Beauty in Paradise

A day after James left for training (the first training in January) on the Big Island, I flew out to Kauai to be with Mormor and Papa.  

Kauai- the "come as you are" country island is so chill that it is easy to lose track of time, to gaze into every oasis sunset, and watch the ivory moon rise as it reflects off a blue sapphire lagoon.

I so enjoyed my time with Mormor and Papa.  Mormor and Papa have 20 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.  In the midst of life, the hustle bustle of each person's own schedule and splitting attention between family and activities, it is always a joy to spend time with the grandparent alone.  It is like getting that last bite of brownies... that first smell of spring... 

We all went on a boat ride to see the world famous Napli coast.  It is so grand in its splendor.  The mysterious clouds hug the rugged coastline as the mighty waves crash upon the jagged surfaces of cliffs.  Mormor and I were in heaven just to be able to be on the water.  We could easily spend the whole day on the boat.  So the mixture of our joy and being smack dabbed in the glorious creation created a certain high... it was very addicting.

(Regardless of how my top looks on me, I promise you that I am NOT pregnant.)

As the boat swayed and rose with every swell that rolled in from the sea, flashes of grey frolic in front of the bow.  Dolphins swam in pods and happily entertained the besotted tourists.

In the distance, salt water sprouted in the breeze and we heard the captain mention for everyone to look as he steered the boat closer.  We were able to get, oh lets say, about 30 yards from the giant of the deep.  The blue whales are extremely shy and prefer to stay away, but to come up along side of one... wow.  They aren't exactly the most beautiful creature on the earth but one can't help but be in awe.

The only way to view the majestic coast line was either by boat, air or foot.  Papa and I could not fathom on how marvelous the coastline is in person so we gladly voted to hike part of the coastline trail.  The next morning we got up early and drove around the island to the first access point of the trail.

The hike was muddy, slippery and very narrow but the beauty did NOT disappoint us.  We enjoyed every bit of it.

Quick story... 

I mentioned that the trail was narrow... I really am serious.  At times the trail got so narrow and dangerous because it is muddy with a rocky cliff wall to your right and a sheer-gasp-and-swoon drop on your left.  The trail would be as narrow as eight inches wide.  The traffic was fairly heavy in both directions.  

As Papa and I were heading back, we met up with another couple head on the 8 inches strip.  In order to pass each other, we had to hug the cliff wall while the other carefully presses their body into yours as you help them pass.  I was in the midst of helping this lady pass when her foot slipped off the edge.  She went down and I grabbed for her.  Her husband and Papa reacted quickly by reaching for us.  With our hearts in our throats and blood pounding in our ears, the lady and I made eye contact.  The poor lady had pure terror in her eyes as she had one leg dangling over the edge and her fingers digging into my skin. The men gathered us up and hugged us to the wall.  Somehow we were able to make the switch and continue on down the trail with a shake of our heads and shaking whispers.  

What amazes me is that this whole thing took less than a minute, but I vividly recall that time stood still for several seconds.

(This is actually on one of the safer parts of the trail.)

At the turn around point for Papa and I, we went down to where the river met the sea.  There were signs posted every where, warning people to stay away from the mouth of the river.  The waves that crashes on the shore are so unpredictable and so powerful that many people have lost their lives.  

Of course we threw caution to the wind as it looked relatively calm.  I hung back and perch on a high rock while Papa went and stood on the beach just past the last rock.  I called out to him to get higher.  Of course, he just brushed aside my plead and just stood there marveling at the gigantic waves and snapping away pictures.  

Before he could blink, a wave crashed up on the shore and flooded the area.  He scrambled to fight the current, hold the camera above his head and leap over the rocks. The river that wasn't there suddenly rose to his waist in a matter of nanoseconds!  I finally sternly told Papa to get his butt up by me...  Still didn't listen, instead, I had to lure him with promises of snacks and water to get him to come and sit by me. 

I am sure Papa has a different side of this story.

(He went beyond the rocks.  I felt like a mother fearfully watching her child doing something dangerous)

The Waimea Canyon of Kauai is truly a sight to behold.  I faintly recall visiting the Grand Canyon.  They, of course, are very different.  I love thinking that there is this vast gorgeous canyon on one of the small Hawaiian islands.

I am so very glad that I went on this trip with Mormor and Papa.  They help ease the ache of separating from my husband.  They lighten my heart with sweet smiles, hugs and conversations. I dream of the next trip that I can take with them... just the three of us.

My joy is having 4 living grandparents that I love and adore... not many people can proudly boast that fact.