June 6, 2022, had arrived. After two years and two months of waiting and wondering, we were on our way. After two years and two months of pandemic isolations, masks, vaccinations, tests, and restrictions, we boarded a plane. Destination: Kauai with a quick stop in Honolulu.

The house was perfect for our family of eight. It included a fully equipped kitchen overlooking the great room. The sliding window wall opened into a screened-in lanai containing outdoor seating and a dining table. Green grass in the backyard and a stone pathway led to a sparkling pool and spa.

The three adult couples each had their own bedroom and bath. I was concerned our teen granddaughter and grandson might bicker about sharing a room with twin beds and a bath. They showed me wrong and got along just fine. And the laundry facilities and outdoor shower came in handy.

But we didn’t fly seven hours across the Pacific Ocean cooped up in an airplane to sit around a house all day. We were in Kauai to explore. Time to go to the beach.

Poipu Beach was a short drive from the house, so we loaded up the cars and set out. I dreamed of taking off my wrist brace and soaking my arm in salt water for a while. The splints and casts I had worn for eight weeks had rubbed sores around my wrist and the brace wasn’t helping much, either.

Although other people ventured into the water, when I heard the waves had knocked a few people over, I decided it wasn’t a good idea for me to dip my toes or arm in the water for fear I’d fall and cause more damage.

Watching the seal and sea turtle sunning on the island, taking a few photos, and a walk to the Marriot kept me busy. When we returned to the house, I shed my brace and let my arm be free in the pool. I don’t think chlorine has the healing powers of salt water, but I was grateful to escape the brace and let my hand and arm float atop the water for a while.

Sadly, I was stuck at the house nursing my wrist while everyone else had a grand time on the third day’s activity: Kauai Mountain Tubing Adventure.

The Lihue Plantation lands are the setting for tubers to float through open canals and hand-dug tunnels and flumes, which were engineered and constructed around 1870.

Headlamps are required for the dark tunnels, and gloves and water shoes protect hands and feet from the rough sides. The 3-hour adventure includes lunch and cold water. Book reservations early, especially for large groups.

Tubing was the one thing I wanted to do while in Kauai. Since I missed out, I now have a good excuse to return to the island.

Stay tuned for more Kauai fun to come.

Safe Travels