Day 31 Tue: Oahu, the Gathering Place Isle
Posted by Bob on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden, undiscovered secret by tourists
Saying goodbye to Maui is always tough, but Oahu, nicknamed the Gathering Place Isle, welcomed us with sunshine and magnificent vistas. Upon arriving we headed straight into the island’s interior. One place I always love to visit is the Byodo-in Temple. When you click here, you can see pictures of this temple along with Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden. Later tonight we fly home with an expected arrival of Wednesday evening. Yes, it is a long flight (14+ hours) plus losing 5 hours crossing time zones.
Day 30 Mon: A Bit of Culinary Memories
Posted by Bob on Monday, March 1st, 2010
Paia elementary students perform at fundraiser
Anyone that knows me or reads my newsletter is aware that I enjoy “good” food. As I think about my month here, I have had many excellent meals, most have been mentioned in my daily blogs. However, two stand out. The first is the world famous Mama’s Fish House. We ate there twice, most recently on Sunday for lunch. The level and quality of food and service are above almost anyone else’s on the island with the possible exception of Bev Gannon’s Haliimaile General Store. (I am excluding the restaurants
Day 29 Sun: Last Full Day on Maui
Posted by Bob on Sunday, February 28th, 2010
The tented church on a sunny day
Where has the month gone? The nice fact about daily blogging is the opportunity to look back and reminisce over the fun filled times that are now part of memory. For the first time since our arrival, Maui has had a good drenching, something sorely needed. We used the rain opportunity to go a different direction and headed up to Makawao to attend the Po’okela United Church of Christ. The church, which was built in 1843, is being totally remodeled so worship services are being held in a large tent. Through the rain and wind we made a mad dash to the entrance, questioning our wisdom.
Day 28 Sat: The wave I didn’t ride
Posted by Bob on Saturday, February 27th, 2010
What are they staring at?
For the last four weeks I have been razzing my family and friends about the weather in Hawaii versus the terrible winter storms Ohio has been experiencing. Today, the tables were turned. Hawaii had its first serious tsunami warning in years. The broadcasters started on the topic late last night. At 7 a.m. there was a pounding on the door to wake up and turn on the T.V. Since our condo is within a potential flood area, we were to evacuate and head to high country by 9 a.m. Though the initial indications were that the surge would not be large, we played it safe, packed everything, loaded the car, and headed upcountry.
Day 27 Fri: “Admiral, there be whales here!” – Scotty
Posted by Bob on Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Two males challenging each other to impress the lady
In Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Scotty exclaims the above quote when whales are beamed onto the Enterprise. Every time I go on a whale watch, I remember that quote and the fact that their existence determined the future of the planet. Today was the second whale watch we have taken on this trip. The creatures are truly magnificent, particularly this time as a number approached within a hundred feet of our boat. They were so close that the captain was required to turn off the engine. There was plenty of action as several males courted a lone female. The “testosterone flowed” so to speak as they battled each other for her attention. Similar to some human interactions I have observed.
Day 26 Thu: Transplants and Poetry
Posted by Bob on Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Trade Wind Cottage (Be sure to read the poem in the narrative section.)
Part of the joy of living in another area for a time is meeting people and talking about life. Today, I met Jimmy as we were ready to start tai chi. In Colorado he was a bank loan office, who loved to ski, but he wanted to become a stonemason. After honing his masonry skills he came to Maui where he was hired by one of the most successful businessman on the island. He helped design and create an incredible home. The timbers of the house are from a logging ship that sank in the Columbia River in the 1920′s and were razed 70 years later. The rare recovered wood was shipped to the wealthy businessman specifically for use in building his home. Jimmy, working with the builder, designed elaborate stone and mason work to complement this architectural marvel.
Day 25 Wed.: From Hana on the Backroad
Posted by Bob on Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Trail to red sand beach narrows to 12 inches with huge drop off - adrenalin flows!
Today was filled with excitement and challenges. First, I hiked to a secluded red beach in Hana. (You have to have local knowledge to find it.) The hike was far from casual where a misstep could result in death or very serious injury. Interestingly, tourists who had heard about this “not so secret” beach headed down in flip flops. The intelligent ones turned around. Anyway, my adrenaline had a rush today.
Day 24 Tue.: On the Hana Highway to Hana
Posted by Bob on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
One of the many views at Waianapanapa State Park
I promised you a surprise. There is no more mystical journey than the road to Hana via the Hana Highway. As I described in an earlier blog, the 36+ mile trip takes close to 90 minutes with only minimal stops. Of course, visitors make many frequent ones because of the spectacular views. Ke’anae, the halfway point, is always beautiful, especially today because of the crashing waves. A mandatory stop there is Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread Stand. She was so busy that we had to wait for the bread to finish baking. Imagine fresh out of the oven bread …umm. I had to keep moving my fingers it was so hot as I cut it. The bread became part of our picnic lunch.
Day 23 Mon.: Breakfast on Baldwin Beach
Posted by Bob on Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Balldwin Beach - view from the breakfast picnic table
Another picture perfect day! What better way to start a day than to stop at Anthony’s Coffee (much more than just a coffee place) in Paia and purchase your breakfast to go. Then drive a mile to Baldwin Beach, a well-kept secret from tourists. Get there around 9 a.m. before many people have arrived and watch the sun rays dance across the azure water. You might even catch sight of a whale, though they tend to stay on the south side. But as luck would have it, we spotted several. After eating, you want to burn some calories to keep that fit beach appearance. Thus, you walk the mile plus smooth sand, occasionally having your feet awash in the cool Pacific.
Day 22 Sun.: Day of Rest
Posted by Bob on Monday, February 22nd, 2010
The view of Haleakala I see each morning when I exit the condo
When I travel, I usually attend a worship service on Sunday. Today, we returned to Lahaina and worshiped at the Methodist church. I always enjoy listening to the Tongan Choir and experiencing the overall personage of Pastor Paul. He very kindly saved a copy of Lovai’s memorial service bulletin which contained my poem.
Lunch at the Hula Grill was as good as the first time. On the way back to Paia we pulled off at the lookout and watched pods of whales swim by. Then we headed to the small beach to collect some rays.
A surprise is coming on Tuesday.