Yeah, well, so, technically I am. One of my snapshots was picked up from Flickr to be included in a web map/guide thing. When they first notified me I was fairly excited. Now that I see it in action I'm a little underwhelmed. Nonetheless, I toot my own horn and announce to you that my photo is published.
Go here and then watch the upper right corner until it flips through images and you see one credited to hey_jenni. That's ME!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Happy in Hana
Last weekend we spent three wonderful days along the Hana coast on Maui. We explored and camped, ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the beauty and then explored and camped some more. It was a fantastic time and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Hana is famous for its greenery, its waterfalls, and the road that gets to you there - The Road to Hana. Both Bryan and I had always wanted to see it and had never been. Not too long ago I got the great idea that we should go and camp (because I'm cheap,and because camping in Hawaii is great). So that's what we did. I think it's completely ridiculous that we packed a tent, a cooler, a portable stove, some pots and pans and a whole bunch of stuff in four bags and hopped a 25 minute flight to Maui. But that's how you do things around here. Loaded up with all our junk in our rental car, after a brief breakdown soothed over by Krispy Kreme donuts (they have them on Maui! It's the thing to do there!) we hit the road. We first stopped in my new favorite town, Paia, which is like a teeny tiny Boulder - all granola-y but filled with expensive boutique shops. Ironically, their organic market was pure discount and we stocked up on yummy camp food. And then we embarked along The Road to Hana....
We hiked through a bamboo forest seeking a promised waterfall that in the end alluded us.
We witnessed many roadside waterfalls but sadly didn't get to hike to many. Most of them are only accessed by crossing private land and since the guidebooks have made this all public information, the landowners have gotten serious and have blocked off all access. I was a bit sad because what I wanted most was to swim under a waterfall.
We stopped for a short hike and lunch at along a gorgeous trail that led nowhere except to pretty green things and stunning views.
At the end of the day we booked it to our campsite at Wainapanapa beach.
There aren't adequate words to describe Wainapanapa except to say that it is beautiful and very, very special. It has a black sand beach, a lava tube you can walk through, a blow hole, fresh water caves, beautiful grounds and terrific spirit. I loved it immediately.
We set up camp and got to cooking. Completely geeking out with our headlamps and the full moon we had a blast.
Unfortunately what felt like hurricane weather rolled in that night. We didn't sleep at all due to winds that threatened to pick up the tent, with us in it, and whirl us into the night, and the constant downpour of rain. With a late start to our morning, we headed into the town of Hana for food. The town of Hana is just about as small as our apartment and not nearly as exciting. But it has food. And what it really has is gorgeous scenery. We took a short walk along the coastal cliffs and arrived at a red sand beach.
We then headed even further along the coast to swim in the Seven Sacred Pools. No such luck. The pools were closed because the streams were flowing too strong. We ended up on a hike that led us to a delightful surprise of a HUGE waterfall. Through bamboo forests, streams, and a good rainfall we hiked, got soaked, and had a great time.
After that it was back to the campground for a much better night that involved s'mores and much-needed restful sleep.
We woke up early on Easter Sunday to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean and breakfast cooked on an open flame (our stove ran out of fuel).
We spent our morning exploring the freshwater caves, taking a swim and relaxing on the black sand beach.
Then it was time to pack up camp. I reluctantly said goodbye to Wainapanapa and we prepared to head back along The Road to Hana (or from Hana in our case). Right about this time my camera ran out of batteries. Devastated (a vacation without pictures? IMPOSSIBLE) we headed to Hana to pick up the most expensive disposable camera imaginable and discovered one of the most beautiful beaches in all the islands, Hamoa Beach. So lovely!
As we neared civilization my wish finally came true when we pulled over to look at Ching's Pond and we bravely swam in the fresh water pools (not under the waterfall but close enough).
Soon enough we were back in Paia for a good dinner and then quickly on a plane to take up back home. Three happy days in Hana.
Oh, what? You didn't want to see the entire photo album from the trip? Sorry. I suppose I didn't warn you. But rest assured, there are more pictures. You can see each and every one of them with the Flickr link over there on the upper right.
Hana is famous for its greenery, its waterfalls, and the road that gets to you there - The Road to Hana. Both Bryan and I had always wanted to see it and had never been. Not too long ago I got the great idea that we should go and camp (because I'm cheap,and because camping in Hawaii is great). So that's what we did. I think it's completely ridiculous that we packed a tent, a cooler, a portable stove, some pots and pans and a whole bunch of stuff in four bags and hopped a 25 minute flight to Maui. But that's how you do things around here. Loaded up with all our junk in our rental car, after a brief breakdown soothed over by Krispy Kreme donuts (they have them on Maui! It's the thing to do there!) we hit the road. We first stopped in my new favorite town, Paia, which is like a teeny tiny Boulder - all granola-y but filled with expensive boutique shops. Ironically, their organic market was pure discount and we stocked up on yummy camp food. And then we embarked along The Road to Hana....
