Shannon here: Romantic Suspense author, Gayla K. Hiss shares a romantic destination plus a chance to win her debut release, Avalanche. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Feb 7 – 10 to enter the drawing. Deadline: Feb 18th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Gayla:
The Hawaiian island of Kauai is one my favorite places to go with my husband. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Packing all we love to do there into one fabulous day, we start with an invigorating walk from Poipu Beach to Shipwreck Beach to watch the splendid sunrise over the crashing waves. From our rocky overlook, we keep an eye out for spouting and breeching whales in the distance, and interesting seabirds coming on shore. Then we return to our private lanai overlooking Poipu Beach for a leisurely breakfast.
Afterward, we take a scenic drive to Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and stop frequently to admire the spectacular views. There’s a place in the town of Waimea we like to go for shave ice. As the temperature slowly rises to a perfect 78 degrees, the frozen treat refreshes us and tides us over until lunch. Driving toward the city of Lihue, we stop to eat at an outdoor food bazaar, accompanied by a local band playing romantic island music on guitars and ukuleles, as we chat about our exciting plans for the rest of the day.
In Lihue, we take a shopping excursion and buy a new island dress and shell jewelry for me, and a Hawaiian shirt and Koa watch for him. At our next stop, we rent bicycles and take a ride on the Kapaa Bike Path that strings along the Pacific coast like a gold and sapphire necklace. Then we return to Poipu Beach to cool off snorkeling and delight in the abundance of colorful tropical fish. Finally ready to leave the water, we take a long romantic stroll along the beach, hand-in-hand, the warm sand sifting between our toes as we pause periodically to marvel at a sleeping monk seal on the beach, and sea turtles bobbing in the rocky surf.
Late afternoon, we depart on a sunset dinner cruise for dolphin and whale-watching, as well as taking in the spectacular view of the hidden Napali Coast. After sightseeing, we watch the grand finale—the brilliant tropical sun slipping below the horizon. We cheer the breathtaking event with the other passengers as cool, refreshing breezes caress our skin and tranquil waves lap against the boat.
At night, we take another romantic stroll along the beach, stopping to gaze at the moon and the stars sparkling over the water like diamonds. The sound of a Hawaiian love song quietly serenades us as we walk hand-in-hand to our private island retreat for the evening.
Of course, we can’t do all of that in one day, so we’ll need to extend our stay and spread it out as long as possible. After all, we’re in paradise on Kauai time. Why rush home?
Aloha.
About Gayla: Gayla’s writing journey began with her hobby painting landscapes. In her imagination, characters and scenes came to life as she painted beautiful natural settings. Her inspiring novels combine her love for the great outdoors with romance, suspense and mystery. Gayla and her husband often tour the country in their RV, visiting many state and national parks. She enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling, and lives in the Pacific Northwest. She’s excited to announce her debut novel, Avalanche, book 1 of her Peril in the Park series, which releases Feb. 1st.
About the book – Avalanche: When Park Ranger Jenny Snowfeather runs into Deputy Marshal Chase Matthews at her brother’s Fourth of July barbecue, she suspects there is more going on in Eagle Valley, WA than fireworks. After Chase confides that he believes the fugitive who killed his partner may be hiding out in the area, Jenny is skeptical at first. But when her peaceful town is besieged with a sudden crime spree, she realizes Chase’s theory may be true.
Avalanche is book 1 in a 4-book series set in the national parks of North America, and releases Feb. 1st. Avalanche takes place in North Cascades National Park.
Learn more and connect:
Gayla’s Website Gayla’s Facebook Gayla’s Amazon Page Gayla’s Goodreads
Question for readers: Where is your favorite retreat and why?
Come back Feb 10th for Gayla’s Romantic Excerpt!
I love Gatlingburg,TN because the mountains have always relaxed me
Enjoyed the post and the book sounds like a good one.
Gatlinburg is wonderful, Shelia. We were on our way to visit the park in December, the week before the wildfires hit. It’s sad those fires caused so much destruction. By the way, Book 2 in my series is set in Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
Thanks, Ann!
I have visited San Diego once and can’t wait to go back and see all that we couldn’t take in during a short weekend.
I love Branson Missouri and Gatlinburg Tenn. because it’s so peaceful there not being on a schedule. But I also love the peace and quiet of my home.
Never been but I’d love to go to Hawaii. I think it’d be Beautiful and Realxing There. Thanks for sharing with us today.
Hi, Becky, I’d love to go back to San Diego one day. We went years ago. Thanks for replying.
Thanks for responding, Brenda! We had a family reunion once in Branson. It was a lot of fun.
I mentioned to Shelia earlier that Book 2 in my series is set in the Smokies! It should come out in the fall.
Yes, Linda, Hawaii is beautiful, and unlike anywhere else. I’m glad you enjoyed my blog. Thanks for relying!
Yes, Linda, Hawaii is beautiful, and unlike anywhere else. I’m glad you enjoyed my blog. Thanks for replying!
I’m not much of a traveler, I’m more of a home body! 🙂 That said there is a GREAT retreat in my home state though, Red River. It was a great trip, the hotel is right on the river and it’s a sweet little town! Good memories!
Red River sounds like fun, Amada! Thanks for responding.
Anywhere in the Caribbean, love the warm sea breezes the beautiful blue ocean and the laid back island time! No place like it on earth!
My husband and I have been to Waimea Canyon and loved it. We hope to go back and see it again.
My favorite place for some R&R would be the beach. It doesn’t matter where it is as long as there are balmy breezes, salt water, sand, and lots of shells.
Hi, Patty, You’re right. The Caribbean is beautiful, especially the clear, teal waters. Good to hear from you!
Janet, I’m with you. There’s nothing like a beach, especially if it’s warm enough to get in the water. Thanks for responding!
I have a winner! Patty Barile won the drawing. I appreciate Gayla for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.