We have the most bizarre backyard. Today the horses came over to say hello...they do this around 4:30/5:00 everyday. The cows came along this time too....and of course the roosters (they never leave). Jess, Leisyl and I decided to feed them some carrots, but we lost our nerve...afraid the wild horses would chomp off our hands...we decided to hook the carrot to the end of a briar stick and feed it to the horses...they didn't go for that...but it was sure funny. Ironically the next place we're staying is called North Country Farms....I don't think they even have animals...but this house does.....go figure.

This is what the sign- in lady at our surf lesson said to Jay and I when we were filling out our release forms....

I did feel sort of hip listening to the beach boys in the car with the windows down driving to the lesson, then when I put on the quicksilver rashguard, and finally carrying the real live surf board.....The hipness ended though once I saw the pictures of the "huge amazing waves" I thought I was surfing.....So I guess we didn't catch any major waves, and we really didn't look that great...more like little kids ( in some ways, not even that good)- but I had so much fun!

Our instructors Raz (cute chillian) and Brian were really nice.

The first wave I caught, I took all the way into the beach....and then totally beached myself and fell...it was sort of hilarious- Wendy was there to witness it....we had a good laugh.

My shoulders were rocked from all the paddling- I pretty much can't raise my arms...still worth it though!

We kept the boards for a few hours more, and I got to surf with Wendy as well.

Cowabunga Dudes!

BTW's - I decided to make the move down to 15 sunscreen....not a good move....can you say Aloe Vera Please?

Just thought I'd give my roomies a chance to speak their minds on the blog...plus I wanted to add more picks of the Napali Coast.

Jessica- "my roommates asked me to go on a morning hike. A million miles later...(chuckle chuckle) I threw Jay Oldaker from the cliff."

Leisyl- "meanwhile, back at the house....."

Jay- "I really thought we were screwed when we got lost that's how people die" (oh, i did leave that part out of the previous blog)

Leisyl- "Meanwhile, back at the house...."

Jessica-" I do all things slowly, and that includes coming up with these dumb quotes that Sarah is making us do."

Wendy- " The waterfall made the long hike completely worth it. I forgot how tired and thirsty I was, and then we started hiking back..."

Leisyl- "meanwhile, back at the house..."

Jay- "This is my second hike in the last 4 years, and the first one was 2 days ago"

Wendy- "It was the never-ending leg workout"

Jessica- "The hike was really hard. It was pretty much uphill both ways. What helped me make it through such a difficult time was Sarah singing Jock Jams and Disney Classics"

Jay- as he looks up from his lap top, " Hey guys I have a great quick hike for tomorrow we could do....I love this stuff! "

Wendy- "We said a whole lot of funny stuff yesterday...too bad we can't remember any of it"

Went to our local spot, Tahiti Nui, last night for a drink. It was such a great way to end a perfectly wonderful day. The place was crowded with both tourists and Kauaians (is that a word?) everyone was singing and dancing to the live hawaiian music, and having a great time. The band was playing a song called Hawaiian Superman, and the cook from the back just whipped out a harmonica and started playing along....it was awesome. I think the song title is fitting for this post because the entire day leading up to our drinks at the bar, was so challenging that only someone like superman, and the four of us of course, could survive it.....ok, ok, I exaggerate, but I will tell you, we left at 9:00 hoping for a nice morning hike and then planned on spending the rest of the day at the beach....we didn't arrive home until 5:00, tired and bruised (well that was really just me after falling up a mountain- yes you can really do that- it brought my coolness down quite a bit :)) It was sooooooooo worth it though....one of the best experiences so far.....way better than meeting bond...seriously :)

We started out hiking the first 2 miles of the Napali Coast- the Kalalau trail- The views were amazing...way better than the pictures show. At the end of the 2 miles, we came to a beautiful beach called Hanakapiai. There's a freshwater stream that leads into the beach surrounded by a whole lot of cool rocks.....Jess wouldn't let me take any along...but I did sneak a small one in my back pack :) (I'm wondering how I'm going to get all these rocks home??). There was also a rock face cliff that I scaled...well at least a portion of it to a cave...Jay told me I couldn't do it....and, well, you know what that leads to :). The water was too dangerous to swim in, but we did get completely soaked while taking a picture in front of a big rock....the wave came up over the rock, and surprised us....we screamed like a bunch of sissy girls...it was so funny.

