Day 15 Kauai - Spouting Horn

Days 15

Another smashing day in paradise. CAVU (Ceiling and Visability Unlimited).

This morning we took Poipu Road to the traffic circle and then along the Lawai coastal road toward the Spouting Horn and the Botanical Gardens. We drove past multi-million dollar homes—not huge mansions, just nice homes, fairly close together. The multi part is the location on the Pacific beach.

We came to the entrance marked Botanical Gardens, gleefully finding a shady parking spot and walking down a landscaped entrance past poster billboards explaining the five different gardens and the length of various tours, from one and one-half hours and up.

Self-guided walking tours were available. “Pick up a self-guided tour map at the visitor’s center,” the sign proclaimed. This sounded perfect for an elderly couple. And so, we walked past the gift shop and up the leafy walkway to the visitor’s center, manned by two ladies speaking in some sort of tongue, making no sense. A tour bus was parked next to the building. I searched the counters for the self-guided tour brochure while Dave tried to make sense of the woman’s speech.

Turns out this lovely few acres of garden walkway was merely a tourist trap, designed to sell tours to the real garden which was three miles away. Older, but wiser, Dave and I returned to the car, abandoning our special parking spot and drove on to the viewing end of the road. Here we encountered a securely locked gate which, presumably, prohibited non-paying patrons from entering the gardens.

 

 

 

 

No matter, who needs a tour, anyway? The entire island is a garden—free to all. Just open your eyes. Flexibility.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little rise lead us to many pull-outs that overlooked picture-postcard views of the coast and the “Spouting Horn” which is nothing more than a hole in the black lava rocks through which the surf can spout up. Pretty, and free to see.

 

Speaking of black lava rocks, this is a volcanic island, of course, created from lava, some of which litters the sea bottom. Later in the day, when Dave and I took our snorkeling tour of the Poipu beach area in front of our hotel, we did our best to avoid them as we fell through the churning surf. Getting in and out of the breakers is the biggest challenge. After that one must swim through the swells at great effort as they move you here and there, relentlessly. I suppose that more seasoned swimmers have it figured out, but it was an effort for the two of us. We were equipped with life belts and swim fins, as well as the snorkeling mask and breathing tube. I am the better swimmer and so I always hold Dave’s hand. He has never entirely overcome his fear of water, plus he has this built-in “on-guard” attitude, always in protective mode around his wife.

Soon I realized that we needed to paddle out to where the bulk of the snorkelers were gathered, uncomfortably close to the outer breakers which defined the safe swimming area. We were able to skirt close enough to the edges of this area to see swarms of colorful fish which lived in this rock-strewn area. Aha! Just as we were told, the fish lived among the rocks. How deep was it here? Maybe ten feet, I don’t know. The water was perfectly clear and we could see everything without submerging. Once we saw a sea snake, wiggling along the bottom. Later someone told me this was an eel. Who knows? Who cares? This was fun. We floated along, constantly working our swim fins to avoid being washed ashore by the swells. I soon forgot how much my big toe hurt, as I’m sure Dave forgot his knee pain.

After what seemed like twenty minutes, but was more like an hour, I was ready to quit from the exertion. Getting back through the surf was easier for me than for Dave—still it was challenging. I managed to avoid the sharp rocks by floating in on a wave. Dave struggled, but made it, refusing to admit he was cut up, again.

A brief rest, washing off the sand with a hose, and a dip in the pool was plenty of activity for the day. We returned to our rooms to shower and dress. Dave collapsed in front of the TV and I left for my appointment for the ukulele lesson. The teacher was excellent. She was prepared with a dozen or so instruments all tuned and ready. In no time she had her class singing and strumming along. She didn’t even ask for tips. Amazing. Still I insisted on leaving a five dollar tip. No much, considering. She kindly pushed her personal instrument into my hands, telling me to practice and bring it back in three days when we checked out.

Amazing. She didn’t even know my name.

Kauai Day 14 Wiamea Canyon Drive

Day 14 Wiamea Canyon Drive

Today was one of those rare days when there were no clouds over the wettest place on earth. Somewhere I heard that only happens seven times a year—a perfect day for a drive up the volcano.

