tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22411813587428562112024-03-12T21:39:24.084-07:00The Weekend Photo WarriorLaura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.comBlogger1205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-82084970439182949902014-07-12T10:21:00.001-07:002014-07-12T10:21:17.091-07:00find me well it seems I just can't keep up with the blog so if you are still interested in my travels and pictures you can find them in two places:<br />
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short snip ts on instagram<br />
http://instagram.com/stampmouse<br />
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or my albums on flickr:<br />
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/sets/<br />
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until I have more time this is where you will find me<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-56376992472015836682014-01-20T15:52:00.000-08:002014-01-20T15:52:00.504-08:00south of the border We tried a bit of a different vacation this year. Headed out of the gloomy skies of Spokane to Puerto Vallarta Mexico for a week in the sun and warmth. The difference is we made no plans other than where we were staying. No planned trips no extensive research on what to do. Nothing Yeah that is so unlike me. But I had a rough year last year very stressful so we decided to just go and have fun.<br />
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We flew out on a cold day, praying the whole way to the airport that we wouldn't get stuck here and not get in an accident on the foggy and slick roads. First time I had to fly out on a plane that needed deicing too. <br />
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Once airborne I felt much better. A brief stop in Seattle then a stop in LA and we arrived<br />
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This was the view from our room at <a href="http://www.playalosarcos.com/">Los Arcos </a>an all inclusive resort right on the beach and extremely affordable especially since we were booked in with a group.<br />
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i have to say the bathroom was so dang cute. I have to share the sink. <br />
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we had such a relaxing time it was just what the doctor ordered. thought about para sailing but never got around to it looked like fun though, next time. <br />
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I read 5 books while gone that's how relaxing it was. Didn't get sun burned (neither did Dave thankfully) we had umbrellas at the beach but ended up with a nice glow. A view of our beach area and hotel. <br />
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just a short walk from our hotel was a beautiful pier that was built a year ago<br />
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the night we arrived they had a firework celebration. Nice of them to do that for our arrival I thought. well it was actually the anniversary for the pier<br />
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the vendors that came through the beach area were not pushy though they did come around many times. My favorite was the nut man. yummy<br />
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we had one cloudy and a bit rainy day but it still beat Spokane. It just meant I read more in my book<br />
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the food was good and they even put on a little bit of a show. At the side cafe several in the group ordered Mexican coffee. It has ice cream in it and liquor that is lit on fire<br />
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this is them preparing to the alcohol (actually was for my banana foster but same procedure)<br />
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and ends with a cherry on top<br />
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and at night the sunsets were always great<br />
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will share a few more pictures in upcoming posts.<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-3428569877316054202014-01-01T18:40:00.000-08:002014-01-01T18:40:16.231-08:00Bayview Eagles Its a tradition that every New Year's Day we go visit the eagles in Idaho that come there to eat off the salmon. they are usually only there about a month starting in December and ending just after New Years. Normally we go to Coeur'd Alene near wolf lodge bay but this year we went a little further. we went to Bayview Idaho and we weren't disappointed. <br />
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this was my favorite shot:<br />
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I only have a 105 and this was cropped down from the original shot.<br />
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can you spot the eagle in this shot? shows off some of the town too<br />
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bayview sits on Lake Pend Oreille which also is home to a Navy research center they use to do a lot of submarine testing there not sure if they still do or not but legend says this lake has a few spots where they have not been able to find the bottom with the echo testing<br />
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here is a close up of one of the navy's research sites:<br />
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the eagle has landed well just about<br />
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I just can't get enough of these creatures they are amazing to see. if you ever get a chance to see one even in captivity do it!!! <br />
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this looks like a juvenile<br />
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ok enough with the eagles right? more on my flickr page if you go there.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/sets/72157639288500106/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/sets/72157639288500106/</a><br />
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but back to the town of bayview a small quaint town that looks like a beautiful place to live. Would hate to see the prices for the homes though with that kind of view. <br />
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now this house boat is one I would LOVE to live in<br />
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nature is good<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-54629705083169129022013-10-03T19:28:00.000-07:002013-10-03T19:28:00.517-07:00after race, clean up and a nice dinner my race partner needed to rest I got restless so I went for a walk. Yeah I know i just did 21 miles I must be insane but just outside our bed and breakfast was a beautiful place<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766255324/" title="california 2013-40 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-40" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/9766255324_bdf3048bf7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
do you spot them?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766372073/" title="california 2013-33 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-33" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9766372073_8c9096508f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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yep those are sea lions basking in the daylight<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766386563/" title="california 2013-31 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-31" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9766386563_d835bf4df4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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just across the street from where we were staying!!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766356753/" title="california 2013-35 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-35" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9766356753_89d40182ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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so I walked along the rocky shore for a while<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766256405/" title="california 2013-37 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-37" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9766256405_9999b6e59d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766058781/" title="california 2013-36 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-36" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9766058781_9fc6e64f27_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i fell in love with this tree<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766319203/" title="california 2013-41 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-41" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/9766319203_2dc4caeaca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this is where we stayed such a charming place. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766311883/" title="california 2013-42 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-42" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/9766311883_f58156ebf9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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lastly a few more shots of monterey<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766496894/" title="california 2013-3 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-3" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9766496894_54d84382e0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766555223/" title="california 2013-5 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-5" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9766555223_9ed2d6829e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766272871/" title="california 2013-4 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-4" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/9766272871_0d1f1d1735_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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don't even ask what that white stuff is<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766178272/" title="california 2013-19 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-19" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9766178272_ac42b5e16a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we took a quick ride down to carmel to see the sites<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766343006/" title="california 2013-26 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-26" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9766343006_aa9b0e616c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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that is the world famous golf course<br />
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beautiful beach<br />
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i love these trees<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766408143/" title="california 2013-28 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-28" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/9766408143_fb43fb2a2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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even a banner for the race we came to do<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766316756/" title="california 2013-30 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-30" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/9766316756_4c97cddd71_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and then it was time to head home. I made it past security with only a few glaces by now my face is so swollen i joked with coworkers the next day about our other coworker that came with me saying she gets a little angry when she doesn't get her coffee in the morning. hahaha<br />
