Sweet Home Alabama

Today has already been a long day & I haven't even bored my plane yet. So far we went back to the swap meet (flea market) - which we loved, then went to Kula. Kula is in the moutains and we went to a winery there & then ate lunch. We then drove down the road up in Kula and just looked at the beatuiful sights below of the coast. We then went to Ioa Valley which looked like a tropical nautral park. It was gorgeous! We then took Dan to the airport and now it's almost my turn. We're back at Amber & Jason's and I may take a nap before it's time to head out. I leave at 8:45pm. I'll post more pictures later. Call me lazy, but I'm exhausted! See you all soon!

Jason, Me, & Amber

Dan in the waterfall

Pictures from Hana - "W" named Waterfall

What a Long Day

Our day started bright & early at 3am. We all had to wake up & get on the road to watch the sunset at the top of Haleakala - which is the highest point on Maui and an inactive volcano. I fell asleep numerous times on the way there (took about an hour), but once we got to the summit the temperature was 42 degrees (we did prepare for that) and it was amazing! We were above the clouds. It was something I can say I've never done & will probably never do again - the early awakening killed me! But all in all, it was beautiful. We then ate breakfast at the Kona Lodge. It's amazing how tropical the island looks on the coast but when you're up on the volcano mountain it's pine trees & forests. We then came home before 8am and slept again until 10am. We then went out to rent a paddleboard & ventured out to the beach. I was the first to give it a try and it was fun - but not as easy as I had hoped. The wind was blowing hard and the water was choppy - Amber said it wasn't a good paddleboard day. None of us could really stay up, except Amber, who is the pro at it. Jason fell numerous times and Dan tried it for a record time of 2 mintues before quitting. My last adventure with the paddleboard resulted in falling into the ocean into some coral and scraping up my knuckles. We then went to eat some of our favorite shaved ice & back to the house. We're now cooking dinner. It's sad to think we have one day left, not even one full day. Dan flies out around 5:30pm and I fly out closer to 9pm. I don't return to Sweet Home Alabammy until close to 3pm. Just as Princess said, I will be sad to come back, but part of me is ready to be home. Ten days in Maui is a LONG time, but it's been so fun. I have managed to not get burnt & saw my first mongoose. It's been a trip of many firsts. Ok, see you all real soon! As always ... xoxoxo!!

Aloha from Maui!

Our Little Rental in Hana

Meet Harvey

I heart it!

Waianapanapa Black Beach

Hana - Day Three

We went to Waianapanapa Beach today (my new favorite word). It's one of Maui's black sand beaches. While it's not the most idea place to swim, it sure is pretty. We then stopped at some local little shops where I bought some good gifts and Dan & Jason bought some coconut shavings that had been baked in sugar cane - DELISH x 10! Dan can't seem to get enough of the coconut this trip. He cracks open coconuts, eats coconut shaved ice, coconut everything! It really is great here. Then we ventured home down the long, winding Hana Road. I honestly got car sick this time. I almost did the way down, but this time, yes. We had to pull over while I thought I was about to loose my lunch - but I didn't. I hadn't felt that way since I was a kid. Not fun. Imagine Lombard Street in San Fran x 10000 - that's Hana Road - and for 30+ miles. Ugggg...just thinking about it again makes me sick. We came home (I took a nap) and then we went out to a beach close by that happened to be a topless beach. We all got an eyefull there. I also met a cute little man by the name of Harvey. He was short, furry & of a terrier mix - imagine Baxter from Anchorman. He planted down on my blanket for most of our stay there. After the beach we went to Paia - cute little town near Amber & Jason's. We ate dinner there and are now home. We have to wake up at 3am (8am CST) to go to Haleakala to watch the famous Hawaiian sunrise. I meant to tell you all that Jason & Dan got invited to play golf with some men Jason knows in Hana. Kris Kristofferson was among those men. They are actually friends with Kris' nephew. I thought this was neat - Pat Benetar's husband was playing golf that night, too. They all have houses in Hana. Oh and to make if funnier - the land they were playing golf on was Oprah's land she has yet to bulid on. It's sad thinking that I'll be back in AL in a couple of short days. This trip has gone by fast and has truly been one of the best times of my life.

