The Ne Pali Coast

This morning when I woke up at the retreat there was a mist and a cloud coverage that reminded me of the Hawaiian Islands and so this blog tells the story of the day I kayaked the Ne Pali Coast. An experience that I have been blessed with and an experience that only a select few people are aware of. I stumbled upon a local whom would occasionally take a random knew friend with him in exchange for cash back into the valley. His name was Kurt and he had long white hair and blue eyes. He was always smiling. He was a mighty strong kayaker and although I did my best to assist him by paddling I was a bit weak in comparison to him. I was able to kick back enjoy a spliff he rolled and go through tunnels of waterfalls along the route. Kurt asked me if it was kewl that we stop off at this one little island before we would head to Kalalau. I was curious and happy that he trusted me enough to share a secret hidden spot. As we approached the island and the kayak crested the shore, Kurt began to unload all kinds of supplies and food from the bottom of the kayak. I remember one box very distinctly, Famous Amos Cookies! I loved those cookies. Kurt was meeting his friend whom lived back in the valley with his family at this quiet island and I realized this must've have been a ritual time they met because before long a man came out of the hills right away. Then he called to his children and they came running out from the valley, glowing and full of energy they came racing down the hill going straight for the cookies! They were a solid family. Some of which had never left that island and had never seen a car, a city etc.. They were born and raised back there and Kurt would supply them with the things they required. It was a such an amazing adventure. We sparked another spliff on the way to the actual island and met up with my other friends there. There was actually a mayor living back in the island. He looked like an old Hawaiian with a pot belly. There were big cast iron skillets used for making pizzas on an open fire when people would hike or kayak in with cheese and such. That was an exciting moment for anyone that lived back in the valley and through word of mouth you would hear about the desired supplies being requested from the valley before you left Hanalei Bay. Quickly I met a guy named G who became my buddy and he showed me the in's and out's of the valley. That a certain two rocks when touching meant the rangers were in and if you did not have a permit you should hide and hide well. He showed me secret paths where beautiful gardens of food were harvested for those that lived in the valley. He took me to a map carved into a huge stone created by the ancient Hawaiians of the entire valley. Along many of the paths you would be prompted by one line carved into a huge rock to signal a river crossing and two lines representing a double river crossing and so on. The valley was lush and green, there were natural made water slides that were really steep, there were waterfalls and caves, unreal rainbows in the sky etc...It was indeed a place of peace and clarity. The view of the Pacific ocean from the bluffs was a site to cherish. Thanks Kurt and G for sharing the valley and its hidden treasures. Peace along the path. Dodee

The Mango Tree

Hey All, I found this old draft from over a year ago and thought I would post it. Pretty kewl.

I woke up about an hour ago, 6:30 am on Saturday morning August 11th. I started to prepare the press pot with coffee and decided to call mom on the east coast. She was sitting on the deck with a cup of tea enjoying a beautiful morning in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I got some pointer's from the Master Baker, because today I will create a carrot cake for my dear friend Ryan as he turns 31 on Monday. Today is a gorgeous day and even though overcast clouds fill the sky it is actually very enjoyable. The damp air is a soothing smell and reminds me of the air in Hawaii. In fact the mango's at the market lately have been oh so perfectly ripe. I can remember being on the island of Kauai back in the Kalalau valley with an endless supply of ripe mangos! My latest smoothie requires 2 large, perfectly ripe mango's and a bunch of organic parsley. Peeling the mango with complete ease and putting it in the blender sparked a truth. Life can be effortless flowing if you allow it. Every moment of every day can be like peeling a perfectly ripe mango. Just Be. And Be Worthy.