On February 14th, the Minders (my sister and her 2 daughters, ages 14 & 16) arrived for an eight day stay with us on the island of Kauai.  The kids were very excited to have their cousins come to share in their adventures.  Before we left, I had anticipated the kids meeting other peers their age and sharing in typical teenage fun.  However, we were staying in the Hanalie/Princeville area and all the middle  and high schoolers were attending school in Kapaa, about a half hour away. Kids between the ages of 12 and 14 were no where to be found.  I also, was very excited to share in some female companionship with my sister. A week later, Willie would share the same excitement with his brothers arrival.  Although we met many super nice people on the island, there is nothing like the familiarity of family.

The Minder Family – Margot, Rayna,Olivia

Just hanging out with the cousins.

A hike to Queen’s Bath

Sisters.

Campfire and Smores on the beach at Hanalei Peir.

Beach combing at Tunnels.

Saying goodbye……

is hard to do……

The Kalalau Trail is a beautiful 22 mile round trip hike along the cliffs of the Napali Coast.  It is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous hikes in the U.S. due to its often very muddy and slippery steep ascents on narrow trails, with steep drop offs. We took my sister and nieces on the first 2 miles of the hike to the Hanakapi’ai river crossing.  The day we did it, the winds were howling and the trail was very muddy, but it was well worth it.  The views from the trail were spectacular.  When we got to the beach just beyond the river crossing, we were greeted by a multitude of stacked rocks and crashing waves that rivaled any fire works display I’ve ever seen. Fortunately, the river was low despite the previous frequent and heavy rains.  Two days later, the river would take the life of a women swept away by the strong currents created by flash flooding.

Twenty years ago on Valentine’s Day, Willie proposed to me.  Although he is still my one and only true love, there is a new love in my life.  It is 7ft 1 in. tall and 21.5 inches wide and blonde.

This board was made by a local shaper named Mark, who lives here in Hanalei. His company is called Papa Sau.  Willie met him in the beach parking lot in Kapaa.  He had a truck full of boards.  After a short conversation and a couple of phone calls, I got my hands on this board.  It was love at first ride.  It is everything I have wanted in a board.  I hope we share many good years together.  Although Willie is a bit jealous of our relationship, he put his feelings aside, decorated it with flowers and presented it to me on Valentine’s Day.  I am a very lucky lady!

Sunrise

Sunset