So, are you ready for an adventure?

Our interest was peaked. Our local magazine and our favorite website Okinawa Hai had talked about this hike/river trek to Taa Falls (Taadeke). Although there was some question to whether or not the girls would be able to make it, we figured, 4 kids, 4 adults. We should be fine.

We took the hour and a half drive up north and into the jungle. I wish I had taken some photos of the road - literally being over taken by jungle. When, we came across a load of cars/vans and even a bus. We knew we had made it.

The start of the trek.



One of the best parts about walking on the river? The vines of course. Our Monkeys In Training, all took a turn.

2 big sister Monkeys (Rebecca and Olivia)

1 little sister Monkey, Alessandra

Another little sister Monkey - Isabel.



Izzy and Robin heading on down the track, leading the way

WAY over there - Alessandra and Brad taking the high road.

Lots of climbing over rocks, branches and water. SO MUCH FUN!

I had to post this photo. Here we are trekking along the river, lots of rocks, climbing and river scrambling and we look up and see this lady (and many others along the way) "hiking" in heels. No joke. Japanese ladies will go just about anywhere in their heels.




Rebecca and Alessandra taking a break.

After a pretty wet trek, we come around the corner and see the beautiful falls. Gorgeous, about 50 feet up (I would guess) and just rushing. Men and kids went in firs - here you can see Robin and Becca next to Brad pointing (he is holding Alessandra)

This shot I didn't even realize I took, but there is Becca with Robin and Alessandra (above water) and apparentely Brad (under water). Hmmm.

Brad and Alessandra made it to the falls - here they are!


Brad with Alessandra on his back, coming out of the water.

Chilly Alessandra (but SO happy!)

So, you can't take one kid without taking the other. That's Brad and Olivia in the falls.

After the kids went in, the Mommies went in. Here is Laurie with Robin, taking it on.


HI!!

And last (but not least) Kelly takes the plunge.

Cutie pie

Olivia and Mommy


This isn't a particularly attractive photo, however, it gives you some perspective on how tall the falls were.

Cute girls posing...

As we were photo op-ing. Robin and Becca (the adventurous ones) took a little plunge and explored behind the falls... can you see them back there?

Laurie and I also decided we needed to pose (like Olivia and Alessandra). The boys (with Rebecca the great) took off for a hike above the falls. They were gone for about an hour, so the other little ladies (and mommy ladies) hung out by the falls, people watched and checked out rocks. Isabel is an amazing collector and found all sorts of good stuff - while Alessandra spent most of the time makine one rock "write" on another rock. SO much fun was had by all!!