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ever take photos from the air? here are a few I took this trip<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766015011/" title="california 2013-43 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-43" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/9766015011_f99f53d3ab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766296041/" title="california 2013-1 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-1" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9766296041_8106a61256_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766498866/" title="california 2013-2 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-2" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9766498866_6e7b46f41f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
i love this shot too<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766216696/" title="california 2013-44 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-44" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/9766216696_0b72c6eebc_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-23719772229572780272013-10-01T19:14:00.000-07:002013-10-01T19:14:00.783-07:00Monterey Aquariumwhile in Monterey for the big sur 21 miler we had time to go to the <a href="http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/">aquarium</a>. I haven't been there since i was a small child. And loved it then and it didn't disappoint this trip either<br />
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the big draw was the jellyfish and the seahorse exhibits.<br />
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they had all kinds of jellyfish like this neon jellyfish<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766409576/" title="california 2013-16 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-16" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5471/9766409576_9c20891f19_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the moon jellyfish are one of my favorites<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766415905/" title="california 2013-15 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-15" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9766415905_639177ef66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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these actually looked like spaceships in outer space<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766218302/" title="california 2013-14 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-14" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/9766218302_e95930a86a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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they had many varieties most of which I don't remember the names of<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766426135/" title="california 2013-13 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-13" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9766426135_3b0ea20842_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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this is one of my favorite shots of them. Its hard to get a really good shot with all the glass but this one made me happy<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766226071/" title="california 2013-12 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-12" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2872/9766226071_095ee921c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9767261305/" title="california 2013-11 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-11" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/9767261305_4499714ab1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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do you get the picture that they fascinate me?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766239081/" title="california 2013-10 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-10" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/9766239081_56321702b9_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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then came the seahorses. so delicate so precious<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766531523/" title="california 2013-9 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-9" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/9766531523_5f810ecb96_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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my husbands personal favorite<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766457435/" title="california 2013-8 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-8" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/9766457435_7de4d74b4d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766262242/" title="california 2013-7 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-7" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/9766262242_25eaaeac74_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and for a last shot on seahorses:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766473136/" title="california 2013-6 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-6" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5328/9766473136_7c1573877e_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and of course there were sharks<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766191641/" title="california 2013-17 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-17" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/9766191641_4d9d8331f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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weird and ugly fish<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766397596/" title="california 2013-18 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-18" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9766397596_b89ac53eb1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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the penguins were just not very social today and this was my favorite shot it made me feel sad for them. on display for so long that must get frustrating.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766165412/" title="california 2013-21 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-21" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/9766165412_c197769e54_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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this was cool to see. I have never seen anything but dead sand dollars<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766377734/" title="california 2013-22 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-22" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/9766377734_e18cce6829_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and this shot made me hungry<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9766365676/" title="california 2013-23 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="california 2013-23" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/9766365676_1bd4995155_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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if you ever get to monterey GO to the aquarium there is so much more than this there and it really is a wonderful aquarium.<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-30373579171986342072013-09-29T15:51:00.000-07:002013-09-29T15:51:00.839-07:00big sur 21 miler Going back in time a bit since I wasn't blogging much for a few months earlier this year. My big race, the one I trained for since January till April was a destination race that took place in Big Sur California I was doing the most mileage I had done ever 21 miles just short of a half by 6 miles but since the marathon was already full when I registered the 21 did the trick. <br />
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the race takes place along highway 1 a very scenic highway drive along the pacific coast. One of the few times the highway is shut down and it is so worth the opportunity to do this run even with all the hills. the race usually sells out shortly after it opens too<br />
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early early in the morning you are bused to the starting point and it is pretty cold. we kept warm with some garbage bags and extra layers of clothes<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765389424/" title="-1-31 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-31" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9765389424_70500a7537_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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but as the race progressed the sun was shining<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765438093/" title="-1-37 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-37" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5548/9765438093_a00908b5fa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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well mostly there were spots that were cloudy and windy but gorgeous. sites you can't see in a car no matter what becuase there are no turn outs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765139612/" title="-1-40 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-40" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/9765139612_cf4ec47280_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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a very well supported race with tons of entertainment along the way<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765415883/" title="-1-43 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-43" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/9765415883_dd63a83788_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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one of my favorite things was the mile markers this was our mile marker 5 since the full people started at 1 and the 21 milers started near their marker 5 this was one of my favorites because it was the start of a KILLER long hill to hurricane ridge<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765339004/" title="-1-44 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-44" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/9765339004_659c87bd36_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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more beauty along the way<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765341326/" title="-1-42 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-42" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9765341326_87d96a1711_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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from the top of the hill you can places we had been<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765322776/" title="-1-46 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-46" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/9765322776_82f0857d4a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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at this point I was going strong I was way ahead of my anticipated pace being a slow walk / runner I was hoping for a 430 finish at this point I was doing strong with a 4 hour finish in tack. note the face in the picture for future refrence<br />
