Aloha from Kauai

Kristine and Liz are perfect beach vacation buddies because we are all about the same speed.
Wake up
Workout
Breakfast
Pooltime
Snacks
Beach
Shower
Dinner
Movie/Just Dance
Sleep
Repeat

A girl could get used to this....

We did hike the Na Pali coast all the way to the waterfall.. It was raining all morning, so by the time we started, it was already a muddy slip-and-slide. Hikers returning in the opposite directions made comments on our still clean and bright hiking shoes. We soon got into the thick of it, and chose to embrace the mud. It was really fun. We waded through 6 stream crossings, tromped through the mud, led the pack through the path, and loved every minute. Eight miles and four hours were never so much fun!

In the thick of it.

We had no idea what was in store...

Waimea Canyon

 the Grand Canyon of Kauai

Mahalo nui loa Kauai

Canyoneering

I love to be outside in nature, but I am sorry to say, I haven't spent much time in the great outdoors in the last few years. That really is a shame, because it's where I feel the most like me. I think growing up in the sticks will do that to you. :)

In the end of June, I went for a quick tip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park. I have a few things to say on this: I haven't been to Las Vegas with a friend - only for work. What a difference that makes! Holly and I walked and shopped 'til we dropped. I had a great time. Still, Sin City can live up to it's name. It's not very hard to get hints of the seediness that takes place. I also haven't been to Zion since I went with my family and friends (shout out to the Goldtowners) as a teenager. The red rock walls I remembered did not disappoint. It is a beautiful park. This recent trip was very short, but I was able to try something new: canyoneering. We hiked and had 7 repels of approximately 100 ft. Wohoo!



In this next picture, please observe that my feet are above my head. That is NOT what you want to have happen. :) It was my first drop, and obviously I got it wrong at first. Not to worry, I was able to right myself shortly thereafter.





After the first one, I got the hang of it. I really had a GREAT time. I loved it. I felt pretty relaxed. (Although this next picture doesn't show it too well. I think I look a little stiff. I remember being less comfortable holding myself still for multiple pictures.)







This was one of our last repels. It was one of my favorites. Look at how the boulder is wedged. So cool. It was a sweet view to look up at as I descended.





Holly and I had a few war wounds (cuts and bruises) to show for our efforts.
It was worth it.

In full swing

As you may have noticed, I have been ridiculously out-of-date and neglectful in my postings. Thank you for coming back even though it's been months. The spring was busy with family stuff (which has settled a bit) and then a lot of work trips. (Not really blog worthy stuff.) I started to get back into fun adventures in the last few weeks. I just posted the Yosemite trip. Enjoy. ( I didn't want three posts in one day - thus the post dating trick.) I'll be adding a few more adventures in the next little bit.
Again, thanks for stopping by.

Yosemite

Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise,
a glitter of green and golden wonder
in a vast edifice of stone and space.
Ansel Adams

In June,
I was able to spend a few days with friends in Yosemite and the surrounding area.
We enjoyed the grandeur of God's creation mainly through hiking. It was glorious.
I would like to say that we also enjoyed camping, but the villa was too amazing to resist. No roughing it this time. We gorged ourselves on gourmet meals, pampered sore muscles in a hot tub, relaxed with books on the lakeshore, watched movies in a home theater, rocked out with SingStar, and created memories to last a lifetime.
I am blessed with amazing friends with whom adventure abounds and laughter follows.

Fáilte, Welcome to Ireland

May the road rise up to meet you










May the wind be always at your back







May the sun shine warm upon your face





And the rains fall soft upon your fields













'til we meet again





May God hold you in His hands












It felt as though an Irish blessing bestowed upon me in my travels to Ireland with my mother and aunt. We traveled the countryside, navigated Dublin traffic, sailed a ferry, walked in the rain, ate by candlelight, listened to a jig, laughed like children, and slept like queens. Every person we encountered was friendly, generous, and kind.

Slán go fóill

Goodbye for now Ireland.
I will return.