Canyon Lake (Superstition, AZ)

Seldom are the times that I think "wow, Arizona is way cooler than Hawaii!" In fact, I don't think the thought has ever crossed my mind.  I miss little hometown of Kailua every single day. If you're a fellow islander you're probably thinking that Kailua is actually one of the bigger towns in Hawai'i. But if you're living in Tucson which is about 14 times bigger than Kailua, then yes, Kailua IS a little town. However I have always believed that every place is beautiful, special and unique.  

Many people who grew up in Hawaii live their whole lives saying, "Hawaii is the most beautiful place in the world and everywhere else sucks." I, on the other hand, believe that all places upon which God laid his powerful hand are equal in beauty. You just need to look do a little exploring.

One thing I love about Arizona that most people don't get to experience in Hawaii is road-tripping! It is surely a blessing to be surrounding by the crystal clear Pacific Ocean but it is an equally amazing blessing to be surrounded by miles and miles of wide open spaces. All you need is a tank full of gas, google maps, and a thirst for adventure, or in my case, a thirst for WATER. Living in the Sonoran desert has some really cool places, plants, and animals but the hot, dry days days aren't exactly the main attraction. Soooo this past Spring Break, me and my plus three (actually it was plus five at the time) embarked on the ultimate quest to find a body a water. About 120 miles north of Tucson is a serene desert oasis called Canyon Lake. It may not have a white sandy beach but it is surrounded by towering canyon walls, tucked into the mountains like a sparkling blue sapphire. Not a sight you get to see on the little island of O'ahu everyday! 

They say the grass is always greener on the other side and in a literal sense, that is truer than true about lush, green Hawai'i. But the cactuses are greener here! I encourage all of my fellow "dislocated islanders" to find your passion for adventure that is so familiar in Hawaii and use it at your temporary home on the continental U.S. You may be surprised at what hidden gems you find...

Until next time, 

Bri

Above is a photo that I took while at Canyon Lake. Like all pictures of good 'ol mother nature, it just doesn't do it justice! But it still looks pretty darn nice.