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because the boston bombing was just prior to this and because there is a special recognition for people that run the boston marathon and the big sur marathon called the boston to big sur challenge there was army national guard stationed along the way. they gave out our time as we passed <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765310695/" title="-1-48 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-48" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9765310695_9c60cc070c_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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i could have taken a million pictures<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765571151/" title="big sur-3 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="big sur-3" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/9765571151_26899c0491_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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next up was one of the highlights of the race. for the full marathoners it is the half way point<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765304364/" title="-1-51 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-51" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9765304364_0c60e7d94b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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the famous piano music that you can hear for what seems like forever<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765089931/" title="-1-52 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-52" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5488/9765089931_135f1a3cb3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this one made me laugh<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765296714/" title="-1-53 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-53" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9765296714_bd0594bd17_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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but it was shortly after this one that was my downfall<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765284666/" title="-1-54 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-54" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9765284666_c244e5d0ed_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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while beautiful scenery was around us<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765071021/" title="-1-57 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-57" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/9765071021_d6276b0095_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I had a runner come up on my left which in this race is the slow person side and trip me up I don't think he even realized he did it. But I did a double somersault and a face plant. scraping up my right shoulder then both my knees then my face. It took a pretty bad hit though I really didn't know it several people stopped to help and I continued on till I got to the aid station. took 10 minutes there to get cleaned up and make sure I didn't need stitches. they asked if i wanted to finish the race. HECK no I didn't train this hard to have this stop me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765385766/" title="-1-10 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-10" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5497/9765385766_e42404e52a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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so that fall made me think this was my favorite mile marker<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765260776/" title="-1-60 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-60" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/9765260776_bc4ce59007_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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and this made me think hmmm someone didn't listen<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765044482/" title="-1-62 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-62" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/9765044482_357b02f55d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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but I continued on it wasn't until I was at my mile 15 that my back started hurting and I slowed my pace. I ended up with a 5:06 but thought it was best I didn't push to hard I did want to finish<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765034552/" title="-1-64 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-64" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/9765034552_4406cd9d1b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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and sooner then i thought carmel was in site<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765854123/" title="big sur-4 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="big sur-4" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/9765854123_5ec048affb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765182301/" title="-1-11 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="-1-11" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9765182301_7116015595_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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The face looks pretty good at this point it was the next day that my eye swelled shut and my had became enlarged but it was worth it I think the next time I do this race I will do the full but that is going to have to wait a few years 26 miles is a lot of training heck 21 was and the fall cost me lots of downtown after the race healing<br />
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afterwards we went for a nice dinner and a well deserved drink. my running buddy was sure people must have thought we got into a fight lol<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765603192/" title="big sur-6 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="big sur-6" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/9765603192_4212a1a002_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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a day or so later it looked even worse and even now I have a bit of a scar but I was lucky I didn't get a concussion or something worse and that was my first fall ever of course since then I have fallen a few more times ugh lets hope that isn't a new trend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9765889303/" title="big sur-5 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="big sur-5" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9765889303_648a0067cc_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-33588834377784677572013-09-27T15:10:00.000-07:002013-09-27T15:10:00.683-07:00north cascade highway getting from eastern Washington to western Washington is easily done if you take the interstate but it is much more beautiful if you take the long way. And that is what we did going home we first headed up toward anacortes then shot over on highway 20 which is home to the north cascade highway. closed during the winter months and only opening in April sometimes may depending on the snowfall it has some amazing views. Definitely worth it if you have the extra time<br />
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the beautiful mountains along the way are gorgeous<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697705054/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/9697705054_e5b2f39b01_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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my favorite stop is diablo lake view point<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697701676/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9697701676_572986fee3_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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a beaufitul glacier fed lake<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694466379/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7331/9694466379_98bf80aa61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694461189/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9694461189_7cb0f755b0_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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the <a href="http://www.rosslakeresort.com/">ross lake resort</a> is the only resort I know of that is by it for access but seeing the kayakers and canoes go by makes me want to make it a destination at some point<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694458143/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9694458143_92f554e243_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697685570/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3667/9697685570_c82ffdcf76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697682274/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9697682274_6c61fd5443_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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above the lake sits high mountains with snow still visible in august<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694446833/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9694446833_3edd670083_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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further along the road you could stop dozens of times to see sights like this<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694444009/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/9694444009_9d94c7c9d1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I can't remember the view point for this but my dad tells me I was there as a very small child when it first opened. the clouds were pretty thick so the mountains looked mysterious<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694440287/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/9694440287_6f83c86f9a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697669968/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/9697669968_ebac03992c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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that is the road that we took<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697667750/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9697667750_89875c9bd6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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i didn't hike all the way up as it was COLD and I was in shorts and hubby who twisted his ankle in the race was waiting on me and I didn't want him to worry<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694434119/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/9694434119_93a8686e66_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the trees were curiously twisted<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697661668/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/9697661668_0cb4fef8b1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694427523/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9694427523_c6e05d097a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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waited for a while for the clouds to clear but no luck<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697655968/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9697655968_b4f277b1aa_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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this was the clearest view<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694419235/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/9694419235_b02e8e0290_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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did see this pretty flower though<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697652876/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2819/9697652876_456de103ef_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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well that is the end of our long weekend to the west side hope you enjoyed it and it inspires you to visit it<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-63788502352423073392013-09-25T14:50:00.000-07:002013-09-25T14:50:00.120-07:00Chihuly at the musuem of glass <a href="http://www.chihuly.com/">Dale chihuly</a> helped create the museum of glass and much of his work is displayed here. he is an amazing artist and I am sure you have seen many of pieces. <br />
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the bridge of glass is a must see. it goes from the museum to the university district<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694514301/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/9694514301_8ea34688d2_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697756522/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9697756522_7c0c213189_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694521715/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7344/9694521715_4d0718ce5a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694520245/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/9694520245_4dee6b81a0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694517435/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9694517435_ca407f3a4b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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if you have been to vegas you may have seen something similar to this in the Bellagio<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697743190/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/9697743190_6f7cf4bdcf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this amused me. at the end of the bridge is a post with stickers from the museum plastered all over it<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697738934/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/9697738934_34f1b6a091_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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inside the federal court house which is on the other side of the bridge is more chihuly art. you can access the inside with id and so long as you don't take pictures of the working areas you can take pictures of the art<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694500017/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/9694500017_090a785740_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697728530/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/9697728530_30d677d0a2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the building itself is amazingly beautiful<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697718766/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/9697718766_2504ce4392_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697725022/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9697725022_844140925d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697722726/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/9697722726_b9b77c9a5b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697716004/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9697716004_569eb83d35_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and another shot of the museum from the other side<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694478711/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/9694478711_8c453afa61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-1940021249079148552013-09-23T14:35:00.000-07:002013-09-23T14:35:00.692-07:00museum of glass Since we were over on that side of the state we decided a stop at the<a href="http://museumofglass.org/"> museum of glass in tacoma </a>would be nice. It really is a cool place to see art by many artists and watch some being made.<br />
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the shape of the building alone is art the shaft helps with venting and is reminiscent of old smoke stakes from the area<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697712680/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/9697712680_e32fd9e066_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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here are a few of my favorite pieces<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697790146/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/9697790146_0267a7aab6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697787794/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9697787794_0a9fff4460_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697785272/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2860/9697785272_227175544c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
this piece was inspired by a childs drawing<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697780306/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5324/9697780306_66510467a8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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they have a hot shop where you can watch the whole process<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694533575/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9694533575_c785e6431f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
not a great picture but this was absolutely amazing piece. it combines some etched clay work in it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694535637/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/9694535637_f4ef2e552a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697772256/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9697772256_48500b49d5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697762096/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9697762096_554b0caa5f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697769730/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9697769730_f11412739f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the finished pieces this day are being made for a charity auction<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694542519/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/9694542519_26a02a10ca_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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a few more pictures in the next post decided there was a bit much for one postLaura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-16466064584651816392013-09-21T14:05:00.000-07:002013-09-21T14:05:01.024-07:00run for your livesso for my birthday I asked to do a 3 mile obstacle run that is called run for your lives. This was held at an orv park outside of Olympia. Not only is it an obstacle run but you are chased by zombies. you finish either as a survivor or you finish as infected I have never done a mud run and wanted to try one and this one sounded like so much fun. Now I thought hubby would just watch but he said I will do it too this was shocker number one. Number two because it involves getting dirty very dirty and he isn't one for that. <br />
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set in the woods at an orv park the first mile was through the forest<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764296413/" title="run for your lives  - olympia 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="run for your lives  - olympia 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9764296413_55dd7a1444_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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here I am still clean before the race<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764222044/" title="run for your lives  - olympia 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="run for your lives  - olympia 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/9764222044_a6694eca54_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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there was lots of music and entertainment in between the waves of runners<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9763996101/" title="run for your lives  - olympia 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="run for your lives  - olympia 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/9763996101_4a4c3044dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this guy was very brave in his zombie get up and he even ran that way. I wonder if anyone dared grab one of his flags<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9763991961/" title="run for your lives  - olympia 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="run for your lives  - olympia 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3691/9763991961_2936904a87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the first hill and one that took hubbies first flag and my first fall with rocks and twigs and yes I did fall twice once was pretty bad and ended up with a hand size bruise on my thigh. watching for rocks and trying to avoid getting one of my flags taken made for tricky running<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764084071/" title="zombie run-4 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-4" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/9764084071_192c618d2d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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one of the first mud pits I was sure I was going to leave a shoe behind but made it out<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764300336/" title="zombie run-3 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-3" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3766/9764300336_589f45bba5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764079262/" title="zombie run-7 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-7" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9764079262_58bb449004_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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yep dirty<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764073422/" title="zombie run-8 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-8" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9764073422_93511b388c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764066782/" title="zombie run-9 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-9" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/9764066782_6c48f44782_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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some zombies were slow and for show and some were fast and chased you far you could participate as a zombie or as a runner or both if you wanted to. next time I want to be a zombie<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764060222/" title="zombie run-10 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-10" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/9764060222_8605e288f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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then came the tent. the tent filled with smoke and another surprise<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764051331/" title="zombie run-11 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-11" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9764051331_bd970eb255_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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there were wires hanging that delivered a bit of a shock if you touched them. I made it out without touching them but hubby didn't.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764254004/" title="zombie run-14 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-14" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9764254004_49e71f314d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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but i didn't survive the shock from the finish line where the fence was wired as well<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764212915/" title="run for your lives  - olympia 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="run for your lives  - olympia 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9764212915_bd01acaef5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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me after my fall<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764253866/" title="zombie run-13 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-13" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9764253866_cb2ec13daf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it was so much fun<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764032502/" title="zombie run-15 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-15" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9764032502_5153edc96f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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even hubby was smiling at the end<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764335673/" title="zombie run-12 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="zombie run-12" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/9764335673_0e9c0b353d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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yes we would do it again<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9764562306/" title="9506.pip_9506_0078 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="9506.pip_9506_0078" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/9764562306_f8f1b69c37_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-967511080224196102013-09-19T13:56:00.000-07:002013-09-19T13:56:00.129-07:00olympia For my birthday I asked for one thing to do a mud run obstacle race in Olympia with a catch. the catch I will save for the next post<br />
