Almost forgot about Hawaii...silly me.

Before we get to Alaska, let me I spent a few days in Hawaii on the Island of Kauai. It did not suck.

I spent three days teaching a Wilderness First Aid cours at the Kauai community college. The weather was actually much like in indiana - only slightly 'scorchier' on the flesh in direct sunlight.

After the course I spent one day walking the beaches on the east and north coast and scrambling over the lava fields when the sand ended. To say the waves crashed is a bit of an understatement. Check out the video below, it's a little shaky because I probably would have been crushed up against the lava walls in the cave if I had slipped and fallen in. I never cease to be amazed by the power of water.

I swam in the Queens bath where I discovered sea cucumbers and napped and swam at the Haena State Park where the the water was clear and calm - great for snorkeling (very top picture). I didn't get a picture of the queens bath - you'll have to look it up online or just go visit it yourself! And yes, these flowers just happend to be laying in a beautiful pile on the beach.

Before I hopped on a red eye home I ate at the Blossoming Lotus for world class Vegan dinner. Deeeeleshious.

It was a quick trip - too quick, but for my first time in Hawaii I can't complain!

I hardly took any pictures and to prove it was me there and not some stolen pictures off the web........may i present to you.....my feet.

(katie vernon - this post is for you)