Inspiration

This week we visited some points of inspiration. We went to Waimea Valley with some friends, the Marcums, where there is a waterfall with a pool where you could swim . It was a bit chilly but the dip in the cool water was enjoyable.

We're pretty sure we found Pride Rock while we were there!

The hike up to the falls and back was also really enjoyable. I'm sure we found some of Dr. Suess' inspiration during the hike. There are some really interesting plants and flowers here. Take a look and see if you agree.

The Philidendrum on the left is just like your house plants at the bottom of the tree but as it grows up the tree, the leaves get bigger. These were about 2 feet across. 

Linda picked this flower up off the ground under a tree. It was called a blue jade and grows on a vine in the trees.

Above is a tree that has been taken over by a vine.

 Can't you see these crazy flowers in some Dr. Suess book?

Well, it was fun seeing all the flowers and plants as we hiked.

On the 7th, we drove down to Pearl Harbor to see the monuments there. That was also very inspirational as we looked at the memorials and listened to the stories of the war. What a solemn time in history that was.

Here we are on the deck of the USS Missouri looking at the spot where Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces.

Looking from the battleship Missouri to the USS Arizona Memorial under which lies the remains of the USS Arizona and over 1000 of the Sailors and Marines that still lie in the ship from the day it was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Standing on the Arizona Memorial.

Looking from the shore to the Memorial.

Linda goes hiking with a group of women from the ward every Friday and gets to see other fun things but she never remembers the camera. It's been a fun couple of short 4 day work weeks that have allowed us to go see some of the sites but now we will be back to a normal work schedule. We are really enjoying the island and the inspiration it brings in so many ways.