Miley's been backpacking! On Friday we joined Jack, a Frisbee buddy from Oahu, and hiked from Miloli'i to Okoe Bay. It was a short hike, about 3 miles. The distance was perfect for us: I carried Miley in the Moby wrap on my front and a pack of my personal gear on my back. Timber had to huff all of our team gear (tent, food, cooking items, Miley's diapers, etc.). Jack carried a few items for us, most importantly the bouncy. Dave and Bahama kayaked the section and met us at the beach. They carried the water for us. Oh, and the beer.
When we arrived at the beach, a pod of spinner dolphins were playing in the bay. Timber and I borrowed the kayak and went to play with them. I hopped in and snorkeled with them. There were about 15 dolphins directly below me, so close I saw their white tummys and heard them squeaking to each other. They moved so fast! Timber had me hold onto the boat and he paddled after them. I felt like shark bait in that deep water. So, I hopped back in and we paddled together. The dolphins must have wanted to play more because they swam back towards us. This time Timber went swimming with them and I stayed in the boat watching the action on the surface. One did a "spy hop" 5 feet from the boat. Another jumped out of the water within 20 feet of the boat. It was very exhilarating (and all possible because Dave and Bahama happily hung out with Miley).
Miley was such a trooper, until it was time for bed. We think she was over stimulated and too tired to fall asleep. She would nod off in my arms only to wake when I tried to put her down. This all happened in our tent, so my back was rounded all funny and I was quite OVER IT after an hour. Timber had a walk with her on the beach while I rested. Then we set up the Crazy Creek Chair (camping chair) for me to rest my back while holding her. It worked.
On Saturday I went for a long snorkel swim with Bahama. We saw a large eel, a flounder fish, and lots of coral. There were also a few schools of fish in the bay.
Jack had to hike out that afternoon, but not before him, Timber and Dave got to play a couple games of Scrabble. After he left, Timber and Dave did some fishing. They took the kayak way out for a long paddle. He caught a Ta'ape, or a Blue Striped Snapper. Dave caught two Ta'ape and a Trigger fish. We grilled them all up for dinner. Trigger fish tastes like lobster. YUM!
Jack had to hike out that afternoon, but not before him, Timber and Dave got to play a couple games of Scrabble. After he left, Timber and Dave did some fishing. They took the kayak way out for a long paddle. He caught a Ta'ape, or a Blue Striped Snapper. Dave caught two Ta'ape and a Trigger fish. We grilled them all up for dinner. Trigger fish tastes like lobster. YUM!
While the guys were out fishing, us gals (Bahama, Miley and Me) gabbed away on the beach. I love girl time it fills my soul to share knowledge with other women. Bahama and I embroidered squares for Miley's beach quilt while we chatted. 
After a lovely dinner Saturday night, our family snook off to sleep on the beach under the stars. Miley went right to bed and was konked out all night. She even slept when it started to rain and we had to pack everything up and head to the tent. What a great baby!
Sunday was another lazy day. Timber went spear fishing while I read my book on the beach. Then we packed up and hiked back to Miloli'i. There was a bit of cloud cover so the hike over the a'a lava was bearable, but still hot. We met Dave and Bahama at the boat ramp (they had already landed and packed up their boat and gear). We caravaned to Volcano Village and enjoyed a celebratory dinner. Here's to Miley's first backpacking trip.
Here's a huge thank you Dave, Bahama, and Jack for helping us. The trip wouldn't have been possible without them! Other clutch items
1. The Bouncy Chair (see photo above) Miley was able to chill wherever we wanted her to. It was necessary on this beach because of the Keave trees that line the shore. They drop sharp thorns and branches that don't mix with soft baby bum.
2. Cloth Diapers We took two covers with five inserts and two pocket diapers. We washed the dirtys in the ocean and then let them dry on a dry line in the sun. She always had a clean diaper. The rain during the second night messed us up a bit...but not much. She had to wear two damp diapers
3. Trees Miley needed the shade or she would have been burned to a crisp. She also LOVES looking up at the leaves contrasting with the sky above.
4. The Moby Wrap this the wrap I used to carry Miley. It is really just a long piece of fabric that I wrapped around my body. It is comfprtable for me, although it is really hot. It would be perfect for fall hiking in the mountains of Colorado.
Backpacking is fun. Backpacking with a 10 week old is AUTHSOME!
Miley has some very crafty and talented people who love her. Granny
