Kauai, Hawaii - 2020

My goodness a lot has happened since we have posted here... looks like we left off at swimming in Denver... since then we've moved from CO to TX, new jobs and new schools all around, new sports (lacrosse for Andrew), new bands (Elizabeth), new piano teacher, new house, Kate even got a new car (out of necessity).  Life has been so busy getting settled in that we have struggled to keep this blog going.  Despite all of the change, our trips to Hawaii have been essential to get away, reflect, and recharge.



This year was a little different.  As much as I'd like to just post a bunch of pictures of us having fun, that really wouldn't tell the whole story.  We did have an amazing time, but ever looming was the Corona virus that had just started to take root in Seattle and was only starting to show up in New York.  Our trip had been on the books for an entire year, and our spring break was quite early compared to most schools.  Flights to China had stopped but when we left for Hawaii everything was more or less going full steam ahead.  Early reports of TP shortages, and empty grocery store shelves were starting to make headlines, fortunately we got out in front of it and stocked up before we left.  We decided to go ahead and go, knowing that if needed we could come home early if needed.  Turns out, we made it just a little over a week before we decided to get home.  The tipping point came from the DoD directing troops to get home, which correlated to my work eliminating all business travel and then issuing unprecedented direction to telecommute.  We started to also get worried about getting stuck on the island.  As it turns out, being in one of the most remote places in the world is very satisfying when escaping from the shackles of the daily grind.  But the remoteness is a bit disconcerting when watching a global pandemic tidal wave sweeping across the world.  Our vacation ritual of of sitting on the beach, surrounded by some of the most magnificent scenery the planet can offer, basking in the sun and listening to the slow break of Pacific waves, sunsets that words can't even describe, time slows down, the stress melts away, and the brain is afforded an opportunity to kick into some of the most amazing reflection, introspection, and philosophising you can possibly hope for.  I can attest empirically that the stress can be melted away even faster with the addition of exercise, a good Mai Tai (or several), and a healthy does of Vitamin O (time in 'ocean' as the locals call it).  That said, with a global pandemic taking hold, and the simmering flight or flight response always spiking from every news report, half of which written irresponsibly for shock value.  And now, thanks to our insatiable appetite for data, is now available every minute of every day, even on the beach of a remote island in the pacific... The stress melting effect of the island actually had the opposite effect, the imagination goes wild in hyperbole.  It turns out the best night we slept was right after we had changed our flights to come home early.

I'm really glad we went, we did have an amazing time, and I'm really glad we left when we did.

That's Elizabeth - its a 30 second exposure, on the tripod, well after the sun had fallen below the horizon. 

Our new friend, the Hawaiian Monk Seal met us on the beach several of the days we were there.

We even had a super moon which caused some severe tides.  This area where Kate and Amelia are walking is usually a foot or more under water.  In fact we typically are able to snorkel over it on our way to deeper water. 

With the water out, Amelia was on a mission to rescue the sea cucumbers and get them back into the water.

We hiked the Sleeping Giant trail on the east side.  We had some spectacular views, while experiencing some of the muddiest trails we've ever encountered.

Anahola is a great beach, with few tourists.  Made for a great place to wash up after the hike.

The kids love digging up crabs in the sand.

Dorito Hands!

The view from our cottage was pretty spectacular!

One of the kids favorite beaches is Anini beach.  Protected by an outer reef the water is relatively calm with opportunities for snorkling.  We consistently see sea turtles here and the water is usually a little warmer as it gets to warm up in the shallows.

This sunset was taken only steps from our cottage.  There is a nice field here where Andrew and I threw the lacrosse ball, the kids played tag,  Amelia chased the Nenes.

Lumahai Beach - first thing in the AM - one of our favorite spots for beach combing.  The lighting here always seems incredible...

The humpback whales are in every winter and we typically see the tail end of their visit at spring break.  This year, being several weeks earlier than usual, we had many more sightings.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Botanical Gardens

The kids had a great time surfing and boogie boarding.  Andrew did a great job paddling out and catching the waves on his own.  Elizabeth did a great job too, heading out to the break and really going for the bigger waves.  Amelia really came into her own this year as well, both snorkling and boogie boarding.  She was amazing.

Ultimately, we heading home early and it turned out to be a smart decision.  After we left the island was hit by torrential rain, closing roads and even the beach due to the island's inability to handle the storm water and sewage... additionally the Covid cases were starting to show up on the island and Seattle seemed like a runaway train.  There seemed to be a real risk just flying home...  on top of that, by the time we would have been home, the groceries were completely wiped out.  Our timing worked out great, we got everyone home safe and sound, got ourselves situated, and have been home ever since social distancing.

We are looking forward to making it back next year and are looking forward to returning to a more ordinary life.