Big Beach VS Little Beach

Heads up...lots of pictures with this entry.  Not that any of you mind, the views are truly breath taking.  Ok, so the photo above is Big Beach.  It is too far for a bike ride (maybe not for you Jason Atwater but definitely  for us), so Patrick let us borrow the car for the day and we grabbed out blanket, spf, sunglasses and hit the road.  The water here is by far the bluest I have seen. The shore break was brutal (water looks calm, then suddenly large wave forms and breaks hard on shallow beach) so we decided to head right next door to Little Beach.

Now if you walk down the beach and towards what looks like piles of reef and lava you will notice a steep and narrow pathway that leads up to the top of a cliff. This picture does not make it easy to grasp the concept of the climb, however if you are looking for it you can see people, or parts of people making their way around the rocks to the top.

The climb is worth it!

Now to my favorite part…the descent into Little Beach. I had a warning going in so I feel you the reader/viewer deserve the same. Little Beach is a respectful, friendly, fun loving, NUDIST beach.    Although growing up in a house with 4 girls is probably as close to a nudist colony as you can get, this was my first experience with public nudity.  The thought of men, women, young, and old just chillin', sun bathing, swimming, playing, picnics, bongo drums, etc.... did not sound like a comfortable scenario.  Needless to say, I was not there 3 minutes til I felt freedom!  Talk about liberating. So many people walk around so insecure all day about their bodies.  But while I was catching the waves, snacking, doing my crossword or just watching the group with there frisbee I was not critiquing their bodies or mine. I saw it all, and the first and only thought I had was "we (REALLY) are fearfully and wonderfully made"!

***side note: as we were packing up our things and getting ready to head home to fully clothed civilization, 3 hawaiian women (hawaiian's are NOT SMALL) were being pulled into a rip tide and Ryan and 3 other brave men ran from the beach, jumped in the ocean and saved them.  You would have thought this would have been a large part of this blog but turns out I am my fathers daughter and would much prefer to blog on the controversial happenings instead of the heroic acts of my selfless boyfriend :)

Kickin' It With James

Sorry to have been so lackadaisical on the blogging.  It does however; make me feel connected just knowing you guys are following.  So thank you.  (esp Kara and Shari for holding me accountable)

Anyways, Ryan reads 3 papers a day.  They usually consist of USA Today, the Maui Times and some other local bulletin. Long story kinda short, I had been looking for a reasonably prized, not to far bike ride away yoga studio.  Last week the Maui Times had a nice write up on Maui Yoga & Kickboxing.  The owners are both New Yorkers and know their stuff. Mary Grace trained in India and is teaching Bikram Yoga. James Onnikian is a Golden Gloves boxing champion and World Kickboxing champion turned Yogi in charged of the KB classes.  We went that same night and signed up for our trial week.  Night #1 Ryan and I both did a Bikram class.  I have no energy or desire to elaborate on that other than, it was something I would love to re-visit at another time. 

Kickboxing on the other hand grabbed me from the start.  I had done SMALL amounts in my BADASS Bootcamp training with Christa Doran (for info go to http://www.christadoran.com/) and had loved the workout.  Now, great time and kickbocking with a USKBA Kickbocking Champion is all relative.  It is a 6 days a week, 1.5 hr non-stop strength training, conditioning, and technique class.  I bought my first pair of wraps and gloves (to my dismay, pink was the only color left) on day 2.  I knew I had found it.  I love James.  He's from Brooklyn so he can be tough, rough and sarcastic.  However, he is a great teacher.  He is patient, enthusiastic and verbally motivating with each of his students regardless of their skill level.  His realm of teaching has far exceeded his promise of form and physical training.  I am thankful to say it  has extended into the mental/emotional realm as well.  Needless to say, I am sore! My shoulders and backs are screaming from the hundreds of push up and punches.  My legs are begging for mercy from the 6 miles of biking to class, jump roping and squatting. My feet and ankles are covered in bruises from round house kicks (that are still leaving MUCH to be desired) and my lip is a bit swollen and bruised (a lovely reminder to keep my glove up and protect my face).  None of the above mentioned is stated in a whining tone.  It is said with pride and energy!  I love it and have found myself once again counting my blessings.

Meet Charley Young

I would like to introduce to you all, our beach.  It is by no means the closest beach in distance, however everyday we make the 2 mile bike ride to visit Charley Young.  In the 3 weeks we have been here, the landscape of this sandy beach has changed entirely.  The strong currents, sizable waves, undertow and strong shore break have taken what seems like 1/2 of our beach!!!  The sandy beach path leading to the warm waters of the Pacific have been swept away and left behind a trail of black lava rocks.  Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining! It is just amazing to see the changes that have taken place in the short amount of time that we have made Kihei our home.

