We are going to Waimea Canyon today, it will take all day. I make bacon and eggs, apple cinnamon pancakes for my family, 'ohana'.
We are on the road by nine thirty. Fran wants to see this massive canyon, since she has not see the Grand Canyon. To break up our trip we make Hilo Hatties our first rest stop. Dan buys mac nut brittle for Sandra, his friend Charlie's daughter. I buy a few gifts too.
Hanapepe is a sleepy little art community with a swinging bridge. We cross it, admiring the engineering and laughing like school children.
Lunch is at The GROVE Cafe, formerly Wiamea BrewPub. another garden burger for Frances and me, this one with sweet potato fries. Our salad is delicious with a guava balsamic vinaigrette and toasted, candied hazelnuts and fresh chevre.




Beginning our ascent to four thousand feet, we move above red canyons and green plains that look like patchwork. The rugged chiseled ridges to the East and to the West, a plunging terraced valley are called Halaulau, overlooking the ocean, where the lost tribe once lived. A trail from the north shore and the difficult steep coastline are the only access. As it turns out, my brother Mike and his Nancy are climbing in from the North today, as we explore this region from the South, one of many coincidences. We plan to join them for dinner later today.
The weather is perfect for viewing the Na Pali coastline; wispy clouds move across and a rare hang glider sails far below.
We stay, transfixed to the view we cannot fathom as time stands still. Feeling the necessity to travel on, we reluctantly leave. There is a coffee plantation just up the road and we pull in for a few tasty cups. This plantation was planted in 1860 by the McBryde family and is still roasting fine Kauaiian coffee. It saves us.
Dan is very tired, we encounter rush hour traffic in Lihue and Kapaa, the sailing is then smoother.
Dinner is at seven at Bar Acuda. Mike and Nancy are seated indoors at a booth. It is so good, and a relief to see them. I get so nervous, and excited anticipating this moment. Then there is ease, awesome food, and lively , lovely conversation.
There is pizza, sewed ahi Nicoise, fennel salad, mesclun greens, banderillas with a honey ancho glaze, accompanied by a Avila d Nero.



Dan goes straight to bed, Franny and I stay up cuddled on the sofa sleeper, relishing the details of this day.
It's all so good here. Mahalo!