Happy Birthday Davaa!

Happy Birthday Davaa. Yes, yesterday was Davaa's birthday - so a few of her friends (including us) got together at her apartment to celebrate. Here is Davaa and Scott. Her roommate Scott is an amazing chef. Everything was YUMMY!!

Birthday girl blowing out her candle - yes one big one! :-)

Davaa and Nyama - they were partners in Cirque Hawaii Trapeze performance art.

Miss Davaa being a nice hostess.

We got her Victoria's Secret makeup kit. We were glad she liked it and used it right there.

Manana Trail - Koolau Summit (half way)

As usual, it is Saturday - another hiking day. We had plans to hike Aiea Loop - but since it ended up being just the two of us - we tried something new.

Manana Trail in Pearl city - this time going up to the summit.

Here is Keith - packed about 50 pounds of stuff and made it all the way and back with no back problem.

The view along the trail is just breathtaking!

Me - taking a breather and drink of water. With the rain and wind, I was still sweating!

Here is the happy hiker!

We didn't go all the up to the summit (it is about 11.5 mile round trip) so we hiked halfway up and set up camp - our trusty little tent.

Doesn't this look comfortable? I was ready to take a nap - but the chef has the lunch serving!

The chef and camp director!

Look at how narrow the ridges are. Sraight drop on both sides.

Here is the sign indicating how far the summit is.

We are back at the beginning though. Good hike and one day, we might just hike to the summit!

Diamond Head

Everyone who has seen a picture of Hawaii, especially Waikiki, has seen the Diamond Head - this hill is the background on most Waikiki scenic pictures - the landmark that people recognize.

Diamond Head or Le'ahi is the volcanic crater that is believed to have formed from a single eruption about 300,000 years ago. In 1904 it was purchased by the federal government for military use. As you climb, it you will notice the batteries and fortifications that were built for coastal defence. In 1968, the Diamond Head became a National Natural Monument and is now open to public to hike for the breathtaking view from up top.

The trail was originally built as part of the U.S. Army Coastal Artillery defense system. Now, the hike is 0.8 mile or 1.3 km one way and climb of 560 feet or 171 m. from the crater floor.

From paved trail, to the firt and rock winding climb leads to steep 74 stairs and into the first tunnel that is 225 foot long and dimly lit. Second stairway is at the end of the tunnel with 99 steps. Top of the stairway leads to second tunnel and spiral staircase of 52 steps up which will get you out in a concrete observation station. Once you get out of the station, there are 54 more metal stairs and you are at the summit with these gorgeous views.

The hike is fairly easy and absolutely worth the hike.

We have done this hike many times (literally lost count). We have brought family and friends here or just the two of us for little fun or exercise.

This last Thursday was one of those days. We left home about noon and in the midday sun, we decided to hike the Diamond Head - and actually do it in "racing." We got up at the top in 15-17 minutes.

I am grateful for what we have as in beauty we view that surround us and as in health as we push ourselves and know we can achieve more when we take care of ourselves physically and mentally.

Run Forest Run!!!

I have always enjoyed outdoors - we hiked much together ever since we met. And now we are getting back into it again. But, running has never been something I liked to do.

I have started running sometime in April - first it was tiring and irritating at times - I was not putting my mind to it, I guess. So, it wasn't something I was looking forward too.

But, eventually I got a bit better at it and started actually enjoying it and felt stiff and tired if I didn't run that morning or the evening before.

Yesterday, I wanted to push myself and see how fast I could actually run. So, my goal was to run half a mile in 4 minutes and see if I can get the distance longer with more practice - eventually. Well, you have to understand that I just had run mile and a half already. Still, I did. I did run the half a mile of it in 3 minutes 29 seconds. Hooray. But, I was totally beat though, afterwards. Still, I did it. I walked the next half a mile - slowly and the last half with a bit more spring.

I am glad that I stuck to it. I just need to keep running!!!

Girls day out

One of my very dear friends - Carolina - is moving!!! I guess that is life in the military. You know you will be moving and saying goodbyes to friends and making new ones. We just need to make sure we don't loose the ones we have made along the way.

Carolina and I have become very good friends. We laughed, cried, played and ate together. So, today we have decided to continue the tradition and hang out for the better part of the day. We went shopping for some packing stuff for Carolina, had heartfelt conversation and had too much to eat at Chili's.

The server lady was nice enough to help us out with the picture. So, we got two pictures - fairly decent looking if I can say so myself. :-)

Well, be happy and smile my friend. We will see each other again soon I am sure and keep in touch. Oh, actually, I will need to see you again before you leave - I am going to take you to some places you have never went to in your three years here on the island!!!

He got me a dog

We have a fair in Hawaii. Since it can't really travel far without getting on a boat, it stays on the island. Just moves around changing its name depending on where it is. When it is set up in Aloha Stadium Parking area, it is the 50th State Fair.

