The past couple of days in Maui

Monday was our Upcountry day. We planned to hike Haleakala's Sliding Sands trail, but wimped out since I was feeling the altitude and many curves heading up the volano. We did go a little way...enough to get a feel for the different landscape in the crater. It looks like we walked onto the moon! We did manage a lower altitude hike (8000 ft) that took us to one of the gaps in the crater. It opened up to show beautiful sites! I think we all managed to get a little sunburnt on the walk, too.

We then drove to a little winery. The road felt like a ride on the Tornado at Adventureland! We also drove through the clouds on our way. What a strange feeling. The family that now owns the land is only the 4th owner. It was a 23,000 acre cattle ranch in the day with it's own doctor, church, stores. It was beautiful! We later found out that we were half way to Hana (the back way) when at the winery.

We stopped at Ma'alea Grill for a fabulous meal with fresh seafood then the drive back to the resort. We were tired, but ready for the next day...the trip to Hana.

We found a great breakfast spot...Moose McGillcutty's. There are buy one get one free coupons that are great. We pick up the coupon book as we exit to use the next morning.

So then we headed the back roads to Hana. Imagine the worst road you have driven on...it's worse! There was a long stretch of blacktop that had been patched numerous times. We gave the car's suspension quite the work-out. We did get to hike up to Alelele Falls. It wasn't run very fast, but pretty anyways. Then we discovered that the rocks at the beach made memorable sound as the waves receeded. It was a clacking type of sound.

We also took pictures of a natural sea bridge. Another stop along the way was an organic farm and fresh fruit stand before we at lunch at the grounds of Charles Lindburg's gravesite.

On to Haleakala Park to hike 2 miles up to a fabulous falls. When we were there 6 years ago, we didn't have time for the hike. This time, the falls was rather dry, so there wasn't much action at the Seven Sacred Pools. The pictures are a lot different than before. On the way up to the falls, we had to cross through a bamboo forest. It is infortunate that the bamboo is overtaking spots in Maui. The bamboo hits together in the wind to sound like a musical instrument playing.

When we got to the falls, a couple asked us to take a photo of them...he had just proposed and his camera stopped working! Now that is romantic...flying from KC to Maui then hike up the side of a volcano to propose.

We hiked back down and the guys swam in one of the pools. It is full of algea due to the dryness, but still refreshing!

The drive back to civilization was long...2 hours of twisting and turning. I believe there are 157 curves and 56 one-lane bridges along the way. It isn't as beautiful as we remembered. Mostly because of the bamboo. It is blocking the views along the road.

We finished the day at Paia Fish Market. More fresh fish. It is a local hang-out with no table service. It was a fun experience and perfect for us since we were covered in dirt and hot from our adventures.

Today...relaxation and a laui tonight.