Sorry for the delay folks, we try to go non stop around here to fit everything in! It's tough to find down time to post. We made it to the waterfall but only one since we got lost looking for Manoa falls. The beginning of this video  is Pali lookout we ended up here on accident looking for Manoa Falls. The second part is Maunawili Falls it was a muddy slippery hike back there but fun. We even swung from rock to rock with a vine. At the falls there were a bunch of people jumping in from the height we did and a much higher spot to the left. I pretty much thought I did a totally rad jump off the falls into the water only to find out that I actually stepped in. I laugh every time I see the video! Next time it will be better! The rest is us snorkeling at Turtle Bay and right out in front of our place. The sea turtles are pretty chill but don't like to get too close, although one did swim right under me. Look for the massive turtle on the video, there is just a small section of it and it's pretty bad quality because I was freaked out! It was HUGE!! Bigger than Matt for sure. Matt bought a car, it's a real find. Fully equipped with vintage surf racks, vintage tape deck, can be turned into a camper and automatic roll down windows. You don't even have to push a button!!

The Waialua farmers market at the old Sugar Mill. Excellent source of local fruits and veggies! Matt always gets some tasty treats from the Baker Dude, they look and smell amazing.
The new (old) ride!!
Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe on the windward side of the island.

Since Matt and I are doing more traveling and probably will continue for some time I thought I would get back into blogging to share our experience. Most people know that I am really into health and wellness and I like to tell everyone about what I learn. I think I am on a personal mission to save the world :), however annoying that may be to my friends and family (Sorry mom). This is probably a better outlet for me instead of always badgering people! I was inspired this morning to post after I read an article by Dr. Green over at drgreene.com . I am not pregnant nor attempting to get pregnant but I think this is a really important article for everyone to read. The rates of autism are climbing at alarming rates and I can't help but wonder if a woman or a man's chemical burden has something to do with that. Skin deep offers excellent insight as to the dangers of our beauty routine ranging from lotion and makeup to sunscreen. I check the sight regularly and try to only purchase items labeled in the green category. This article and skin deep are an excellent place to start if you want to learn more about what chemicals can do to our bodies and start to make a positive change for yourself. Like Dr Greene's article said, don't let this scare you, it is already happening and has been for a long time. Now is as good a time as any to arm yourself with knowledge! Check back soon for a post about our travels.

Well, we made it home from our mini honey moon to Skyline Drive. It was absolutely beautiful! Perfect weather, we saw snow and 70 degree days! Mocha absolutely loved the mountains, she was a good climber scouring the rocks and drinking from the streams. Matt and I had fun too. Each day we did at least 2 hikes one waterfall and one rocky climb. The views were fantastic with an array of color. At night we would venture down Skyline Drive where we saw deer, deer, more deer an owl, skunk and raccoon. We were fortunate to find these beautiful rustic secluded cabins on Lydia mountain where we were tucked away in our own private nook. Our cabin was fully equipped with full kitchen, gas fireplace, king bed and hot tub! It couldn't get any better than that. The mini honey was a great time, good to get away after the craziness of the previous days. Now I am just counting the days until our Indonesian honeymoon I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!! But first I must change my name.................



LOVE!

Wedding Update

Just a few bits of information not included in your invitation:

The ceremony is planned to be outside on the sound at the aquarium, if the weather is bad we will move it inside. October weather can be warm or cool so pay attention to the temps in order to dress comfortably.

Immediately following the ceremony there will be a cocktail hour and then reception inside the aquarium.

Directions to the aquarium

For information on accommodations please scroll down to the end of this blog. There are a lot of cute B&Bs in Manteo and a few hotels in Nags Head. There is also the option of renting a house if you have a large group. October is either off peak season or off season so you can get some good deals.

We are registered at amazon.com and target.

If you have any questions please contact Ginny, Debbie, Matt, or Erin.

Elizabethan Gardens

The Elizabethan Gardens are located in Manteo off of Hwy 64. A great place to soak up nature and relax. They offer a map of the gardens and a scavenger hunt to keep you busy. You can purchase plants grown at the gardens or a grape vine from the mother vine .

Things to do in Kill Devil Hills

     Maybe you should bring a hat!

Kill Devil Hills has its very own airport, if you want you can fly in on a small craft.....this one looks safe!





If you are reading our blog then more than likely you have received your save the date for our October wedding. We hope that you can all make it and we are excited to see everyone!

With this blog we hope to give you an idea of what the Outer Banks is like and show you a few thing to do while you are here. 

We will start with Kill Devil Hills since it's our town.

The Wright Brothers Memorial Monument is located off the bypass in Kill Devil Hills. It has amazing sunsets and probably amazing sunrises (I am not that hardcore). From atop the monument you can see the ocean and the sound. There are often large groups of deer to be seen grazing the land around the monument.

click here for nps website

Guest Accommodations

There are a few places to stay in Nags Head:

Blue Heron Hotel www.BlueHeronNC.com  252-441-7447

Requires a 2 night min. stay at $80 - $90/ night

All rooms are oceanfront and it boasts a heated indoor pool (I did not see this when I was there)

This place is cute with an old Nags Head feel, don't expect luxury, the rooms haven't been updated for quite some time.

Surf Side Hotel www.surfsideobx.com 1800-552-7873 (reservations)

Has rooms blocked off for guests so mention our names to receive a 10% discount

Ocean view $110/night (without discount)

Ocean Front $140/night (without discount)

This place also has an indoor pool

Again an older structure but has a lot of charm

First Colony Inn www.firstcolonyinn.com 800-368-9390

No rooms locked off but if you give them our name you will receive a 15% discount on rooms.

If you like B&B style accommodations you will love this place, unless you take issue with fragrancy places then this is not for you (mom).

Very cute, all the rooms are different and can accommodate 1 to 5 people. Some of the rooms connect.

No indoor pool.

Prices vary so check out the website.

Then there are some B&Bs in Manteo if you would rather pay a bit more be a bit closer and have that whole B&B experience.

Tranquil House Inn (25 rooms)

www.1587.com

Cameron House Inn (5 rooms)

www.cameronhouseinn.com)

White Doe Inn (8 rooms)

www.whitedoeinn.com

Scarborough House Inn (6 rooms)

www.scarboroughhouseinn.com

Roanoke Island Inn (24 rooms)

www.roanokeislandinn.com

Island Guest House and Cottages (17 rooms)

www.theislandmotel.com

There is always the option to rent a house if you prefer to take an extended vacation

www.villagerealtyobx.com

www.sunrealtync.com

www.southernshores.com

and many more. If you have any questions feel free to contact us or leave us a comment. Don't forget to mapquest the distance from the accommodations of your choice and the Aquarium!