We hiked through a bamboo forest seeking a promised waterfall that in the end alluded us.
We witnessed many roadside waterfalls but sadly didn't get to hike to many. Most of them are only accessed by crossing private land and since the guidebooks have made this all public information, the landowners have gotten serious and have blocked off all access. I was a bit sad because what I wanted most was to swim under a waterfall.
We stopped for a short hike and lunch at along a gorgeous trail that led nowhere except to pretty green things and stunning views.
At the end of the day we booked it to our campsite at Wainapanapa beach.
There aren't adequate words to describe Wainapanapa except to say that it is beautiful and very, very special. It has a black sand beach, a lava tube you can walk through, a blow hole, fresh water caves, beautiful grounds and terrific spirit. I loved it immediately.
We set up camp and got to cooking. Completely geeking out with our headlamps and the full moon we had a blast.
Unfortunately what felt like hurricane weather rolled in that night. We didn't sleep at all due to winds that threatened to pick up the tent, with us in it, and whirl us into the night, and the constant downpour of rain. With a late start to our morning, we headed into the town of Hana for food. The town of Hana is just about as small as our apartment and not nearly as exciting. But it has food. And what it really has is gorgeous scenery. We took a short walk along the coastal cliffs and arrived at a red sand beach.
We then headed even further along the coast to swim in the Seven Sacred Pools. No such luck. The pools were closed because the streams were flowing too strong. We ended up on a hike that led us to a delightful surprise of a HUGE waterfall. Through bamboo forests, streams, and a good rainfall we hiked, got soaked, and had a great time.
After that it was back to the campground for a much better night that involved s'mores and much-needed restful sleep.
We woke up early on Easter Sunday to a beautiful sunrise over the ocean and breakfast cooked on an open flame (our stove ran out of fuel).
We spent our morning exploring the freshwater caves, taking a swim and relaxing on the black sand beach.
Then it was time to pack up camp. I reluctantly said goodbye to Wainapanapa and we prepared to head back along The Road to Hana (or from Hana in our case). Right about this time my camera ran out of batteries. Devastated (a vacation without pictures? IMPOSSIBLE) we headed to Hana to pick up the most expensive disposable camera imaginable and discovered one of the most beautiful beaches in all the islands, Hamoa Beach. So lovely!
As we neared civilization my wish finally came true when we pulled over to look at Ching's Pond and we bravely swam in the fresh water pools (not under the waterfall but close enough).
Soon enough we were back in Paia for a good dinner and then quickly on a plane to take up back home. Three happy days in Hana.
Oh, what? You didn't want to see the entire photo album from the trip? Sorry. I suppose I didn't warn you. But rest assured, there are more pictures. You can see each and every one of them with the Flickr link over there on the upper right.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Yes, it is
Lately I've been tripping out on how happy I am. Sounds obnoxious but it's true. Life has been very, very good lately. I attribute a lot of it to making happy things happen for myself. From paddling to goofing off at work to adventures with Bryan, I've been making them happen.
Most recent happy time was our three-day camping trip on Maui this past weekend. Detailed post to come soon.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Sumo, So Fun
Yes, we have sumo'd. And it was fun.
I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves except to tell you that I had to wrestled Bryan. An incredibly good time but it doesn't take an experienced Sumo spectator to predict that Bryan would win. He had the definite size advantage. In fact, he went on to compete in two additional rounds.
The best part may have been falling down. I couldn't get myself up and could only wiggle my arms and legs. Fellow party-goers had to roll me over, grab my arms and hoist me up.
I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves except to tell you that I had to wrestled Bryan. An incredibly good time but it doesn't take an experienced Sumo spectator to predict that Bryan would win. He had the definite size advantage. In fact, he went on to compete in two additional rounds.
The best part may have been falling down. I couldn't get myself up and could only wiggle my arms and legs. Fellow party-goers had to roll me over, grab my arms and hoist me up.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Kickball: A Smashing Success
Bryan's Kickball Birthday Party was a huge success. We had a great turnout and had more than enough people to make two teams. Everyone played and everyone had a blast.
Highlights included crazy double plays in the infield, and my out at first that resulted in an entire cup of beer in my face and down my shirt. Ahhh...kickball...
Highlights included crazy double plays in the infield, and my out at first that resulted in an entire cup of beer in my face and down my shirt. Ahhh...kickball...
