Five days of phenomenal

The Napali Coast Hike was a standout for me!

It caught me off guard in many ways. This trail was a real challenge, full of ups and downs, and in some spots, it got pretty narrow, rocky, and slippery. Some stretches were downright sketchy! There was a lot of exposure too.

But even with all the mud and slipperiness, the beauty along the way was sensational!

Words just can’t seem to grasp the magic of the lush tropical forest; even photos fall short of its true beauty.

Every moment was a treasure. I tackled the full 11-mile trail on day one. But as the rain poured down in the following days, my tent became a cozy haven for diving into books. It was incredible! I devoured three books, adding another layer of adventure to my five-day journey.

In the breaks between showers, I wandered the beach, sought out magnificent waterfalls, and refreshed with dips in the natural pools.

I soaked in all the sounds—the chirping birds, the wild, crashing waves, the howling wind, and (lots of) falling rocks.

I took my time hiking out, breaking it up into two days. Once out, I learned the trail had been closed for the prior two days, due to rainfall. It didn’t rain that hard where I was, but the first two miles are traveled by 900 people PER DAY, so they are careful.

An unforgettable week—one that’s etched in my heart for years to come

Happy Birthday to me….

A friend once said to me that Birthdays are your “own private holiday” I still love that thought. I try to find fun ways to celebrate, often in new places I have never before traveled.

It might not feel good to be getting older, but a celebration of still living a great life is worth pausing to consider.

West coast beach on Kauai

The alternative is to not be here, not getting older, not having experiences. I often think about how much life Scott is missing. His memory moves me to keep my life full and exciting.

Waimea Canyon

Tomorrow, I venture on to Kauai’s Nepali Coast with my backpack and my tent. A new path to follow. I’m using the hike as a beacon for the coming year: new trails, unknown places, and fearless exploration; on all levels of my life.

Surf fun

My birthday gift is from all of you: fun, friends and loads of love.

Cheers to you and my next trip around the sun!!