The next part of the hike was to Hanakapiai falls....we thought this was just down the path, but that wasn't really the case. We were hiking through jungle......giant bamboo, huge rocks, crossing streams...very LOST like. It was fun for like, 10 minutes, but then we were like, "where the heck is this dumb waterfall!" We reached a low point, when we passed some hiker who said, "you're almost there guys, only about a mile to go!" What did we get ourselves into??

Once we reached the waterfall though...all was forgotten....This wasn't some puny little trickle...this was a full fledged, 200 ft...gushing over a cliff into a pool of water HAWAIIAN WATERFALL, and we swam under it! Getting into the water was a feet in itself. The water was frigid...but there was no way I was missing out. Laying on my back and looking up at the falls crashing down, was unreal. I still can't believe it!

The way back wasn't quite as thrilling...we were pretty exhausted....8 miles, and I swear it was all uphill and as Jay keeps saying, "were not hikers guys"- well that's for sure.. Sitting in the car has never been so satisfying.
We treated ourselves to a burger and fries at Bubba's- this cute little burger joint later that night....It was a day to remember.

Apparently we all like the "hands in the air" pose- didn't realize this when I chose the pictures. :)

Ok, I put adventure in the title, but I'd say that's a pretty strong word to describe my first real run in Kauai- However, it was a bit memorable...and I think just saying the word adventure in my posts, makes me sound tougher :) Ok, so I set off around 11:00- that alone screams stupid tourist...who runs in the heat of the day?? But I had gotten a slow start (was trying to figure out dumb internet pictures stuff- FYI- you have to pay to use flicker- Yea, and I'm too cheap to buy more memory space, so no more pics on the slide show...sorry mom) Anyways, I had just missed passing Bond on his bike...bummer, but I set off down the rode, listening to...I feel like I want to lie here...but what the heck..."Ace of Base" Seriously it's great workout music...don't judge me....The temp was actually quite nice and I felt good, but then I ran into a problem....the one rode around the island is kind of narrow...with no edges, so every time a car would come, I'd have to either get to the other side, jump into the brush/ditch, or try to make myself as skinny as possible, and pray that the tourists didn't run me over with their rental cars. It was quite interesting, especially on the hills with the switch backs- fearing for your life really helps to rev up your runs- I ran the curves of the hills like a pro :). The one lane bridges also added to the fun...although I must say...most of the cars were very polite to me.

After a bit, I decided that I wanted to turn around...I was close to a beach, so I thought I'd try running a new way home. I started through the sand.....That was not easy...the sand here is not like HH...you sink completely in. It's at this moment that I should have turned back....Smart Sarah would have turned back....but silly explorer Sarah had something else in mind. Next to the beach, along the coast were these giant lava rocks...built up sort of like a cliff. This guy was on top of it, so I thought I should try climbing it too (it wasn't high mom, don't freak out). I took off my shoes, and went through some ocean to get there, and then started to climb...no problem...except that it just kept going...all of these rocks...and I just couldn't stop hopping through them...just when I thought I should turn back, I'd think, "oh, you can make it to that other side" and I'd keep going. Pretty soon, I was way too far out to turn back....it would be faster just to swim back at this point. Anyways, I finally made it through the rocks...seeing some very interesting sea life I might add. I started to run along the beach to where I could see the rode. I took off, only to have two dogs (boxers I think) chase me back to the rocks. Well, they didn't actually chase me. They were sleeping in this little beach hut made out of sticks ( I assumed they were rich boxers) They got mad when I got close and started barking and did run my way, but luckily the water stopped them. So, I had to hike up the side of the cliff to get back to the rode (it was easier than I thought it would be)..oh, and I did see an truck in the trees, just like in the tv show LOST- apparently someone missed the sharp curve- I thought against taking a closer look- one, for fear of it falling on me, and 2 for fear I may actually see something I didn't want to see.....I do have some sense, incase you doubted me, after reading this. So, all in all it was a pretty eventful run....and a lot longer than I expected. I was glad for the detour. I'll take running along a Hawaiian coast of rocks over stark county running any day- maybe minus the mean dogs.