We started the day at ten o’clock with the fish-feeding time at the front entrance. There is a lovely water feature in two levels with a waterfall in between, surrounded by lawn and tropical plants. The pond is home to dozens of large Koi fish and many tiny fish fry. I saw no small fish, so I suppose that the fry became part of the diet.

Once a day a few guests, so inclined, gather on the lawn to watch the youngsters feed the fish. At first it was just Dave and I and one other family from California—mother, father and two young sons. I became acquainted with Vickie, the mother, who was a Journalism major and so we had a lot to talk about. They have relatives from Michigan, South Haven and Grand Rapids.

The boys operated their two cameras, one a tiny video camera called a “GoPro,” which could operate underwater. They also have relatives here, in Princeville, lucky for them. We talked about today’s high tech children, lamenting how they are losing the art of cursive and spelling. I hoped to run into them again. Was sorry I didn’t have my business cards with me. Must keep some in my pocket.

 

At about 10:30, we left directly from there for our trip along the southern coast until we turned inland on route 552, having missed our turn at route 550. The coastal drive is interesting, through some open spaces, small towns and ocean views. Nearing route 552 we drove along the “Barking Sands” beaches. I knew we must have missed our turn. On the map 552 is shown as having more twists and turns than 550. Nevertheless we took it, not fearing a bit of mountain driving.

The two lane road was good and well-marked. Occasionally we caught a glimpse of the blue Pacific below. This must have been a favorite route for sight-seeing busses, because we met a half dozen of them, and very few cars.

At last we came to the first visitors’ viewing area where we knew there would be spectacular views of Wiamea Canyone, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. There was a vendor in the lot, selling fruits, snacks and beverages. I declined the public toilets but Dave, being a healthy but elderly gentleman, believes in the motto, “Never pass up an opportunity…” After a few minutes he returned, laughing ruefully, and telling about the open-air urinal at which you had to be careful that your urine didn’t blow back at you.

The wind always blows on Kauai.

There was a steep climb to the viewing area, which was on an incline. Most of the folks were mature, but a few kids let off steam by scrambling up and down like monkeys.

Ever mindful of the dangers of falling, Dave and I always watch our step carefully, while he holds my arm.

Leaving this viewing area, we drove on up to another and another. Dave was tiring of the long drive, ready to go home, but I pressed him onward.

 

I knew there was a campground above us with picnic tables. And so we drove on. For once my memory was right. By now, the air had cooled from the elevation, and so we chose a sunny table for our lunch break. The ever-present wild chickens gathered ‘round hoping for crumbs, in the same way the ants gather at home. They have no fear of humans. These chickens are everywhere on Kauai, quite beautiful.

Back to our drive.

I stated that I would like to turn left and see what was on up the road. On a previous occasion, we had gone no further than the campground.

Dave thought that road only led to the other side of the campground. He was ready to go home. Deciding to say no more, I zipped my lip, thinking he certainly had every right to be getting tired. And so, I was surprised when, upon leaving the parking lot, he turned left. Up the hill we went for another few miles. I began to catch glimpses of ocean through the dense foliage, although I could not swear it was ocean and not merely sky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crikey! another viewing area. This one looked out over the famous NaPali coast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suddenly no longer the least bit tired, we set off on another walk to gape at more gorgeous views.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m afraid that these pictures do not do justice to the depth perception. But, try to bear in mind that we were looking down about at the ocean below. The Na Pali cliffs rise about 4000 plus feet. The blue that you see is actually the ocean. Notice the clouds hanging on the horizon about at eye level with the camera.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been fortunate, on previous visits to Kauai to see the cliffs from a catamaran and also, from the hiking trail. Below is a professional picture taken from the trail, to give you another perspective.

Courtesy of Wikipedia Encyclopedia, online. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much revived, Dave turned left again, determined to hoe to the very end of the road. We were rewarded by another visitor-viewing area of the NaPali cliffs-- some say it is the wettest place on earth-- bathed in sunlight for our benefit on this rare day in September. I wondered how many of the other visitors realized what a gift this was. By tomorrow it will be hidden from view, again.

Here we are looking down 5148 feet, according to the sign.

 

 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The entire trip took almost two and one half hours, even though we covered perhaps only forty miles or so. The speed rarely exceeds 25 mph on the straightaway.

