Kauai, Part 2: Coast and Canyon

3rd day in a row posting!
Anyone notice :) kidding . . . I'm trying to set a new record.
kidding, again.

Anyways, back to Kauai.
We drove along the north shore of Kauai and stopped at one of the many beaches.
The waves were ferocious! The ocean was so strong, nobody was swimming.

There were wild chickens everywhere. This is truly not an understatement. They run wild and bob their heads eagerly crossing the road at random times. They sing their "cock-a-doodle-doo" song frequently. It was quite entertaining, but you don't really want them stalking you on the beach. Which they do!
I was glad this chicken decided to really pose for the camera . . .I snapped abotu 12 shots of him, but at the last minute, he just turned his head just so. Perfect headshot.
I'll send it straight to the Kauai Chicken Hall of Fame.

So, the famous trail in Kauai is the Napali Coast Trail, aka Kalalau Trail.
So, I set out on a solo trek because I was determined to hike this trail at least partially.

Gorgeous coastline, but don't gawk too much or else you will trip!

Yep, it was magical.



Right on the edge.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it past the Hanakapiai beach before I had to turn around and hike back.
But SOMEDAY (!!!) I would love to go back and explore this further.

Ke'e Beach




A beautiful church. And a beautiful rainbow. Rewards for hiking! ;)

The next day,
we headed south, to Waimea Canyon. I am continually amazed at Kauai's variety of landscapes and terrain. It is truly a treasure.

Oh, to fly through the canyon . . .








We stopped by a Kauaiian Coffee "Farm" and marveled at the plumeria trees.
They are just the most perfect looking flower.



After ice cream, lying at the beach, and driving through the cattle area, we made it back to Lihue for dinner and then to catch our plane.

Flying through the night to Honolulu, we had a layover in Anchorage before heading back to SouthEast Alaska . . .this is the view over Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
One of the most stunning flights ever (on a clear day) is the flight between Juneau and Anchorage, if you ever get the chance!

Good night, once again, from this Alaskan night owl.