Dan & Jason

Hamoa Beach

Dan, Jason & Amber

Bamboo Forest Hike

Hana - Day Dos

I love it here! I wish we had more days out here. We went on another hike today. We walked through tall green bamboo forests and at the end we saw the most magnificant waterfall I've seen yet. It was the type of scene you see that totally takes your breath away. Roundtrip, it was a 4 mile hike. The way up was a steady gradual incline. It was a great workout considering I have not run yet since being here. Jason has some great shots of the waterfall and us each under it - but he didn't bring his converter. I'll post those later. We then ate lunch at a little local Hawaiian place. It's so funny, several of the locals have little stands outside of their house selling tropical fruit or lunch/dinner. Amber had her sights set on this one place since we pulled in. We each had bbq chicken & macaroni salad & sticky rice. It was wonderful! We then went to Hamoa Beach - it was absolutely beautiful. It was almost a black beach. Dan & Jason took boogie boards but came in after 20 min or so due to the undertow. It was fun watching them. We all then piled back in the car to go to the Venus Pool one last time. I don't know why I was so scared each time, but I was so scared to jump. It took some heavy convincing, but we all did it. All in all, another epic Hawaiian day. Only two & a half more days until the real world returns. *pouty face*

Sunset

Amber's Resting Spot

The Venus Pool - Hana

I heart Hana!

Finally - after 30 or so minutes ...

Dan - Venus Pool

Jason - Venus Pool

Hana - Day One

Hana is heaven. It's easily the most beautiful place I have ever seen. Period. It is a true tropical paradise. No condos, no hotels (ok, well one), not crowded - just palm trees, plumeria trees, banana trees, the greenest grass and just lush jungles. I love it. We took the famous "Road to Hana" and it has been quoted to have 600+ curves in the road that makes for one car sick dog (sam & sophie are with us). It did make me whoosie somewhat. We ate lunch at this little beach down the road and then went to the Venus Pool that I have heard so much about. It is easily the most tropical place I've ever seen. It's amazing! Dan & Jason jumped off the top cliff (30+ feet) and then they all waited, and waited, and waited on me to jump. Amber went on the short cliff. Then, after what seemed like long enough for my shoulders to get burnt I jumped. Holding my nose. (lol) It was a lot of fun! We then hiked around towards the ocean and saw some pretty amazing sights. We are now back in our rental house - it's awesome! All the windows are open, Jason is playing his guitar, Amber is napping & Dan is walking around outside. We haven't turned on the TV yet, doubt we will. I'm surprised that we have wireless! I'm looking out the living room window now staring at the Pacific Ocean. I love it here. (How many times will I say that?) We're cooking out tonight then doing who knows what ... I have a feeling it may involve a card game (sigh). So, enjoy the pictures! They are my favorite so far!

A Long & Winding Day

I have to make this short as we're about to walk out the door now to Hana for two days. So yesterday we went to Lahaina again (one of my fav places) to a Marriott resort that was unreal. It was gorgeous! We camped out on the beach for a bit, me - in a hammock for about an hour - then hung out at the pool. We got to watch a bunch of people try to learn to surf. I actually got a little burnt that day. I will blame that on my carelessness of the adult beverages. :) We ventured down to the little town of Lahaina for early dinner and then shaved ice. We then "tried" to go home, but the way to home was blocked for six hours due to a huge car accident. We had to take the other way - all around the island. One portion was a one way road that winded around the cliffs by the ocean. Needless to say, Amber was scared. We made it back - I had fallen asleep in the car. I was so pooped that by the time we got home I just went straight to bed. So now we're on our way to the lovely Hana for two days. I doubt I'll take my lap top as there probably won't be cell phone service or wirless. toodle- loo!

