Memorial Day Weekend 2016 - South Lake Tahoe

We spent Memorial Day weekend in South Lake Tahoe with a group of friends in an AirBnB with a pool table, fooseball table, jacuzzi, and a backyard grill. After braving 7 hours of traffic with dog and baby in tow, we got to the house at around 9PM.


Lake Tahoe's water is always cold as it's melted snow. But we tried anyway and came to Kiva Dog Beach in our swim suits. The water was freezing and only the dog played around up to his belly. Luckily the park offers a scenic stroll and our trip was still relaxing.



Crab cake eggs benedict and crispy duck salad at Artemis Lakefront Cafe then back home for a baby nap. Our friends arrived shortly after and we grilled up some grass fed steaks while catching the Warriors vs. Thunder game 6. Woot!

Video blog recap of Day 1.

The next day, our group hiked the trail at Van Sickle Bi-State Park. We got as far as the waterfall and turned back because it was hot and I was worried the baby and dog would be tired. It was still a good hike and I highly recommend it. Entrance and parking is free.

Had a decent lunch at Lucky Beaver.

Then the really fun stuff started. We went fishing at Tahoe Trout Farm. It's free to enter and get the pole and bait. You just pay for the size of the fish. You can't toss any back but you can donate it to feed baby bears.

Phil caught 2. A few other friends caught 5 more. We donated 1 and took the 6 home. They clean it for $1 each + tip.

Back at the house, we had a fish cook off and the Fish and Chips won! Everything was tasty. A great time was had by all!

Here's the video summary of day 2 with fishing action.

Maui 2016 - Maui Swap Meet, Kihei Caffe, Baldwin Beach

Not much to write about for this day in Maui. We had macadamia nut and banana pancakes and it was glorious. Followed by more beach time!

For a video version of this post, watch this Youtube vlog.

We started the day at the Maui Swap Meet which is like a big farmer's market. I didn't take many pictures but the vlog has more scenes. Here are the fruits I bought: cherimoya, longan, and rambutan.

Then it was over to Kihei Caffe for macadamia nut and banana pancakes drizzled with a palm sugar(?) or coconutty tasting syrup which I loved. These were very satisfying.

Phil also got a healthy green smoothie. It was very refreshing.

Then we tried Baldwin Beach near our house. The waves are stronger here but there's a small part of it blocked off by rocks that makes a little baby section. This beach was close to our AirBnB and has waves for everyone.

Maui 2016 - Iao Valley State Park, Baby Beach, and Ululani's Shave Ice

On this day, we hiked, or what can only be considered a short leisure walk, in Iao Valley State Park to see The Needle at the top.

For a video version of this post, watch this Youtube vlog.

There it is. A little underwhelming but it was still a nice time outside with the little bear. It only cost $5 to park the car and took 30-40 mins drive from our apartment. At least we got these nice photos out of it.

Then it was off for lunch at Poi by the Pound, traditional Hawaiian food for catering or dine in.

Half and half spicy ahi poke and shoyu ahi poke salad. It was pretty good but not the best I've had. Also it was not very filling. 

 These are traditional sides that go with most Hawaiian meals. On top is poi which is pounded taro root. I was not a fan of it. There was no flavor and it felt slimey and mealy. The chicken noodle soup at the bottom is quite good. 

Here is a traditional Hawaiian plate. Laulau is pork wrapped in steamed taro leaves. On the right is barbeque pig which is usually cooked underground. On the left is macaroni salad. 

Overall, we though Poi by the Pound was just alright.

Ululani Shave Ice

After going to Baby Beach in Lahaina, we stopped by a very popular shave ice spot, Ululani's. 

This is a small with three flavors (red velvet, wedding cake, and lemonade). There is a snow cap which is condensed milk poured on top.

I got the micro size with a scoop of macadamia nut ice cream underneath. My flavors were mango, lychee, and guava. I also got the snow cap on top with fresh pieces of mochi.