The most important thing, Bryan had a great birthday.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
On Tap for the Weekend
Byran and I looking forward to an extremely fun-filled weekend. I don't think we've ever had some many parties and invitations in one 48 hour segment.
If we can fit it all in this is what our weekend will look like between the two of us:
Dance class. Wii party. House cleaning. Hiking. Beer shopping. Softball. BRYAN'S KICKBALL BIRTHDAY PARTY. Beer. Food. St. Patrick's Day party. Surfing. Sumo wrestling party. Food eating contests. Paddle with the whales. Birthday dinner.
I have a feeling a few things will slide. Most likely the house cleaning. But one thing that will get all the attention it deserves is BRYAN'S KICKBALL BIRTHDAY PARTY! After a one-year hiatus, we're venturing out to continue the tradition of kickball to celebrate one more year of Bryan. This year we'll be playing with Diamond Head as a backdrop and the ocean only a few hundred feet away. We'll miss our San Francisco kickball masters but we hope to initiate a few more in the club.
If we can fit it all in this is what our weekend will look like between the two of us:
Dance class. Wii party. House cleaning. Hiking. Beer shopping. Softball. BRYAN'S KICKBALL BIRTHDAY PARTY. Beer. Food. St. Patrick's Day party. Surfing. Sumo wrestling party. Food eating contests. Paddle with the whales. Birthday dinner.
I have a feeling a few things will slide. Most likely the house cleaning. But one thing that will get all the attention it deserves is BRYAN'S KICKBALL BIRTHDAY PARTY! After a one-year hiatus, we're venturing out to continue the tradition of kickball to celebrate one more year of Bryan. This year we'll be playing with Diamond Head as a backdrop and the ocean only a few hundred feet away. We'll miss our San Francisco kickball masters but we hope to initiate a few more in the club.
Monday, March 10, 2008
On Whales and Weekends
Yesterday Bryan and I went out in a canoe for what my team likes to call a "social paddle." We pretty much just go out for fun, enjoy the water, stop to swim and have a beer. It was a beautiful afternoon for it and we had such a treat when we got to see a bunch of whales! You may be sick of reading here about whales but I am never sick of seeing them.
I have never, ever seen humpback whales this close up. Not to sound stupid, but these guys are huge! At one point two especially large ones were swimming straight to our canoe, no more than 50 feet away and then they gracefully dove down and we didn't see them again.
I had my camera out with us and snapped a few shots. If you can believe it, this is when the whales were actually a ways off. Imagine them being three times closer!
The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind and a delight. Between the two of us we hiked, worked, saw Ben from LOST (so close I could have touched him), played softball, went to the beach, painted a friend's room, stuffed ourselves on Mexican food, cleaned the house a bit, paddled, BBQ'd with a beautiful sunset, moved a friend's bed.
I am really, really loving my weekends lately. They seem to represent everything wonderful in life. Now that it's Monday and I'm at a desk far from natural air and sunlight, I am scheming how I can make my Mondays through Fridays more like my weekends. Any ideas?
I have never, ever seen humpback whales this close up. Not to sound stupid, but these guys are huge! At one point two especially large ones were swimming straight to our canoe, no more than 50 feet away and then they gracefully dove down and we didn't see them again.
I had my camera out with us and snapped a few shots. If you can believe it, this is when the whales were actually a ways off. Imagine them being three times closer!
The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind and a delight. Between the two of us we hiked, worked, saw Ben from LOST (so close I could have touched him), played softball, went to the beach, painted a friend's room, stuffed ourselves on Mexican food, cleaned the house a bit, paddled, BBQ'd with a beautiful sunset, moved a friend's bed.
I am really, really loving my weekends lately. They seem to represent everything wonderful in life. Now that it's Monday and I'm at a desk far from natural air and sunlight, I am scheming how I can make my Mondays through Fridays more like my weekends. Any ideas?
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Learning a Lesson on the Trail
I've never been athletic. I've never been extreme.
I don't point my skis down the hill and go. Instead I scope out the hill, put my skis at an angle and a brace my knees to slow myself down. I don't jump off cliffs (except that one time when I got hurt). I don't run. I don't hit balls or catch things that are thrown really hard. I don't own hiking boots. I have never camped when the car was more than a short walk away. I'm not what I would consider adventurous.
But then, I took up rock climbing a few years back. And while I only climbed on a real rock once, I was pretty damn proud of myself for hanging from a rope once a week. Even more, I took up paddling. I paddled hard and fast and developed pronounced muscles for the first time in my life. I paddled between islands. And I met friends who are the definition of adventurous - some even extreme.
