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Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
Day 22: A Bitter Departure with a Sweet Arrival
Day 22: A Bitter Departure with a Sweet Arrival
When you go to bed around 11-12, 5:30am comes up reeaal quick. And when the cab runs a bit late that 530 could have been 550 or even 6. Ask anyone, I squeeze every single minute of sleep I can from the mornings. Yeeeah mornings and I like each other as much as the South likes BP right now...
Taking this cab service was definitely worth the $7 over the $2.50 bus ride that takes over an hour and a half. I didnt even come close to missing my flight this time. Im telling you Hawaii has it out for me within 10-15 minutes of any deadline.
I say goodbye to Jean and Oahu. Im extremely sad to leave it all but have soo many great memories and new friends that I cant be too sad. I will miss them but I am sure I will see them again. Especially some before others I hope. Nothing eventful happens on the flight either. Just a routine boring flight by myself. And the Korean woman sitting next to me couldnt even speak english. Just as well because she slept the whole time anyway. At least the food was good. A muffin amd some kind of spinach and egg deal.
When I arrive in Las Vegas again, I have the challenge of killing a 4 hour layover. Since Im alone and just kinda out of it I stay at the airport and pretty much do nothing. Sooooo boorring. And then when the flight comes around finally its bloody delayed! Ends up being around an hour too because our original pilots didnt show for whatever reason. Sorry Britt for keeping you up even later! But we at last take off to Fresno!
And for those who are not aware why Fresno, allow me to inform you. One of my oldest BFFs lives there and we met when we were 14. Her name is Brittany and we have NEVER met. We have only ever talked on the phone...for nearly 12 years! Yes very crazy stuff but true. So you can imagine how nervous and excited we both are right now. And really thats an understatement..for me at least.
So I arrive in Fresno at long last and walk down to the terminal....and there she is. Shes real! And she sounds SO different than on the phone but its nice. And despite how tall she appears in her pictures, I am taller. Whew. Not that it would matter of course. Well we both cant stop smiling and thinking that this is ACTUALLY happening. Britt we finally met!!! And yes as I lay here on your couch at 2:30am writing this it is most certainly all too sureal still. Ill probably freak out a bit when I wake up and realize it is in fact real. Im here. In Fresno. In your apt. On your couch. And you physically exist on the other side of a wall. No more faceless voice in my ear. Ahhhhh I cant wait to hang out! Just seeing you already has made the trip here worth it.
And with that Im going to pass out and never think about airports again.
Ill miss you Hawaii... Thank you for the memories and new friends.
When you go to bed around 11-12, 5:30am comes up reeaal quick. And when the cab runs a bit late that 530 could have been 550 or even 6. Ask anyone, I squeeze every single minute of sleep I can from the mornings. Yeeeah mornings and I like each other as much as the South likes BP right now...
Taking this cab service was definitely worth the $7 over the $2.50 bus ride that takes over an hour and a half. I didnt even come close to missing my flight this time. Im telling you Hawaii has it out for me within 10-15 minutes of any deadline.
I say goodbye to Jean and Oahu. Im extremely sad to leave it all but have soo many great memories and new friends that I cant be too sad. I will miss them but I am sure I will see them again. Especially some before others I hope. Nothing eventful happens on the flight either. Just a routine boring flight by myself. And the Korean woman sitting next to me couldnt even speak english. Just as well because she slept the whole time anyway. At least the food was good. A muffin amd some kind of spinach and egg deal.
When I arrive in Las Vegas again, I have the challenge of killing a 4 hour layover. Since Im alone and just kinda out of it I stay at the airport and pretty much do nothing. Sooooo boorring. And then when the flight comes around finally its bloody delayed! Ends up being around an hour too because our original pilots didnt show for whatever reason. Sorry Britt for keeping you up even later! But we at last take off to Fresno!
And for those who are not aware why Fresno, allow me to inform you. One of my oldest BFFs lives there and we met when we were 14. Her name is Brittany and we have NEVER met. We have only ever talked on the phone...for nearly 12 years! Yes very crazy stuff but true. So you can imagine how nervous and excited we both are right now. And really thats an understatement..for me at least.
So I arrive in Fresno at long last and walk down to the terminal....and there she is. Shes real! And she sounds SO different than on the phone but its nice. And despite how tall she appears in her pictures, I am taller. Whew. Not that it would matter of course. Well we both cant stop smiling and thinking that this is ACTUALLY happening. Britt we finally met!!! And yes as I lay here on your couch at 2:30am writing this it is most certainly all too sureal still. Ill probably freak out a bit when I wake up and realize it is in fact real. Im here. In Fresno. In your apt. On your couch. And you physically exist on the other side of a wall. No more faceless voice in my ear. Ahhhhh I cant wait to hang out! Just seeing you already has made the trip here worth it.
And with that Im going to pass out and never think about airports again.
Ill miss you Hawaii... Thank you for the memories and new friends.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 21: Shopping Waikiki
My mission today: To shop for Savi, Abby, Hannah and Grace. Especially Savannah because she turned freaking 3! I grab a bite to eat, prepare myself because I hate shopping alone ESP for girls, and set out.
