A real early start ... Checked in at 6.45 at Napali Catamaran in Hanalei where we were treated to pastries. Talked to them about the blue book which they really liked but were a little disappointed that the book gave them second place after 5 years of being first and in fact handling all the bookings for the now number 1 company. I felt sad too especially after the trip. I knew these people really give their best and do a good job. Why rank just for ranking? Keep two companies equal if they deserve it ...
The tour narration basically points sights of interest along the coast. In 15 minutes we see sea caves and waterfalls gushing right into the ocean and even waterfalls in caves. Soon we were in a sea cave - dark and deep (with dirty secrets? :-)) I thought this was it - but further along the coast, we entered another cave (?) that leads to a hong (as they call it in Thailand) with no ceiling and cliffs on all sides. I really enjoy this (both in Thailand and here) Check this out, there is a waterfall at the entrance of the cave that sprays on you as you ride by. The scenery changes from lush to leeward revealing the drama of the sheer drops and jagged ridges in lovely hues of red. Soon we passed by Kalalau beach and Nualalo to snorkel and we see a turtle bobbing up and down the gentle surf. Otherwise snorkeling was mediocre. Some fish near the boat that they fed (I wish they don't) 2 reef patches one towards the shore and one diagonally away with the usual underwater suspects. Of course G saw a white tipped reef shark and led me there but I guess it didn't like me much. Never saw it. R was enamored with a parrot fish like we all are on of first visit underwater. They served good sandwiches, sides, drinks and the sweetest pineapple. The return ride was fast and bumpy so take all your pictures on the way in.
On our return back to port, we bought a low acid pineapple from the Hanalei Shopping center for 5 bucks. Some say its expensive .. I just found it sweeeeeeeeeeet :-) We headed back to the condo, dropped D, went to Banana Joes and picked up mangoes and tried two of their frosties. (papaya pineapple was better than pineapple - but both are not recommendable). Soon we found ourselves on the Nounou trailhead to Sleeping Giants. the trail climbs nice and easy with views of the kapaa area. The views are urban for Kauai in that u see settlements, houses but then the backdrop is the ocean and Wailua river. So who's complaining! On reaching the picnic table, we were curious about that deadly dangerous path which led up when we saw people returning from there. Since we had trailblazers before us, we marched on while engaging in good conversation with a lady who joined us. The trail though steep and rocky is definitely doable and short(it is like the Royal Arch or Mt Sanitas trail of Boulder). Up there you get even more panaromic views before he hike down. We hardly felt the hike back since we were chatting with the professor from Nebraska all the way down. Took us 2.5 hrs, I think. We were ready to call it a day but R motivated us to try some boogie baording at Kealia. Though not the best ,even I caught some neat waves and there are some for all levels. G says the waves were slower than he would have liked.
We had a dressed up dinner at the Mediterranean gourmet. Their pita and hummus that kept coming was so welcome after the long day...
The tour narration basically points sights of interest along the coast. In 15 minutes we see sea caves and waterfalls gushing right into the ocean and even waterfalls in caves. Soon we were in a sea cave - dark and deep (with dirty secrets? :-)) I thought this was it - but further along the coast, we entered another cave (?) that leads to a hong (as they call it in Thailand) with no ceiling and cliffs on all sides. I really enjoy this (both in Thailand and here) Check this out, there is a waterfall at the entrance of the cave that sprays on you as you ride by. The scenery changes from lush to leeward revealing the drama of the sheer drops and jagged ridges in lovely hues of red. Soon we passed by Kalalau beach and Nualalo to snorkel and we see a turtle bobbing up and down the gentle surf. Otherwise snorkeling was mediocre. Some fish near the boat that they fed (I wish they don't) 2 reef patches one towards the shore and one diagonally away with the usual underwater suspects. Of course G saw a white tipped reef shark and led me there but I guess it didn't like me much. Never saw it. R was enamored with a parrot fish like we all are on of first visit underwater. They served good sandwiches, sides, drinks and the sweetest pineapple. The return ride was fast and bumpy so take all your pictures on the way in.
On our return back to port, we bought a low acid pineapple from the Hanalei Shopping center for 5 bucks. Some say its expensive .. I just found it sweeeeeeeeeeet :-) We headed back to the condo, dropped D, went to Banana Joes and picked up mangoes and tried two of their frosties. (papaya pineapple was better than pineapple - but both are not recommendable). Soon we found ourselves on the Nounou trailhead to Sleeping Giants. the trail climbs nice and easy with views of the kapaa area. The views are urban for Kauai in that u see settlements, houses but then the backdrop is the ocean and Wailua river. So who's complaining! On reaching the picnic table, we were curious about that deadly dangerous path which led up when we saw people returning from there. Since we had trailblazers before us, we marched on while engaging in good conversation with a lady who joined us. The trail though steep and rocky is definitely doable and short(it is like the Royal Arch or Mt Sanitas trail of Boulder). Up there you get even more panaromic views before he hike down. We hardly felt the hike back since we were chatting with the professor from Nebraska all the way down. Took us 2.5 hrs, I think. We were ready to call it a day but R motivated us to try some boogie baording at Kealia. Though not the best ,even I caught some neat waves and there are some for all levels. G says the waves were slower than he would have liked.
We had a dressed up dinner at the Mediterranean gourmet. Their pita and hummus that kept coming was so welcome after the long day...
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