So when a friend asked a few weeks back if I wanted to hike the Na Pali Coast with her the aspiring-to-be-extreme Jenni inside me instantly said "yes!" When I sat down and thought about it, I rationalized that I would just do it. I'd just start the journey and not give up. Just like paddling. Get in the boat and there's no option of quiting until you hit the beach.
Last week another friend asked if I wanted to go on an "awesome hike." (Note: she meant awesome like the extreme folks do, not like us Southern Californians.) I went on the hike. I stretched before. I wore my athletic clothes. I took water, sunscreen and snacks. I was ready to hike!
I thought I might die 30 minutes into the hike. I was sweating and wheezing and really, really tired. Plus, I was embarrassed and a bit scared - what was up with my breathing?! Why do I feel so sick?! I made a deal with myself that I would call it a day at the top of the first peak of the hike.
By the end of the day I'd spent 6.5 hours on the trail and climbed almost to the third peak. The hike was insane. But I did it. I'm not extreme but I am persistent.
However, I called my friend today and told her I can't do Na Pali. I have no business hiking 22 miles over three days. The snowplow skier in me finally spoke up and made me realize there's no going back once you start on a 22 mile hike with a water purifier in your backpack.
About that "awesome" hike... Olomana trail above Kailua. Three dramatic peaks sometimes called the Matterhorn of Hawaii. Up and then down. Then up again, and then down some ropes. And then up the ropes. Then turn around and go back the way you came. 6 miles total.
This is Olomana's third peak on our "awesome" hike. Awesome to say the least! I made it half way up this peak and then decided I'd be happier to sit and take in the views than drag myself up a cliff using old ropes. Of course, I'd already climbed up and down two equally tall peaks.
This is the easy part of the trail. The ropes were helpful here, an absolute godsend further along.
I made it to the top of peak #1. Not too long after I thought I might die. Proud of myself and feeling invincible, I continued on.
My rewards for my efforts were my pride, a wake-up call about my true abilities, and these gorgeous views!
I don't point my skis down the hill and go. Instead I scope out the hill, put my skis at an angle and a brace my knees to slow myself down. I don't jump off cliffs (except that one time when I got hurt). I don't run. I don't hit balls or catch things that are thrown really hard. I don't own hiking boots. I have never camped when the car was more than a short walk away. I'm not what I would consider adventurous.
But then, I took up rock climbing a few years back. And while I only climbed on a real rock once, I was pretty damn proud of myself for hanging from a rope once a week. Even more, I took up paddling. I paddled hard and fast and developed pronounced muscles for the first time in my life. I paddled between islands. And I met friends who are the definition of adventurous - some even extreme.
So when a friend asked a few weeks back if I wanted to hike the Na Pali Coast with her the aspiring-to-be-extreme Jenni inside me instantly said "yes!" When I sat down and thought about it, I rationalized that I would just do it. I'd just start the journey and not give up. Just like paddling. Get in the boat and there's no option of quiting until you hit the beach.
Last week another friend asked if I wanted to go on an "awesome hike." (Note: she meant awesome like the extreme folks do, not like us Southern Californians.) I went on the hike. I stretched before. I wore my athletic clothes. I took water, sunscreen and snacks. I was ready to hike!
I thought I might die 30 minutes into the hike. I was sweating and wheezing and really, really tired. Plus, I was embarrassed and a bit scared - what was up with my breathing?! Why do I feel so sick?! I made a deal with myself that I would call it a day at the top of the first peak of the hike.
By the end of the day I'd spent 6.5 hours on the trail and climbed almost to the third peak. The hike was insane. But I did it. I'm not extreme but I am persistent.
However, I called my friend today and told her I can't do Na Pali. I have no business hiking 22 miles over three days. The snowplow skier in me finally spoke up and made me realize there's no going back once you start on a 22 mile hike with a water purifier in your backpack.
***
About that "awesome" hike... Olomana trail above Kailua. Three dramatic peaks sometimes called the Matterhorn of Hawaii. Up and then down. Then up again, and then down some ropes. And then up the ropes. Then turn around and go back the way you came. 6 miles total.
This is Olomana's third peak on our "awesome" hike. Awesome to say the least! I made it half way up this peak and then decided I'd be happier to sit and take in the views than drag myself up a cliff using old ropes. Of course, I'd already climbed up and down two equally tall peaks.
This is the easy part of the trail. The ropes were helpful here, an absolute godsend further along.
I made it to the top of peak #1. Not too long after I thought I might die. Proud of myself and feeling invincible, I continued on.
My rewards for my efforts were my pride, a wake-up call about my true abilities, and these gorgeous views!
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