A Picture Perfect Outing

Over this past retreat, Sannyasin Siddhanathaswami and Natyam Mayuranatha took our two current resident task forcers, Dean and Kodiswara, on an outing to Kaua`i's north shore. Our jaunters visited famed Anini beach and then ventured to Hanalei to enjoy the beauty of its valley. Anini means "dwarfish" or "inhibited growth" in Hawaiian. Hanalei literally means "lei making," and also means "crescent bay," likely an indicator of its shape. The beach is sort of divided into two main parts where people visit, where one is known to have strong currents, commonly accommodating wind surfers there. The other, towards which the monks generally tend to gravitate, is totally placid and serene. The water is shallow for many meters out, and the waters are warm and crystal clear.

We really couldn\

t have asked for a more beauitful day.'

Siddhanathaswami sits contentedly upon a rock amongst the sea. The beach itself is a very narrow and small strip, and is normally minimally populated.

You really feel like you\

re the only one there.'

Along the shore is a large coral reef (no visible here) as well as many unique and beautiful black stones.

That\

s task focrer Dean off in the far right distance. You can walk out for quite a ways and still be barely knee-deep.'

The shore hosts several microcosms. These small stones are imposing mountains to the inhabitants of the shallow waters in this image.

A common siting at Anini are these small black crabs which sport rather beautiful speckles.

Everyone loves Anini...

The beach is peppered with a posh collection of homes. Oh, the property values...

These residents\

view is of the vast, cerulean expanse of Anini\'s beauty.'

A closeup of the aforementioned black stones along the shore. Each one is a study in Mother Nature\

s need to express Her creativity.'

There are several simple swings which ornament the trees along the beach. They are made and put there by unknown people, sharing the spirit of aloha with any future beach goer who wants to swing by the water.

As you can see, the trees grow in the sand right near the water. The width of the beach you see here is generally consistant throughout.

If a tree wants to grow somewhere, she will. Regardless of the formidable collection of stones and shifting sands, roots are laid and a home is made.

You always have the comforts which shade provides as a result.

...did someone line those up?

A view from the shore looking out through the trees.

It\

s incredibly easy to take a nap here.'

While reclining, look up and see the beauty above you, too.

The more we look at these stones, the more they begin to look like little seaside villages.

The beach is a sort of bay, and as you walk along it, you can see the shoreline of where you just were. This is the view behind the beach, looking \"mauka.\" Mauka means \"inland\" or \"towards the mountain\" more accurately in Hawaiian.

It\

s raining up there...'

And the waterfalls are aplenty.

Mayuranatha, one of our photographers, photographs our main photographer...

Kodiswara!

He\

s good with a camera!'

We never regret going to Anini, and it\

s always a little hard to leave...'

...that\

s why we decided to take one more dip.'

Also on the north shore is the famed town of Hanalei.

Looking out on Hanalei Valley near Princeville, we see majesty in the mountains, and abudance in the taro fields at their feet.

Hanalei is famous, among other things, for its taro production.

Thus concludes a perfectly enjoyable morning, fueled solely by the humbling beauty of Kaua`i, the place we\

re honored and grateful to call home.'
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