Hikin' the Hiji Falls

Last month, we were able to hike the Falls up North in Hiji with the Figueroa's and Davis'. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather - AND we went at the right time of year BEFORE the crazy, chunky spiders come out for the summer! WINNING!

However, I think we were under the impression it was more strenuous than it actually was... yes, there were some stairs and such, but it was not even close to as difficult as Mount Misen on Miyajima Island! But, we were prepared all the same with our camelbacks and snacks. :) Joel and I don't travel far without snacks...

Me and my girls

The path was not very natural or rustic... gotta say, though, I appreciate a good, man-made "hike" once in a while!

Mom, I need your help identifying this plant... do you know what it is?? It looks so alive!

Going down is too easy... it's the back up that works the glutes!

Made it to the Falls!

Almost Indiana Jones-ish

Apparently, folks used to be able to go swimming and rock climbing, but it was all roped off with signs telling us to stay out. :-( It's still beautiful from a distance I suppose.

We went hiking back through the river bed.

Lots of picture opp's!

Following the hike, we went to a restaurant called "Pizza in the Sky". We have been hearing about this place and were really anxious to try it. It's known for having long wait times to be seated, but we arrived at around 1400, so we figured we had probably missed the lunch rush and beat the dinner rush.... but no siree. We waited nearly an hour and a half!!!

The menu is on a fan. It's a very simple and straightforward place to eat.

The inside of the restaurant is small and the seating is Japanese style (pillows on the floor). We opted to wait for an outdoor picnic table.

The restaurant is on the side of a mountain, so the wind was COLD. Thankfully, they had pots all around with burning coals and blankets available for the folks waiting for a table.

FINALLY seated with our juices - Joel tried acerola for the first time and loved it! Very cherry-ish.

I had my go-to, mango juice. I LOVE MANGO JUICE!

The menu options are: salad, cheese pizza, specialty pizza. Done. Easy. The salad was delicious, but a tad heavy on the carrots and onions...

This is their pizza. One type fits all. I picked the meat off, and the cheese and bread were divine!

View from the restaurant,

On the way home, we stopped at a very special place for really good ice cream

They are known for their milk... products. We came up with our own lovely, nickname for the brand.  I will let y'all's imaginations run wild with this one.

 Too much fun to be had in Okinawan with wonderful, adventurous friends!