Hi, Everyone!
Boy, did I have a busy time on Kauai showing Moose-san around! First, I had to take him on a walk around our part of the resort, so he would know where he was. Then, right after Bill-kun and Karin-chan and their mommy and daddy left, we drove to Waimea Canyon. I was there two years ago, and I knew Moose-san would like it. The last part of the road to the state park is very steep and twisty! Grandpa drove us right up to the Kalalau Valley overlooks first, so we could see the valley before the clouds moved in. We took a look from the observation area, then we sat right on the edge of the valley! It was windy and I had to make sure Moose-san didn’t fall or blow away. Then Moose-san and I helped Nancy-san take pictures of the valley. It’s a very pretty place!
On the way back from the Kalalau Valley overlooks, we stopped twice to look at Waimea Canyon. At the first place we stopped, Grandma saw some goats! She told us she had never seen goats in the canyon before. They were brown and hard to spot against the slopes. Of course, Moose-san and I had to get our pictures taken at both overlooks. I think Waimea Canyon is the most famous place on Kauai. Then, when we got back down to the coast, Moose-san and I helped Grandma and Grandpa and Nancy-san and Joe-san shop for syrups and mustards made with passion fruit at Auntie Lilikoi’s store. Lilikoi is the Hawaiian name for passion fruit. Everything we sampled at the store was yummy!
On Wednesday, Grandma made an omelet with Portuguese sausage for breakfast, then we went on another long trip. We went back to Kilauea lighthouse again, so Moose-san could see it! The waves weren’t as big as when I was there with Uncle Steven and Aunt Kara, but there were lots of birds around! My nene friends flew right onto the lawn to see me and meet Moose-san. On my last trip to Kilauea, I got to ride with Karin-chan and Bill-kun. This time, I had to get back in the van all by myself. Nancy-san helped Moose-san, because he’s too little to climb in.
On the way back from Kilauea lighthouse, we took a different route so we could see Wailua Falls. I was a good helper and made sure Moose-san didn’t fall while he was watching the falls.
Thursday was a very busy day! We walked to Makahuena point and I showed Moose-san the rock bridge Uncle Steven and Aunt Kara found. Then Grandma made a pizza for lunch that was topped with wasabi-flavored macadamia nuts and onions and Goteberg sausage. I wasn’t sure I was going to like it, but it was yummy! After lunch, we took a short trip, to Lawai. I showed Moose-san the gardens at the reception center for the National Tropical Botanical Garden and we made friends with some ginger and a rainbow eucalyptus tree. The bark looks like somebody painted it! Then we went across the road to Spouting Horn, and the water was shooting the highest I’ve seen it this trip. I was glad Moose-san got to see it! It was a rainy evening, but there was still a pretty sunset.
Friday was our last full day on Kauai, so there were lots of things to do. We went to the beach to look for monk seals, but there weren’t any there. Moose-san and I did get a chance to try paddling an outrigger canoe. Then I showed Moose-san how to order lunch at Puka Dogs. After that, we took a package to the post office to mail and helped Grandma buy another Christmas ornament at the koa wood store. Moose-san and I were really tired when we went to bed!
Now we’re on Maui, and I’m getting ready to show Moose-san the neat things on this island, too! I wonder which island he’ll like better?
Love,
Lion-san