Tag Archives: waterfall

Milford Sound.

DSC_1002WARNING: This is real life. In the South Island of New Zealand sits a fjord which was created by glacier erosion. We glided through the water surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. I have never seen anything as magnificent as Milford Sound, and I imagine I won’t ever again. If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing this, it is absolutely stunning.

DSC_0857(Part of our drive to Milford Sound)

DSC_0868(A rushing waterfall under the highway we were driving on)

DSC_0880(Still, just our drive to Milford Sound)

DSC_0898(Took a pit stop to take a photo)

DSC_0904(Your first view once you are on the boat is of this gigantic waterfall which supplies the majority of the tiny town’s power)

DSC_0916(We were lucky to be there on such a cold day, the fog created a majestic view)

DSC_1040(A waterfall behind me)

DSC_0919(A few hundred meters away from the first waterfall, it still looks huge!)

DSC_0953

DSC_1025(Bundled up and taking it all in)

DSC_1047(Just one of the dozens of waterfalls along the way)

I can’t say enough about how incredible this spot is, it was actually named a wonder of the world and I can see why. It is so much larger and astounding in person, see it! See it! You will not regret it!

Twin Falls, Keanae, and Surf.

IMG_1569
I have been going to Hawaii every since I was a little girl with my family.  We go once a year to see friends and family and of course just relax.  One of the things I’ve heard about from time to time, but have never really experienced, is the Road to Hana.  When my step-dad, Darrin, and friend, Amanda, were up for the adventure we decided we would check out a few sites on the Road to Hana.  I wanted to see a waterfall and a special beach and I’d say we got both!

IMG_1576
Our first stop was Twin Falls which is a few waterfalls a short walking distance from the parking area.  At the opening of the path is this cute little farm-stand.

IMG_1560
The path ways are very easy and also very lush.

IMG_1563
There were a few wet areas but that’s part of what makes it so beautiful!

IMG_1553
We also ran into some bamboo!

IMG_1572

IMG_1577
So green!

IMG_1578
Views for days!

IMG_1582
Love these vine covered trees.

IMG_1585

IMG_1588
After Twin Falls, we drove on to Keanae Beach which was stunning.

IMG_1595

IMG_1612
Those ocean blues never get old.

IMG_1627
The Road to Hana is very pretty, don’t get me wrong, but I wouldn’t spend the entire day driving it.  The roads are squeezed and you can see just as beautiful sites on other parts of the island.  These two stops were definitely note worthy and would make for a great trip.

IMG_1630
A few last snaps from my trip!

IMG_1635
My favorites 🙂

IMG_1684
I even attempted some waves.  I like to give it a whirl whenever I’m on the islands because the water is so warm!

image
Family!

image
The best coconut/banana shaved ice in the world with mochi on top… SO GOOD!

image
Amanda and I watched the sunset every day on the beach with an ice cold beer, it was the perfect combo!

IMG_1640
It was a great trip with my mom, step dad, and friend Amanda.  I can’t wait for next year!

Maui in November.

image
(Keanae)

For Thanksgiving, my family takes off to Hawaii each year to spend the holidays in an un-traditional way.  It’s a nice time to rest up and re-charge the batteries before we head into winter time.  Each year we try to see friends and family on the islands and also spend as much time as possible outdoors.  So far this week, with Amanda visiting from Oahu, we’ve spent lots of time in the ocean.  Amanda, Darrin, and I also spent a day cruising the road to Hana.  We didn’t go the entire way but we made some great stops.

image
Twin Falls.

image
Hawaii sunsets are the best.

image
Amanda and I were reunited after a year apart!

image
We made sure to do lots of ocean swimming.

image
Amanda in her tube.  We bought inter tubes and swam out to get rolled over by the waves.  It was hilarious!  Probably because the waves were very small 🙂

image

image
We decked ourselves out in Flash Tats.

image
Went on tons of long walks.

image

image
My attempt at tree pose for the first time all week.

image

The ocean blues, it doesn’t get any better.  I’m still on the island for the rest of the week with my family but I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving week.  It’s a time to be thankful for all the blessings in your life and to remind yourself to not take anything or anyone for granted.  Pay it forward this week at random times and be kind.  It’s not everyday we stop and really focus on things we are thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving!