The Green Sand Beach

Like I said before, I did a TON of research before our trip.  I purchased a Lonely Planet book (highly recommend) and found some bloggers that had some great advice.  One of the places that wasn't mentioned in the book, but I had started reading more and more about was the Green Sand Beach.  It was something we went back and forth on about visiting and I am so glad that we did!

I had been told that because we were coming from the east coast, our bodies would be waking up about 5am the first couple of days, so we decided to put this day trip as one of our first things.  So we packed up the first morning and headed out!  The highways in Hawaii are mainly 2 lane, so getting places took much longer than we were used to. (hello--everyone on 85 drives 90 MPH)

About half way there, we saw a scenic point where you can park.  Since we had arrived the day before in the late afternoon, this was our first taste of ocean!

I had printed off directions to get to the parking area by the trail head, but it was still hard to know if you were going the right way.  You turn off the highway onto an even smaller road and realize it's like driving through the country!  This was not what I was expecting, and was very neat to see a different side of something that only seems tropical!

We finally arrived and started our hike down to the beach.  Of all the hiking we did on the Big Island, Justin and I both agree, this was the best! (even though it was crazy hot and windy).

 Because Hawaii is made up of volcanoes, an eruption many years ago left a cinder cone with three sides remaining and the fourth side open to the ocean.  The olivine crystals that were created from the eruption gives the beach its green color.  The beach is located on the southern tip of the island and to gain access, you have to hike about 2 miles there and back.  

From here, we headed to the southern most point!

The Big Island

My plan was to share our Hawaii trip with everyone the week we got back, but between jet lag and having to go back to work the next day, it took some adjusting back to the east coast before I was even able to upload the photos to my computer. 

Many of you know that Justin and I recently visited the Big Island of Hawaii.  This was a trip that we had talked about doing for a long time! We originally planned to go in 2012, but the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Exam, for Justin, in Oct 2012 took priority...so we pushed it back to 2013.  We are Hilton Honors members, and through their VIP program, were able to stay in their vacation resort in Waikoloa.  We spent the week all over the island though!! It was truly amazing!

For those of you that know me, you know that I planned almost every moment of this trip (with itinerary included), had a packing list made for two weeks, and wanted to set 6 alarm clocks the morning of our flight.  Luckily, Justin trusts me in all vacation planning areas, and basically just shows up for the trips we take!

One of the reasons we wanted to do this trip so badly now is the amount of time spent traveling.  I knew that taking children to Hawaii would probably not happen, and after making the trip, now I know it will NEVER happen. That is crazy jet lag!

So, hopefully, over the next couple of days, I will have all of our days shared on here! So check back from time to time! Mahalo!

Baby-Q

Yesterday, we headed to Greensboro to celebrate baby Osabel. Not too much longer until he makes his appearance! Michelle and Janver let me practice a little with the new camera! Here's a few from the weekend!

Grown Up Toys

I realized when I logged on today that Justin's birthday was my last post...oops!  Summer certainly has flown by! 

There hasn't been much going on around the Hill house, but what we are excited about is our trip in three weeks!! I can't believe the trip to Hawaii is almost here! I feel like we have been talking about it and planning it (yes--there is an itinerary) for months and months!

Which is the reason for my new grown up toy!

One of the things that I really enjoy is photography--I took a photography class when I studied abroad in Italy. Studying abroad was one of the best things I did in college---immersing yourself in a different culture is something everyone should experience.  While I was there, I was able to walk around Florence for hours and take picture after picture.  I learned a ton and got pretty good at it.  But that was more than 5 years ago!

I really wanted to get back into the whole photography thing. So, I have been researching all the different SLR cameras out there to find what would be best for me! My film camera was a Nikon and I loved it! So as an early birthday present to myself (and from the mister)--I finally broke down and bought the Nikon D5200---and I am in love!!

I wanted to make sure I really knew what I was doing before we got to Hawaii.  So I have been ALL OVER Pinterest and photography blogs to learn all I can.  I am open to all suggestions...so if you know of any great resources---send it my way!!

Here's a few of my first shots---definitely still learning, but loving some of them already! 

We're heading to Raleigh for opening NCSU football weekend and then back this way for the largest flee market around in Hillsville, VA!