The sand is fine and soft, the water always warm and salty, the West Maui Mountains sit on our right, and the humpback whales are playing right before our eyes.  I ask you, what's not to love about good ole' Charley Young!!!

The Road To Hana

This is actually a postponed blog.  We took a day trip the day after our helicopter tour and I never got around to blogging on it.  I have enclosed a map of Maui (see bottom photo/map).  It makes the phrase "the road to Hana" make much more sense.  So, we live in the western/middle southern coastal town of Kihei and the town of Hana is located on the far east coast of the island.  Scott (one of our gracious hosts) was our tour guide.  I didn't quite fully understand how a 52 mile drive to an east coast town would take all day or require such an early AM departure time. 

However, our 1st stop to Hookipa Beach Park on the North Shore quickly and wordlessly (is that even a word?!?!) explained exactly what our 10+hr day would entail.  Countless stops along the road held everything from majestic waterfalls, lava tubes, historic land marks, beautiful beaches, trails to hike, gardens, kiosks ran by the locals, and national parks. You name it we saw it!  I will not attempt to explain and relive each and every stop; it would be an impossible task. We have uploaded all our photos into an album on my Face Book.  Regardless of your relationship to either of us, please feel free to friend request me so you can see all the pictures.  They are worth the time!

Ryan drove (ALL DAY) slowly and carefully (not really, he drove like a local but did a FANTASTIC job, the roads where treacherous at some points).  We definitely did not make it to every stop that was available to us.   Regardless of this fact, it still seemed as though in a day we were able to see everything!  While one stop would be lush and cool the next would be polar opposite, completely dry and barren.   The beaches ranged from white sand to black to red.  Not one waterfall, stand or flower was the same. 

I had assumed that once we reached Hana, our trip would merely consist of a quick ride home.  Well, we all know what they say about assuming!  Apparently there are no roads that run through the island.  The way home was going to either consist of turning around and returning the way we had come (along with all the other tourists) OR  (and this was the way we chose), continue on the road that would continue to outline the southern coast to the point in which we could actually see the lights of Kihei but where then suddenly led all the way back up north and west in order to reach civilization.  Does this make any sense?  Again I urge you to take a look at the map.  ("The Road" is outlined in yellow.)

The ride home might as well have been on another planet!  At some point the road tranformed from smooth black pavement to bumpy red dirt with a cliff side view.  As the sun set on the southern coast we had a front row seat.  I loved this half of the trip just as much as all the obvious beauty that had come before.  Between the landscape and the random shacks with the "true" locals out on in their yards I felt like I belonged to this island.  Perhaps it was the incredible darkness or the roads that were randomly scattered with a loan cow or chicken, but something left me feeling as though I was back in Ghana, Africa and on my way to visit one of the grass hut tribes.  I was in heaven.  Just the day before we had been up in the clouds viewing this beautiful oasis from above, today it was hands on, it put us smack dab in the middle of all the grandeur.

Photos

FYI for those of you who haven't yet discovered....if you double click on the photos they enlarge for better viewing.

hope everyone is surviving the new england temps.

