the turquoise trail

Hawaii; the big island I like to think of the big island of Hawaii as the rural island; it's raw, far less developed & has lots of wide open space (relative, of course.. you can still drive across the island in less than 2 hours..).  This is the island to come to if you like getting off the beaten track and nature is more your thing!  Some of my favourite things from a week on Hawaii.. {hiking} Kaumana Caves Park I did very little hiking during my stay on the big island.. the hiking I did do was mainly short sight-seeing type hikes.  Unfortunately, the Waipio Valley was closed due to a dengue fever outbreak, but I hear it has great hiking!  Kaumana Caves Park is just outside of Hilo and has a lava tube that you can follow for at least 1km!  It's really neat to see.. I'd recommend taking a light & coming back through the lava tube - the surface trail isn't well maintained or marked.  Green Sand beach is on the southern part of the island and...

Maui; the valley isle Maui was probably my favourite island; it features a huge variety of landscape & packs in a multitude of things to do!  It's absolutely gorgeous, and completely different around every bend!  From rainforest to desert, lava rock to white sand beach, quaint country towns to artsy boutique towns.. this island's got it all.  Some highlights from 7 days on Maui.. {hiking} Haleakala Crater There are some fantastic hiking trails scattered over Maui; the highlight for me was Haleakala.  The different minerals left behind from the volcano are displayed in the variety of colours in the crater.  It's a sight to behold, and well worth the trip up - try to go on a clear day!  There are plenty of other opportunities for nature hikes, beach walks & window shopping, no matter what area of the island you're on.   {food} I didn't actually eat out too much during my time on Maui, but there are plenty of farmer'...

Oahu; the gathering place Aptly named, as everyone from everywhere was gathered on Waikiki Beach, taking selfies.  Oahu is a gorgeous island, but it's very touristy and extremely busy in Honolulu & Waikiki.. to truly experience this island, get yourself out of town & off the beaten track - you won't be disappointed!  Some highlights from nine days on the gorgeous island of Oahu.. {hiking} Diamond Head Crater The island of Oahu offers plenty of opportunities for working on that beach bod (better late than never..), hiking being one of my favorites - specifically, the views which are often the reward of a good hike.   Mauawilli Falls First up was the Diamond Head Crater; it is a decent hike up, but it won't kill you.  Unless you go in the middle of the day with no water.  Then, it might.  But with a little planning (it's mostly shaded in the afternoons), it can be a pleasant stair climbing excursion, with a stunning overlook of Waikiki...

Week 8: My favourite part... I thoroughly enjoyed the town of Trois  Rivière Miles... 1063  Day 47: Quispamsis, NB to Fredericton, NB 79 miles  Not feeling too great this morning so I got off to a slow start, but I still made it up the stairs to church. After church a few stayed for a delicious lunch, although I was really wishing I felt better. I capped off the afternoon with a sunny nap on the patio hammock, then packed up and headed to Fredericton. I got into my friend C's around 6 for dinner and the evening with her... Hammock naps.. Day 48: Fredericton, NB to Trois Rivière, QC 465 miles  Today got off to an early start with a trip to see what downtown Fredericton has to offer.  From there I hit the road and headed homeward, making quite a few stops to rest and  stretch the bum. I stopped for lunch in Grand Falls and by mid-afternoon I found a little beach, the sun was shining, and it was hot... all at the same time! Ten...

Week 7: My favourite part... I really enjoyed Peggy's cove.. even in the fog!  Miles... 594  Day 41: Lunenberg, NS 13 miles   This morning was another grey, drizzly morning and as such it was also a lazy morning.  It did, however, clear up around 11 which I took full advantage of by heading into the town of Lunenberg to wander and explore the historical town; there were plenty of unique shops and historical buildings to enjoy.  I headed back to the house mid-afternoon and took the opportunity to catch up and make a few calls. I found myself a new book and it wasn't long until my friends S &R got home.  I spent a relaxing evening catching up with them and reading..  Doors of Lunenberg Day 42: Lunenburg, NS  158 miles   Started this morning off with a cup of tea and some toast, then headed northeast along the coastal road.  I stopped off in a couple little towns along the way, getting a tea in Chester and lun...

Week 6: My favourite part ... It was great to have a slower week and unwind a bit! (Vacay from a vacay.. Imagine!)  Miles ... 484  Day 33: St. John's, NL  45 miles   This morning started with partridgeberry tea biscuits topped with partridgeberry jam.. Yum!! Headed down the road for church, then were invited to stay for lunch and a lovely visit.  We headed out mid afternoon and returned to the university then we went out to Petty Harbor & Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America! Very neat to see the coastline and a couple lighthouses there; it also provided a great view of signal hill and a lingering iceberg!  On the way home, we went out to Fort Amherst to see the opposite side of the narrows from Signal hill and a great view of the city!  We picked up a pizza for dinner and headed home where an old friend met us for dinner. Great to have a chance to catch up with her and very much enjoyed the evening. Most Easterly P...