19 January 2017

Koko Crater

We did the stairs last year while Nic's parents were here and decide that we should give them another try. I've started a new plan where Saturdays are "my session" days and we wanted to do a hike.  The plan originally was to do Mt. Ka'ala but the weather had been weird and it wasn't worth trying it if we were going to get socked in views at the top.  So we lounged around all morning and decided to head there in the afternoon.

Of course once we got to Hawaii Kai it was nice and sunny for our entire trek up.  We lathered on the sunscreen and started.  My legs were already sore from my work out the day before so my calves were killing me from the get go.  But it was a blast.  I don't think I would have been able to do it as well as we did, especially in the middle of the day in the hot sun if I hadn't been working so hard lately.

Naturally,  I have a few qualms. First, if you feel the need to listen to music wear some ear buds. Honestly, I like music. I love it when I run but it's ridiculous and rude to think I want to listen to any of your stuff while I'm hiking. I'm out here to get in tune with nature and get a killer work out at the same time.  Second, stopping is totally ok. We stopped a few times! But when you and your friends sit on an entire step and I have to walk around you, and almost fall,  WHY?!

We packed a little lunch and had a nice picnic break once we reached the top.  It's a great workout! I had wanted to run up it before we left island, but after this time I realized it just wasn't going to be in the cards.  That's a lot of steps to run up!



11 January 2017

Lava Flow

We were lucky enough to be able to see the lava flow from the Kīlauea Volcano before we left Hawaii.  Seeing the lava flow was on our bucket list, but it obviously wasn't anything we had control over so once the lava started getting to the ocean and we were able to book a trip I was beyond excited.

There are multiple options to be able to see the lava going into the ocean.  You can go on a boat ride which will take you up close to the water.  It is supposed to be beautiful but they're also tiny boats and ridiculously expensive.  You can take a helicopter ride, but it is also expensive and we are more meander type of people.  We like to relax and take our time looking at things.  So, we decided to walk from the Chain of Craters road.  We packed a few snacks and water and embarked on our journey.  It was over 4 miles there and we didn't think it would be too too bad. . but shoot.  It's just barren land and by golly was it boring.  When we finally hit the sign saying there was a mile left I was over it.  We were treated to a lovely couple in an argument and the husband continued on while the wife walked behind us.  It kept us a little entertained but was also extremely awkward and uncomfortable.

We planned it so we would reach the lava entering the ocean just before sunset.  It was beyond beautiful watching the lava become even more alive as the sun was setting. Never in a million years did we expect to be able to see it. I truly would have gone back if we could have found some more time before we left.  It was just so magical!  Mother nature is so powerful.