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today are sights from around Olympia the capital of washington state.<br />
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the old court house<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694386165/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/9694386165_78ec61baee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694379171/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9694379171_0ed730d234_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694374523/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/9694374523_07bd967dd1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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capital building<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694560047/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/9694560047_3ab008e9b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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happened upon the most amazing thing a bunch of young kids dancing in the heat of the night in the fountain to old swing time music<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694564061/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3772/9694564061_c9b406bfda_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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dinner on the boardwalk<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694570961/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/9694570961_9d02b9bd93_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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some cool art that we saw from the car<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9694390227/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/9694390227_5557f66195_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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there was lot of cool art everywhere you looked<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9697801590/" title="westcoast weekend by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="westcoast weekend" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9697801590_f4eceb6212_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-33416464227370679922013-09-17T18:44:00.000-07:002013-09-17T18:44:00.855-07:00sunset to say goodbye every Friday at the Hawaiian Hilton they have a great firework show. And we fortunately were staying right next door. the beaches in Hawaii are open to everyone no private beach property for anyone.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9691098256/" title="fireworks at the hilton by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="fireworks at the hilton" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/9691098256_c6a7646abd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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but the sunsets are awesome<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480734329/" title="Oahu - hale koa hotel area by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Oahu - hale koa hotel area" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9480734329_df64446e3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480742523/" title="Oahu - hale koa hotel area by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Oahu - hale koa hotel area" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3665/9480742523_5005b66097_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483531786/" title="Oahu - hale koa hotel area by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Oahu - hale koa hotel area" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/9483531786_dcec33fe76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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well that is the end of the hawaii photos hope you enjoyed them.<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-17323520847012546382013-09-15T18:38:00.000-07:002013-09-15T18:38:00.438-07:00oahu almost homejust some miscellaneous shots from around Oahu<br />
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my favorite bird a Brazilian cardinal<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480906133/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9480906133_38a7fe5725_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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they looked like little hearts<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480920953/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9480920953_dcf3b6602a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483668750/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/9483668750_1c6144c50c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480898683/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/9480898683_b66b23f558_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the queen<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480882035/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9480882035_d18c4bde15_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and of course the king<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480861845/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9480861845_4de24451c6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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Honolulu by night. this was as we left the docks on the cruise<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483646046/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/9483646046_9d7c241e37_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this was the banyan tree at our hotel (hale koa)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483512894/" title="Oahu - hale koa hotel area by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Oahu - hale koa hotel area" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/9483512894_b5808eae65_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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at night it had strings of lights coming down. I also found another one that yes I had to swing from just to say I did.<br />
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well only one more Hawaii post hope you haven't been bored. we saw and did a lot on our trip it was amazing.<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-22710556942544697972013-09-13T18:26:00.000-07:002013-09-13T18:26:00.702-07:00oahu - north shore Spent about a half a day on a tour of the north shore of Oahu<br />
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loved this Buddhist temple with the mountain backdrop it seemed so peaceful<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480847397/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/9480847397_02fa010bc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483630112/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/9483630112_61bac40176_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480842671/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/9480842671_0a80fff3f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this was the best picture of the china hat taken from the bus<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480829835/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/9480829835_7098b2b88b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483612862/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/9483612862_417eb6d84e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480827445/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/9480827445_344419b9e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we stopped at several beaches along the way. didn't get to see any turtles they were all out in the water<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483605786/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9483605786_b32c5159e8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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no stop to the north shore is complete without stopping here:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483580104/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9483580104_2ecd32f61f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it takes 18 to 24 months to grow a pineapple wow no wonder they are spendy<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483602032/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/9483602032_a5daa6d42d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483596358/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/9483596358_4d2981039a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483592550/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/9483592550_2b1ccc5afd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we even found the painted euculyptus tree there<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483589158/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7437/9483589158_111d3a2976_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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but hubby took the picture and didn't take any of the tree just the bark. I was busy on the phone with the credit card company as we got a fraud alert while there great service but put a damper on things for me for a bit. it all worked out though.<br />
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so I had a little fun before heading back<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483576100/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3712/9483576100_b56a9e416e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-67474143367677258632013-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:002013-09-11T21:24:00.108-07:00oahu - diamond head well back on land after 7 days in our floating hotel. we spent the night before the cruise and the night after the cruise at the military hotel hale koa. WOW what an awesome place will show more of it in the next post or so. <br />
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time warping a bit but the day we got into Oahu we gained 3 hours so we headed out for our first adventure. Diamond Head seen below from our hotel<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483552740/" title="Oahu - hale koa hotel area by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Oahu - hale koa hotel area" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/9483552740_1dfd0c2630_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we took public transit but I guess at 2:00 its the busy time of day it took us an hour to get there (and only 15 minutes to get back) But it was cheap 1.50 each and since we didn't rent a car it was convenient and we didn't have to fight the traffic.<br />
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I found a really good site on the internet that talks about the trail and how to get there<br />
<a href="http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/hikediamondhead.html">http://www.lavasurfer.com/info/hikediamondhead.html</a><br />
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the bus drops you off at the bottom and you have to hike in and through the tunnel to get to the entrance on the street with cars. A bit scary in the short tunnel because it is close to traffic but not to bad. Its $1.00 a person to get in if you walk in so that was cheap. but you must get there at least an hour before they close because you wont get out otherwise the fences are shut. I would have preferred to do this in the morning but we were on a time schedule and this was on my must do list. <br />
