Exploration and a Hidden Beach | Kauai Adventure Part III

Jay shouldered the backpack and forged along the sandy trail littered with dead leaves and pine needles. We turned down a path, as it opened into a quiet, pristine beach occupied by a lone suntanned family catching the last rays of the afternoon light. In the distance a kitesurfer catches the wind and rides the waves.

We retrace our steps and turn off on another path leading to rocky crags. We soon find ourselves alone, exploring a martian-like surface teetering over crashing waves and high spray. In my mind, I know we’re not the first to set foot here–and tell-tale footprints left in the pockets of sand confirm this. But I feel as though I have discovered a new land…a untouched place.

We scramble along the rocks until we come across a hidden beach. Powerful waves crash against outlying hardened lava pools. This is no place to swim. We carefully walk along the shore, observing random pieces of trash–bits of plastic, sticks, and fragments of toys–brought by the waves, carried from who knows where.

The tide begins to come in, and it’s time to return before the waves overwhelm the sand beneath our feet. Four surfers return to their lone Toyota truck parked on the sand, obviously back from a day of fun in the sun. We take their picture, they take ours, and we part ways–they bouncing in the truck, us on foot.

I wish I could capture in my photos that great sense of discovery I felt, but I realize some things are not simply seen…they’re experienced. The memory will always be stronger than the pictures.

In the evening, we watch the sun set and then enjoy the cool breeze on an open air patio, sipping drinks and eating appetizers. The life of a modern-day explorer is easy.

The sunrise looked different every morning.

Can you spot the rainbow?

I included this snapshot as it was one of my favorite places for a tasty bite. It was especially delicious after a day of snorkeling. They should seriously bring Puka Dog to Pittsburgh!