The rest of the day was spent laying out at Hanalei beach- very nice and sandy....very calm. We also did some shopping. The little shops in Hanalei are so cute and unique- I got my first souvenir- a rock...shocking I know...it's a piece of pumice rock carved into a Hawaiian flower.

I tried to see the sunset with Jess and Leisyl...but we just missed it- we walked along the beach instead,and admired the moon. Later we watched a movie.

Tomorrow morning we're going to hike the first few miles of the Napali Coast!

Oh, the pics I put with this, actually are from the canyon hike yesterday.
Back home

On our visit to Waimea Canyon yesterday, I was overwhelmed by just how huge and majestic the Canyon was. It was absolutely breathtaking....and I couldn't help but be reminded of how small I am, I am nothing in comparison to all that God has created...the ocean and all it's power, the countless stars, the unmoving mountains......but even so, God knows me....He knows my every move, my every thought, ...and despite what I may think at times, and despite how rotten I can be, He cares about me..... I am humbled by the fact that the creator of the universe would choose to love me the way that He does..


Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

No seriously.....and, I met him on the beach while going on my walk and asked him for directions....just me and Pierce...Brosnan that is (this was after I talked with you mom and Julie!)...yep, he lives across the street with his wife and two kids. Let me tell you the whole story:

So it started out as any other normal day, I woke up at 2am to a wind storm, and then again at 4 am to the sweet sound of a dozen "dumb ass roosters"- sleep is way overrated. In the morning we took Leisyl to her helicopter ride in Lihue and had a flat tire on the way- kind of exciting (I don't think Jay felt the same), Jess and I went to a beach while we waited for Leisyl to be done, then we visited a few shops and two beautiful waterfalls (Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls) on the way home (about an hour).

The real excitement began at the farmers market we visited. It was fun to visit all the little fresh fruit and vegetable stands of the locals who were giving out samples. The market was pretty small, probably only 15 to 20 stands. I was at a lemon and lime stand when this sweet lady in a sun dress walked up and started a happy conversation with the owner- She said, "I'll take all of your meyer lemons"- I thought she was joking- at that same moment, Leisyl came over explaining..."It's James Bond, oh my gosh, It's James Bond!!" We didn't quite believe her, but then as I walked over to get a better look, sure enough, it was Pierce Brosnan...and the lemon lady was his wife. James bond was just buying veggies, and chatting it up with all the locals. The five of us tried to be discreet, but it was hard...we sort of stalked him around the market a bit, and watched him load up his cool truck (complete with surfboards in the back) On the way home we talked about how cool it would be to have dinner with Pierce and his family, and of course Sawyer from LOST (yep, he lives here too)

At home, we started putting our groceries away when Leisyl came running into the kitchen explaining....he lives across the street! Sure enough, the same truck with the surfboards pulled into the driveway (gated mind you) right across the street! Ironically enough, yesterday we talked with two boys on bikes at that same driveway - they called us tourists, and gave us directions to the beach....Pierce Brosnan's kids told us how to get to Tunnels!

I know that the mature part of me shouldn't be getting so excited about meeting a celebrity I mean they're just people...but seriously, I've never met anyone famous before and it was really cool. But Sarah, you didn't actually meet him you just saw him...I know what you're all thinking..BUT you haven't heard the rest of the story.....(hey, no complaining about the length of my entries ok?- this is my journal remember- if I want to write a page about eating a pineapple I can- and same goes for meeting famous people- you can stop reading at any time :))

