It seemed like a good idea: Take the kids on a two-mile hike from 1,300 feet above sea level to Kealakekua Bay, where Capt. Cook arrived (and later died) on Hawaii, to check out reportedly stellar snorkeling. It was a lovely descent through varied terrain -- tall grasses and lava fields.

It took a little longer than expected. OK, a lot longer. We brought water, but no food. Calvin skipped his nap. Once we got to the bottom, he howled and sobbed and demanded to return home. Snorkeling was impossible. Doug carried Calvin, half-asleep, back up the trail. Which was much steeper than it seemed the way down. All told: a  fruitless five-hour, painful round trip.

One of the stupider things we've tried to do with the kids.