Good Day, Sunshine!

Expecting yet another day of cloudy skies and showers, we were shocked, delighted and nearly blinded by the sunny blue sky! The vibrant colours of Kauai were revealed at last. What a contrast! Even the birds were singing about it!

We literally ran out the door with our snorkel gear, not wanting to miss a moment of sunshine.

We grabbed a quick brekkie to go from Starbucks (yes, but there’s only one) and headed to on of Mark’s favourite remote beaches. The road (er…sort of) to get there was distinguishable from the fields that flanked each side only by sections of packed dirt connecting potholes and craters big enough to lose a car in. (Note to self: next time, rent a Jeep).

When we finally arrived at the beach, the view made the ride all worthwhile. Tropical paradise, found! Unfortunately, even Jacques Cousteau would not have ventured into the surf that was churning above the best snorkeling area. Desperate to put his head in the water, Mark waded in from the long stretch of beach around the corner while I did my best to watch for shark fins from the shore. Mark’s perseverance was rewarded when he got to float alongside a baby turtle that was passing by.

The sun continued throughout the day, allowing us to dip our fins at the famed Poipu Beach; a very popular spot that offers safe snorkeling and plenty of fish. We had to share the beach this day with a lounging Monk seal. Sources tell us there are only about 1300 of these creatures left –which seems to afford them the right to commander the choices spots on any beach. Volunteers cordon off a large section of the sand around them so the seals can sun themselves without any hassle from the tourists. It’s really quite a sight to see – these wild blubbery sea mammals parked amongst hundreds of humans!

It really heats up here when the sun comes out, so much so that you literally have to open all the doors of your car to let it air out for a couple of minutes before getting in. Despite that, some beach-going idiot thought it would be okay to leave their puppy behind in the truck – parked in the full, mid day sun. Thankfully the little guy started putting up a fuss and a bunch of folks were able to break into the truck and rescue him before it was too late.

Following a tip from President Obama, we tried out our first shaved ice. Sometimes eating yellow snow is a good thing!

From there it was off to the National Tropical Botanical Garden for a quick tour of the front garden and a photo shoot. Along with the flora, they grow some pretty impressive insects and arachnids here. Humongous bees, lurking spiders and geckos falling out of the trees...

There was a lovely sunset tonight for us to applaud, from the comfort of the room lanai (deck) at the resort where we’re staying. Boat drinks in hand, of course.

Aaron, this one was for you!