a real good reason to go to kauai

You've heard me say it before, but it bears repeating...the Knauss Class of 2006 was made up of an extra special group of people. These people are super smart, they are making this world a better place, they are kind, and they are loyal. Best of all, each one feels like an old old friend and has a sense of humor that ranges from the high-brow political to the low-brow gutter (tending more towards the latter).

We've gotten together over the years for many occasions, this time for the real good reason of Amber and Ken's wedding in Kauai. As with most get togethers, not all the fellows could make it*, so a subset of the group did the best they could to celebrate in style. All the wedding attendees rented an entire floor of ocean-front condos in Poipu on the south shore, spending a leisurely 5-days hanging out, body surfing, snorkeling, hiking, sight-seeing, cooking, drinking, swimming and snoozing. It was a great place to celebrate the freshly minted newlyweds as they begin a new life together.

*Fellows: I believe that we have never all been in the same place at the same time since our DC days - but behold, the opportunity to do so stands before us! Our 10-year fellowship anniversary is coming up! Consider yourself on notice for an epic mandatory gathering in the spring of 2016.

Our digs - an ocean-front condo in Poipu along the south shore.

My special lady friend and her beach-bum husband....

Great coastline near our place, within walking distance.

The Blonditos and Patty

Mav and Patty, standing too close to the cliff edge

The plumerias are around the island are stunning

The crew walking back to the pad from body surfing

Ocean-front cliff pool? Why yes, thank you!

A day trip for a hike on the Na Pali coast is a must

Patty hiking up the canyon

Our destination - a several hundred foot waterfall

The hiking crew at the falls

Back to the car we go - got a wedding to attend!

One last look at that stunning coastline

J&A all suited up for the wedding

The wedding site

The crowd gathers for the big ceremony!

The beautiful GADS and her groomie, Ken

A herd of fellows, spouses and a spawn

Simon, muggin'

 OK, back to seeing the sights of the Garden Island! This is the Grand Canyon of the Waimea

Fellows and friends on a canyon rim

The Na Pali coast overlook

Road trip!

Back at the condo, looking west from the balcony

Meanwhile, in the kitchen... 

 A rather large crew of fellows and friends!

The Blonditos and the Newlyweds

Some more stunning island color 

J&A headed home

Typical scene....