30 June 2017, 16:50 Hawaii Time

Today has been another really good day on Oahu.  Yesterday was, as well, and we went further on the west shore than we did yesterday.  The whole trip so far has been fabulous, as usual, and we already can’t wait to come back for another adventure.

Yesterday, we went to a beautiful sandy beach on the west shore that had lots of sand, some shade, and the clearest water I’ve seen in Hawaii to-date.  Literally 20′ down you could see all the way to the bottom, and there were no rocks to kill your feet going in, like in some other spots.  It was a beach about 20 minutes west/northwest of Pearl City, on H1, past where it turns into Hwy 83.  Just gorgeous.  Turquoise water.  The sand in the sun is hot hot hot, so if you go be sure to wear your shoes or sandals.  

Today we went all the way to land’s end – where the trail starts and you can drive no further.  Not being true hikers this week, we didn’t venture further north/northwest on the trail, but I can imagine it must be glorious.  There was lots of lava rock, a nice sandy beach with some smooth rocks just as you enter, and a great clear glass water with a small bit of surf.  Not a place to go surfing, but it is a great place to go swimming or just hang out.  It seemed that more locals were on these beaches as well, since it’s pretty far removed from Waikiki and the other side of the island.

On the beach today, we saw a large sea turtle in the sand.  At first, I thought she was dead, but then we saw her breathing.  I assume she was laying eggs, since she was buried up in the sand, but I really don’t know.  We didn’t get too close and let her be, but of course, I go back to the apartment tonight wondering how she is doing.  

We also got to see lots of other creatures, including two mongoose and some chickens.  They tend to wake us up every morning, but it’s a small price to pay to have the wind blowing constantly and feel the ocean breeze on your neck.  Just nothing like it in all the world.

One other thing we found today was a small marble plaque, embedded into the lava rock at land’s end.  It was a memorial plaque to some older folks, who had passed away in 2011 and 2012.  I assume their kids or grandkids had placed it there and tossed their ashes into the surf.  

I personally can think of nowhere I’d rather be for eternity.