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then up we go<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483774238/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/9483774238_269216143d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483770950/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9483770950_43c07f1051_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the views along the way are great<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480972699/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9480972699_cc4428ca23_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480967651/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3744/9480967651_5328e24244_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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after climbing the switch backs there are many more stairs<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483755880/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9483755880_18c68e44c4_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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yeah hubby wasn't to happy it was about 80 and 90% humidity<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483752224/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9483752224_a6277097ff_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and more stairs<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480917509/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9480917509_a3dbbd22c3_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and i didn't take pictures of the spiral stairs it seems hahaha<br />
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here you can see where we started from<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480957183/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9480957183_df34e79924_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this is the fire station look out <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480952575/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9480952575_dbcbd72b1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it has some great views<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483741782/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9483741782_25d5eb1d9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480946589/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/9480946589_2a6e58b201_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480942443/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9480942443_e108f2cec8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480937641/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9480937641_ef5412009b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and an awesome view of crowded waikiki beach<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483724736/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/9483724736_c4a8e75c8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this was used to get supplies up to the top during the war<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9483704624/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/9483704624_158b598285_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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it was so worth the trip<br />
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yeah its a little windy<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9480929189/" title="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="oahu july 2013 north shore and diamond head" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/9480929189_eef85a8ef7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-31418776998206918822013-09-09T21:22:00.000-07:002013-09-09T21:22:00.614-07:00kauai - na pali coastline <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477878428/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/9477878428_ea865acea6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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then it was time to leave but the ship had one detour that was so worth it. Many people took helicopter rides to see it while we were docked but it was just as beautiful from the boat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474870911/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9474870911_c26afb3544_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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15 miles of 3000 foot cliffs. I guess national geographic rates it as one of the top 10 most beautiful places and you can see why. even under the clouds it was still gorgeous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477691616/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9477691616_252a6e025b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477666312/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/9477666312_b40bd04dc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477675584/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3778/9477675584_917098f15b_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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i took a ton of pictures that basically look the same but will only post a few here<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474896965/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/9474896965_beb5c6c781_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477658928/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/9477658928_29c36a2e02_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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wish the picture the ship photographer took of both of us with the rainbow in the background would have come out better but Dave took this of me and its not bad.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477861836/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5454/9477861836_9f429aa17a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-543574217022897202013-09-07T21:00:00.000-07:002013-09-07T21:00:00.569-07:00kauai - luau I debated on this and finally decide oh what the heck lets do it we may never get back here. It was the fourth of July so we were also going to go to the fireworks but glad we didn't. the show and food was way better then we thought it would be.<br />
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the place was called Luau kalamaku <a href="http://luaukalamaku.com/kauai_luau_the_performers.html">http://luaukalamaku.com/kauai_luau_the_performers.html</a><br />
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our first clue was this guy that boarded our bus. he was funny<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477774776/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/9477774776_babbaeed86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the grounds were beautiful and they had local artists there as well<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474985825/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/9474985825_ed4bb8ac3b_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>c<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477767198/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9477767198_92d2a896ae_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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dinner was great didn't get any pictures except the pig<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477756728/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9477756728_3b6c3881dd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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but we did try Poi. it tasted like boring baby food. <br />
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and then the show began<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474973705/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/9474973705_557e1d1f44_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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it was a traditional show where they told the story of Hawaii and how the people first came to live there<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477752968/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/9477752968_14d583d707_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474954361/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3675/9474954361_4cbe728e10_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474953049/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/9474953049_1fdf00eeed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
and there is a love story as well within the story<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477735972/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/9477735972_45c9aaf9d6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and of course there were fire dancers. traditionally males that have been taught by their fathers handed down after generations but this show had female dancers as well<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477717046/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3708/9477717046_5e55a96a86_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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me with the fire dancers after the show<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474920543/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/9474920543_bc9ab45c1c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and of course some of the male dancers<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474917829/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/9474917829_295dd27f80_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it was a great way to spend the evening I recommend at least doing one luau while in hawaii<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475080773/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/9475080773_ddb0632b5d_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-31066584241565309122013-09-05T20:39:00.000-07:002013-09-05T20:39:00.298-07:00kauai - waimea canyon Hailed as the grand canyon of the Pacific we decided it needed to be on our list of places to see. <br />
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the ride up we stopped at a small place that had a blow hole where the sea came up through. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475035621/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7320/9475035621_286db06586_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I was fascinated by this sign <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477804882/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9477804882_2248809c35_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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I didn't see any cats but saw plenty of chickens. One of the stories we heard about them is they were originally brought over by one of the ships that first landed in hawaii and then after a hurricane they escaped and were never rounded up. they are not good eating I guess either to tough. what a shame. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477809666/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/9477809666_ff41a097f6_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477826544/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3810/9477826544_2f7933e696_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
after a long twisty road we finally arrived<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475011769/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/9475011769_afd26c2b96_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475008457/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9475008457_a83fccbf76_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it really was gorgeous but very like the grand canyon. you stop you look and oh and ahh over it and then well not much else to do<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474999893/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9474999893_a7562e376a_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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here you can see all the way to the sea<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474994943/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/9474994943_dd2c5a8449_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and of course the shot of us<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477870320/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/9477870320_b33e920111_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-22923627462781033142013-09-03T20:52:00.000-07:002013-09-15T15:25:20.266-07:00Kauai <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475049481/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3674/9475049481_4f4a293408_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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loved the port of kauai so beautiful<br />
