Off the Grid ....A Summer Adventure

Summertime is one of my most favorite times on this island of Kaua'i. To spend a day with good friends and taking in the magnificent scenery that most folks never get the opportunity to experience is ono good!

On this day we went to a large ranch that had cattle and horses among a bounty of trees filled with fruit and flowers.
At one point the truck was completely surrounded with cattle. There was this one young bull and a huge adult bull who was as big as the truck.My favorite time was the time I spent with the horses. Mahina and Hoku were as glad to see me as I was to visit with them.

Mahina and Hoku with me

There were so many flowers growing all over and in full bloom. My friend, Frankie at one time took care of all these flowers and fruit trees.

Frankie, MR Green Fingers

There was this wonderful Kala, Taro patch in the middle of the ranch.

As we were leaving the ranch there was this wonderful scene of one lone cow, two mama mares with their new foals and two Nene geese looking out from the tall grass reminding all of us just how blessed we are to live on Kaua'i!

Mahalo's to Nelson, Carol, and my dear friend Frankie for one of the best adventures experienced this summer!

Mud Wahine and Other Creatures of Kauai

"Mud Wahine" © schar 2009

Traveling to the west on the island of Kaua'i , there is a special place at Salt Pond's Park. Visitors from around the world have discovered the healing properties of this very special salty mud. Early in the morning, at very low tide, you might find that special patch of Grey-green mud or discover your own Mud Wahine of the west.

"Moa Gathering" © schar 2009

One of the most popular creatures of Kaua'i are our jungle fowl. They are everywhere you look. They crow whenever they choose and they eat many of the destructive insects that would eventually eat our island away, like termites, cockroaches and most troubling ANTS. There is absolutely no predator for the jungle fowl of Kaua'i. There are no snakes or mongoose on this island either. Most everyone living on the island relish these fowls as we know they benefit our environment.

Sleeping Hawaiian Monk Seal © schar 2009

One of the most endangered ocean mammal of the world lives on our Hawaiian Islands. It is the beautiful Hawaiian Monk Seal. Some estimates are barely 1,000 of them are left. Hawaiian Monk Seals haul out of the ocean to sleep on our beaches. Many beaches will have them roped off with signs and yellow rope in a protected area. If not disturbed they will sleep for 12 hours. It is very important when visiting our island to be most aware while in the ocean as well as walking on the beach. Most times a shinny wet monk seal resembles the boulders and rocks it will haul out to. NEVER approach a Hawaiian Monk Seal on the beach or in the water.

Hawaiian State Bird the Nene © schar 2009

The Nene are magnificent birds and can be found mostly in the mountains of Kokee. These are also protected and should not be disturbed. One of the best places to see them is up at the Kokee Museum early in the morning when they feed in the meadows there.

"Tethered Horse" © schar 2009

Another creature common to this island is the horse. On this island many people tether their horses along the side of the road and in fields without fencing. This is a common practice especially on the west side of the island. They are cared for and not neglected, so when you come across one do not be too concerned as they are use to spending their life like this.