Thursday, June 23, 2011

Camp Mokuleia

























June 17th thru June 22 of 2011.

Due the the hectic schedual of my working and my Autocad nightschooling I would like to say it took me less than one week to pack for this camp which is located at a beautiful private campsite out on the northern shores of Oahu.

I would first like to thank those who were able to stop in and for those who joinned me in making this yet again another five star event.

Being that it was Fathers Day weekend I was approched by my sister last month to book reserves for our favorite site. Her idea's exceeded my expectations and all I could think of for the past few weeks leading up to this camp was how we would pull this off. The weather in Hawaii has been really sucky because of all the rain and on our previous camp last month we had more alcohol drinking than anything else because of all this rain. The children really didnt have the sunshine to enjoy Waimanalo Beach Park and pictures taken were more like a social gathering under our huge tarps instead of a camp because of all the overcast. I was happy that almost all the food went lol being that everyone had no other choice but to kanikapila and drink for 6 days because of the rain and clouds. So I decided to skip posting that event in my blogger.

Anyways we all headed out early on Friday calling each other back and forth on our cell's excited about leaving reality behind to enjoy the week ahead. And if I may add a bluetooth really comes in handy when your driving and your mind has more than a million things running thru it all at once.

Arrived at Camp Mokuleia at about 10 am and started our unpacking ritual like we do at all of our camps. 3 handtrucks & 2 carts really came in handy while hauling everything in from the parking area. The campground was fullhouse and every site reserved for the weekend. Pitching our tents and setting our kitchen only called for a few glasses of champagne ( my favorite ) to put our spirits in the bubbly mood for this Friday evenning that never ended.

The men were rigging their fishing equiptment while us ladies prepared a beautiful dinner and dessert. I ended up leaving for a little bit to run into Waialua to stop in at one of my favorite hole in the wall bakerys to pick up some lilikoi butter for bagels but they were out so instead I ended up with three boxxes full of goodies and the best custard pies ever. Paalaa Kai Bakery is a must do while out here. Their pasteries after 7pm are all discounted at 50% off so whenever we stay out at Turtle Bay I always visit to pick up on their sweet deals.

Anyways I must have gotten lost in the moment of staring thru the pastery glass that I lost track of time. Arrived back at the campsite and to my surprise there was a live concert schedualed for this evenning with a dancefloor set up on the basket ball courts. There was a local band playing which all the teenagers in our party really enjoyed and the music was so loud that even my ipod and docker enjoyed a night on vacay with me lol.

Our first night never ended with friends stopping in , good music , cocktails and a dinner to send you to heaven.

The facilities are all renovated and hotwater shower stalls in the mens & womans bathrooms. Which anyone who's had a long day would truely appreciate.

I woke in the morning to the sound of my sisters voice " Breakfast " with a hangover that lasted for only a few minutes as I made my way straight to the beach for my morning bath. I was so happy that everything turnned out perfect as the sun shinned down casting shadows in the sand of this lovely private beach. The setting is absolutely beautiful and I call it the " Adam & Eve " beach just because it leaves you breathless. Well it leaves me breathless but thats another story ....

The children enjoyed their crabbing, campfires, ghost stories and chocolate smores. That at the end of each night they would travel back to their tents without a pep off to lala land allowing the adults to have their time enjoying cocktails and music.

Fathers Day we prepared Yakiniku Woks and fresh shabbu shabbu for dinner. I must say that when we camp its never a ghetto experience and only the best will do. Down to the xfactor of self inflating airbeds and surround sound music we top it off. The men really appreciated their special day and may I ephasize that Fathers Day is a very special day because most of the time men go unnoticed for their part in raising their children. Waking up every morning to face a unforgiving world just to get by and be that man their child needs to inspire them thru life. So yes, it turnned out to be exactly what was called for to show appreciation to the men in our group. My saying is: " A way to a mans heart is thru his underware which eventually leads to his stomach ; Take care of those two needs and a happy life you shall live."

Thank you to my friends who found the time out of their busy lives for your phonecalls and for my besty Sofia for stopping by all these days. For the turtles that entertainned us , the crabs that allowed us to play predator vs. wild lol and for the stars, ocean, sun & moon that made our days & nights something for the children to remember.