Arriving home, mid-afternoon, we spend the remainder of the day reading and watching TV. I think we are going to try snorkeling tomorrow.

 

 

A

Days 11-13 Lazy Beach Bums

Day 11 & 12

Where is the time going? Too fast. Cannot believe it. Feeling a tad melancholy. At our age we cannot, honestly, look forward to the next time. Each time could be the last. Oh—stop the clock! Two weeks is not enough. Should make it three or four. Once before we came for thirty days. Was that too much?

Day 13

 Rainy day. In this tropical paradise, it doesn’t rain all the time, but intermittently. Clouds will move in from the mountains and hang around all day. Then all at once it will start sprinkling, sometimes during the sunshine. In a few minutes it quits. Only twice, during our stay, has it actually rained hard and then for a few minutes. It was a good day to go grocery shopping.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, the roosters do crow in the morning. This is the big guy that lives in our little garden right outside our bedroom. Here he is, cranking up to crow.

 

 

 

 

We drove into Poipu to a supermarket. Dave loaded up with enough groceries for the rest of our stay.

Now I was able to walk to the beach area and back. We spent some time sitting at the pool reading and then moved over to a couple of lounge chairs ocean-side. It seemed prudent for Dave to stay out of the water until his cut heals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe we will take a drive down the coast, manấna. We seem to have no ambition.

 

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.......................

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tomorrow Day 14 Grand Canyon of the Pacific & Na-Pali Coast Drive

 

Hawaii Vol 4, Day 10 Mariott Waiokai Beach Resort

Day 10

At the Marriott Waiokai Beach Resort

 

Slept well. Awake at 7:00 AM. Breakfast on the patio. Reading mystery stories.

Answering email letters. Why is it that every time I get away from home on a nice long vacation trip, someone from back home needs an answer NOW? Don’t they know a person needs downtime? Well, it’s nice to be needed, right?

Donned shorts. Took our books to the beach area. Selected chaise lounges in a shady spot to read and watch the surfers.

 

This is a big place. We are in one of the back buildings, farthest away from the beach, but close to the parking lot. Dave had requested a ground floor, which explains why we didn’t get a better view. From our entrance to the beach is a long beautiful garden with pools and waterfalls, but I get tired walking in my rubber flipflops. 

 

 

 

Back home for lunch.

 

Donned bathing suits for a trip to the beach. Dave has figured out how to save walking. He drives me to the hotel entrance, parks in visitor parking. From there we walk to the beach.

The Poipu State Park beach directly adjoins the Marriott, and so we walked over there and took two lounge chairs. Left our stuff and headed for the ocean. I thought I knew where the easiest place would be for Dave to swim and so I led him down the shore a ways to where the waves appeared calmer and more young children were in the water.

 

We stopped too short, however. No sooner had we waded in than we were plummeted by strong surf, thrown around among rocks underfoot. Dave got cut on his leg. Since he takes aspirin to thin the blood, he bled profusely. We left the water. This time I asked another couple where to swim and they pointed out a place with fewer rocks. Here we found better footing, mostly sand and a few rocks. Dave would only go in a little way and so we were fighting the swells which rocked up back and forth. The surf is very strong here even though we were not in the worst of it.

After getting out and washing off the sand, we got into a warm swimming pool. Much easier and quieter.

 

Went home, bathed and changed. Back to the beach to have dinner in the restaurant. And listen to live Hawaiian music. So sweet and beautiful. Guitar and soft mellow voice.

Walked over to the best viewing spot and watched the spectacular Hawaiian sunset. Back home for television and more emails.

Started reading my third novel and stayed up too late. I love to read almost as much as I love to write.

Hawaii Vol.4 Kauai, Day 5 Paradise

Day 5

Our first full day in paradise.

Coffee on the lanai, breathing the ocean breezes as the symphony of surf and palm fronds caressed our ears, soaking sunshine, admiring flowers and the antics of the birds.

 

A day of rest, allowing our bodies and bowels to catch up.

 

A trip to the food market, monitoring the astonishingly high prices, flexible and happy, wondering whether our cash will hold out. “No worries,” said Dave. “I put it on the plastic.”

 

Tomorrow: Day 6