The first week of October we decided to try Space A again and take a trip back to Okinawa. We made it on the flight out of Yokota and arrived on Kadena Air Force Base where we would stay for 2 nights before heading to Okuma Beach Resort for 5 nights. We decided to stay on base so we could venture out to see some things closer to base that we did not explore on our last trip. Our first stop was Shuri Castle. The castle sits on beautiful grounds and they had a stamp scavenger hunt to keep the boys entertained.
Entering the castle
Stamp scavenger hunt
Inside the castle
Beautiful grounds
Later that day we went to Maeda Flats which is known for its good snorkeling. Eric and Hayden went out to snorkel for a bit while Linc and I played on the beach. Lincoln then swam out to daddy to explore the cave in the distance. Eric decided to go out for a snorkel on his own....he took so long Hayden asked "what if daddy died"? I was actually starting to worry myself but about an hour later he returned and we all breathed a sigh of relief. We now refer to it as that time daddy almost died. The boys were seriously stressed!
Hayden has become a great snorkeler
The next day we stocked up on groceries at the commissary before driving to Okuma Beach Resort. We stayed in the same cabins on the beach as our last trip. This military resort has a restaurant, putt putt, go carts, and two different beaches to enjoy. The sunsets were beautiful every night and we had great weather the whole week. The water temperature was also warmer so we were able to swim without wet suits this time. We spent a lot of time at the beach but also ventured out for a couple hikes during our stay.
Our cabin on the beach
Mommy floating away
About a 5 minute drive from Okuma, Hiji Falls is a nice little hike to some waterfalls. We took a detour that led us on a crazy jungle drive but we eventually found the correct route which was less treacherous. Eric said he planned it as part of the experience but we almost got our car stuck in the middle of nowhere. When a Japanese worker drove by in a mini work truck and shook his head at us, we knew it was time to turn around. Once on the trail, we enjoyed the hike and the views.
We had many beautiful sunsets on the beach while we were on Okuma. Eric was usually grilling up dinner or we were walking the beach. The boys roasted marshmallows for smores by the fire most nights. A woman staying next to us even sent us a photo she snapped of Eric and I walking on the beach one night.
View from the cabin porch
Grill master
Smore master
A & E close up
And far away
Our last day before flying out we drove to another hike and waterfall called Tadake Falls. It was a shorter trek through ankle deep water with a large waterfall at the end. The boys had fun on the rope swing and enjoyed letting the water fall down on them at the base of the falls.
Eric testing out the rope swing
Hayden mastered it quickly
Our last stop before heading back to Kadena for the night was another snorkel spot called Mermaid's Grotto. The big boys went out for a short snorkel but Eric had to help Hayden as the current was a little rougher. We had fun exploring the grotto and seeing all the little blue fish. It was a beautiful spot and a great way to end the trip.
