~ Day Five ~

Are we having fun yet?
Remember me choosing the Wailua River kayak ride over the muddy tubing in irrigation ditches? Well the kayaking part was fine and Jeff and I were a pretty good team although I claimed to be doing all the work. This was after we kayaked down the river and were beginning the hike to Secret Falls.

Could the irrigation ditches be any muddier than this? I don't think so! And look at all those roots just waiting to trip you!

No, these aren't the Secret Falls. I'd have been pretty mad if this was it. By the way, I NEVER wear baseball caps but decided I needed to try them since my hair was a mess between all the rain, humidity and water activities. I got this cool white one that had the Hyatt Regency red hibiscus logo and another one from The Beach House in a green that matches my Cabrio convertible.

Okay, THESE are the Secret Falls and they were worth it but it's obvious it's not that big of a secret.

When Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992, a lot of chickens were inadvertently freed and now they are running wild everywhere in Kauai! When we were having breakfast at the Poipu Golf Course, they would hop on the outdoor tables when people would get up and start scavenging food. Here's a little family living at Secret Falls. It's a good spot for them because all the hikers have their lunch here. They got the bread from my sandwich.

Look who else lives all alone in this remote area. I had to make friends with the Secret Falls kitty. He ate some of my turkey and even let me pet him. Poor little guy living all alone out here. Sure, he gets a lot of food from the hikers but I wondered where he went when it rained. Which it does a lot! He seemed to have a bit of a skin condition- probably mange- and he was not neutered. "Jeff, do we have room for one more kitty?" See my spiffy water/hiking sandals? They performed well in all the muck.

And back we go through the muck. Fortunately, after the muck, we kayaked again so that helped clean us up. I repeat, Are we having fun yet?!?

Tomorrow: I'll show you more photos of our hotel, including some of the fine feathered residents, and that photo on the waterslide

~ Recipe of the Day ~

Tropical Salsa

1 medium papaya, diced
2 medium tomatoes, remove seeds and pulp, dice
1 small Maui onion, diced
1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 lime
pinch of salt

Gently toss all ingredients together.
Serve with fish or chicken

Click here for printable recipe