet spot - but alas, the visibility was still too poor for snorkeling. It was a fun little dip though, and a good swim workout getting back to the beach with the waters pull around the rocky corner we navigated. 

And Saturday I was back on a plane headed home, so just a quick little visit as these work layovers often are. But I always enjoy them and am always happy I have the chance to go! 

We did jump over to visit with family in St. Louis the following week which was a really great trip as well. We hiked, hugged, had coffees, and spent time with the Captain's sisters and high school friends. That trip ended all too soon, we miss everyone already. 

Have my second diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound tomorrow after getting flagged on the first round. I will keep you posted on that as soon as I know more. :-)

Chat soon, 

Jen