Koko Head

November 15, 2014

  This morning me and some of my friends from work packed up and made our way to Koko Head trail. We arrived relatively early to beat the Hawaiian heat. Beginning the trail you look and see TONS of stairs/railroad ties I mean TONS 1,050 to be exact, with a elevation of 1,200 feet. The stairs were made up of an old railroad that was once there. From what I found out the railroad ties were once part of an incline tram system during World War II, used to haul military personnel and supplies to the top of Koko Crater. For me I am VERY short and these steps kicked my butt. Starting out they are relatively close, but they begin to get farther and farther apart. Needless to say we stopped a few times for some water breaks. In the hike you will come to a bridge portion and let me tell you its a bit freaky. Especially when its super muddy and your slipping. I bear crawled it and felt much more comfortable. There is a way to go around it on the rocks, just be careful. I went around it when we were coming down. 

   We eventually made it to the top and continued to the side path that leads you to the very top to see all of the breath taking views. At the top don't forget to check out the prayer box, it is placed in a tree and if your going to do the trail bring some paper so you can put a prayer inside, they have pens beside it. Once you place the first platform you can keep continuing to a another platform that gives you even more views of the island. The views were defiantly worth the pain of the stairs ha. We took a break, and then begin going down. I enjoyed going down! A lot of people rather go up because when you going down you are very high up, and it can be scary. The trick is to go down at a angle, and make sure you take your time it's much easier that way. Do not rush, we slipped multiple times because it is muddy, but luckily caught ourselves. We made it to the bottom and were over joyed we tackled the trail! 

Here are just a few of the photos I took on the hike...

The view from the bottom


The stairs

The view halfway up

Almost there!

The view of Hananuma Bay

 The prayer box

 The girls

 Heading down

*** The above photo was not taken by me. I did not get a picture of the bridge, but wanted to show what it looked like. 

Aloha Y'all, 

Lauren

Happy Veterans Day!

November 11,2014

   Today marks Veterans Day, a day to remember our fallen soldiers, the soldiers that have served, and the soldiers that are currently serving. The military life defiantly is not the easiest one. You have to make every second count with your soldier, because unfortunately you are not given much of it. When Charlie finished college he was sent straight to flight school, and then to our first real duty station Hawaii. I have been lucky enough to go on this journey with him as we learn what military life truly is. 


   Military life is challenging to say the least. You rarely stay in one place very long, you can go months to years with out seeing your spouse, and you are away from family and friends. Along with these challenges military life is also very rewarding. You get to travel the world, know that your spouse is fighting for our freedom, and you get to meet amazing people and create a military family. With every challenge comes a greater reward. Life is what you make of it, especially a military life. So remember to cherish the moments you have with your spouse, enjoy where the lord sends you, seek refuge in new friendships, and always make the best out of every situation. 

   I am beyond honored to be able to stand by my husband Charlie as he fights for his country, and help lead him to complete his mission. I could not be more proud of the amazing man he is and the inspiring sacrifice he makes. I would also like to think all the other men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom. Thank you for all you do, you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Another big thank you to all the military spouses who unfortunately have it hardest of all. You stay behind and take care of everything at home so your spouse can do their job. You are all absolutely AMAZING for what you do. It takes powerful women and men to be able to be a military spouse, and I can defiantly say I have met many of them. Know your dedication does not go unnoticed and you will always be a hero. 

Happy Veterans Day my friends

Back in flight school

 When Charlie was still a butter bar

 Charlies promotion to 1LT

Aloha Y'all, 

Lauren