We are so excited for the great unknown and sacred adventure of a lifetime...marriage. Our wedding is September 19, 2009 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. On this day, I will give up my maiden name and become Mrs. LeAnne Renee' Thomason, and Damon will give up being man alone, and will become Husband.
We'll celebrate 5 years since our first date just 1 week after our wedding, and time has certainly woven her web of changes all throughout our lives together. We have both been humbled and blessed by our love for one another, and as time has passed we've learned and grown together...and that is exactly what we will continue to do.
Thank you for being part of our lives, because it is in our community that we develop and temper our strength. Thank you for the stand you are for our love, for our marriage, and for the many adventures and discoveries we will come to.
Our hands are extended in eternal gratitude and friendship...we are here for you, your families, and your dreams.
Love Always,
Damon & LeAnne
Kauai Watch....Day 2~Day 3
Baawk, bukawwk, buuukaawwwk!!! (The rooster cries to our window) Awaaah waaah!!!! (the child complains to his tired mama trying to sleep next door)
Thus is the cacophony of sounds greeting Damon and I on this our 5th morning in Kauai. Yet we are filled with the most beautiful sounds within....the whoooshing of rain water pushing it's way through the leaves, the steady rhythm of the waterfall spilling its precious stream to the forest below, lilting melody of the local language with it's multiple ah-ah-ah sounds, the gentle pluck of Damon's new ukelele.
We are so grateful to be in paradise. Damon brews us our morning cup'o java, and we relax on the couch in our wonderfully spacious condo/timeshare so lovingly donated by my new parents, Sandy Mom and Davey Dad.
Day 2
The Kayaks
Today, my muscles are talking, they are longing to be used and moved, they are longing to go kayaking! The tour Damon had scouted out sounded like a great deal, a kayak tour, snorkeling, and a small tour of local plant life...but when it came down to it, that all sounded just too normal....too touristy.....too easy!
Damon had done some scouting the day before, and felt sure we could walk to Haunalei along the norther beachfront, easily wading through the stream crossing that separates Princeville resort-town and our new favorite beach town. So, I, being the new and obediant wife, dutifully donned my cowgirl hat & followed my husband until...the river crossing!
The difference between an ankle deep creek and a small river became glaringly clear as I saw 6ft 1" Damon wade in-knees...hips...shoulders....neck, his chin occasionally dissapeared as he jumped up and down across the river floor, backpack held only inches from drowning.
Standing 7 inches shorter than Damon with the ukelele perched in the air the full 28" span of my arms, my 1st attempt at crossing nearly had me billowing toward out into the ocean's bright blue mouth. Damon collected a boogie board from a fireman on the opposite bank and quickly plunged back toward me, face twisted into a 7 year old's mix of satisfaction, adventure, and concern for me....this moment he 'rescued' me (and the ukelele) will stay always as a picture in my heart.
Wet and rescued and hungry, we shuffled off to Kalypso, easily the best restaurant on the island....where the Pina Colada with Macadamei Nut liqueor danced the nutcracker ballet across my tongue. And just as every ballerina needs her tutu, every new wife needs her new wordrobe. Soon we were bikini shopping, and as cute as Damon looked, I won the fashion show dancing through the shop with the Brazilian shopkeeper as Damon strummed his approval.
Soon we found our kayak place, where they shoved us off directly into the creek , gave us snorkel gear for free-that's genuine Kauain generosity for you. We headed directly for the ocean, paddling victoriously through the "river crossing" and found that Princeville beach offers rewarding snorkeling.
We floundered around in the quiet shallows, surfed gentle waves with our kayaks, and meditated with three huge sea turtles blowing us kisses. Absolutely present to the joy we always find simply being together, noticing gracefully the nearby people also delighting in our newlywed glow.
Day 3-The Hike
Up, Tuna sandwhiches made, bags ready, hike to the bus, miss the bus, argue about rules of proper hitchhiking, young married women gives us a ride to Haunalei....with the ukelele of course.
Purchased: 1 bag of macadamia nuts, 1 pair of long socks, 1 bag of Asian rice cracker mix, 2 necklaces-to help us blend in.
