Skiing in Central Oregon

Skiing mid-week is a newly discovered treat...the top photo is taken from Mt. Hood, looking at Mt. Jefferson in the distance. The bottom is taken on Mt. Bachelor, with the Sisters Mountains in the distance. Can you believe the wide open runs? There wasn't anyone on the slopes on a five star day...we had it ALL to ourselves!!

Wailua Falls in Kauai

We had to swing out on a rope swing to take this shot (just kidding, Mom). These falls have been in several movies (Jurrasic Park, Indiana Jones) but are most famous from Fantasy Island "Boss! De plane! De plane!"

Biking in Kapa'a

Hop on and take off - this was five star scenery with one star of effort! The coastal bike ride from Coconut Coasters was one of the best things we did on Kauai - with several places to stop that had a 240 degree view of the ocean with the horizon miles in the distance... so far that you could sense the curvature of the earth. We saw so many whales jumping out of the water we actually lost count...and we stayed there for hours to drink in the show they put on for us. What a treat.

Zipping and Bridges in Kauai

It was raining cats and dogs, but no lightning, so we went for it! Zip lines go really fast when they are wet...the longest was 850ft. at about 100 ft. off the ground. Check out the foot gaps on the suspension bridges - look Ma, no hands!

Historical note: the zip lines and bridges were constructed on a stand of Norfolk Pines, which are not native to Kauai. Apparently Captain Cook planted them wherever he went, so that when his crew returned, they would have tall straight timber to supply lumber.

ATVing in Kauai

This was the area where they filmed Jurrasic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. We found some slick downhill ruts, did some fishtailing. You know you're still a kid at heart if a mud puddle is an OPPORTUNITY!

'SUP? Stand Up Paddling

This is the latest sports craze in Hawaii as of the last couple years.
The equipment is a big 11ft long surfboard, about 50% larger than standard, plus a paddle. It takes a bit of balance to stand up, but it's less tiring to paddle out to the waves. Mike the surfer dude is hangin' ten here for the BIG CURL.

Muddy Hike to Secret Falls

We did a remote hike in the rainforest, accessible only by kayak from the Wailua River, through thick trees and petroglyphs. It was quite the trek through deep mud...I lost my shoe a couple of times, and we had to fight off lots of mosquitoes. But at the end, all was forgiven when we reached Secret Falls, 120ft high with warm freshwater. It's a very spiritual place in Kauai.

Horseback Riding in Kauai

Great ride from CJM Stables through a working cattle ranch and along the windswept coast of Poipu Beach. All the beaches in the state of Hawaii are public lands, accessible to all - no private property, and enjoyed by all as a result. We climbed over sand dunes, guided our trusty horses through thick trees, and then splashed off their muddy hooves in the Pacific Ocean. This is as far out in the wild wild west as cowboys and girls can be without being in Japan!