Sea cucumber

Sea cucumbers are animals in the phylum echinodermata, which means “spiny skin.” This phylum also includes starfish and sea urchins. They only live in salt water, and vary in length from about 1″ to about 6 feet. Their skin is a bit prickly because underneath it is composed of calcified plates, like interlocking armor pieces. The sea cucumber has a water vascular system, which means it circulates nutrients throughout the body by pumping ocean water in and out. The mouth end has between 8 and 30 little tube feet that grab particulate plant or animal matter from the water for food. This is then digested and excreted out the other end as tiny particles that become food for bacteria. When threatened by predators, such as fish, crabs and sharks, the sea cucumber can expel internal organs out through its anus to confuse the predator. The internal organs can then regrow in about 6 weeks. In some cultures, the sea cucumber is considered a delicacy.

Mystery muffin/trail bar

Sam and I cooked something up today - I’m jotting down ingredients while I remember. We’ve only tasted the mix pre-bake, so final review is pending. Very tasty mix, though!

Heat together:
Karo syrup
honey
butter (Brummel and Brown yogurt kind)
brown sugar

Mix together:
Kashi Cocoa Beach granola
Any other granola with berries and such
Package of instant oatmeal any flavor that suits you (we used cinnamon roll)
Raisins - three 3 yr old handfuls
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt

Stir in heated ingredients. Smush into a tin or onto cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for however long you feel makes sense! I didn’t measure any of the above ingredients, nor did I work from a recipe. The amounts are my recollection of what I dumped into the bowl. Chomp at your own risk!

Aloha!

Makiki Valley Trail

This is a shady, pleasant loop hike of about 3.5 miles total, including about 1/2 mile roundtrip from the parking area to the trailhead (the trail itself is about 2.5 miles total). There was over 1000′ elevation gain with a few peekaboo views of Waikiki. Expect a long, steady uphill if you go clockwise. The descent from the second trail junction is a rapid 1000′ drop over about 3/4 miles. The Hawaii Nature Center is at the trailhead where you will also find bathrooms and a water fountain. Kids will enjoy the bridges at the start of the trail (again if you go clockwise). There are many birds and plenty of foliage. No treacherous sections, but also no specific “destination” like a summit. There are two benches along the way, but they’re very small. Be prepared to sit on logs or rocks for your lunch/snack break.