# of Hitchhikes:4
# of conversations about life, love, marriage and dating:4
# of times we thought we were **it out of luck: 1
# of smelly, dirty cars w/innebriated drivers:can't say for sure
We arrived at the head of the Khalelou trial and in our hiking boots raced passed the tourists with crappy, tread-less footwear as they clung to the mountainside. Pictures are my best offer for the scenery, so breathtaking I really am unable to speak about them. A quick 2 mile hike to the secluded beach....a long, slow, dark journey to the depths of the cave around the corner, to the cave of Puff the Magic Dragon who lives by the sea in a land called Haunalei (no really, this is the place the song is referring to). Damon was in spelunkers heaven.
We hit the trail again, after I'd sculpted a dragon in the sand, now on our way to the Hanakapii waterfall, heading through forests of bamboo and mountain apples and passionfruit, stopping only long enough to shake the trees for more fruit.
Hanakapii waterfall was the sweetest fruit of all, slushing its cold crisp waters around stones and trees, its sirens calling to us, whispering of the beauties beneath the falls....soon we were swimming toward them, into them, through them. (can I say how amazing this is given how sensitive Damon is to cold)
Rain and waning sunlight chased us along our way, had me slip n' slidin across the rocks on my butt, and limping across the dark slimy rocks while nearly squashing frogs,. We prayed for a human with an automobile to be way out here near the trailhead in the pitch dark (my friend had warned me to get back before dark as it's deserted here) ....it was a long sore hike back....but wait...do I see lights up ahead? Aha! Headlamps! And breaklights too....I ran and through myself at their car so they couldn't drive the 10 miles back to town unless we were in their car, or on their hood.
Luckily they were a happy newlywed couple with room for us. Dinner and hot tub...aaahhh!
Mahalo
Thus is the cacophony of sounds greeting Damon and I on this our 5th morning in Kauai. Yet we are filled with the most beautiful sounds within....the whoooshing of rain water pushing it's way through the leaves, the steady rhythm of the waterfall spilling its precious stream to the forest below, lilting melody of the local language with it's multiple ah-ah-ah sounds, the gentle pluck of Damon's new ukelele.
We are so grateful to be in paradise. Damon brews us our morning cup'o java, and we relax on the couch in our wonderfully spacious condo/timeshare so lovingly donated by my new parents, Sandy Mom and Davey Dad.
Day 2
The Kayaks
Today, my muscles are talking, they are longing to be used and moved, they are longing to go kayaking! The tour Damon had scouted out sounded like a great deal, a kayak tour, snorkeling, and a small tour of local plant life...but when it came down to it, that all sounded just too normal....too touristy.....too easy!
Damon had done some scouting the day before, and felt sure we could walk to Haunalei along the norther beachfront, easily wading through the stream crossing that separates Princeville resort-town and our new favorite beach town. So, I, being the new and obediant wife, dutifully donned my cowgirl hat & followed my husband until...the river crossing!
The difference between an ankle deep creek and a small river became glaringly clear as I saw 6ft 1" Damon wade in-knees...hips...shoulders....neck, his chin occasionally dissapeared as he jumped up and down across the river floor, backpack held only inches from drowning.
Standing 7 inches shorter than Damon with the ukelele perched in the air the full 28" span of my arms, my 1st attempt at crossing nearly had me billowing toward out into the ocean's bright blue mouth. Damon collected a boogie board from a fireman on the opposite bank and quickly plunged back toward me, face twisted into a 7 year old's mix of satisfaction, adventure, and concern for me....this moment he 'rescued' me (and the ukelele) will stay always as a picture in my heart.
Wet and rescued and hungry, we shuffled off to Kalypso, easily the best restaurant on the island....where the Pina Colada with Macadamei Nut liqueor danced the nutcracker ballet across my tongue. And just as every ballerina needs her tutu, every new wife needs her new wordrobe. Soon we were bikini shopping, and as cute as Damon looked, I won the fashion show dancing through the shop with the Brazilian shopkeeper as Damon strummed his approval.
Soon we found our kayak place, where they shoved us off directly into the creek , gave us snorkel gear for free-that's genuine Kauain generosity for you. We headed directly for the ocean, paddling victoriously through the "river crossing" and found that Princeville beach offers rewarding snorkeling.
We floundered around in the quiet shallows, surfed gentle waves with our kayaks, and meditated with three huge sea turtles blowing us kisses. Absolutely present to the joy we always find simply being together, noticing gracefully the nearby people also delighting in our newlywed glow.
Day 3-The Hike
Up, Tuna sandwhiches made, bags ready, hike to the bus, miss the bus, argue about rules of proper hitchhiking, young married women gives us a ride to Haunalei....with the ukelele of course.
