Somewhere Over the Rainbow

The alarm went off at 4:20AM this morning, heralding the start of day 2 of our vacation adventures. Yesterday consisted of a 2.5 mile hike through the rain forest to 5 waterfalls and pools. Wayne was our guide and during our trek over rocks, under branches, and through miles of pure natural beauty, he gave us horticulture lessons on the different plants along the trail. The water at the pools and falls was cool and crisp. Some people were even brave enough to swim and jump off 25 foot cliffs into the water below. I was not one of those people.

So this morning, before the sun rose, we piled into the car for a 30 mile drive to the other side of the mountain. Along that 30 miles there are no less than 617 turns and 51 single lane bridges (have you figured out where we are yet?) Along the way were such breath-taking sites as this:

We arrived at the stables where we began a half day adventure up the mountain on horseback. I got to ride a tan, Colorado mustang named Kona, who was rescued from a slaughterhouse (as all the other horses were) and cost just $25. Kona took a leisurely pace up the mountain, but when the other horses decided to trot, he was quick to pick up the pace so we wouldn’t get left behind. On top of the mountain, we enjoyed the view of a 400 foot waterfall.

After our equine excursion, we hopped back on the road to complete the full circle around the mountain. We hadn’t gone very far before we saw this:

You can’t see it too well in this picture, but there was also a double rainbow. Regardless, this isn’t a view you see every day. Or every year. Really most of the day was like driving through a collection of scenic stock photos. The weather was beautiful, the company was great, and life is grand. What a blessing.

On the blogging front I’m excited to say we have a lot of great giveaways coming up for when I return. Prepare your appetites as many of them are food oriented (yum, yum!)

Peace & Blessings,
Miriam