Boo, Boo, Boo!

Happy Halloween

2009

p.s. Happy Birthday-Grandma Nichols!

Extreme Hiking-Again!

You would think hiking up to the lighthouse would be more than enough hiking for one day but not us. After hiking to the lighthouse we were so suppose to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. We decided to head down to Jumba Jucie for some fruit smoothies.

As we were headed back towards Hanauma Bay, I noticed what looked like a line going straight up the side of the crater. I thought I saw something moving up the side of the Koko Crater. I had Leroy pull the car over at the secnic point and he also confirmed what I thought. It looked like tiny creatures moving up the side of the crater but in fact it was people.

Upon, closer look we realized that people were hiking up stairs made from old railroad ties which had been abandoned long ago. The incline tram formerly used by the military to transport personnel and supplies to a lookout post on the summit. Today, the ascent to the top is popular with locals, many of who climb the 1,000 plus "steps" for a good workout. For some reason the gazillion tourists who drive by Koko Head every day are oblivious to the adventure and reward of climbing this imposing crater summit with its fantastic views.

We didn't know how to get there but we managed to go thru a subdivision that ended at a park. Several people around us were headed up to this trail and we followed behind. This trail wasn't marked.

The hike up wasn't easy...I was huffing and puffing all the way up to the top. You will see in all the pictures. I'm bright red in the face. The hike up is super hard. Straight up. The hike is so scary but the view from the top is sooooo amazing. I felt like I was on top of the world.

The hike is close to 1058 steps to the top and back down. One mile up and one mile down. It feels like ten miles at the end. My legs at the end of the hike were shaking so bad from muscle fatige. It was so bad.

Leroy and I looked back up at the bottom of the stairs and we're so impressed without selves. Leroy was ready to kill me but I know deep down he enjoyed it. I have way more stamia than he does plus he wasn't feelin that good. I'm very happy that my hubby is willing to go along with all of my crazy adventures.

Extreme Hiking-Hawaii Style

Makapu'u Point Light

After our third day on Oahu, we decided to go for a nice hike to Makapu'u Point Light house. We decided it would be fun to watch the sunrise on top of the hill looking down over the light house. This was not an easy hike. The hiking book gave this trail an easy rating but it turned out that I read the section on this trail incorrect. The first half of the trail is straight up a hill/cliff but on the way back it's a paved road. If you take the paved road up and back it's a super easy hike. I read it incorrectly and we basically made our own trail to the top.

Here's a picture of me, about half way up the hike to the top. The view is AMAZING! One wrong step, I could of ended up dead. It was super scary. Straight down sheer cliffs into the ocean. I don't recommend doing this hike unless you really like adventure.

We barely made it to the top to watch the sunrise. The view was amazing!!!!!! We could see both sides of the island.

On top of the hill were several old bunkers which were used as lookouts from the WWII time period.

I decided to take off and explore the remains of several bunkers. Very interesting.
Oh, one more thing, it's super windy at the top.

Also, do you see that crater in the background. It's called "Koko" crater. We ended up hiking up to the top of that crater after finishing this hike. Leroy thought for sure I was trying to kill him. I'm in shape and I kicked his butt on both hikes.


If you want more information on the lighthouse, click here!

On the way back, we came across all of these cameras and crews. Can you guess what tv sitcom is filming. We didn't see any actors but just the crew setting up the stage. Any thoughts???

Aloha

Tomorrow, Leroy and I leave for our trip to Oahu. We are planning on staying in a studio away from the tourist trap Waikiki. The studio is only three blocks away from Kailua beach. Oh, I can't wait! After working hard all year long in losing weight and getting back in shape. This is my reward.
I just want to thank all the family that is coming over to help with the kids. I know it wouldn't be easy but it will be a great way for the kids to get to know their grandma's and grandpa better. Thanks, we would be able to go without your help.
Also, I feel bad that I haven't spent more time on my blog but life has been crazy lately. I will post pictures when we get back.
Aloha,
lara

Ten on Tuesday

1. After training for twelve long weeks: I was able to finally reach my goal of running in a half marathon. It wasn't easy but was well worth it.
2. I was so busy knitting in the van, I almost missed the start of the race. Opps!
3. For whatever reason I wasn't nervous about the race at all which isn't like me at all.
4. I ended up with horrible leg pain in my left leg. I ended up having to walk a mile which ended up killing my time.
5. I was very surprised at the end of the race that I hadn't done so bad after all. I came in 2:20:57. I placed 10th for my age group.
6. I'm now planning on running the Little Rock Marathon in March 2010. I also signed up Landon to run the little Rockers Marathon. He will run all 25.5 miles at home over several weeks and He will run his last mile at the marathon.
7. We are almost done with planning our trip to Hawaii. I have worked hard these past couple of months with losing weight and getting back in shape. It's going to be a great reward.
8. While running my half marathon, Leroy drove all the way down to Fayatteville to buy me a carpet cleaner. He spent the rest of the day cleaning the couches and cleaning the carpets.
9. Landon and Logan are both in gymnastics.
10. Leah is determined to be the "mean girl". Every time we go out in public she has to rule the roost. I'm a little bit afraid how she's going to be when she's older. At this point, she's driving me crazy.