Purchased: 1 bag of macadamia nuts, 1 pair of long socks, 1 bag of Asian rice cracker mix, 2 necklaces-to help us blend in.
# of Hitchhikes:4
# of conversations about life, love, marriage and dating:4
# of times we thought we were **it out of luck: 1
# of smelly, dirty cars w/innebriated drivers:can't say for sure
We arrived at the head of the Khalelou trial and in our hiking boots raced passed the tourists with crappy, tread-less footwear as they clung to the mountainside. Pictures are my best offer for the scenery, so breathtaking I really am unable to speak about them. A quick 2 mile hike to the secluded beach....a long, slow, dark journey to the depths of the cave around the corner, to the cave of Puff the Magic Dragon who lives by the sea in a land called Haunalei (no really, this is the place the song is referring to). Damon was in spelunkers heaven.
We hit the trail again, after I'd sculpted a dragon in the sand, now on our way to the Hanakapii waterfall, heading through forests of bamboo and mountain apples and passionfruit, stopping only long enough to shake the trees for more fruit.
Hanakapii waterfall was the sweetest fruit of all, slushing its cold crisp waters around stones and trees, its sirens calling to us, whispering of the beauties beneath the falls....soon we were swimming toward them, into them, through them. (can I say how amazing this is given how sensitive Damon is to cold)
Rain and waning sunlight chased us along our way, had me slip n' slidin across the rocks on my butt, and limping across the dark slimy rocks while nearly squashing frogs,. We prayed for a human with an automobile to be way out here near the trailhead in the pitch dark (my friend had warned me to get back before dark as it's deserted here) ....it was a long sore hike back....but wait...do I see lights up ahead? Aha! Headlamps! And breaklights too....I ran and through myself at their car so they couldn't drive the 10 miles back to town unless we were in their car, or on their hood.
Luckily they were a happy newlywed couple with room for us. Dinner and hot tub...aaahhh!
Mahalo
An Aloha Honeymoon~Days 4, 5, 6
Our Honeymoon was a relaxed and complete tour of Kauai.....
Day 4
Scene opens with LeAnne limping toward the bus (did I mention the slip-on-my-butt hike we'd had the night before?)....Damon's look of determined husband has him paying the bus driver to take us to the airport...his gimpy wife must be driven around in luxury and the airport is the only main location for car rentals.
So we exit the bus, and wait...and wait. The bus comes, we get on, and it drives in circles for about 30 minutes, making 2 stops at each bus stop...just to be sure.
Finally after our 2 hour bus trip we get an electric blue BT Cruiser....nice for cruisin. We visit the fern grotto and huge waterfall where the show "Fantasy Island" was filmed. Problem is can't see down to the bottom unless you stand on this very nice stone wall...for all of your viewing pleasure I took that challenge, squeezing ankles around the hand rail I was able to stand comfortably and get some great pictures....and I got one of my husband as he stormed off into the jungle muttering something about "so stupid" and "put yourself in danger" and "you don't even care."
Whoa! A newlywed battle of wills. And all because he was worried about me :-) So sweet I had to go after him....down the slippery mess of a hill to the waterfall bottom.
Soon we'd set ourselves straight and were out to see an inter-island Hula Contest....it was quite the locals event, teenage performers smiled their own rainbows on the stage, sharing their piece of Hawaiin dance and music history with delight....while the fun and fruity anouncer led us in our own hula hand routine....something um kalua, um poa. We then Hula'd ourselves back to our condo, and each others loving arms.
Day 5
Can't remember much...hmmm....no more blogging as we'd run out of computer power~LeAnne failed to bring the charger Damon left in her suitcase without telling her...so naturally with her Bride-crazed brain she'd taken it out without thinking cuz he didn't even communicate about it... (you can't tell whose authoring this, huh?)
All I know is we ate, and drank awsome Hawaiin coffee, and got massages, and had a beautiful walk on the north shore...until LeAnne got an attitude about life, and was concerned about what didn't go right at the wedding....The sunset on that evening was a brilliant golden glow...and the pictures we have of that were too beautiful to tell we were having a down moment....thank goddness beauty hides frown lines :-)
Day 6
To the West Side! My wonderful friend Randy offered us his guest house so off we went to see a new part of the island...and a new side of our back left tire....pop! Right along the simple cross section of ocean-sand-greenery-road/us-red dirt farms. Blues-tans-greens-blacks-reds all bled together under the smiling eyes of a cloud coverd mountaintop.
