Okuma

We just got back from a fun overnight trip to Okuma which is a "military resort" on the north end of the island.  Stevie, the kids and I went to this resort for a few nights at the beginning of December and had a blast with some old-fashioned family fun.  The kids thought Grammie would enjoy the place and I've been wanting to show her some of the fabulous scenery that the north end of the island provides so we booked a night at the inn.  I say "resort" because although that is the official title, it's not a resort like you would think of - we were not living in the lap of luxury - but the basic accomodations are supplemented by amazingly beautiful beaches and lots of activities.  Before we were barely through the gate, the kids had me stopping at the go-carts to make a reservation!  We checked in, found our room then headed back to have a go at the go-carts.  Cannon and London drove together until Cannon crashed into the center tire bumper and then London abandoned ship saying Cannon was a lousy driver!  Meanwhile, Grammie tootled around the course while Emmy and I lapped her 5 times in 5 minutes!  The operator of the carts took pity on London and took him for a special run after we were through!

After the go-carts, we went for a beautiful nature hike over the cliffs and down onto a fabulous beach.  We had a great time collecting shells and Grammie found out that she could throw a ball with the boys.

We returned to our room before heading over to the restaurant for dinner.  After dinner we went through the maze made out of trees - kind of interesting in the dark, but with a borrowed flashlight it was fun!

This morning brought rainy skies and we thought we were going to be out of luck for any more fun, but alas, the skies cleared during breakfast and we were able to sit on the beach for a while and rent some bikes to cruise around the peninsula.  Cannon and London rode some fun little dune buggy bikes while Grammie, Emmy and I had the big buggy!

Afterward, I drove Grammie up to Hedo Point, which is the furthest point north on the island.  The drive there is amazing enough as the road runs right along the coast, through tunnels and twisting with the coastline, but Hedo Point is also amazing.  This is the point that the East China Sea and the Pacific blend and the waves and turbulent waters are mesmorizing.  The sea is a deep blue, but as the waves crest to break, the tops of the waves turn an artic frost blue.  The resulting foam reminded Grammie of melted vanilla ice cream rolling back out to sea to be churned up again and tossed up into another wave.