Hiking in Poli Poli

This hike is officially my favorite on Maui. 

We did a 5 mile loop starting and ending at Poli Poli State Park. The trip getting to the park is as interesting as the terrain we traveled over during our hike.

We live close to the ocean on the West Side of Maui and meandered our way along the coast to Central Maui where sugar cane is king. We then headed to "Upcounty" gaining a total of 7,000 feet in elevation. We went from paved road to a dirt road that is rough, to say the very least, but not impassable. We saw a Mustang Convertible coming out as we headed in; the driver yelled in passing that he was happy he bought the insurance. Tourists. 

When we got to the park it was a brisk 55 degrees. So with the elevation gain we lost 25 degrees as well, exactly what I wanted; I am tired of the heat. Griz, Chad and I unloaded to take off on a gorgeous hike through redwoods, rainforest, and most surprisingly of all, a huge hydrangea field in the middle of nowhere. The cabin and flowers pictured were the highlight of my trip. Total surprises!

I have been struck by ‘rock fever’ and am sick of the island, so I felt Papa (God, if you have read The Shack) led me to the place to make me realize he created everything and we need to appreciate it all, even if it isn’t my ideal. It was a wonderful realization and comforting too. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers but know they hold true meaning in me heart.

A hike to remember. 

Yoga: My First Class

I loved my first yoga class. It's pretty laid back, like everything else in Maui, and was for all levels. I learned some great new poses that will help my posture. I had a trainer tell me I slouch. (!) So I am definitely looking to improve my posture and strengthen my shoulders and back. A great move, that literally cramped my shoulder, goes like this: step forward with your right foot and go into a lunge. Left leg should be extended. Extend arms to shoulder level and twist to the right and pull your shoulders back as far as you can. Switch sides (that's not the yogi way to do it but I am still learning).

I love the focus on calm, breathe, and health that yoga has, I have realized that my exercise theory is 'no pain, no gain' and that needs to change. Yoga is so beneficial beyond the physical results. I am totally sold. :) Oh and my flexibility has improved so much since I started practicing.