I ate a balanced dinner at Yogurtland on Wednesday night. Balanced meaning I had four flavours of frozen yogurt: Toasted Coconut, Kona Coffee, Devils Food Cupcake Batter and my favourite, Taro. Then, I added toppings ‘in moderation’ to the chocolate ice cream only. Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Oreo, cheesecake bites and toffee. For dessert, I put sprinkles on the Taro fro-yo. Oh, the lies I tell myself. Am I a sociopath?
Court got Devils Food Cupcake Batter, Toasted Coconut and Red Velvet, topped with brownies bites and chocolate chips. Chocolate overload in my opinion.
In all fairness, Court and I had just spent half a day hiking through Waipio Valley and the yogurt was supposed to be an afternoon treat. Then we realized it was 5pm and I had ruined my dinner appetite. Worth it! It was our very first trip to Yogurtland and it’s all I’ve talked about since then. I’ve already decided I’m getting *just* Taro next time and loading it with fruit. Oooh, I bet it would be good with mini marshmallows and shredded coconut.
Some highlights from Waipio Valley:
You need a 4×4 vehicle to get down into the valley. Not an AWD, 4×4 only. The road is no joke, it’s like trying to drive down an alpine ski jump. The vehicles that passed us on the road all sounded like the transmissions were going to blow.
We felt adventurous (and healthy) enough to hike down the road, and descending seemed to take more effort that going back up since you’re constantly bracing yourself. Sore quads today!
Waipio Valley is privately owned land, so you have to be careful not to trespass (or at least ask permission.) Once we entered the valley, we walked along a back road towards a waterfall, passing taro fields, wild horses and farms along the way. Portions of the road were washed out from recent flooding, so our hiking trails were limited, but we made it to the grey sand beach where we watched the surf pound the coast.
My outdoor fashion sense is amazing. Just gorgeous.
Our early afternoon snacks:
I was so excited to try the new Luna bar flavour – it’s good, but White Chocolate Macadamia and Peanut Butter Cookie are still #1.
As expected, the hike back up was a challenge, but we welcomed the exercise. After that, I probably won’t have to do squats or lunges for a year! It actually wasn’t that bad. I went for an easy 3 mile run later that evening.
The drive along the Hamakua coast is a must on the Big Island. As you descend from a higher altitude, the land transitions from ranch land to thick jungle. The best part of the drive are the numerous gulches and valleys – filled with waterfalls, lush vegetation and tons of palm trees.
Palm tree paradise?
We’re leaving Puna soon (Sunday is our last day) and we’re a little said to say goodbye to the cottage, and what’s been our ‘home away from home’ for the past month. South Kona is up next, and even though I’m excited to see what the west coast has to offer, I’m sure going to miss the jungle.