Good morning! It’s another 5AM wake up over here in Hawaii. It’s still dark outside so thought I’d occupy the time by uploading a few pictures and blogging. We will be heading out in about an hour and have some sea turtle viewing and hiking on the agenda for today.

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Yesterday morning started off with a quiet walk on the beach since nobody seemed to be awake as early as we were.

We walked up the street to Ted’s Bakery and got some iced coffee. They are also well known for their chocolate haapia cream pie so Juan (Jen’s boyfriend) got a slice and Jen and I snagged a couple bites. It’s a layer of crust, chocolate, coconut custard, and whipped cream. I’m not a huge fan of pie but I could definitely see what the hype is about.

Since we had plans to be out all day, we wanted to eat a substantial breakfast so we came home and threw some eggs and veggies in a pan. This isn’t your normal, fully-equipped kitchen but we were able to make do with what we had.

Sometimes the simple, less elaborate meals really hit the spot. We had bread topped with a bit of cream cheese and eggs mixed with green onions and zucchini. With half the bottle of Tapatio. Obviously.

After breakfast we went in the backyard to explore their storage cabinets for some snorkeling equipment. I was amazed at how many things they have for friends/renters to use! Surfboards, wave boards, boogie boards, wet suits, life vests, equipment GALORE. I felt like I was shopping at REI – we had so many options.

We packed some vests and snorkeling gear and headed out to Shark’s Cove.

Flippers or water shoes were highly recommended to us since the floor of the ocean was pretty rocky in that particular area. We stopped at the rental place to get some flippers and lock our stuff away.

Friends. That was ridiculous. (<——-I sat here for a good 5 minutes trying to come up with an adjective that would be able to encompass the way I felt when I was under water. I just can’t). I know snorkeling may not be high on the “adventurous list,” but it’s something that I had never been drawn to because, let’s face it, I’m not the most adventurous person.

I was born and raised in southern California. My parents live 5 minutes from the beach. But, in my entire 27 years of living, I have never been more than a few feet from the shore.

Yesterday was incredible. We swam far out – farther from the shore than I have ever been before. We swam with schools of fish. And sea turtles. SEA TURTLES. It was beautiful.

After a couple hours, we were getting a bit hungry so we returned our stuff and went to the food truck next door.

We ordered two acai bowls, chicken skewers, an ahi sandwich, and a salad. It was the first time that I’ve ever had an acai bowl. So fresh and delicious!

After lunch, we rode our bikes to Waimea Bay and relaxed at the beach for a couple hours. The water was so beautiful – it was almost clear as you got closer to the shore. Schools of fish would sporadically jump up and out of the water. It was so crazy.

On our bike ride back, we stopped for some falsely advertised coconut water. It was not ice cold. It was warm. Gross. Definitely not as delish.

We continued on our bike ride and got caught in the rain. But I LOVED it. I love humid rain. Even when it makes me a bit sticky. I just love the way it smells outside. Something about it reminds me so much of India.

When we got back, we took an outdoor shower. Another first for me. There were little geckos at our feet. Probably trying to sell me car insurance.

 

After we cleaned off, we made some easy Sangria. Two ingredients. Try it. You’re welcome.

Jen made some veggie patties on the oven along with a bag of frozen vegetables. Produce is so, so expensive here so we opted for some frozen veggies to use in our salads and omelettes.

After dinner, we made our way to the Turtle Bay Resort (which is actually where the wedding will take place over the weekend) to watch some live music at Surfer Bar. Mike Love and Paula Fuga (the performers) were incredibly talented and we’ve already made plans to see them when they come tour in the Bay area.

After their performance, we snuck out because we were all pretty hungry again. Everything in the North Shore closes around 9PM, but luckily we were able to find a few places open a couple miles away.

I was planning on getting a burger from Seven Brothers……

…….but when you put your burger place next to a Subway, you know where my alliances lie.

It was a day of firsts for me and it was incredible. They say, “Do something every day that scares you,” and I can see why. The thrill of doing something new and different is unlike anything else.

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Your Turn! CHOOSE:

• Pie or cake? 

• Tapatio or Sriracha?

• Burger or Sandwich?