love you and miss you all

The "SPICES" of Life

         What might not seem a surprise to most that know me a job was found within the first two weeks on island.  I spent the first day  riding my beach cruiser around handing out applications and trying to meet with managers.  Not all that eventful of a first day, and all the places seemed to have the same response, " We really aren't that busy right now, not hiring, but swing back by in a couple of weeks and maybe something will come up".  Not exactly the response I was looking for, but no worries. The next day I decided to drop off an app at a place called Spices (restaurant, where an old friend works) and see what sort of luck I would have there.  I was able to speak directly with the manager, which is always a plus, because instead of just being a piece of paper they review, I was able to sell myself.  I left already knowning in my head that I had a job.  I told Shan and our roomantes that I was in and it was only  a matter of time before they called.  I felt that I had really connected with the manager.  So to no surprise, Barb called the next day to say Aloha and to come down the following day for an interview.  I started last monday as a busser/ runner and will hopefully work my way into a server shift before to long.  I am working all mornin shifts 7:30-12 and then am able to meet my beautiful girl down at Charley Young beach.  I am getting back into my routine of swimming everyday, freshin up both body and soul then showerin there to smell nice for work.
         Spices is a restaurant off of the main street in Kihei called South Kihei road.  It is conveniently located about .7 miles from home. Located in front of the Maui Coast Hotel, with Tradewinds, a poolside bar/cafe, we are not owned by the hotel, but we provide them with room service and such.  The breakfast menu is like any other, yet, we serve alot of eggs benedict, (crab cake style or florentine) and pancakes topped with all kinds of fresh fixins.  My main goal is to make sure that all the toast is in the oven and ready for the meals when I run them.  You don't need to be a brain surgeon to do this job, yet when it gets really busy it is a little hairy.
         Fortunatley, I am workin with my friend Darrin from my Bada Bing days (A New Jersy style family restaurant, not the type from Soprano's) and a guy named Ron that I knew from years ago.  My supervisor during the days is a women roughly in her late 50's that fits the stereotypical breakfast dinner waitress.  From Minnesota, she is a take charge and take care of herself kind of girl.  Her name is Lynn and we instantly got along. She will be very helpful in getting me to the front of the house quicker.  Already, they fired a runner that calleed in sick his second day and when she called me to see what I could pick up, I told them all of them.  That means I work everyday this week, but will be done early enough to meet my love at the beach.  I luckily passed my liquor card test, a card that needs to be on your possession at all times in order to serve liquor in Maui.  Aloha and we send our love to all!

Worship at St. Theresa's

Welcome to St. Theresa's, by far the most contemporary catholic mass I have ever attended!  The chapel was open and spacious.  The trade winds blew through all open windows and doors making it feel as though we were out doors. 

When we arrived (10mins prior to the start of mass) there was no more than 25 people.  But as the music team began to worship in song the santuary filled.  The locals voices were nothing other than angelic and the live, upbeat praise music had us singing and clapping in no time.

There was a great sense of community and family.  There was nothing traditional or dull as the priest spoke on the mercy and grace of Jesus (Titus 2:11-14, 3:4-7). 

The Maui Times has a list of all the local churches in Kihei.  We are looking to experience as many as possible while we are here.  Thank you St. Theresa for reminding us of His grace and goodness!

To Surf or Not to Surf...

I have wanted to learn how to surf since watching the inspirational 1star movie Blue Crush (about a bunch of hot, fit, tan girls holding their own surfing the 30 foot waves of Hawaii with all the locals), and while I have a very realistic view of the number of lessons it will take to get my horribly balanced self up on that board....what better place and time to learn than in Hawaii.

With that being said, please have a look at the attached photo.  NOW is not quite the time for my surfing endeavor. This picture like the rest to little justice to the actually size and strength of these waves! The last 3 days, we have had HIGH WARNING for strong currents, heavy drops and high waves.   We have had a great time braving the above mentioned and wondering out into the violent ocean, facing the elements and being tossed around.  Apparently they weren't kidding when they put there warning signs out!  Not to worry Ma,  I haven't gone out without Ryan and the moment I begin to feel tired, I begin the battle against the undertow to head to shore! (except for the time he was snapping this photo right before that wave picked me up and tossed me like I weighed nothing!!!)

So for the time being, we are just gonna admire all the experienced surfers ride these treacherous waves and sit and wait patiently for the ocean to calm down a bit before I pick up a board and paddle out for my turn!

Right In Our Back Yard

Good Morning!  Each morning we wake to a symphony of sounds, sights and smells.  It takes me a few minutes to remember where I am.  The sound of the waves, the wind throught the palm trees and hundreds of tropical birds calling out to one another makes it feel as though you have just spent the night in a tree house in the Amazon.

Our backyard is filled with beautiful lush plants and flowers.  Banana, lemon, avocado and coconut trees incompass the yard and creating a natural oasis. (not to mention fresh organic produce)

The pool has remained admired but not used, it's a little chilly.  A beautiful waterfall fills the saline pool each morning.  The cold water would probably be just right after our evening evening runs. 

By evening run, i mean drag session!!!  We decided right off the bat to make the most of our beautiful surroundings and have wasted no time in gettng back on the healthy and fit track. And while 1.5 miles does not sound  rough, when your shins and hip flexers haven't had that kind of action in 8 years you feel every single step!!!  Each night as we round the bend we realize we have made it to the home stretch.  We throw each other a high five and exhausted smirk and knowing smile...we are one day and 1.5 miles closer to being "there"!

Hello Legs!

Well, today is the day the rental car is returned.  Have no fear, we are prepared.  Meet our His and Her beach cruisers also known as, our new means of transportation. 

