Hiking in the jungles of Niue turned out to be different that any jungle hiking we had ever encountered. After a beautiful swim and an hour of cliff jumping Norm suggested we just do one more quick little hike to see another cavern. We were a bit tired and hungry and the sun was beginning to lower on the horizon but we agreed that we would just take a short jaunt to see another irresistible cave. Alyssa started out without any shoes at all. This is her normal habit when she hikes in the jungle so we never thought too much about it. Teyauna only had her little sparkly sandals and rest of us all had flip flops. Everyone that is except Zak. Zak rides in the arms of one of his doting siblings or parents and is never worried about his tender barefeet. The hike seemed normal enough. The path was mostly covered in by vines and tropical trees and bright green and purple foliage. The ground however was rough jagged coral rocks. Alyssa’s tough feet were used to difficult surfaces but this path went on and on. Our little jaunt took an hour to arrive at the arched caves and caverns. Zak was happy enough to be riding in arms but I think Norm was happy to pass his sticky body off as soon as we arrived. We spent a few minutes exploring and taking pictures before we knew we should return back.
Jaeden took Zak and his bare toes and ran down the bumpy trail. Orin insisted on giving Alyssa his flip flops so she would not have to return barefooted over the jagged bumpy terrain. Alyssa tried to refuse but her younger brother won this battle and she reluctantly put on his flip flops. This left Orin slowly picking his way over the razor sharp coral rocks. Dailin stayed back with Teyauna and before long her sparkley sandal broke. He gave her his giant shoe and placed her tiny broken shoe upside down under his toes to give him at least some coverage. When I saw what had happened I traded Dailin’s shoe from Teyauna and gave her one of mine. My big feet were a lot closer to her size than her brother’s giant shoe. Before long Alyssa returned carrying Jaeden’s shoes. She had run to the van and come back to give Orin shoes so he would not hurt his feet. Due to the ground we were hiking on Orin’s new flip flop broke before too long. Alyssa quickly gave one or Jaeden’s shoes to him for the rest of the way back. In the end each person trying to help someone was wearing some mismatch pair of shoes. It made me smile as I looked at the ridiculous assortment of foot wear we were wearing. We were tired out and the sun was down. Our tummies were empty and our throats were parched but I will never forget the happy feet of all my kids returning from our impromptu adventure.