The Fern Grotto

This morning we headed out for a short walk to watch the turtles. You can pretty much count on seeing them in the bay before you get to Brennecke Beach. It seems to be easiest to see them when the sun is shining directly on the water from above. Steve managed to snap a few photos, although it isn't easy, because they usually only pop up for a short time.

This is where I like to sit while Steve takes photos of the turtles. If you've been on vacation with the King, you know he is quite persistent and determined to get the best shot that he can... so I need to find comfy places to sit and admire things... because it could take quite some time 😀

Steve also likes to take photos of people surfing, so Mom, Gary and I were waiting longer than expected 😀

While we were walking, Steve found a pretty flower on the ground, for me to wear in my hair. He's just sweet like that 💖

Our adventure for the afternoon was a boat trip up the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto. Mom booked it online with Smith's Fern Grotto Tours. It was very affordable at $18 per person, for a 1 hour and 20 minute tour.

When you arrive you see several boats down at the pier. Steve and I are assuming that is because it gets super-busy on cruise ship days. Only one boat went out when we were there, and it wasn't even close to full.

When we got on to the boat, they had singers entertaining us. They were singing Hawaiian songs and playing the ukulele. I love this kind of stuff!

They even had a dancer who performed some traditional dances.

Here are Mom and Gary enjoying the entertainment.

The trip down the river is beautiful, but the music makes it extra special 😀

When you get to the Fern Grotto you walk down a path through a beautiful tropical rain forest. My favourite part was the gigantic bamboo. Have you ever heard the sound of it clunking together in the wind? It's beautiful 😀

The plants were beautiful and lush, and we even saw a flower we hadn't seen before!

When you get to the end of the path, you see a beautiful cave covered in ferns. Uncle Willy (the guide) told us that there have been many weddings in the cave. Up until 2006 you were able to go right in the cave, but after the hurricane it became unsafe. Now you can only go up to the platform in front of the cave.

They performed the wedding song that is traditionally sung at this spot, and then joked that we were all married. Our fake weddings on this trip are really racking up the numbers!

On the way back down the path, my intrepid Handsome Man found a wishing tree. I walked right by it without noticing it! Luckily, Steve is more observant than me, because I never pass up a chance to make a wish!

After your visit here, you take a trip back down the river and the boat captain tells you some interesting local history.

Here Mom, Gary and I are on the boat, hoping that Steve gets back on the boat on time 😉

One final photo for today... you know that relaxed, content feeling you get when you have nothing to worry about and are just enjoying where you are and what is happening? This is what I look like when I have that feeling 😀