I even learned (for the 3rd time) how to change a tire.
Randy's house is a unique, multi-angular, 4 stories of Kauai elegance. He directed us to a much loved/needed hiking destination that had us hiking for 6 hours round trip through some of the only native vegetation on the island...swampland. It reminds me of the Popeye the Sailor's cartoon version of the search for the golden fleece...strange cactus pointiness rising out of red and brown watered craters, no animals, earily silent. A swamp on a mountaintop is an unusual thing indeed, unless the land is flat and next to a mountaintop that happens, as in this case, to be the 'wettest spot on Earth'.
As is our tradition on an island where no poisonous plants or animals have been found in recorded history, we ate various plants and fruit looking objects along the manmade boardwalk coursing through this moon-like terrain. Without vomiting from poisening, we eventually rounded the corner to our destination overlooking the Na Pali coast, and the Haunalei Bay and Princeville of our recent past.
We somehow dragged ourselves back to the car, drank a pre-chilled beer...and proceeded to eat our hosts' generous home cooked meal of red meat...that's t-bone steak....animal flesh...Damon ate it...and like it. That's one for the Vegetarian Times!
Day 4
Scene opens with LeAnne limping toward the bus (did I mention the slip-on-my-butt hike we'd had the night before?)....Damon's look of determined husband has him paying the bus driver to take us to the airport...his gimpy wife must be driven around in luxury and the airport is the only main location for car rentals.
So we exit the bus, and wait...and wait. The bus comes, we get on, and it drives in circles for about 30 minutes, making 2 stops at each bus stop...just to be sure.
Finally after our 2 hour bus trip we get an electric blue BT Cruiser....nice for cruisin. We visit the fern grotto and huge waterfall where the show "Fantasy Island" was filmed. Problem is can't see down to the bottom unless you stand on this very nice stone wall...for all of your viewing pleasure I took that challenge, squeezing ankles around the hand rail I was able to stand comfortably and get some great pictures....and I got one of my husband as he stormed off into the jungle muttering something about "so stupid" and "put yourself in danger" and "you don't even care."
Whoa! A newlywed battle of wills. And all because he was worried about me :-) So sweet I had to go after him....down the slippery mess of a hill to the waterfall bottom.
Soon we'd set ourselves straight and were out to see an inter-island Hula Contest....it was quite the locals event, teenage performers smiled their own rainbows on the stage, sharing their piece of Hawaiin dance and music history with delight....while the fun and fruity anouncer led us in our own hula hand routine....something um kalua, um poa. We then Hula'd ourselves back to our condo, and each others loving arms.
Day 5
Can't remember much...hmmm....no more blogging as we'd run out of computer power~LeAnne failed to bring the charger Damon left in her suitcase without telling her...so naturally with her Bride-crazed brain she'd taken it out without thinking cuz he didn't even communicate about it... (you can't tell whose authoring this, huh?)
All I know is we ate, and drank awsome Hawaiin coffee, and got massages, and had a beautiful walk on the north shore...until LeAnne got an attitude about life, and was concerned about what didn't go right at the wedding....The sunset on that evening was a brilliant golden glow...and the pictures we have of that were too beautiful to tell we were having a down moment....thank goddness beauty hides frown lines :-)
Day 6
To the West Side! My wonderful friend Randy offered us his guest house so off we went to see a new part of the island...and a new side of our back left tire....pop! Right along the simple cross section of ocean-sand-greenery-road/us-red dirt farms. Blues-tans-greens-blacks-reds all bled together under the smiling eyes of a cloud coverd mountaintop.
I even learned (for the 3rd time) how to change a tire.
Randy's house is a unique, multi-angular, 4 stories of Kauai elegance. He directed us to a much loved/needed hiking destination that had us hiking for 6 hours round trip through some of the only native vegetation on the island...swampland. It reminds me of the Popeye the Sailor's cartoon version of the search for the golden fleece...strange cactus pointiness rising out of red and brown watered craters, no animals, earily silent. A swamp on a mountaintop is an unusual thing indeed, unless the land is flat and next to a mountaintop that happens, as in this case, to be the 'wettest spot on Earth'.
