On Assignment

The "Free-Range" chickens of Kauai roost in the trees - a funny sight (makes them harder to get...)

Stefan's school assignment is to document details about Hawaii and Hawaiian culture.  This morning we attempted to be more proactive about that...

Stefan and I both missed pics of the Malasadas - so we went on a hunt for some more this morning!  This took us back to the Kauai Coffee Company.  Have I mentioned we like (love) coffee?!?  And with a fresh doughnut?!?  So much better!

Stefan wanted to go on the "Scary Bridge" (aka: a swinging bridge) so he could show his classmates.  And he likes to go on it - because it is scary.  Ha!  So, we meandered down to Hanapepe to go on the "Scary Bridge".

Ahu (stone pile)

We also stopped at the Salt Ponds to see if the salt-makers had any salt pans going.  It turns out the salting season is from approximately May to September.  That explains why the salt ponds looked so derelict.  Each salt plot is passed down from generation to generation and has been done this way since the Menehune.  The salt patch is comprised of 17 family plots - an ancient right the salt-maker inherits.  No one may enter the salt patch unless invited by one of the salt-makers.  And, my understanding is, this salt can not be sold commercially.  It is used by the families and given as gifts.  I have heard that it is a more valued and honored gift than money.

The clay on Kauai is extremely red.  The pond looked like liquid terra cotta - the above picture is NOT retouched.  Due to the sun direction, that picture really looked the way the pond does - as opposed to below, where it just looks dirty.  We always have a supply of the Hawaiian Red Clay Salt on hand.

A seriously derelict shack

We spent the afternoon in the pool, making sand piles on the beach, watching whales do backflips (close, but not literally) and generally being on vacation.  The boys went to a "Kid's Night Out" (a big flop, in Stefan's mind - but actually quite fun: pizza, games, movie...).  Eric and I wandered down to Brennecke's and had a beer and pupus, whale watching along the way.  With the fall-out that happened with the boys when we got home, we sort of wished we had stayed out for a much MUCH longer time...  maybe all night...  Tomorrow is another day - and sleep makes most things better.  That is my prayer :-)

Death grip?  Choke holds?  Restraints?  NOPE!  Just some fun spinning in the grass :)

Just.  Can't.  Quite.  Stand...