 1 Exploring Alapena Pool and Falls right off the Pali. You're immediately thrust into a dense jungle. Very pretty. |
 2 The pool and small waterfall is beautiful - like a gem glistening on an intricate, aged setting. What we should have anticipated, though, is that the mosquitoes love this place, too. You could see clouds of them fluttering around in the sunlight. Dave got eaten alive. If you want to know what Dave's version of Dante's 8th level of hell, this is it. He says he has a systemic reaction to bites - like if he's bitten on his arm, his leg will itch. This goes on for about 1/2 an hour. So the next stop was Long's drugs before heading on to more holo holo in Honolulu hikes. |
 3 Sam and Ben didn't care too much - they enjoyed the walk. I did have some bug wipes in my pack so I was able to give a little protection to them. |
 4 Climbing back up to the Pali. |
 5 Applying after-bite itch relief :) They are smelling their toes - gross! |
 6 Now at Foster Botanical Gardens, right on Vineyard and Nuuanu in downtown Honolulu. The 13-acre park is really something. Jurassic-size trees in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown. This huge gecko is quite impressive! I bet he hangs out all night by the bathroom lights feeding on bugs. |
 7 Starting to check out the Jurassic trees. This earpod tree is 18 Sam paces around or about 36 feet (math lesson during truancy time). |
 8 Dave started up our camera in 16x9 to match our computer screen's resolution. |
 9 Oh boy - what's in there, Ben!? |
 10 Sam is really enjoying down time with his dad. Even though we haven't gone anywhere, seeing this attachment and identification have time to form and gel is priceless. They love to walk together and play checkers. |
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 12 Amazing trees! |
 13 Mommy going to dispose of something...love my new green mommy-pack for space-a time and hiking with a walker (vs carrying a boy). |
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 15 A sausage tree. |
 16 Jurassic cycads. |
 17 A relative of the hibiscus! Unbelievable. More math time - this tree is 80 years old. |
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 19 The conservatory... |
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 22 Mom loves orchids - I think of you every time I see these, mom. |
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 27 Heading over to Josh and Ang's house for Thanksgiving! |
 28 Only 15 min by wagon - we beat Daddy! |
 29 And here we are celebrating at their new home! Thank you for a wonderful time, guys! |
 30 Out on a hike at Waimano Valley through a lush forest that looks a lot like other states we've visited. |
 31 Daddy and boys! |
 32 Checking out the stream which has placid areas and lots of gurgling. |
 33 Learning shapes on the trail :) (heart) |
 34 Palm trees decorating themselves for Christmas, stream in the background. |
 35 Ben found a V, for VALLEY! |
 36 "Mom, can we climb? Please?" |
 37 A good snack spot by the mango tree. |
 38 My #1 buddy :) |
 39 The tricky section where the drop-off to the right is very steep. There were lots of interesting tunnels off to the left as well - for hunters, or pigs, or both? |
 40 Waianae range in the distance. |
 41 The sounds of the stream and the birdies. |
