The drive up to Waimea Canyon provided stunning views of the 3,000 ft canyon and a lot of red mud and rock. There are waterfalls all around, even running through this little area, which looks like an oasis in a desert!
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Waimea Canyon – “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”
Quick stop on the way up to Waimea Canyon panoramic view of the Waimea Canyon view of Waimea Cayon on the way up, from just outside the car -
Kipu’u Falls
Michael maneuvering around the slippery rocks at the top of the waterfall We found out about this hidden rope swing and waterfall that locals like to frequent, and of course, that piqued our curiosity so we went searching for it. I was a little dubious during the hike in, since the trail was not maintained (the grass was taller than us!) but it was all to shelter the privacy of this magical water playground!
….and there he goes! It was about a 25 ft drop. 
Rope swing Adonis -
Hike from Hell
Top of the world – desert hike Susan and I decided to hike 6 miles to the top of a waterfall. I thought it was only 3-4 miles, and the trail started off really easy so I took my entire camera bag (weighing in at about 20 lbs for any of you who have picked that beast up).
After the first 20 minutes Susan said she wanted to go back, but after another 20 minutes of complaining she had hit her stride and would march on for another 1.5 hours one way.
We hiked through desert like areas, rain forest, woods, valleys, and finally… to the top of the falls. It was a 200 foot drop and I was sitting with my butt 20 inches from the edge holding my camcorder and trying to take it all in. No guard rails here baby – Crazy!
Almost there 
Valley of death (if you fall) 
Back at the finishline! -
Surfing in Kauai
Hitting the surf We went to Kealia Beach for day two of surfing in Kaui. I was on a much smaller board and definitely struggled to get up and balanced. It would be another day until I started to really master it, and by then it would be time to come home 🙁
End of the day 
Crash and burn 
Getting up -
Sunset from our Hotel
Hawaii is known as the rainbow state and it’s with good reason. Almost everyday in Oahu you see a rainbow. Not quite as much in Kaui, but the sunsets there were absolutely amazing. I grabbed these shots one night at dusk. The sky had these beautiful layers of blue, pink, and lavender.
Sunset on the Beach – East Shore Kaui 
Sunset on a tropical paradise -
Napali Coast
The Napali Coast has no roads, and is accessible only by boat or hiking, and it begins and ends with a beach. We hiked a portion of it, but didn’t have time to get far.
We picked up some fun, young hitchhikers on the way out who told us that after hiking in 3 days, they found a commune of hippies who had been living in the Napali Coast since the 80’s, completely living off the land….the funniest part was that they’ve built up these pimped out treehouses that they live in, which is what they apparently spend all their time doing.
Napali Coast 
Napali Coast Evening -
Chicago trip #2
We went back to Chicago for a second trip with the ABA. While there we checked out some new sites including the Sears Tower, now known as the “Watchyou talking bout Willis” tower. They recently build this clear platform that you can walk out on the 108th story. Standing on it and looking down is an eerie feeling.
The coolest thing about the trip was seeing the owner of Dubs Magazine going through the security line behind us. I told Susan and she cornered them and got the awesome picture below!
Modern bed at W hotel in Chicago 
Hotem room at W hotel in Chicago 
Susan lounging in our room 
Shot from Sears tower 
Looking down from Sears Tower 
Clear platform at Sears Tower 
Shot at Sears Tower. 
Owner of Dubs magazine at the Chicago Airport.
