Hey everyone! Labor Day weekend is like summer's last hurrah. Luckily, I didn't spend it alone. My friend Maiki was visiting New York City for a hula competition. She had a few days free at the end of her trip, so she came to stay with me and hang out.



Maiki came over late on Friday night. We both had to go straight to bed, but on Saturday morning, we were ready for adventure. I decided to take Mike for a hike at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. It's one of my family's favorite places in New York City. My friends Violet and Sophie have also gone there with me. In this photo, you can see Jamaica Bay and the Broad Channel neighborhood behind us.



Isn't Maiki pretty? I'm so glad she was able to stop by. Since she lives in Hawaii, we don't get to see each other very often. She comes to the mainland fairly often for hula competitions, but I've never been to Hawaii. I'd love to go someday!



Jamaica Bay is beautiful. I love seeing the migrating geese and ducks. The seagulls are there year round, but they're fun too.



I picked up a Junior Ranger book for Mike, so she could earn her first badge. She did all the activities for Jamaica Bay, but unfortunately, when we went back to the ranger station, it was closed! Mike said it was a sign she'll be back in NYC again; she'll have to pick up her badge then.

It was great seeing Maiki! I was sad to say goodbye to her this afternoon. I'm glad we had the chance to see each other again here in New York City and that I got to show her one of my favorite wild places!

Don't forget to check out the Gateway NRA site at http://www.nps.gov/gate!