Aren't they cute?  There was much debate over gears vs cruiser. We went with the later. And althought this first week has been tough on the legs (between running, hiking, swimming and non-gearless up hill peddling), I think we both thought the extra work would be worth it.

State law requires a "bike license", which we were able to filled and purchased at the register (weird).  I left feeling legal and legit. I have officially arrived!

Heli Tour around Maui

I have seen Maui thru many different points of view.   Whether it is mountain bikin down Poli Poli, hitchin up south Kihei road or just viewing the humpack whales playing in the pacific.  Today was an eye opening, if not popping experience.  Thanks to our friends Scott and Patrick, we saw Maui in all its glory.

We were high above the clouds, often times in them, soaring with the birds in a contraption that many would not have thought possible less than a hundred years ago.   Not sure if it is an old wives tale, or just something I think I saw on television, but I have always been under the impresion that there is no scientific proof, or theory as to why helicopters are able to fly.  Also, having lived on Maui for a year three years ago, I heard the news of how many of the new fangled contraptions had crashed.  All of the knolwledge was spared from my friends and luv until the journey was completed and we were safely back on the ground by our automobile.  They all seemed rather thankful that I didn't share with them my "Intelligence" on the subject. 

The whole adventure was a surprise that Shan and I had known about since landing four days ago.  While we didn't know what S/P had in store for us, we were told that we needed to wear dark clothing, possible dress warm and to wear shoes.  We had our thoughts, but were definately thrown by the clothing part.  Upon arriving to the heliport, smiles, along with some nervous jitters filled us.  Neither Shan or I have ever been in a helicopter before.  The tour was done by Blue Hawaiian.  Not to plug the company or anything, but they did a great job.  The pilot was great, even though I have seen more controls on video games.  The tour that we had brought us around the whole Island.  We started by flying imbetween the valleys of the west maui mountains.  Now is the time that I should tell you that my words are insufficient and mundane when trying to express the beauty that we saw today, yet for the sake of the blog I will try.   In the WMM's we saw a series of waterfalls that was called tear drops.  It appeared that the mountain was havin a slightly emotional day and that tears were falling down its face.  They must of been tears of joy and utter happiness because we were all filled with peace and awe at what we were witnessing.  From the WMM's we went over a couple of razorback ridges and saw Iao valley and the Iao needle (Story will follow when we hike it).  Beauty on top of beauty.  We then went over Kihei, saw Makena beach, the Gran Wailea and everthing imbetween.  Seeing the waterfalls in Hana that aren't accessible by car or even foot brought a sense of joy to my heart to know that somethings are still pure.  We were able to see the origins and numerous pools that gave the falls the strength to inspire and make one believe in everything pure and simple.

Sorry for cutting the description short, but I feel that I am fighting an losing battle trying to justify what we saw.  To sum the day up, the weather was gorgeous, not to much VOG (volcanic gas brought in with the Kona winds) and we were able to see the entire island in a couple of hours. The ride it self was a total thrill.  There isn't to much to a helicopter and it feels as if you are floating in a little bubble that some child just dispersed into the atmosphere.  Smiles, know matter how nervous, were on everyone's face.  It was a first time experience spent with great friends and we will not soon forget it.

Tomorrow we will travel to Hana by car and tell of more that Maui is providing us with.

Sensory Over Load

I am still trying to catch my breathe and find the words to accurately depict the last few days.  The beauty and relaxed atmosphere of the island seems so natural it's hard to believe there is another world "out there".   

When I was first introduced to the Smiths, they wasted no time in asking "which Ryan are you with, the Madison Ryan or Maui Ryan?"  I officially understand.   Maui has a way of taking you in and showing you the ropes.  Breathe. Relax. Watch. Listen. Smell. Taste. Enjoy. Just be.  I am at peace and in complete awe.  I have been given a glimpse of what the natives and locals speak so passionatly of "living aloha".  

Weakapu Beach (the one shown on above photo) has been the opener of each day.  The sand is soft. The water clear and warm.  The surf strong.  The back drop stunning.  Today, roughly 1/2 a mile out from where we sat, 3 hump back whales frolicked in the clear blue Pacific Ocean.  God is ever present in the simplest and most majestic of things.

We have barely stratched the surface off this magnifenct valley isle, but we are off to a great start.

Sorry, if this seems so contrived.  As the title foreshadowed senses are working overtime to comprehend all that is here before us.  Hopefully in the days to come this will be a window into our time spent  in Maui. 

We love you all. 

     Shannon and Ryan