Since I didn't have to chase after a child, so I got to BE the child!
Sea turtles on shore:
What a great "second honeymoon!"
How did we end up back in Wyoming!? Oh wait - there is ocean ahead - this can't be Wyoming.
Definitely not Wyoming! In fact, this is the southernmost location in the United States.
"How did those guys get down there?" you might ask.
Answer:
No, the guy at the top of the cliff did not drop the kid he's holding, but my "mommy heart" did beat overtime.
"CHEESE!"
After a dirt road to get to the southernmost point, we took a 4x4 ONLY trail for a few miles. Then we hiked a few more miles to see the remote and gorgeous Green Sands beach. Don't ask how we got down to the beach - I don't think we could do it it the same way twice. After getting down there, a nice couple informed us that there was a much easier path where a series of rocks act as "stairs" of sorts. Of course, we went UP that way, and it was much easier! This photo really deserves clicking for enlargement.
We frolicked like carefree children in the ocean. Swimsuits, the camera and a camelback (water) made the journey with us. Sadly, towels did not! Oh well, we had a 2-3 mile hike back to the Jeep for the sun to work its' magic.
We chuckled over this ironic National Park sign:
Hawaiian history lesson: if criminals made it to the other side of the wall (upper right side of photo), they were absolved by a "priest" and could return unharmed to society. (Hence, "The Place of Refuge.")
Oh, Miss Tree, your roots are showing! Not only that, but these trees were growing out of a large lava rock formation!
St. Benedict's painted church:
Keep in mind that all of these photos were taken on the same day. While we did eat a good breakfast, the rest of the day found us snacking on some fruit and granola bars. Needless to say, we were famished when we hit civilization and really enjoyed the "Fodor's Choice" restaurant, just north of Captain Cook (named for the geographic location first "discovered" by this explorer). We dined on fresh mahi mahi plus sides, complete with a chocolate volcano dessert. Look carefully, and you will see that our tummies are actually smiling!
The moon lit our drive to the opposite side of the island, back to Volcanoes Park (approximately a two hour drive).
Non-photographed visits from this day: Bay View Kona Coffee Farm and Kealakekua Bay.
1 comment:
Whew! I'm getting tired just thinking of all the hiking and driving you guys were doing! Looks like you had a blast...glad you're getting to see a lot of Hawaii before you leave! My parents are planning a trip to the Big Island next year, I'll have to get some pointers from you to give to them.
Thanks for sharing your breathtaking photos and views!!
Post a Comment