Kauai day 4

I had tried unsuccessfully to find Queens Pond on one of the previous day's, but I was determined to find it this morning and I am so glad that I did.  I started early into resort vile aka Princeville.  This was a necessity, as there was very little parking.  The hike down was yet another crazy slippery walk with a lot of "unintended sit and slides".  Then the short path opened to a gorgeous waterfall and just past the waterfall was the ocean.  I was not on a beach, but hard, volcanic rock cliffs that made the most beautiful formations that the waves were crashing into.  I was completely alone on the cliffs and not really sure where the pond actually was.  I also had left my muddy flops at the waterfall (do not do this!). The rocks were killing my feet, but I was too stubborn to go back and I kept thinking I was at it.  

Finally I found it...it was BEAUTIFUL!!! I'm not sure if people sit in it at low tide, but the waves were crashing in and again I was alone, so I scrambled down and got in just enough to get scared before I climbed out.  

If there would have been crowds, this place would not have had the same charm, but I didn't see anyone until the very end, and I'm guessing it would be an amazing place to see the sun rise.  

With a bit of sun, I drove up to Haena beach and set up my hammock.  It was crowded there, as the weather was nice and this beach is connected to tunnels beach where there is snorkeling.

I napped to give my poor feet a rest and got a bit of a sunburn.  I couldn't contain myself any longer...I needed to get fully in the ocean on my first sunny beach day!!!  

I snorkels all around Tunnels and saw a ton of fish.  Nothing like the snorkeling in Honduras, but there was just enough to satisfy to beach craving.  

I also saw the caves in this area (pretty but not spectacular), on the way to scoping out the parking situation for tomorrow.  Ahhhhhhhhh, it was so crowded.  So.  Many.  People.  

The first part of the Kalalau trail is very popular and accessible, also Ke'e beach at the start of the trail was gorgeous.  I got to watch the sun set there along with probably 50other people aiming their phones at the sun dropping.  

I settled in for a car night because the mosquitoes were out of control here.  I hadn't really seen them yet, but now I entered into a war that would occupy the next hour.  

First I had one window open.  No way.  Then I opened all four just a tiny crack.  Massive attack.  Next, I set up my mosquito net over two windows.  Where were these beotchs coming from.  I was slapping them dead left and right, but they were still getting in!!! I couldn't believe I was getting outsmarted by these s**theads.  

Finally I set myself up in my fleece pants and jacket and tried to sleep with over 10 bites.  Jerks.

Just fyi, I was crazy nervous about the trail.  One person out of five made it sound like no big deal.  The other four were warning me not to go, especially with the recent rain.  I had a trash bag to cover my pack and rain gear, but I was nervous about the notorious water crossings and exposed edges.  I knew my legs were strong enough, but what about the slippery conditions, mosquitoes, and inevitable blisters???  Breathe in breathe out.