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and the tug boat met us with its fire hoses going and twirling around<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475065893/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9475065893_a833e94b57_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475060709/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9475060709_b90e0610c4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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and we got a rainbow to great us as well<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477838872/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/9477838872_92d46cf232_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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just outside of the pier is the largest building on the island after it was built they didn't want it to become a huge ugly tourist trap so a law was put in place that no building could be taller than the tallest coconut tree. what a great idea<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477890758/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3783/9477890758_f70f94fd16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we watched the surf and the surfers (and paddle boarders) for a while was so relaxing<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475094395/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/9475094395_67ee57cc88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9475102391/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9475102391_de67731a9d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we walked pasted and watch this guy for 2 days and finally on the second day made a purchase from him. what a beautiful piece of art.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474992257/" title="kauai july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kauai july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/9474992257_07895b38af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-49337180723577579962013-09-01T17:11:00.000-07:002013-09-01T17:11:00.714-07:00Kona - snorkeling and kayaking<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474797931/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7397/9474797931_a2e19176f6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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me on my first ever kayak and snorkeling trip. this I shall remember<br />
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first off these are all taken with a new little point and shoot that I am really liking. I still need to actually develop a few pictures to check out how much I really like it but so far its a big thumbs up. Its a waterproof and consider a tough camera hard to break. I was never very happy with my last point and shoot<br />
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its a Pentax WG3 16 megapixel camera more on it here:<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-WG-3-orange-Waterproof-Digital/dp/B00B728M7S/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376871411&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=pentax+wgiii">http://www.amazon.com/Pentax-WG-3-orange-Waterproof-Digital/dp/B00B728M7S/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376871411&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=pentax+wgiii</a><br />
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what I like: waterproof, tough casing, battery and photo card are in a double locking compartment so it wont flip open on you, love the feel in my hand and the shape is great. the only down side so far is the strap is a carabiner strap so I had to add a regular strap to it so I can hold it on my wrist. the battery life is great but that is with most electronics anymore<br />
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back to the trip. We paddled out 2 miles in the ocean the water wasn't to bad but hubby and I just couldn't sync our paddling for anything. I was in front and I think he gave up several times. I heard the remark at one point about next time getting a single kayak. hmmmm<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474785173/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9474785173_a0023e4a86_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we reached our little cove and put on our snorkel gear. well I had a major panic attack just couldn't do the mask and then the snorkel. even with coaxing from hubby and the group leader. so by this point I was done i put on the life jacket and headed for the rocks. was content to watch everyone from there<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474790595/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9474790595_0f4cd4c099_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Hubby was worried about me so he didn't spend a lot of time down under<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477578980/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9477578980_acd49b002a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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we had a light lunch including pineapple with a chocolate covered macadamia carmel candie together which is to die for. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477574844/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9477574844_5fd427f196_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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several jumped from the cliff which really temped me but after the attack thought it wise I not attempt it. hubby did though<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474783153/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5461/9474783153_9ef7ae3582_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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he loved it<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474781447/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/9474781447_258d9875e1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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this was a fellow passenger that had broken his arm 4 weeks ago and still in a cast but he was on his honeymoon. great chap from the UK we had so much fun chatting with them. needless to say he was very sore afterwards and we still had to paddle back which the clouds were starting to come in so they were rushing us to the boats.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474786943/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5542/9474786943_70e116b30a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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hubby jumps in from the rock fine and turns around to watch me jump in which went fine and then he gets a snorkel full of water and starts to go into distress and has to be helped to the kayak. he gets there and what happens next? well my arms were to short to reach the other side of the kayak and instead i flip him back into the water. so we both get helped in his sunglasses float to the bottom of the ocean. we start to make our way back and 4 others flip their boats. the water is getting really choppy now and the next 2 miles were a lot harder then the 2 in. it was a fun 7 hours though despite the issues.<br />
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finally making it back to shore we both decided a beer was definitely in order<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9477562858/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/9477562858_cfeaa30ca9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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we walked around the town a bit and then headed back to the ship. so not to many other pictures of kona except this one<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9474778257/" title="kona snorkle july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="kona snorkle july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9474778257_60d1f75a19_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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would I do it again? no not snorkeling I actually hate confined spaces one of the reasons I left the military was the gas mask. would I kayak again. yes I would try river kayaking and probably choose a single seater as well.<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-72089979633667272292013-08-30T16:12:00.000-07:002013-08-30T16:12:00.857-07:00hawaii flowers and plant life decided to do a post with mostly flowers and plant life<br />
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these were spotted in Hana on Maui<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379935795/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/9379935795_3101845e52_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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i would have thought i would see more butterflies but this one of only a few<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382720920/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9382720920_c51d774156_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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thought this was an unusual plant each side was different<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382769180/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9382769180_b163d9c1aa_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379990219/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5489/9379990219_6320941da8_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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can't remember what these were:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9380013865/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9380013865_2f3037aa87_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9380016595/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/9380016595_58dc31247d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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these looked like red pineapple<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9380019119/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/9380019119_6cde0cb400_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and this is a real pineapple they grow on the ground not in trees<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382803358/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2831/9382803358_e427e45803_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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this is white ginger but not the ginger you eat<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382840668/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5341/9382840668_247e2d5140_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-10146171467516141372013-08-28T15:38:00.000-07:002013-08-28T15:38:00.308-07:00maui - road to hana (picture intensive)Another item on my must see/do list for Hawaii was the road to Hana. I am soooooo glad we took a tour bus instead of driving this ourselves. its a 68 mile road trip that takes about 2.5 hours without stops because of all the one lane roads and bridges and all the twists and turns over 600 turns!!!! <div>
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Since we were on the road and not in the air you can see more of the road and more information on it here:</div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hana_Highway</a> and here has a video: <a href="http://roadtohana.com/">http://roadtohana.com/</a></div>
