Kauai--that's right baby--you read it right!

3 months ago we had no big plans for a get-away. We definitely wanted to do something, but we were thinking mainland and a little more economy style, but then, the call came. Normally I am great at saying no to the get-away packages offered by companies selling condos. One or two nights in Sedona or Scottsdale is NOT worth a ninety minute high-pressure sales pitch to buy a condo! First the salesman mentions Kauai, then he throws in 5 NIGHTS, then he mentions the retail value (which we double checked and he was right on!), and I started thinking that maybe a 90 minute schpill might be worth it. After discussing it with Ryan and doing some investigating of our own, we decided that it was an AMAZING deal--one we couldn't pass up! AND, to Marriott's credit, the 90 minute schpill was not painful even a little. Our salesman was very cordial and very aware of the fact that we were only milking the system--he did his little ditty and then we were off on some more adventures! That is the most money I have EVER personally made in 90 minutes!

IF you are not big world travelers, and IF you are not fluent in other languages and slightly nervous to try traversing countries without being able to communicate, and IF you like beautiful, exotic landscape without ANY large or dangerous animals or reptiles, then Kauai is the place for you! (Note: if you like lots of commercial stuff and a nightlife--Kauai is NOT the place for you! and that's another reason I like it so much!)

I tried to keep the pics to a minimum--BUT I COULDN'T! EVERYTHING WAS SO WONDERFUL, and, of course, we didn't take nearly enough pictures!






Our first adventure was kayaking up Wailua River and then hiking into Secret (but not really SO secret) Falls. It was gorgeous! We then kayaked further up the river to a rope swing and had some fun--but I won't torture you with the pics.



Snorkeling was fun--but not amazing. Don't go to kauai if you want spectacular snorkeling cuz it is just not there; though, i have heard that it is a lot better off the Napali Coast. You have to take a boat there or hike in or kayak over. But with me being prego and ryan being extremely sea sick combined with really rough seas, we thought it might be more misery than fun.



Ryan took a flight in a what-cha-ma-call-it! He got to see the Napali Coast and he even got to drive--ryan loved it. I was happy to see him safely land. Even though my sickies have mostly subside, my stomach has been so tipsy turvy with this pregnancy that just the mere thought of being in a small airplaney thingey made me want to lose my breakfast.















We did two nice dinners. The first was a luau--which I don't recommend. The food was horrid (but, then again, I am probably the most particular eater when it comes to dining. I like fine dining and healthy...the combination of both is preferable, but if I have to choose I at least want something that is healthy and won't make me feel sick for the next 6 hours.) The Luau would be perfect for a carnivorous husband, I am fortunate and Ryan prefers to have something edible served with his meat. This picture is from our second dining experience at the Beach House. The setting was spectacular--watching the sunset over the ocean. The food left something to be desired (once again, take it for what it's worth.) My watermelon salad was awesome--the rest of the meal wasn't nearly as good as The Cheesecake Factory (fine dining at its finest! Next time you are there, I recommend the mahi mediterranean style--SO GOOD! and Ryan and I share--it is PLENTY big enough!)



Everytime Ryan and I go on vacation we tell ourselves that THIS time we are gonna splurge and get a massage. This time i was determined to actually do it (gosh darn it! I am pregnant and I deserve a stinkin' massage!) Plus, we had a hotel credit with our package--so that made it feel cheaper! We did our massage on the beach and it was the MOST AMAZING and RELAXING massage ever! We both fell asleep towards the end. We have no idea how long we slept--it was awesome. Truly awesome.




One of my favorite activites was surfing. We had a two hour lesson (I need a 2 year lesson--but it was still fun!) Ryan did really good, but unfortunately, our teacher didn't get a great shot of him up on his board. The picture of me is about as good as I got. I made it in on maybe three waves, but I was unsteady and flailing my arms the entire way in. Can I blame this on pregnancy? If you ever go to HI, you have GOT to surf! Warning: wear the long board shorts and a long-sleeved rash guard. Our arms were raw and rashed all around the elbow area, and my legs looked even worse!




The north shore is spectacular! We wish we had more time to spend up there! We did a short hike into Secret Beach (which has forgotten that it's a secret--highly populated with my least favorite ladies--the skinny naked ones. I wish I would've "accidently" thrown some mud or maybe a crab onto their naked bosoms, exposed female lower regions, or bum cracks--maybe then I would'n't feel such animosity for the free show.) WE then hiked all over the lava pools which are sooooooo
beautiful!






Our last days hike was the most adventurous. We did a jungle hike that wound us up a river stream. Half the hike was in the slippery rocks of the river (which was really difficult and dangerous to the toes), and the other half was through mud and vines and over and under logs. It was the best scenery combined with lots of adventure (perfect for Ryan.) And, just in case you are still reading and paying attention to my VERY LONG travel log, you may have noticed a silly purple glove on my hand. That morning I went for a longer than normal run, got lost, tripped and fell, and then walked the last 3/4 of a mile back to the resort with my hand above my head because of excessive bleeding. When I walked up to the main entrance, the valet people freaked out and made me sit on some sofas while they grabbed medical personal. I was dirty, my hand was badly torn up, and my pride heavily wounded. Thankfully, my stomach got a few scratches on it, but I wasn't at all uncomfortable in that region, so hopefully everything was and is fine! We had to protect my hand from the fresh water because they have some sort of bacteria that infects over a hundred people a year--and they get it from open wounds being exposed to the fresh water! My hand made the hike more difficult, but it was still awesome. We will definitely do that hike on our return trip...someday.

Please note the moisture on our skin. That is not rain. That is not water from the river. That is sweat! We were really working hard! Good thing I went for a run that morning!





























And, last but not least, everybody swears by Hawaiian shaved ice, so we had to try some! it was good--but once again, the picky eater in me comes out. I would rather have the macadamia nut icecream that is hidden in the middle all by itself! All that syrupy junk on the ice did me in! TOO MUCH!