Leaving Maui

     Today, we have to leave the lovely island of Maui.  We had so much fun here and created so many memories!  It was a great week with Mike's family, and one we'll never forget.  A special thanks to Susan and Steve for bringing us all here together this week.  It really was a treasure!
     Yesterday, Mike and the boys went with a few other Deppes to check out Molikini, a crater just off the coast of Maui that is famous for it's incredible reef.  Mike tried to get a couple pictures for me, but he said like in other shots we've taken, it just doesn't do the place justice.  He did get a couple of really cool shots of some sea turtles they swam with, so that was awesome.

     Before heading to the airport this afternoon, we grabbed some lunch and went to check out Iao Valley State Park.  It was a super lush, green mountain valley with a rushing creek and lots of little waterfalls.  Since we were headed out of town, most of us were in flip flops and not prepared for hiking or climbing rocks, but we did walk up the trail to a look out over the Iao Needle.  The Iao Valley has a ancient history that starts with an epic and deadly battle and is followed by creating a place of gathering and healing.  The towering mountains and vibrant green tropical landscape topped with almost permanent misty clouds made for quite a serene environment.

     Later this afternoon we're taking Hawaiian Air to the Big Island.  We'll stay in Hilo a few nights and then on to Kona before we head back to the states.  For now, goodbye to lovely Maui!