For a surreal private nature orientated campground I would recommend it for any family because everytime Im out here I never wanna leave. I will miss my early morning commute out to Pupukea for my Starbucks and my early evenning walks out to the pastures to feed the horses but as long as I know that it will never be "the last time" it makes me smile. Camp Mokuleia thank you once again.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Wailele Falls Laie




































The weather was to absolutely "DIE FOR " kinna weather ... it was sunny & breezy and I was so happy I decided to hike in a bikini top with shorts. Because anything more than that and this hike wouldve been very unpleasent.

So we set off at about 9 am after Kanani arrived. We drove out to Gentry to pick up Odanaus and headed out towards the North Shore. We ended up at the trailhead at about 12 noon. Only because we stopped to get something to eat and everybody wanted Gatorade for the hike.

This was my first time on this trail as there are 2 other waterfalls in this area and so I packed extra ribbons just in case , but later learn that this trail was rather clear and aside from all the river crossings we made it up in less than 2 hours.

The guys were up front leading the way , while us ladies dropped back for some picture taking and just exploring the beautiful flowers and fruits we came across along the way.

At the start point there is and old house which probabley belongs to the caretaker of a nursery we past that had alot of fruits and vegi's yumm . So we were sure not to make any noise to avoid getting kicked out.

The falls is absolutely beautiful and clean to swim. Theres also alot of flat rocks to tan on in the open sun. The sound of the wind is very smooth here as it blows thru the valley.

While everyone was swimming I decided to venture futher and came across many abandonned firepits and hunting shells. Also the waterfall goes up another 1/4 mile or so and it kinna looks like something out of Narnia up here.

We spent the day up here and as we notice the sun slowly setting made our way back down.

We ended up meeting with Uncle them in Punaluu where we cruised til about 8 pm watching them fish.

It was a lovely day and Im so glad this time I brought my sounds with me , Im so famous for going on hikes and leaving my Ipod dockcase home. It was absolutey a beautiful hike ... with mellow sounds :) ... Irie

Directions: Up behind PCC , you will need to google as this is one of 3 Waterfall hikes in this exact location. There is another trailmarker on the property located next to this trailhead with an iron gate that rolls back. However it is ownned by the Texiera Family and its is 120 acres of Private Land which you *CANNOT* enter. Attempting to do so , you will be greated by a welcoming party which will have you arrested. So if you end up walking into what seems like a horse ranched area nestled to the right of the trailhead . Stay Out! I would know this because Ive visited this place frequantly from childhood. Take My Word For It ... Happy Hiking ...

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Waimano Waterfall




















Directions: From H-1, take the Pearl City-Wailamlu exit (#10) and head north. Turn right on Moanalua, then right on Waimano Home Rd. Take a left on Komo Mai Dr (going straight quickly takes you to the Waimano Ridge TH). Follow Komo Mai Dr through a subdivision and park at the end of the road.



This is a repeat hike. Had a huge crew with us on this particular day and so much fun.

Our morning started out at Sam's Club where the entire booyah convoyed out and had a huge lunch before our journeys. Also we accidently left back Nalu Boi , so we all waited for him to get dropped off before heading out.

Our Crew : Pana , Arona , Adam , Myron , Tua , BJ , Bethel, Lila , DJ , Yuri, Jeff and Troy

We started off at the trailhead at the very top of Komo Mai Drive .

Because this is a repeat hike its no use I go into detail of the hike itself. But will give a friendly reminder of Cardiac Hill. And me almost passing out with a few other after the treacherous hike up. Guess thats how that hill got its nick name. Aside from us in full butt action at some points and climbing down slippery muddy slopes, most of the day remained overcast until the rain came pouring down. But thats the best part of any hike is rolling around getting dirty I must admit.

Everyone ended up swimming and we even had some stunt jumppers ; which I personally did the inspection of the water depth, prior to any jumping.

I couldnt have asked for better company and really had a great time like always ... But hey with me its always a great time. Thank You once again Waimano for your majestic clean pools. And Im so glad that I had the best people I know in the world joinning me on this day ... I love you all ... my Aiga ...