The Road Less Traveled.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this. . .the long way, the road less traveled, the river deep, the valley wide.

So many things in our life have taken us, well, the looooooong way. The mountains have been higher and the valley’s lower and wider than I could have ever anticipated (in my wildest of dreams). But in retrospect, this really has made all the difference in the world. I’ve seen more, I’ve done more, I’ve learned more than I ever could have otherwise. The lessons have been as deep as the mountains have been high.

You want shallow lessons? You take the easy way. You want surface level understanding and fulfillment? Short cuts will serve you well.

I don’t want these things. I don’t.

The trick (and yes, there really is one) is letting go, leaning in, and not wasting your life in worry, doubt or fear. As long as you’re tuned in, and committed to what’s truly best for you (not what you WANT, or think you NEED, but what’s best), everything really does have a way of working itself out. (Yes, even THAT. You know, that thing you’re worrying about right this very second? Yes, even THAT will work itself out, in the perfect way and at the perfect time for you.)

Someone I really love once said, “You must learn to walk to the edge of the light, and then a few steps into the darkness; then the light will appear and show the way before you.” And I believe him. With all my heart.

PS. Love this pretty little stretch of highway between Wahiawa and Waialua.  Kaukonahua Rd takes just a little longer than the “standard” route through the pineapple plantations (Kam Highway), but it’s soooo totally worth it.

PPS. This post took a thousand years to write. 3 kids, one frazzled momma, a studio apartment, and all kinds of sleep deprivation. . . snerk. SOS! I’m d-d-d-drowning. Can’t wait for Richie to get here next week!

That’s not really a thing, by the way. The road to Waimanalo. Well, yes it is, but nobody calls it that. What I’m referring to is the stretch of Kalanianaole Highway that runs between Hanauma Bay and Waimanalo. So beautiful. SO. I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a short drive that runs right along the water, and you’ll die it’s so gorgeous. The color of the water is amazing island wide, and no matter what, but there’s something about this particular stretch of water that is somehow even MORE breathtaking (and most especially on a sunny day). Be still my soul. Granted, today, we went VERY late in the evening (inches from dark), and it was still breathtaking.

In winter months (Nov-April), this is a WONDERFUL place to look for whales, you don’t even need binoculars meant for range and distances. I don’t know that I’ve driven this stretch once during that time frame when I haven’t seen at least water spray, and more often than not, I’ve seen a full breach!

These images don’t really highlight the beauty of the drive. . .this was more a 3 minute, impromptu, Grammie, Pop and boys family portrait session. :) But it really is as amazing as I say. Cross my heart.

Ummmmmmm, we actually saw mountain sheep (or goats??). I didn’t even know those things existed in Hawaii. I’ve never seen anything like it in 12 years on the island. I didn’t get a picture. . . we were WAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY to far away for my 24mm lens. Apparently, there’s a farm around there. I don’t really know for sure (just Googled and that’s my best guess).  Anyway, Lincoln and Pop thought they were especially neat. See:

These two, loving each other, is like my favorite miracle of all time. Times 73 (at least).

Raleigh was over it, fast. (Punk.)

Below: ugly picture, that I still love.

And isn’t she lovely?

Oh, and by the way, Ken’s Bakery in Waimanalo is pretty darn famous. I’ve never been, but everyone raves. A good day of amazingness might be snorkeling at Hanauma and then a trip to Ken’s bakery. (Just don’t go on a Tuesday, because Hanauma is closed.) Ok, last thing, promise. Hanauma is wonderful, but CROWDED. By far the most famous snorkeling on Oahu, but be prepared to share your fishies with 9 zillion of your favorite strangers. Check this website for emergency assistance where you are on the road.

Sunset at Shark’s Cove. Remember this post, from over a year ago? Same place pictured above.

Visiting the rock at Waimea is an Oahu vacation must!

Don’t be fooled by his bravery. A) It’s higher than it looks. B) My kids are always the youngest jumpers (generally by at least a decade). I’ve seen many a grown man humbly climb back down the way he came.

JUMP AT YOUR OWN RISK. I am not endorsing this activity for any individual (except for myself, because I love it) or for any family (except my own, because it’s awesome).

Aloooooha!

PS. Woke up at 3:30 this morning and figured out my silly computer mess. Bam. Take THAT technology!

Per request: PHOTOGRAPHER INFORMATION: Canon 5d MK II, 24 mm 1.4 lens, set at f 5.6 and 1/500th of a second, AI Focus.

The end.

(Oh Hawaii. Oh. Oh. Oh.)

**Bottom image in this post: Hukilau Beach. Laie, HI. Soooooo great for the kiddies.

**I get emails ALL.THE.TIME requesting vacation information for Hawaii travel. It’s impossible for me to answer all of these requests (particularly because I don’t know your personal groove). That said, I’m going to add a blog category: “Vacation Oahu,” and as I chronicle the next 6 weeks for our family, I’ll do my best to include pertinent vacation information for those who may be interested. I sure do love y’all! xx! N