An Overview

Paddle boarding up the Hanalei River early in the morning was a serene experience. The sun was slowly rising, the air was calm and flowers floated by us as we paddled along. Keo taught us some techniques for turning quickly but mostly we opted to just keep it mellow. After the lesson, we walked along Hanalei Bay and checked out the pier. That afternoon we body surfed, swam in the fresh water lagoon and relaxed at Kalihiwai Beach. Our final full day we started with a walk along Hanalei Bay, morning yoga on the beach and a swim to cool off. Later, we went snorkling off another part of Hideaways Beach and saw a sea turtle! That afternoon we had fish tacos at Tropical Tacos in Hanalei as well as Hawaiian shaved ice. Coconut was our favorite. Another trip to Kalihiwai Beach for a swim and home to watch the sunset on the bluff and a dinner of stuffed bell peppers. We spent our final evening sharing our experiences over the last week and watching the movie, South Pacific. Saturday morning we welcomed the sun on the bluff and enjoyed our last yoga session. Endings are hard but as everyone packed up they knew they were taking memories that would leave the island with them. We had one last adventure at Kipu Falls jumping off a 25 foot waterfall into the pool below and watching some locals do flips off of a rope swing. We gathered for one last meal at Hamura's which is a local favorite for saimin and then headed to the airport.
Thinking back over the week, we had much laughter and sharing, enjoyed many healthy and delicious meals together, and were able to hike, beach walk, surf, paddle board, snorkle, do yoga, read, rest, swim, embrace sunrises and sunset, renew and relax. It was a tropical experience and one in which we strengthened our connection and awareness of mind, body and spirit. ALOHA!

Day 5

The stars are fading and the sun is on the rise...early morning in paradise. Surfing lessons with Keo was challenging and exciting. Hanalei Bay is the perfect place for beginners to master the skills of paddling out, standing up and riding a wave to the shore. Of course it really helps to have Keo guiding and supporting you along the way! One of the guests hiked part of the Na Pali Coast afterwards while the rest of us enjoyed a leisurely afternoon at a local farmers market. Yesterday morning, after an hour of gentle yoga and a satisfying breakfast, we went snorkling at Hide-Away Beach. There are numerous different species of fish to be seen and sea turtles live along the volcanic shore near by. Spent the afternoon walking Secret Beach which is one of my favorite places on the island. Stunning vistas, wide open spaces with the Kilauea Lighthouse on the northern most point in the Hawaiian Island chain looming in the distance. We enjoyed a Hawaiian treat of fresh Mahi Mahi last night while watching a colorful sunset and listening to Hawaiian music. The evening was spent beading and making necklaces of Acai beads purchased at the farmers market. Gearing up for our paddle board lesson this morning...Aloha~

ALOHA!

Over on the north shore of Kauai with a lovely group of women. Started out the retreat with a visit to the Queens Bath which is a salt water pool set in volcanic rock with waves crashing over. Watched the sunset on the bluff outside the house. Early to bed as most were tired from the plane ride and excitement of arriving and getting settled. Yesterday we went hiking up above Hanalei Bay and went snorkling at Tunnels. Today we will be having our first surfing lesson with Keo down by the pier! Weather is perfect...not too hot with sprinkles off and on. Lots of beach walking, fabulous meals, tropical drinks, laughter and great company. Off to make coffee and welcome the day with sunrise yoga out on the bluff...

Just recently returned from an amazing camping/hiking trip to Sedona, AZ with two of my sisters. We spent five days camping in Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona and did a different hike each day. The weather cooperated and we were able to swim and enjoy the area without any rain or wind to speak of. We visited several vortexs and experienced the incredible beauty and splendor Sedona has to offer. Great warm up week to a summer of hiking and outdoor adventures.

Bed-to-bed hiking trial coming to Oregon

The first phase of the Blue Mountain Heritage Trail will be ready to hike when the snow melts. Organizer Dick Hentze of Baker City says the 870-mile trail uses parts of about 2,000 miles of existing U.S. Forest Service hiking and horse trails.
The trail is designed to be hiked or ridden horseback in 10- to 12-mile daily segments. The goal is for hikers to need just lightweight day packs. And after a hard day of hiking they ride shuttles from trailheads to the nearest lodge, motel or bed-and-breakfast.
The Blue Mountains encompass a 5.3-million acre region of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com/

The Blue Mountains, which includes the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area located in the NE corner of Oregon, provide some of the most spectacular and varying backcountry scenery in the Pacific Northwest.