Like a lot of folk, the snow gradually wore us down. Trying to fit in 7-10hrs a day shoveling around work and Peter constraints led to midnight outings on the roof. As usual, I didn't do great with sleep deprivation. I'm full of admiration for stay-at-home mums that can deal with a few hours sleep and being inside with their toddler for most of the day. I love Peter with all my heart, but we need to have an outside adventure every day to keep sane. I timed how long it took me to get Peter dressed and up the trail just to move our car a short distance for the snow plough-- over 1.5 hrs! Getting out and going anywhere required a major commitment of time and effort.. and I started to long for the pre-kid era of running out of the house for an unplanned quick ski with a friend or even being able to shovel on my own schedule! Anyway... as soon as life started to look a little dark.. we had wonderful help digging from friends (thanks Holly and Mikey!), hot food and help with Peter from neighbors. And, the snow stopped and the sun came out. Gradually snow became under-control, and we had a hectic few days getting home ready for house-sitters, and packing for camping in Hawaii and a week in Anchorage for the marine science symposium. I don't know if we've ever been soo tired as when we left Cordova... but, we made it on the plane (thanks Julie..)!
We had a good week in Anchorage; great meetings, a treat to think about science again, and it was super to catch up with friends and colleagues and get some sleep and excersise. We then flew to Hawaii, rented a car, and spent the first couple of nights camped at Ha'ena on the North Coast. Not sure how long the three of us can fit into a tiny two-man tent, but it only rained once in 2.5 weeks and we all spent every waking minute outside.
We got all geared up to hike the Na Pali coast, but decided to return because Peter was getting badly bitten by mosquitos and we were worried about infection that remote... So, we ended up each carrying about 5olb on a long day trip! On the positive note, we now know we can do a family backpack this summer!
We then decided it was time for a real holiday! We found this tucked away YMCA near Ha'ena. It's total paradise. Right on the beach, only one other tent, warm showers, and a lighted pavilion to cook under at night! We got into a super routine... walking about a mile along the beach to an incredible snorkeling spot in the morning, taking turns snorkeling and playing with Peter on the beach, and repeating this in the afternoon after Peter's nap. Lots of sea turtles, monk seals, and great surf and exercise.
The camp site is behind this white fence, and the beach was usually empty.
It was soo easy to look after a toddler camping in the tropics... there is no house to destroy, no endless picking up, and no layers of clothing to put on. It was perfect! Peter LOVED being naked, playing in the sand, and being able to run and move easily outside. And, we hardly drove anywhere.
Dustin and Peter trying out their surfing moves. Dustin had a surfing lesson in Hanalei, loved it, and ended up buying a board at a surf-swap to try the waves in Prince William Sound..
We then drove around the coast and up into Koke'e State Park. We camped at another deserted YWCA in the mountains. Incredible scenery. We had a rough first night. Not sure if Peter had eaten something bad or was struggling with the altitude, but he started throwing up about 2am.. you can imagine dealing with the mess in a 2-man tent with head-torches!
Peter helped clean in the morning, and we had a lovely day hike in the Canyon.
We had initially planned to camp on the south coast, but we missed our quiet beach in the north-- and returned for the last few days.
We enjoyed learning about Taro farming, and walking in farming country again. Wondering how terracing and drainage could help gardening in Cordova..
And, we had a truly magical last day at Limahuli gardens, just a mile from our camp site. Peter walked his first mile on the round-garden trail, and we learnt lots about the history of Hawaii. What an incredible place.
Now, we're home-- recharged and energized. It was great to have time and space to dream, think about life and direction, see the world as a bigger place, and relax together as a family. And, Peter transitioned into a true toddler with opinions...It's been raining here, and the snow is dwindling. There is access to the beach again, and we've had some lovely walks this week-- trading monk seals for sea-otters, and frigate birds for eagles.
We're having a busy couple of weeks, reconnecting with friends, catching up on work and life, and starting to think about our trip to Britain. Peter and I leave in 4 days-- visiting mum and dad, and Auntie Lizzy before she leaves for Somalia beginning of March. Dustin's dad, John, is coming while we're away to help Dustin paint the interior of the house...
We have new energy to get out of the house whenever we can, and have also been enjoying some inside activities again.
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