Jason's Great Leap

Hiking Back

Bridge Two - All of Us

Help me up, Dan!

Bridge One - Amber being oh-so careful

Twin Bridges Hike aka Swinging Bridges

I'm pooperdinked from today. Thanks to my Maui Revealed, we found a hike called the Twin Bridges Hike. Speaking of the book, it's so funny because we've seen someone each day carrying it around & looking for something. We can spot that book a mile away! Mine is the only one with those sticky notes on the edges though. :) Ok, so the hike was 3 hours & 4 miles long. It was beautiful! We went over two of those swinging bridge that would remind you of that bridge from Indiana Jones. At the end was a small waterfall (20 feet or more high) that we all jumped off of. Amber was Hesitant Hannah, but she did it. We were all so tired from the hike that we just ate lunch then went to Costco to get groceries for Hana. We leave for Hana on Tues and return Thurs. Amber & Jason say it's the ultimate Hawaiian spot! I hope to find a hammock somewhere and just lay in the sun. By the way, I have yet to put on make up or get ready to go out. Everyday we listen to Bob Marley and as of today just started listening to the radio - every song on the radio still sounds like Bob Marley though. Everyone here is so laid back - we just put a cover up on and go out to lunch or dinner after a day at the beach. I love it! I have yet to even think about work. We still have six days left here and it seems as though we've seen a lot already. Time here goes by so slowly it seems - Jason told us it would. I hope everyone back home is lovely ... Amber Monty - safe travels to you as you go to South Africa!!
xoxoxo ~ AC

West Coast of Maui

Feed the birds....

Jason's Shaded Bed

This is where we snorkeled

Another Epic Hawaiian Day

It's almost 10pm here & I'm tired. We have had a long day, again. We got a late start but went to a little Hawaiian swap meet. I bought some nice little gifts for my family (and myself) and so did Boo. I actually could have bought a lot there, it was really neat. We then went to Lahaina (which I loved) and rented snorkel gear and went to a nice little cove. We snorkeled for a short time then camped out there for a couple of hours. Dan fed the birds that were around and managed to have them all land in our area & stay around. Jason, Amber & Dan loved it - me, not so much. We then left & drove around the West part of Maui for about an hour. We saw a lot of the coast and did a short hike. Jason was offered some Maui Wowie twice. Me not knowing what that was wanted some - then found out it was pot. After realizing that I still wanted some. Kidding, kidding ... We then spent the rest of the night back in Lahaina looking in all the shops and of course, eating shaved ice. I have decided to become a shaved ice expert & research all the shaved ice on the island. We ate some Ahi burgers for dinner and now we are home. Most of you may be surprised to know I am not yet burnt. Everyone else is a little red. It is HOT out here ... but the water is surprisingly somewhat cool. I'm still adjusting to the time change. Watch me get used to it the day we leave, that'll happen. So, enjoy the pictures from today! Aloha!

Heaven - Makena Beach

Makena Beach - Amber Loves Coronas

Fun Times

Water Cold - Cold Water

Dan's Great Dive

The "H" Falls

Aloha!

