Kauai: Abandoned Houses, Trees, Chickens, Waimea Canyon, and Rainbows.

"i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes"
~e. e. cummings (1894–1962)

Kauai is widely thought to be the most beautiful and lush of all the Hawaiian islands. Known as the "Garden Isle", it is geologically the oldest of the main islands.

We forced Mom out of bed, which I hope she thinks was a good idea, despite the fact that I knew exactly how she felt, having had the illness before she did. Absolutely zero energy and very limited lung capacity. But I had her bring her pillow and a blanket so she could rest if she needed to.

After renting our car, we set out for Waimea Canyon. Along the way, we stopped at this random deserted house. Really, I'm not sure how we even found it. We talked about buying it and fixing it up. Pretty great, isn't it? I was already daydreaming about sitting on the porch sipping lemonade.

Right in the front yard was this beautiful tree, limbs twisting about, providing perfect shade for the hundred feral chickens, for which Kauai is (in)famous, that roamed the yard.

Our presence in front of the old house intrigued a new transplant from the mainland. Maybe she ended up buying the property.

I still think I should buy the place...

We finally made it to the Waimea Canyon Lookout. If you've never been to Waimea Canyon or even heard about it, let me preface these pictures by saying that it is often called "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific" with good reason. As you'll see it has the look like the massive canyon in Arizona with the red earth, but the Hawaiian touch of green lush beauty is added.

The ten-mile-wide canyon is truly a dramatic sight to behold.

Shortly after we arrived at the lookout, we heard a man performing some kind of ceremony. Listening and watching was a pretty surreal experience. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be a private moment, but I took pictures since I figured he was out there in the middle of the day and didn't seem to even notice anyone watching.

As you can tell I took many pictures. The canyon was just so beautiful that I couldn't stop staring or see a new angle from which to shoot a photo.

I know I don't look too excited to be there, but I'm not sure I was ready for the photo. :)

While we were there, we saw several helicopters flying through. I can imagine that would have been an amazing view.

Stunning, don't you think? It's worth the trip. Even in spite of the feral chickens lurking around.

On our way back down we stopped at the Shrimp Station for some lunch/dinner or whatever meal that ended up being.

To be honest, I can't remember what I had, but looking at this menu I'm pretty sure I had either the garlic shrimp or the shrimp tacos. Whatever I ate, I remember it being so delicious, so filling, and so messy. Luckily they had a nice tub to wash up in once you were done.

As we continued back to port, we came across the most beautiful rainbow. I think that means "any rainbow in Hawaii." But seriously, I was trying to take pictures from the car, but then we were able to stop. I ran across the street to get a good view in the canyon. And once again, you're getting a photo dump because I can't just pick one. :)

What a perfect way to end a pretty perfect day on Kauai! Thanks Mom, Stephen, and Shep for a great day.

Stay tuned for one last Hawaiian port and one last Hawaiian post. Maui.

(Written August 12, 2013)

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