The final part of the story takes place on the beach- I was in the mood for a little workout, so I had big plans to walk to Kee beach (did this yesterday with Jess- will explain later) I set off, but didn't quite get as far as I wanted to...the tide was coming in, and the portion of beach I walked yesterday, was quickly becoming non-existent -next came the heavy rain that drenched me- I was afraid the rain would keep coming so I turned back (I had forgotten that the rain storms are weird in HI- It rains for like 7 minutes, and then the sun comes out...it's very bizarre) Anyways, I was able to see a rainbow and decided to hike the other way around the beach...to an area I hadn't been before- I was completely alone at this point, just admiring some of the cool houses tucked away on this new side of beach. In the distance I saw two guys, one doing pushups. I was thinking I should ask then if there was any way to get back to the main rode from this part of the beach...I had been walking for quite a while, and didn't feel like turning around. The one guy passed me- and I didn't ask.....I was holding out for the guy doing pushups- Just then a thought crossed my mind...what if it's James Bond? It was fun to entertain this thought...but as I kept walking closer....my heart started beating faster....I thought....that's Pierce! Ok, stay calm- just do what you had planned to do in the first place- Ask for directions. So buy now the guy was just standing looking at the water- he wasn't facing me. I came up to him and said- excuse me- James turned around- and there we were- face to face. I tried not to act shocked that it was him- but clearly he saw through me- he gave a cute smile- and preceded to tell me how to leave the beach- his final words were "Good Luck"- with a smile- Now normally, I'm not really attracted to an older guy like Pierce Brosnan- but there was something about his cool accent- and well, the fact that he was famous, that made me think he was the hottest guy ever :) I had to keep myself from whipping out my cell and calling the roommates- or taking off on a dead sprint to get home and share my news- I think outwardly though, I played it pretty cool-I didn't mention any of his movies, or even the fact that I knew it was him- although, I secretly wished he would have let me use his private beach access to get home- and then of course invited me over for fresh squeezed lemonade his wife just made- A girl can dream right?!

So besides that, here's what else I've been doing

Yesterday:
-Up early- those birds again!
- Chatted with H and R over I chat
- Went to Tunnels for the first time- So quiet and serene- nothing like Waikiki
- Went exploring with Jess- saw 2 fresh water streams- a bunch of really neat rocks (no laughing- I'm a science teacher remember- this stuff impresses me!)- gorgeous views- and beautiful Kee beach- Long walk- 2hours atleast- Jess probably will never go on a "walk " with me ever again. :)
- Went snorkeling for the first time- Oh my goodness! So great!- It's like another world under the ocean- the fish are so beautiful- and they're everywhere! I also saw and swam right along side two sea turtles...unbelievable!
- Back at home- did the 15 minute workout plan Jess and I have started- we'll see how long that lasts
- Went out to dinner- Spent way too much money on chicken Parm- the only thing I liked on the menu- sometimes it's tough being picky- I'm a subway girl- Plain turkey please!- But the atmosphere and company was great. It was called Kalypso's
- Went to a bar where we plan to be regulars- It's called Tahiti Nui- It's this little hole in the wall place that has great live music, and Kareoke
- Before bed I saw the most beautiful night sky I've ever scene- the stars were unreal- I definitely plan on sleeping on the beach sometime before trips end

Today's recap- up, lihue beach, hilo hatties, pineapple stand, two waterfalls, farmer's market, James spotted, walk on beach, saw rainbow, decided against lugging home a coconut, Talked with Bond, yoga with Jess, Wen made great dinner on the grill- had the best grilled pineapple, watched some FRIENDS

Tomorrow- Trip to Waimea Canyon!

Wow, what a difference a couple of hours can make! I woke up in my hotel room in Waikiki, and went for a run with my roomies. We passed all of the trendy storefronts, all of the trendy people, and some of the most lavish hotels I've seen. Everything was busy and pretty. I was in the heart of a very touristy, very beautiful resorty area....5 hours later, we touched down in kauai. It's like going back in time. Everything is old and quaint, and the setting is something right from one of my favorite shows, LOST. Beautiful flowers, lush green tropical plants, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop. We all crammed into our little Mazda, after making a quick stop at Wal-mart for groceries (last piece of civilization- wish it was a target :)) and then headed for our house. We took the one rode around the island, north about 1 hour and arrived at Hale Manoa (check out the web link on the sign). I felt like a kid again at Christmas. We got into our house and all started jumping around and screaming...it's so fantastic. All hardwood floors, open floor plan with a great couch, bar counter with high stools, big porch with amazing view, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, outdoor shower (if I get brave) and an indoor shower, flat screen TV, wireless....This place is great! We met our neighbors....locals who were out in the backyard feeding the wild horses....that's right we have horses! Oh, and the best breeze comes through the house (no ac, just fans), it's the perfect temperature.

