Sunday, October 17, 2010

Oahu Grand Finale


From mauka to makai
After a quick hike to Moanalua to see remnants of development, seven bridges, and petroglyphs, we went up and up to the connected ridge trails: Pu'u O'hia, Manoa Cliff Trail, and Pa'uoa Flats Trail. We saw many great views and some native plants. Brief visit to Pearl Harbor. Click on picture and enjoy. Aloha!

Friday, October 15, 2010

Oahu Five O


Back to makai
Drove up the windward coast to North Shore. Visited Waimea Valley Garden, Shark's Cove, and Turtle Beach. Stopped in Hale'iwa for shaved ice.
Next day, we snorkeled at Haunama Bay---incredible! It was like the Disney World of aquariums. Visited Valley of Temples. Later snorkeled at Lanikai Beach until run-in with jelly fish parts. Click on picture for more.

Oahu 2.34

From makai (beach) to mauka (mountain)

We made our base in Kailua. After an extended kayaking trip to an island bird sanctuary and a practice snorkel on Lanikai Beach swimming with a turtle, we did a brief hike up the Makapu'u Trail.Our biggest hike was on the inter-connected Maunawili contour trails up and down the mountain. We were fortunate to join naturalist John Hall to guide us through the connections. Click on picture for more.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Oahu 1.0

Aloha from Oahu!

Our first few days were spent in urban Honolulu, Waikiki, and the wonderful Lyons Arboretum, Foster Botanical Garden, Zoo, and street scenes (another zoo?). We were fortunate to have an excellent photographer along to document our trails (thanks, Rachel)...more will be revealed as we move from makai (beach) to mauka (mountains). Just click on picture and enjoy.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Desolation Wilderness Lakes


Aloha Lake
Originally uploaded by for the birds1
Water, water every where, and so close to Sacramento. A one and one-half hour drive to Echo Lake gets you access to the Desolation Wilderness. An eight mile+ hike provides opportunity to view at least six lakes...my mind was ready for more, but my knees weren't.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

I love New York!


NYC
Originally uploaded by for the birds1
What's not to love? There is always something to do in NY, rain or shine: bicycling along the Hudson River and in Central Park; eating the best bagels and listening to Klezmer music; wandering through the lower East Side and other areas; hiking through Prospect Park and Brooklyn Botanical Garden; catching a Broadway show near Times Square and viewing an opera at the Met; checking out the MoMA and the Frick collection when it starts to rain.
Yes, four days of New York leads to tired feet and joints, but it was well worth it and the locals are friendly and seem to love where they live too.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Spring has sprung in California


Cascade Dell
Originally uploaded by for the birds1
Who has to travel around the world to see beauty? We found plenty in Marin County on a hike through Cascade Dell...