NaPali

I checked an item off my bucket list today.  I hiked the NaPali coast of Kauai.  It started out fantastic, was a little sticky in the middle, and ended pretty great.  We hiked to a beach (2 mi) and then up to a waterfall (2 mi).  Half way to the beach, the trail became really muddy and there were some river crossings that made me a little nervous.  I had some battle wounds from hiking yesterday in my Chaco sandals so my feet were a little raw.  

The trail was covered in mud puddles a few times and I was really glad that Doug insisted on Gortex for my hiking boots we bought on our honeymoon.  Is that indicative of our relationship or what?  We bought hiking boots for me on our honeymoon!

We reached the beach and enjoyed watching the intense waves roll in.  There was no swimming allowed because so many people drowned in the rough water.

On the way to the waterfall, we passed several 'patches' of bamboo forest.  It was crazy.

When we were within 1/2 mile of the falls, the trail became pretty tricky as we hiked upstream and crossed the river several times.

I was so happy when we reached the falls.  I shook off my grumpiness while Doug took a dip in the water. It was pretty windy and the water was cold so I was already chilled and told Doug that it wasn't even tempting to me.

Not sure how tall the waterfall was, but it seemed over 200 ft.  It was beautiful.  We kept looking back as we hiked down back to the beach.

The trail was covered with pretty awesome plants and even fruit.  Doug picked some strawberry guava that is ripening on our counter.

I heard that Kauai has many waterfalls and they weren't kidding--they were everywhere!

We said goodbye to the beach after we'd trekked through the muddiest part of the trail.  Nice.