A Clear Day At Iao

A few of us girls from the house hopped into a car and drove to Iao Valley to revisit one of my favorite hikes.

The sunshine held on strong, and the clouds stayed away, so we had a fantastically clear day at Iao.

{a slightly unfocused shot of the Iao Needle}

{a stack of prayer rocks on the trail}

{a monster 'shroom growing out of a tree}

{a whole lotta ferns on this hike}

The Iao hike is one of the best foraging trails around.  We snacked on strawberry guavas and of course, Hawaiian wild raspberries, which Jess just informed me are technically called thimbleberries.

{a handful of thimbleberries and pooch Bella}

{ginger blossoms}

{Alexa and Jess climbing to the top}

{Alexa}

{monkeying around}

{trekking back down}

After our quick trip back down the trail to the Iao Valley park, we scooted off the paved path and down to a watering hole to cool off.

{looking down into the crystal clear water}

{Alexa}

{Jess}

{Bella}

{me}

A bumpy video of the swimming pool:

{a frond underwater}

{getting chilly--getting out!}

Post hiking treats:

Lunch and PIE! at Leoda's on our way back home.  The Banana Cream Tart that we all dug into before our sandwiches arrived to the table, is seriously one of the most scrumptious things I've eaten in a long time.  The dusting of graham cracker crumbs around the outside of the pudding, with the thick layer of banana custard over the cookie crust made the most perfect dessert.  Move over Strawberry Cream Tart, I've got a new favorite at Leoda's now!

After we got home, I called down to the used bookstore at The Wharf to tell them I was coming to browse and buy and to please, please, please not close early (I got totally shut out when I tried to hit them up yesterday afternoon).

I may have a slight book buying problem:

But you can hardly feel guilty when you get 8 books for fifteen bucks.  See everyone, I can bargain shop!