Limahuli Gardens – CTHikergal Travels

fullsizeoutput_1818 — taken above the water, the water is that clear!

Today seemed to have the theme of simple treasures. Mike and I had a leisurely 40 minute stroll on Cannon’s Beach, while the nephew slept in this morning. It was low tide, which we always enjoy because there are sea creatures to be spotted and admired in the water.

Mike’s greatest treasure he discovered this morning was a sea urchin spine. We marveled at nature’s engineering of it.

The views this morning, as usual, were beautiful and a perfect way to start our morning, being very zen like.

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After our beach walk, we headed back to make breakfast burritos and plan the day. We desperately need some more fruits and greens so off to the Hanalei Farmers market we went.

After this market we decided to go check out the market at Anaina Hou in Kilauea. This market had less crowds and a good selection of eats.

On our way home we stopped in Hanalei to pick up a few more items at Big Save. Once home we lunched on leftovers. Our next outing was Limahuli Gardens in Haena. This is one of my favorite places on the island, I find it very spiritual and calming.

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As we walked the upper terrace of the gardens, a gentleman was gardening. I started chatting with him, discussing my favorite plant Alula.

He provided me with tidbits of information, about how the plant in ancient times was pollinated(by a night moth now extinct), how they are studying currently how it pollinated and how they are saving this plant.

We moved on to sit and take in the views.

While sitting here he came over and gifted me with a Hawaiian White Hibiscus Flower. It was that simple gesture, that came from his heart, endeared me even more to this sacred place. Talking story with Tom, the volunteer gardener, made my day. I don’t think he realized how much this simple act of giving meant to me.

After an early afternoon of walking in the sun, we returned to the house. Mike and I started to plan out the next few days, while the nephew enjoyed a few hours in the shade at Tunnels Beach. This isn’t our normal style of travel, to write out and plan each day, our nephew’s time visiting is limited, so having a plan will help us utilize time better for him.

After a dinner of burgers and salad greens, I explored the yard and took a few new pictures of the orchids in the yard. I was excited to find a new one blooming. I love finding these small treasures throughout the yard.

New Orchid

different angle

this one is green

pretty in pink

Sunset viewing tonight was a colored cloud fest. It was another simple treasure that reflected the day, reminding us to enjoy the small gifts nature provides us with.

I started my day with a run. Ran to Limahuli Gardens and back, about 2.7 miles. It is a great little run for the rolling hills, tight curves and most importantly the sights.

what a view — Can you believe this view?

Mike had breakfast of fresh fruit, coffee and greek yogurt waiting for me after the run. So welcomed.

We were rather undecided about our plans, so after much debating we decided a good cool down for me would be for us to walk to Limahuli Gardens and do the self guided tour (and you thought I took those pictures as I was running?).

Off to Limahuli we trudged. This is another of the National Tropical Botanical Garden properties. I find this a very spiritual place. I love to meander the gardens staring at the majestic cliffs and gazing out on the ocean. The garden gives out an informative booklet, not only does it include plant information but it has legends about the mountains that surround you.

Rock — The rock perched up is named Pohaku-o-Kane, when he falls Kauai will be lost to a Tsunami

After our walk back, we lunched and rested. Then it was time for our Tuesday ritual of going to Waipa Farmer’s Market in Hanalei. We stocked up again on fresh fruit and veggies. For us half the fun is people watching. Mike’s favorite comment he overhead was “We are at a farmer’s market and it’s raining, this awesome.” A couple who appreciates what this island has to offer.

We also picked up our tickets for this weekend’s Ocean Film Fest, a fun event for us.

Once the market errand was completed and unpacked, we slathered on the sunscreen and hit the beach for late afternoon sun or rather rain/sun showers. It was a game of sit in full sun, run to the shade when the downpours came, run to sun, run to shade, felt like I was doing a Crossfit sprint for time.

After dinner you know what comes next…the nightly sunset viewing. But it didn’t happen. Clouds and rain showers have us secluded here at the house. That’s ok because tomorrow is an early day for us, doing the 2 or 2.5 hour drive to Waimea Canyon to do a hike in there. Haven’t decided which one yet…should be another fun day on the island.

Well after I hit publish, the night sky lit up here at the house, such sky I’ve not seen before…enjoy the colors.

Tag: Limahuli Gardens

Day 13 – Simple Treasures

Day 9 – Run, Walk and Sun