Aloha!! The flight to HI wasn't as bad as I thought although the entire trip was around 15 hours. Dan & I got in around 8pm Hawaiian Time (1:00am CST) & Amber & Jason were there to greet us with leis (Wes: not 'lays'). We stayed up as late as possible to make up for the time difference, but no fail, I woke up wide awake at 5am HI time. Everyone got up eventually a few hours later and we made it to the Holnopou Falls - which was maybe 5 min from Amber & Jason's. (Oh and their place is soooo cute! I couldn't imagine it any cuter! When we arrived their neighbors lit all their tiki lights lining the drive way. Amber had plumeria on my bed and it was just lovely!) Pictures to follow from the Falls. It was a fun hike to get to and so pretty! We all jumped in - Dan dived in - then Amber & I jumped into a smaller falls on the same hike. Everything here is so green, almost jungle like with vines everywhere. We ate lunch at Jaws and had some pretty good mahi burritos. We then ventured to Big Beach or Makena. It was unbelievably beautiful! The color the water was several different colors and you could see a couple of small islands off the coast. After 4ish hours there we went to get some official Hawaiian shaved ice. I might should say ... my favorite part of the day! I'd be ok to go back each day. We then ate dinner & watched the sun set. Oh and Amber pulled a Major Debbie Downer - stubbed her toe x 10! I mean, it looks horrible. At first I thought she may need stitches. Not good. Bad. This means no salt water for Amber - which will be nearly impossible. Ever since we woke up Jason has referred to the day as "An Epic Hawaiian Day." He assures each day will be that - we will have to see! I love Maui! It's funny how you see pictures and think "hey, that's pretty," but seeing it with your own eyes is totally different. So, here are some pictures from the day.

Time Flies!

Ten weeks ago I bought my ticket. I was so eager then to get this trip going! I thought it would never come, now look at it - 12 hours from now I'll be in the air somewhere between BHAM & Houston on the first portion (1 of 3) to my trip. I hope I can get wireless somewhere in the air (kidding - I really just laughed out loud to that)... Johnny has told me 2x how to do it - I imagine how mad he'll be if I don't figure it out. So, "IF" I don't figure it out, this may be the last time I have a post until Friday or Saturday. Until then my friends, wish me safe travels & as always, stay classy...
O&O,
AC

Oh my...

It hasn't even hit me yet that I'll be about 5,000 miles from sweet Bammy in several days. Panic hasn't set in yet either - as far as "have I packed it all? did i forget this? did i pay my rent already?" Watch me. I'll wait until the last minute because that's what I do. Then sheer panic sets in when I could have done it all days before. I guess all I need is a bathing suit (or two, or three), sunscreen, camera, several sundresses & my Rainbows. Oh, and good music. :) Any fun summer time songs that you'd recommend would be lovely. My sweet friend, Jeff, already emailed me a list of books. Here's my playlist so far - a good random mix:
Vacation - GoGos
Dancing with Myself - Billy Idol
PYT - Michael Jackson
Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran
She Drives Me Crazy - Fine Young Cannibals
Just What I Needed - The Cars
Tell Me Something Good - Chaka Kahn & Rufus
If I Could Walk on Water - Eddie (effen) Money
I Want to Go Back - The Money Man (again)
Love the One You're With - Stephen Stills
Tennessee - Arrested Development
'03 Bonnie & Clye - Jay Z & B
In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry
I Want You Back - Jackson 5
Plus my Bob Marley favorites, Jack Johnson & G. Love

Grass Skirts & Coconuts!

Oh, the countdown is coming to an end! Just to think: I bought my ticket 8 weeks ago! The time has flown by. I have bought two books to take on my trip, one of which I already started. So, if any of you have any recommendations on another book to take - that will keep me entertained & not make me fall asleep - let me know. I will leave you all with a little teaser of what's to come ... enjoy! Oh and SIX MORE DAYS!

Per Ber's Request

It's the FINAL COUNTDOWN!

So, Europe's great hit "Final Countdown" has been circulating in my head for the past two weeks or so. People at work are starting to get mad because I sing it at least once a day complete with fist pumping. I'm now in the final countdown of my trip to Maui! I am leaving May 29th & returning June 9th. Dan is going along for the trip, too. We will be staying with our lovely best pals, Amber & Jason (Sam, Sophie & Bentley). I can't stinking wait! We'll get to hike through bamboo jungles, jump into the Venus Pools, ride down the Road to Hana, paddle board, snorkel in Molokini & just act foolish. We may even venture to Ohau for the North Shore & Pearl Harbor! So, now you can follow my journey out to the South Pacific & keep checking back as I post pictures. I will make sure to keep this entertaining & fun. No seriousness here, folks. Ok - enjoy.
~AC