As is our tradition on an island where no poisonous plants or animals have been found in recorded history, we ate various plants and fruit looking objects along the manmade boardwalk coursing through this moon-like terrain. Without vomiting from poisening, we eventually rounded the corner to our destination overlooking the Na Pali coast, and the Haunalei Bay and Princeville of our recent past.
We somehow dragged ourselves back to the car, drank a pre-chilled beer...and proceeded to eat our hosts' generous home cooked meal of red meat...that's t-bone steak....animal flesh...Damon ate it...and like it. That's one for the Vegetarian Times!
Adventures-R-Us: Days 7,8,9
Day 7
Randy is a local at heart, a mainlander by birth, and for the last several years he has gone about making Kauai his haven. As part of this haven is the north beach, reachable only by the most daring of rental vehicles....locals take their 4x4's and drive out onto the sand. Some sleep and surf and celebrate their entire weekends on this sweet empty canvas of a beach.
With Randy concerned about a strong rip tide that day, we stuck to lounging and stretching in the sand with the locals, who's a howly now?
Soon we were back at Randy's sun bathing, playing ukelele, reading, packing, and shipping ourselves off to destination # 3, Marjories' Bed and Breakfast. We were greeted by Michael "Norman Bates" in a seemingly deserted driveway, and for some reason (well, it's paid for) followed him to our room.
A delightful lime green lit up the walls, matched with palm tree lamps and a gorgeous overlook over the countryside below. The Bed and Breakfast sits on a hillside, leaving the far drop to the valley below where cattle and goats and chickens (of course more chickens) roamed and rubbed...hooves?
"Norman" spoke in low, clipped tones (he said he was from NewYork, does that explain the psycho-killer demeanor?) as he handed us our next big adventure...."Your Aunt Jan bought you a ziplining adventure with Eco-tours. You meet the team tomorrow at 8am."
Caught somewhere between panic that this guy might kill us before our ziplining, and the excitment of our marching orders, Damon and I decided it was time to celebrate. We drove to the nearby popular south shore of Poi Pu beach, and lunched at Brennecke's Restaurant. A few mai thais' and loud bawdy laughs later and we were skipping along the beach, scoping out our new home.
Day 8
Up and at em, soldiers! Fallout at 0'dark thirty. Put on this harness, walk this 40 foot plank....now clip onto this line and jump....zzzzzoooooooommmming through the trees! Wonderful. Feet dangling, body twisting, heart racing. 4 major zig zags through the forest of pines, careful to outdo the fun of each last ride. Rain comes and hoses us down as we cling to the trees. We chat with couples along the ropes, newlyweds, and newly adventurous older couples. Damon and I were brazen, loud, clearly confident and having fun....until:
"ok folks, here're some snacks and drinks, thanks for coming, you're free to go....except you two" they point to Damon and I "we're not done with you two yet!"
"See that 6o foot dangling rock wall there, and that 40 foot Monster swing, and that 100 foot climbing tree....well it's your turn."
With my 7lbs extra 'wedding planning fat' and shriveling arm muscles I was still able to squeak up the plentiful hand/footholds to ring the bell, though way behind Damon.
But the Monster swing....now there's no preparing for being hauled up by one rope 40 feet in the air, like a kitten by the scruff of the neck, limbs dangling along the surrounding pine branches. And then you let go, and you fall....and fall...and keep falling, and you're head looks like it's gonna hit those trees right there (but I didn't see any blood on the ground from the last guy) and then you swing back and your stomach drops again only it's more fun cause you know you won't die and the treetops spin above you and then they grab your rope, you jar to a hault and the rope digs into your groin while they haul a ladder over for you to climb down....and how did I get here?
"Oh yeah, Aunt Jan" I thought gratefully as I climbed the giant staples in the 100 foot tree climb. Maybe we'll actually survive this playground and get to share it with her....I reach the top, Damon close behind me, and we stand on a treetop deck, swaying rythmically in the breeze!
Thanks Lance and Aunt Jan!!!!! It was a blast :-)
Now how do we top that?
Well, we go the most beautiful botanic gardens you can imagine, acres and acres of the most lush tropical foliage from around the world, an internationally reknowned botany science/research lab that most assuredly inspired Michael Chrichton to write Jurassic Park, and hours of time to be the only humans in a true garden of eden-honestly the only difference was we wore clothes this time. We fell in love with every plant, and flower, I discovered a new photography trick, Damon imagined dinosaurs roming the large grassy fields. They call Kauai the garden island because it is a garden, about 80% of the island is not native....what we associate with Hawaii, pineapple, coconuts, sugar cane they're actually imports that just grew so well on the lush soil that farming those things did really well here. Most of what is now on this island is from Tahiti, Somoa and Polynesia.