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there were several waterfalls along the way</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379967715/" title="hawaii - maui road to hana-44 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii - maui road to hana-44" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9379967715_871849ac4d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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several beaches along the way as well</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9380054819/" title="hawaii - maui road to hana-15 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii - maui road to hana-15" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9380054819_ec61c23b8d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382896854/" title="hawaii - maui road to hana-1 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii - maui road to hana-1" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/9382896854_2802d484ec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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i even picked some coconuts </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382910408/" title="hawaii -maui road to hana -49 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii -maui road to hana -49" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/9382910408_37d2939df2_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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well ok maybe not</div>
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but i did go into the black stone beach it was cold </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9380125811/" title="hawaii -maui road to hana -50 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii -maui road to hana -50" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3830/9380125811_22cba7fffd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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but it was a gorgeous beach from above as well</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379953345/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3791/9379953345_4d2ae08568_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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and from the outcropping looking back</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382759902/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3809/9382759902_64fca6ee67_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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outcropping</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379980995/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/9379980995_f6ffc7a1a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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some unusual sightings included several signs with lots of stickers on them</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382732536/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/9382732536_71c6827c91_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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this red sand beach</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382738504/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9382738504_6c76d23043_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and the chinaman's hat island</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382756118/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3680/9382756118_b7edc9ff2e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382742398/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5521/9382742398_55666bcc56_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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this old chruch survived some of the worst hurricanes ever</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9380038473/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9380038473_819ee8213a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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much of the current roads were built to make an water system to get it from one place to another and is still in use today </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382851140/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/9382851140_55ffed06b1_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382854146/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/9382854146_b5bd479baa_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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and then we got to hana </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382903646/" title="hawaii -maui road to hana -53 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii -maui road to hana -53" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3747/9382903646_d932244576_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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and boy was hubby happy</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382902278/" title="hawaii -maui road to hana -54 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii -maui road to hana -54" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3763/9382902278_10ed756f15_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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the rest of the trip was around the dry side of the island and a bit faster no more twists and turns or well less</div>
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this is near the back side of halaekala </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382745412/" title="hawaii - maui road to hana-45 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii - maui road to hana-45" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9382745412_514aecb008_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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well that was only a few pictures I took along the way but you get the picture. by the time we got back to the ship we were gone over 9 hours. tiring day but worth it. </div>
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ok one more picture this is the state flag of Hawaii not to be mistaken as the British flag. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382753594/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/9382753594_391ac41c38_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-51439594167906802252013-08-26T18:28:00.000-07:002013-08-26T18:28:00.684-07:00Maui - bike ride down haleakalanow the other half of our trip up haleakala was a bike ride down the mountain. I was glad we rode up on the bus and in the dark it was a very twisty road. the ride down I was very glad we had guides that helped with traffic and it was early when the traffic was less.<br />
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would I do it again? no probably not but it was a bucket list item and I was glad I did it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379878669/" title="hawaii - maui sunrise bike ride-22 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii - maui sunrise bike ride-22" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2885/9379878669_6652a5a6ff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379873815/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9379873815_a9e9c7fb4b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it was my lucky day he was very agreeable with picture taking today<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379862571/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9379862571_d70ff91629_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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our stop about half way down for one of the best croissants and jam I have ever had was this lavendar farm and cafe<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379867037/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9379867037_b567b5d18a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379857491/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/9379857491_2d2874d036_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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not very many shots as we weren't allowed to have our cameras with us. probably a good thing because it would take forever to get down the mountain. we passed some very pretty sights including some of the biggest aloe looking plants I had ever seen they must have been house sized I really wished I had my camera with me yep being on foot is much better.<br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-88432702257885845402013-08-24T18:19:00.000-07:002013-08-24T18:19:00.700-07:00silversword Silversword is a very rare plant and lives only on Haleakala crater. They live to be between 3 and 90 years old. they only flower once and once they do they die.<br />
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here is a plant that is a few years old<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379912265/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/9379912265_723c3c190f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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one that has flowered:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382687056/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/9382687056_ef63770f55_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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and one that has died:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382684076/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9382684076_6af975c48d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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some closeups of the flower<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379894421/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/9379894421_f1c06edb2f_z.jpg" width="425" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382674300/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/9382674300_a0f88b1586_z.jpg" width="425" /></a>Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2241181358742856211.post-34361430689046220202013-08-22T18:12:00.000-07:002013-08-22T18:12:00.272-07:00Maui - Haleakala at day breakafter the sun came up we stuck around and took a few shots and enjoyed the views of Halekala crater<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382664172/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9382664172_25424ebc3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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the crater is 7.5 miles long, 2.5 miles wide and about 3000 feet <br />
more info here: <a href="http://www.mauidownhill.com/haleakala.html">http://www.mauidownhill.com/haleakala.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379898623/" title="hawaii - maui sunrise bike ride-18 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="hawaii - maui sunrise bike ride-18" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9379898623_9f8556a13d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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it looks like mars to me<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9379888293/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3792/9379888293_6a3390a85f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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these might look familiar to those that have seen shows like contact many countries have telescopes up here. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382691974/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9382691974_07da7744da_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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an even rarer sighting is hubby letting me take his picture<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/9745749@N03/9382689450/" title="Maui july 2013 by stampmouse, on Flickr"><img alt="Maui july 2013" height="425" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3731/9382689450_8b6c9619e1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laura lokhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08476850286859639740noreply@blogger.com2