We
turned makai on the first street north of the Hanalei church, parsonage
and school property, Anae. It led to a parking area, next to grass
and shade trees, on the beach. I walked far down the beach and
then swam back and did it again. The water was clear and calm and
as warm as a Phoenix pool. As I was swimming, I'd look back to
the shore: the lush mountains had huge waterfalls pouring down
the sides. Small shore-break waves offered a chance to boogie board
in more shallow water (so you could jump into the wave, instead
of paddle into it) or simply play with the white water. My attempts
at body surfing were unsuccessful, but fun. I thought how much
my coming beach-loving guests will love this long beach. Meantime,
Steve sat in a beach chair and tried to read in the shade of a
tree. But he was so enjoying the cool breezes, the amazing beauty,
and watching me play that he got little reading done. Whenever
I'd run back up the beach to him, he'd be grinning so peacefully.
