Kauai County, Hawaii - Day 3

A rainy, low-key day ... Sunday, February 16th, 2025

Jon took off early in the morning to climb/run Sleeping Giant Mountain (also known as Nounou Mountain). Named for it's shape which looks like a giant man laying on his back, this mountain is a pretty popular trail in Kauai - and one that I did partially when we were here 3 years ago. I couldn't venture much farther when I saw the giant rocks I needed to climb. I wasn't ready for that! This time around, my body is still adjusting to the Tamoxifen, so I still have achy bones/joints I would just be slow and pathetic and, well, those rocks ...

Stock photo of Sleeping Giant Mountain in Kapa'a, HI

Jon did a 13 mile run that took him to Sleeping Giant, through the trail (which is basically up and down the mountain - 3.2 miles or so), down into the nearby neighborhoods and through Lydgate park and back - in the rain. So, either he's crazy or he's training for his next trail run or both! :D

Since it was a rainy morning - I slept in! And it was lovely! :D I made it out to the front lawn of the property facing the ocean, dried off a lounge chair and did some doodling while listening to my audiobook. It had stopped raining by then. For a little while anyway. In case you're wondering, I'm listening to You Like it Darker, which is the latest compilation of short stories by Stephen King. King fans - you won't be disappointed.

The rest of the day was mostly bumming around in the rain - few more local artist craft sales, shops in downtown Kapa'a, I snuck in a massage at Ola Massage in Kapa'a and then we had a few bevs at Napali Brewing Co, a newish brewery in Kapa'a which we really enjoyed.

We stayed in that night and had leftovers and snacks from Costco for dinner on the lanai. We caught up on work emails and enjoyed the crowing of the roosters which is constant here. And despite what you might think when it comes to the rooster's crow - it's not just in the morning. Roosters crow all day long.

But it's a welcome sound - because it's part of the island. It's a reminder that you're here - on this beautiful island and, even if for just a short time, away from the cold and away from the stresses and realities of life. I feel good here. I feel really good here. Both mentally and physically. Even when it rains. And when the sun is out, it's warm and the breeze is cool. Time moves a little slower and so does everything and everyone around you. It’s peaceful. It’s perfect. It’s heavenly. The rainiest day on Kauai is still better than the sunniest day in Minnesota.