I have driven by it soooo many times, but wasn't ever so compelled to go that I actually went. But, lately I have mentioned it a couple of times to Keith. Evidently, he has been listening - because he took me there yesterday.

We got there a bit late, I thought. :-) We were actually right on time - all the fun evidently starts after dark and late. We walked around to figure out where was what.
Here is a bottle game - you throw and ring to hook over the bottle neck. The winning prize: the monkey.

Here I got two little toys - one for each of us from balloon darts win.

I wanted this dog - the kind from the Men in Black movie - so he got it for me. He actually did the impossible. Evidently people can't crack two plates with one ball and one shot. He did it. The employees had somewhat of a hard time believing it. But, he did it and here he has the prize for me. :-) Thank you sweetie.

Me - enjoying my long waited Cherry Garcia ice cream. Haven't had one for a very long time - was yummy but somewhat extra sweet.

Here is my sweetie holding our puppy - on a ferris wheel.

View from the ferris wheel. Keith actually got on it with me - gosh - I love you so much. Thank you. (Didn't you hear he doesn't like heights?)

Me holding our puppy.

He made it. Hooray!!! Even if he didn't admit it, he enjoyed himself on the ferris wheel.

Once we got down - here it is.

We enjoyed our evening at the state fair. I am sure we will go to another fair in another state and will fondly think back to this one.

Makiki Trails

Hawaii has so many hiking trails. Each of them are unique with their different sceneries, vegetation, and the difficulty levels of course.

Keith and I both enjoy hiking and exploring the nature. Today, we hiked in Makiki - the last time we hiked there was about 5-6 years ago, I want to say. So, it was quite an adventure - we got there after a couple of U-turns and once we got there, it felt like it was a new trail for us until we get to certain areas and remember - "oh, I remember this." Fun, fun, fun!!!

The pictures aren't so clear since we took them on our cell phone (forgot the camera - unbelievable - but another sign of me getting old and having some memory issues... :-)

This is the map of the trails in Makiki. We started at the bottom left where the Hawaii Nature Center is and made our way around the loop clockwise and went on to the stretch at the top and to the end of the trail - where we had a clear and breathtaking views of Nuuanu Valley, the Pali Highway and the Pali Lookout and beyond.

Nuuanu Valley water reservoir. Pali Highway in the background.

Makiki Cliff.

Nuuanu Valley - Pali Lookout.

We started on Kanealole Trail which hooks to Kaleawahine Trail then to Pauou Flats trail which ends at a clearing where we took the Nuunu valley pictures. There we were able to set up our one-person tent and take a little rest and enjoy leisurely lunch. (hope I spelled the trail names right - or somewhat close :-)

Keith inside and right at the entrance of the tent. It is one-person sleep system - so not very tall - I could kneel inside but Keith wasn't able to comfortably. But, it is long and wide enough we could sleep in it if we took it camping.

Me - enjoying the lunch my husband lovingly prepared for us.

After our lunch break we headed back down the Pauoa Flats trail, passed the Kaneawahine trail start and hooked up with Makiki Cliffs Trail, then to Moleka Trail, Makiki Valley Trail and to Maunalaha Trail, which brought us back to the starting stretch.

After 4 hours of steady pace hike and getting muddy, sweaty and tired, I can tell you it was all worth the view and the amazing experience. We weren't far from hustle bustle of the city; yet, felt like there were no civilization around for miles - the wind, the leaves, the trees, and the birds were the only ones making the sound around us and the clean fresh air smell was unbelievable.

If you ever decide to do this hike start on the loop clockwise. If not, the very first leg of your hike would fairly good steep uphill. Looking up from the bottom could be somewhat disheartening. Also, it is below the ridgeline - so the hot and still air isn't too pleasant. We went down on that stretch - at the very end of our hike - so the end being so close pushed us and added spring to our steps.

I am definitely grateful for the beautiful Hawaiian weather and the beauty of the nature that we can explore and enjoy year around.

Let me show you the ocean

On June 2, I was asked to pick up the family of BYUH student flying in from Mongolia for the graduation. I enjoy giving tours and showing people the beauty of the island as you have undoubtedly noticed. So, I thought I would post a few pictures of their awe in seeing the ocean so beautiful and so great.
At the Honolulu International Airport - aww the humid air (well, it is coming from dry and high altititude).

On the way to Laie, we stopped at Kualoma Beach Park to look at the Chinaman's Hat Island and to feel the water - the water was warm and waves gentle.

They all got in the water.

Even I did.

When I first came to the islands, I used to be an awe of the ocean and would go sit on a beach hours at a time - to hear the waves and feel the sand and water and smell the ocean. But, now I hardly seem to have time to do that - but when I get there it is to swim to snorkel and then leave. Just got to remember it is still as beautiful as it was more than a decade ago and enjoy it while I have the chance.