Rewards

My original intention was to get all of our Hawaii pictures up shortly after we returned. That didn't happen, obviously. Although it didn't happen as I had planned, I am really appreciating the drawn out reminders of a fabulous vacation. On to the rewards...

I have learned this truth over and over: the harder you work for something, the more rewarding it is when you experience the fruit of your labor. Take school for example. Kindergarten graduation is fun and rewarding in its six-year-old kind of way (you know, like a stop for ice cream on the way home), but it pales in comparison to walking across the stage to accept that piece of paper that means you get to put "M.D" after your name (well, at least I think so...I can only assume given that, you know, I'm not a doctor).

One of our days on the island required a lot more work than I anticipated, but the reward was definitly worth all the effort. We drove over to the West side of the island to see the Waimea Canyon. A "moderately strenous" (guidebook's words; NOT MINE) hike through the canyon ended in a swimmable (which, I found out, is a relative term) waterfall pool.

At the bottom of the canyon road, there is a swinging foot bridge. Neat to see. Fun to walk on. But I'm pretty sure I don't need to do it again.

We didn't climb up there. It sure is pretty, though, isn't it?

Despite what my hair may suggest, this picture was not taken at the end of our hike. We still hadn't put forth much effort at this point. Our little Wrangler was doing most of the work.

 

This is the view from one of the lookouts.

Aren't the colors beautiful?



About two thirds of the way up the canyon, we stopped at one of the lookouts, strapped on our backpacks, made sure we had enough water, found walking sticks and set off on our "moderately strenuous" hike.

This was our first obstacle. And the easiest to overcome.

 

This was the next obstacle. The canyon. If you look closely you can see little tiny people on the ledge. That's where we were going.

Down into the canyon and then back up the other side brought us to that ledge and this solitary little tree. As well as a view back to our starting point and a little bit of unbelief as to how far we'd actually come. A little more rewarding than the lookout the Wrangler brought us to.

Finished looking back, we forged on towards the waterfall. And these rocks. No explanation.

Just around the corner we found the waterfall we were looking for and a nice rock to eat our lunch on. Lunch was rewarding. If I remember correctly, someone said it was the best wrap she'd ever had.

After lunch the reward was a refreshing swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls. The obstacle was ice cold water, but some of us were determined.

By "some of us" I mean "one of us."

Very,

very

determined.

Relaxed and refreshed, right?

The final obstacle was the last long trek UP the side of the canyon and back to the car.

This guy was there to greet us.

The final reward? The island's best shave ice. With ice cream and beans. Yep, beans. Mmm.