It was nice to unpack all of my stuff, and to just have an evening of hanging out, eating twizzlers and fruit loops while watching Friends. It doesn't get much better than that. The night was a little rough though- lots of weird noises....not good for my sleep issues :) Did I mention we have roosters? Oh that's right...they like to yell in the evening, and also at 4:00 in the morning...kind of funny, also sort of annoying. I figure if that's the worst thing, life is pretty good.....plus, I have plenty of time to sleep on the beach....we're less than a mile from famous Tunnels beach.

I love how this place is so naturally beautiful, plus so perfect for the adventurist. I'm excited to brave the big waves today, and explore all of the awesome hiking trails. I'm thinking the prissy cute white beach cover-up from Honolulu is going to need to stay at home. I'm looking forward to just throwing on shorts, a t-shirt, and a doo rag.....need to fit in with the cool locals ya know cuz? (that's how hawaiian surfers talk :))

Oh- Jay just set me up with a picture slide show- so you can see some pictures from the outside luau and the view from our house- I'll try to get better at taking pics...it's not really my expertise- oh, and I set up a flickr account too, so once I figure it out, you can see it :)

Happy Anniversary to Heather and Ryan!

I love going on trips and people watching, it's the funniest thing. I especially like spotting the tourists....you know, those people in the hawaiian shirts, completely sunburned, with the fanny pack on, and the camera around the neck, not to mention the wide eyed bambi look as they cross streets in the vacation city, totally oblivious to the giant tour buses trying desperately not to hit them........wait a second....that's me....I'm the idiot with the silly grin, looking at the amazing Pacific Ocean off Waikiki beach for the first time, I'm the moron with the goofy giant ear phones on, listening to the audio tour at Pearl Harbor, and I'm the loser who likes to say "aloha" and "Maholo" every chance I get,and sing on the tour bus the "Hang Loose song" (see end of the blog for complete lyrics :)) even when not very many people are singing along with me....But you know what....I think I'm ok with it....I think you have more fun when your not always trying to be the "cool one." Now, don't get me wrong, I'm workin real hard not to have the tourist sunburn...I seriously wore spf 30 today...which I don't think I've ever done, oh....and of course in my head, I'm going to be the ultimate surfer chick, tearing it up on the north shore- not looking at all like a beginner (yeah right!) I suppose it's good to find the balance...you know, between complete dork, and, I'm a local....That's the plan anyway.

So quick 2 day summary for the record:

- Trip into Burlinggame California/San Fran
- Shopping at the thrift in Cal- buying dress for 4 dollars
- Riding trolly in San Fran
- Attempting to go to IN-N-OUT burger, and receiving advice from an entire bus full of people- quite humerous
- First Class trip to HNL
- Flew with Jess and new San Fran friend who later told us she smuggled in pot- real nice girl....seriously, ,very fun
- Managed to get to airport after long bus ride- Castle Resort quest Waikiki
- Spent day with Leisyl at Pearl Harbor- Went to the Arizona Memorial- glad I went
- Went to the beach- water is so blue and nice and warm- went for a walk
- Got ready for the Luau- Wore new thrift store dress
- Went to outside luau "Germain's Luau" right on the beach- sat on the ground- great food- yes I tried some very weird things- loved the pig...surprise, surprise - amazing entertainment- the guy ate fire for crying out loud!- How do they move their hips that way?...Looks like a good workout- awesome costumes....free drinks, fun driver who taught us this song:

Just hang loose
Just have fun
Sippin on drinks or laying in the sun
People try to stop me but it aint no use
Cause all those in Hawaii like to just hang loose (shawka!- you're suppose to say this as you raise your hand with the sign language Y symbol- I'll show you when I get back- It's totally Hawaiian baby! :) and it means to chill out- it's the Aloha Way

Tomorrow we're off to Kaui!- I'll post pictures when I figure out how.

