Life of Larisa or LOL

Go further. That is what I learned today. Ever started a project, but then stopped prematurely? Stopped just shy of reaching your goal? This has been a recurring theme for me. Stopping a book before finishing because I've become sidetracked by life. Only doing half a workout because I'm sore. Turning around before reaching the end of a trail... A few months ago, my family and I hiked this very same hike I am posting about today. And yet, we did NOT see the Pillbox. Hmm. We quit too soon! We reached a cluster of antenna at what we thought was the top of the mountain and assumed that was all there was to the trail. WRONG. Today, Zach and I went further. And we were rewarded with stunning views, a better workout, and one giant ant that scared the you know what out of my five year old. (Now I know he has a fear of ants.) Learn something new everyday. Blue skies, views from Kane'ohe Marine Corp Base to Chinaman's Hat to past Lanikai and Bellows in the distance---all definite...

Both my hiking partners were unavailable  for a Tuesday Trail, so we (Zach and I) made the most of our free day together and adopted the Tourist Tuesday theme instead. We hit up four windward O'ahu spots and of course made a pitstop for some yummy grub. First stop on Tourist Tuesday, Ulupo Heiau which is nestled in a quiet Kailua neighborhood and adjacent to a local chapter of the YMCA. It is the second largest Heiau on O'ahu and is commonly associated with menehune legends.  We made sure to respect the sacred land of the ancient Hawaiians by not disturbing, touching, or walking on the rocks that made up the remainder of the Heiau from hundreds of years ago.  Beyond the rocks of the Heiau were several small gardens that field workers were tending to during our visit. We saw Lauhala trees, taro patches, papaya trees, and gardenia flowers to name a few.  This was our first visit here and I soon realized that the backside of the Heiau was part of a favorite walking spot...

Ever drive past somewhere so many times and think to yourself, "I should stop here sometime...", but you never do it? That is what I have thought every time I've driven past Lili'uokalani Gardens.  Located in the city, this small oasis is green, beautiful, clean, and has a significant sized waterfall. There are picnic tables for snacking or lunching. There are bathrooms on site and a parking lot at the top end of this park.  We ended up here last week because I had been holed up inside the house with under the weather thirteen and five year olds. By day two, we were feeling stir crazy and I figured some fresh air could do us all some good.  I didn't want to overexert anyone so strolling along the path after the bridge from the waterfall and back down again was the perfect amount to get our blood pumping and our feet moving.  I was so pleasantly surprised to see this waterfall tucked away in this town neighborhood...especially after a recent hike to Manoa Falls onl...

Last Thursday we climbed the side of a mountain. It sounds crazy. But it was fun, less dangerous than I expected, and those views! With my five year old and my hiking buddy, I led the charge through tall, overgrown grass uphill...and to the wrong part of the trail.  Oops! After taking a few photos (because even a wrong turn can yield amazing views), we backtracked a little, found a new trail, and were back to trekking up the mountain in search of the famed Makua Cave.  A few more minutes of bugs flying by our heads and we reached a part of the trail that was less overgrown and more of a rocky, dusty trail.  Rounding one last corner and then... ...magic! The phrase "the westside is the best side" is something I have often heard living on O'ahu. This trail proves that sentiment. These views will be etched in my mind for years to come.  This hike was not very long, but it was mostly uphill on uneven terrain...and in an unexploded ordinance area. So, there are risks. We ...