I now have seen heaven.
What else could possibly fit in a day like this?
You guessed it....snorkeling! We went snorkeling in a well protected bay of Poi Pu. We saw rainbow fish, and black fish, and wild beasts with fins and fingers and a clear plastic masks with a tube running toward the sky...strange.
And really, what could possibly be next...hot tub, sleep...?
Luau!!!! Hyatt Regency is so beautiful, the most amazing view of the ocean, and long ,winding swimming paths curved around the whole courtyard, beautiful flowers. We got all jazzed up and dressy, and drank too many liquorless mai thais, the food was amazing, the show was nice, it gave a good feel for all of the various island cultures that really make up Hawaiian history.
Afterwards, we walked along the Hyatt beach path, lit by tiki torches and ocean reflections....our hearts warmed with the night air and our delight to be so wonderful for each other...we found an extra large hammock near by and lounged beneath the firelit torches....soon we headed back to our B&B.....
And we'll let you imagine what comes next....
Day 9
Captain Andy's Boat Tours:
Down to the docks by 7:15am, don't be late....oh yeah it's still Kauai time, we could have been late and still been on time.
Captain Andy's is known as a sassy, saucy fun filled booze cruz from the South the the Northern Na Pali coast. The thrill is not just the alcohol, but the views of parts of Kauai coastline untouched by humans.....and the other thrill is apparently watching LeAnne hug the back of the boat and water the deck with her breakfast. Luckily my husband is so loving and tender that I didn't die, though at times I thought I might want to. Halfway out we anchored, just off an extraordinary view of Na Pali, and everyone grabbed snorkel gear and went exploring...Damon's eyes haven't stopped twinkling since.
The suprising remedy meal post sea-sickness...pizza. I didn't expect it, but this was the only meal that even slightly appealed to me...maybe all the bread? We did some shopping for special gifts and finished the night giggling to a movie called The Love Guru (michael myers). Cute, funny, embarrassing, worth seeing.
We packed a little and cried a little and sang a sad ukelele tune about leaving the island.....but boy did we do it right!
Thank you everyone who made our honeymoon so delightful and available, and thanks to all of you for your love, your great spirits, and your patience for reading this blog.
We love you dearly,
Damon and LeAnne
Randy is a local at heart, a mainlander by birth, and for the last several years he has gone about making Kauai his haven. As part of this haven is the north beach, reachable only by the most daring of rental vehicles....locals take their 4x4's and drive out onto the sand. Some sleep and surf and celebrate their entire weekends on this sweet empty canvas of a beach.
With Randy concerned about a strong rip tide that day, we stuck to lounging and stretching in the sand with the locals, who's a howly now?
Soon we were back at Randy's sun bathing, playing ukelele, reading, packing, and shipping ourselves off to destination # 3, Marjories' Bed and Breakfast. We were greeted by Michael "Norman Bates" in a seemingly deserted driveway, and for some reason (well, it's paid for) followed him to our room.
A delightful lime green lit up the walls, matched with palm tree lamps and a gorgeous overlook over the countryside below. The Bed and Breakfast sits on a hillside, leaving the far drop to the valley below where cattle and goats and chickens (of course more chickens) roamed and rubbed...hooves?
"Norman" spoke in low, clipped tones (he said he was from NewYork, does that explain the psycho-killer demeanor?) as he handed us our next big adventure...."Your Aunt Jan bought you a ziplining adventure with Eco-tours. You meet the team tomorrow at 8am."
Caught somewhere between panic that this guy might kill us before our ziplining, and the excitment of our marching orders, Damon and I decided it was time to celebrate. We drove to the nearby popular south shore of Poi Pu beach, and lunched at Brennecke's Restaurant. A few mai thais' and loud bawdy laughs later and we were skipping along the beach, scoping out our new home.
Day 8
Up and at em, soldiers! Fallout at 0'dark thirty. Put on this harness, walk this 40 foot plank....now clip onto this line and jump....zzzzzoooooooommmming through the trees! Wonderful. Feet dangling, body twisting, heart racing. 4 major zig zags through the forest of pines, careful to outdo the fun of each last ride. Rain comes and hoses us down as we cling to the trees. We chat with couples along the ropes, newlyweds, and newly adventurous older couples. Damon and I were brazen, loud, clearly confident and having fun....until:
"ok folks, here're some snacks and drinks, thanks for coming, you're free to go....except you two" they point to Damon and I "we're not done with you two yet!"
