Maui: Day two, beach and Lavendar Farm

Kate had pointed out to me a secluded beach within walking distance of their house where I could go in the morning, assuming I was awake before everyone else (I was. Time change). I think there were only two days I DIDN'T run down to "my" beach in the morning. I never saw anyone. I just watched the water and enjoyed the peace. Got rained on several times, but didn't take it personally. I also saw a rainbow at "my beach" at least three days.

 Wish my camera did more justice to the beauty of this beach. It was a bit gray this day. I wonder if that has anything to do with the non vibrancy of colors here. This big metal bit that was covered with moss was so lovely. Almost completely covered with sand and water by my last day.

 Driftwood on beach.

 Just up the hill from the beach was a Japanese mission and cemetery. I loved walking through this cemetery so peacefully each morning.

 These gorgeous indigenous flowers, Protea, grow all over. Aren't they dramatic?

 Donuts on a stick! So delicious and so naughty. We stopped on our way headed up country to the crater Haleakala. We never made it all the way up to the crater, but Kate assured me that I wasn't missing much.

 I am sure that the Alii kula Lavender Farms where we did stop were much more interesting and beautiful than an old crater.  Look at this upside down tree.

 This was one of many fuzzy little things growing on a tree. Maybe it turns into a flower. Maybe it was once a flower. I thought it looked like a sock monkey. So now those trees will be called Sock Monkey trees.

At the Lavender Farms overlooking the valley eating lavender scones with lavender jelly.
After this we went down to the Surfing Goat Dairy where we saw lots of little baby goats (ahhhh) and tasted some delicious goat cheese (yummmm).
Not all the highlights of the trip will have photos attached. Namely, being able to instantly reconnect with my dear friend Kate. Kate and I met in 6th grade and were pretty much best friends until college when I abandon her and got married. It has been off and on since then, but anytime I have been in touch with her it has been as though we were still inseparable.
We established that we are both Quality Time and Words of Affirmation (no wonder we get along).
It was so lovely to be with Kate and her family. Josh was so sweet to let us go meandering about everyday while we left one or both kids with him. It was nice to see some everyday things about her life. Kai'a's Tae Kwon Do class, grocery shopping, schedule. Even though it did seem unreal, like a permanent vacation in my eyes.
Loved being totally relaxed without a responsibility at their house. Loved reading and lounging and taking naps.