So I think my plane tickets just got a little more expensive- I had the FIRST CLASS experience, and I don't want to go back to coach ever again :). It was pretty amazing. You get to board first, which really made me feel like a snob, especially when everyone was in line, and I had to keep asking, "are you first class?" and then butted ahead of them. Once in my special cabin area with all my other equally snooty first class comrades, I felt more at ease, except when I had to open the separation curtain to use the restroom, and all the "regulars" looked at me like, "what the heck is she doing in first class?" I wanted to wear a sign announcing that I was given the upgrade, and "I'm really just one of you." Jess and I were so gitty about every little thing, that I'm sure the stewardess and probably all the other upeties knew we were first timers without the sign.

The seats alone were a hit- extra big, plenty of leg room, and recline with a great adjusting head rest, you can't beat it-well, then again, the warm nuts, dinner, complete with white linens, desert, and wine, warm cookie (that I said no to....what was I thinking?!- rookie mistake), and hot towels for your face, weren't bad either. It was quite an experience. I'm afraid I'm going to be quite disappointed on my trip back, although there's always another chance of being bumped on the way back. I'm keeping my fingers crossed :)

Jas and Suz have this thing they do with the kids, where they drum roll on the table at dinner and scream "best thing!" and then they go around the table and each person has to say what the best part of their day was. The couple times I've been a part of this, Caris has really impressed me with her witty answer, and JJ has pretty much just copied exactly what Caris said...it's real cute. Anyways, I was thinking about what I would say my "best thing" was from my first official Hawaii vacation day....you would think that would be a hard one, considering that yesterday was just a travel day, but "IT WAS THE BEST DAY!" Jess and I keep saying this....I'll explain:

First you should know, that I'm sitting in a little diner called Leann's, in a booth with cow print, eating the best pancakes-in San Francisco -yep that's right...I'm not even in Hawaii yet...We were about to board our plane to Honolulu, and the United Rep ask if anyone would mind being bumped to a later flight....the perks: a round trip plane ticket to anywhere in the US (no blackouts), 15 dollar food voucher, a free hotel stay, and flying first class to HNL the next day...needless to say we took it (props to our traveling companions for being so gracious when we told them we'd be ditching them for the evening) Oh, and we also met this really cool San Franciscan girl named Ida...who encouraged us to take the deal, and even gave us her number incase we had questions....we'll be seeing her this evening in First Class.

So last night we got to our hotel...nothing that great, but Free, so that's cool. We went on a walk...there's a little path right across the street that goes along the water ( I think it's the San Fran Bay) The planes come in over the water, and it actually looks like they're landing on the water. The temp was great, and it felt pretty neat to be able to say that I was in California.

Today, the plan is to go into town on a trolly, explore, walk 3 miles to "IN-N-OUT" Burger (this place Jess is raving about from her past LA experience), and then catch a shuttle to the airport, and fly to Hawaii. I figure it's a whole lot of eating, but with how expensive food is in HI, we should probably fill up now, and save the popcorn for later :).


Other Positives: Sat next to cool guy on flight to Chicago whose wife went to Malone, is a paster, had really good conversation (he compared church to airport - I'll have to tell you more about this later Jas, it was a great analogy), didn't run out of gas on the way to the airport (mom later told us how close we had really come), watched the movie New in Town on the flight to San Fran which was surprisingly good, saw Rachel before we left and got gift bag- thanks rach!, great service, and everyone was so friendly on the plane (shout out to UNITED), flew over the mountains- beautiful!

Negatives-hmmmmm? oh, no clothes, no pj's, wearing same outfit, and sleeping in.....well, you get the idea :)

Ok, this is way long....not sure if anyone read to the end, but I just want to remember everything! So thanks for listening to all the rambling.

More to come later- can't wait to meet up with Jay, Wen, and Leisyl, and to fly first class- that's a first :) We'll get to Hawaii at 7:30ish HI time.

Oh, and just so you know Elizabeth....my friend Ryan battles middle names everyone "Diane"- it's endearing- and just sort of funny.

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