"See that 6o foot dangling rock wall there, and that 40 foot Monster swing, and that 100 foot climbing tree....well it's your turn."
With my 7lbs extra 'wedding planning fat' and shriveling arm muscles I was still able to squeak up the plentiful hand/footholds to ring the bell, though way behind Damon.
But the Monster swing....now there's no preparing for being hauled up by one rope 40 feet in the air, like a kitten by the scruff of the neck, limbs dangling along the surrounding pine branches. And then you let go, and you fall....and fall...and keep falling, and you're head looks like it's gonna hit those trees right there (but I didn't see any blood on the ground from the last guy) and then you swing back and your stomach drops again only it's more fun cause you know you won't die and the treetops spin above you and then they grab your rope, you jar to a hault and the rope digs into your groin while they haul a ladder over for you to climb down....and how did I get here?
"Oh yeah, Aunt Jan" I thought gratefully as I climbed the giant staples in the 100 foot tree climb. Maybe we'll actually survive this playground and get to share it with her....I reach the top, Damon close behind me, and we stand on a treetop deck, swaying rythmically in the breeze!
Thanks Lance and Aunt Jan!!!!! It was a blast :-)
Now how do we top that?
Well, we go the most beautiful botanic gardens you can imagine, acres and acres of the most lush tropical foliage from around the world, an internationally reknowned botany science/research lab that most assuredly inspired Michael Chrichton to write Jurassic Park, and hours of time to be the only humans in a true garden of eden-honestly the only difference was we wore clothes this time. We fell in love with every plant, and flower, I discovered a new photography trick, Damon imagined dinosaurs roming the large grassy fields. They call Kauai the garden island because it is a garden, about 80% of the island is not native....what we associate with Hawaii, pineapple, coconuts, sugar cane they're actually imports that just grew so well on the lush soil that farming those things did really well here. Most of what is now on this island is from Tahiti, Somoa and Polynesia.
I now have seen heaven.
What else could possibly fit in a day like this?
You guessed it....snorkeling! We went snorkeling in a well protected bay of Poi Pu. We saw rainbow fish, and black fish, and wild beasts with fins and fingers and a clear plastic masks with a tube running toward the sky...strange.
And really, what could possibly be next...hot tub, sleep...?
Luau!!!! Hyatt Regency is so beautiful, the most amazing view of the ocean, and long ,winding swimming paths curved around the whole courtyard, beautiful flowers. We got all jazzed up and dressy, and drank too many liquorless mai thais, the food was amazing, the show was nice, it gave a good feel for all of the various island cultures that really make up Hawaiian history.
Afterwards, we walked along the Hyatt beach path, lit by tiki torches and ocean reflections....our hearts warmed with the night air and our delight to be so wonderful for each other...we found an extra large hammock near by and lounged beneath the firelit torches....soon we headed back to our B&B.....
And we'll let you imagine what comes next....
Day 9
Captain Andy's Boat Tours:
Down to the docks by 7:15am, don't be late....oh yeah it's still Kauai time, we could have been late and still been on time.
Captain Andy's is known as a sassy, saucy fun filled booze cruz from the South the the Northern Na Pali coast. The thrill is not just the alcohol, but the views of parts of Kauai coastline untouched by humans.....and the other thrill is apparently watching LeAnne hug the back of the boat and water the deck with her breakfast. Luckily my husband is so loving and tender that I didn't die, though at times I thought I might want to. Halfway out we anchored, just off an extraordinary view of Na Pali, and everyone grabbed snorkel gear and went exploring...Damon's eyes haven't stopped twinkling since.
The suprising remedy meal post sea-sickness...pizza. I didn't expect it, but this was the only meal that even slightly appealed to me...maybe all the bread? We did some shopping for special gifts and finished the night giggling to a movie called The Love Guru (michael myers). Cute, funny, embarrassing, worth seeing.
We packed a little and cried a little and sang a sad ukelele tune about leaving the island.....but boy did we do it right!
Thank you everyone who made our honeymoon so delightful and available, and thanks to all of you for your love, your great spirits, and your patience for reading this blog.
We love you dearly,
Damon and LeAnne
Friday, June 19, 2009
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