Now I know that shopping in Hawaii would be huge, but what I got myself into was far more. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on some accessories so I could at least have something to show for my effort. Then the real mayhem began. I walk west towards downtown and then an entire universe of shopping opened up. Once past the shops in buildings, I entered this international market shopping ocean. I could NOT believe how many vendors there were. It was overwhelming to say the least. But I plunged into the Labrynth determined to find the best deal as yall well know I usually do.
I cant recall how many shops and venders I went through but finally I stumbled upon a "sale" on little girl dresses and after finding the right sizes I can at long last pull the trigger on my gifts. Yeeess! Im done!
And while searching I also came across some big towel vendors who had this hawaii towel I HAD to have. One of my only gifts to myself as I agreed from the start was a huge Hawaiin towel. I love those big blanket wannabes. It ended up being a map of the sandwhich isles in brown, tan, cream, and black. Its awesome. Mom will be jealous for sure because she has a picture of the same in her bathroom. Im a bit miffed though because those Asian women WOULD NOT haggle with me AT ALL. I tried all kinds of flattery and haggling skills but they simply wouldnt budge a dollar. NOT COOL LADIES! Haggling is one of the great lost arts in America and one of my alltime favorite sports so you can imagine my disappointment at paying the full 12 bucks. Oh well =\ Enjoy both your egg rolls on me tonight mean ladies. Get me back to Mexico. Now THOSE people know how to haggle!
Now with a full big bag of loot, I start heading back. Its around 4 and Im a bit hungry so when I passed a sign that said $2 fish tacos I just had to stop. I grabbed a quick one and headed to the beach to enjoy it and my finally momemts of Waikiki's hustle and bustle on the sand. Despite how busy it is I like certain aspects of the crowds. People watching is always fun for instance, although doing it solo tends to be not as fun because you cant point out weird people to anyone but yourself. And the taco was amazing by the way.
After watching some surfing I meandered back to Jeans where I starting getting everything together, wondering if it all would even fit now. Jean came home and we went for a walk along the canal. And it turns out they practice paddling in the canal every evening so we got to watch both women and men race. Looked like a lot of fun. 6 paddlers a cannoe thing and they paddle on opposite sides alternating back and forth on command. Very cool stuff.
We get back and have dinner outside which was nice. I finished packing and then cleaned up for bed. I had to wake up at 530 to be ready for my cab to the airport in the morning. Yuck. But luckily Im used to getting tired early, which I did, and passed out. Last day in Oahu...sad panda.
I know you may never read this Jean but thank you so much again. You rock and are an amazing humanitarian! I hope our paths cross again and if/when Im back on Oahu Ill make sure they do. Take care my Hawaiin Granny!
Now I know that shopping in Hawaii would be huge, but what I got myself into was far more. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on some accessories so I could at least have something to show for my effort. Then the real mayhem began. I walk west towards downtown and then an entire universe of shopping opened up. Once past the shops in buildings, I entered this international market shopping ocean. I could NOT believe how many vendors there were. It was overwhelming to say the least. But I plunged into the Labrynth determined to find the best deal as yall well know I usually do.
I cant recall how many shops and venders I went through but finally I stumbled upon a "sale" on little girl dresses and after finding the right sizes I can at long last pull the trigger on my gifts. Yeeess! Im done!
And while searching I also came across some big towel vendors who had this hawaii towel I HAD to have. One of my only gifts to myself as I agreed from the start was a huge Hawaiin towel. I love those big blanket wannabes. It ended up being a map of the sandwhich isles in brown, tan, cream, and black. Its awesome. Mom will be jealous for sure because she has a picture of the same in her bathroom. Im a bit miffed though because those Asian women WOULD NOT haggle with me AT ALL. I tried all kinds of flattery and haggling skills but they simply wouldnt budge a dollar. NOT COOL LADIES! Haggling is one of the great lost arts in America and one of my alltime favorite sports so you can imagine my disappointment at paying the full 12 bucks. Oh well =\ Enjoy both your egg rolls on me tonight mean ladies. Get me back to Mexico. Now THOSE people know how to haggle!
Now with a full big bag of loot, I start heading back. Its around 4 and Im a bit hungry so when I passed a sign that said $2 fish tacos I just had to stop. I grabbed a quick one and headed to the beach to enjoy it and my finally momemts of Waikiki's hustle and bustle on the sand. Despite how busy it is I like certain aspects of the crowds. People watching is always fun for instance, although doing it solo tends to be not as fun because you cant point out weird people to anyone but yourself. And the taco was amazing by the way.
After watching some surfing I meandered back to Jeans where I starting getting everything together, wondering if it all would even fit now. Jean came home and we went for a walk along the canal. And it turns out they practice paddling in the canal every evening so we got to watch both women and men race. Looked like a lot of fun. 6 paddlers a cannoe thing and they paddle on opposite sides alternating back and forth on command. Very cool stuff.
We get back and have dinner outside which was nice. I finished packing and then cleaned up for bed. I had to wake up at 530 to be ready for my cab to the airport in the morning. Yuck. But luckily Im used to getting tired early, which I did, and passed out. Last day in Oahu...sad panda.
I know you may never read this Jean but thank you so much again. You rock and are an amazing humanitarian! I hope our paths cross again and if/when Im back on Oahu Ill make sure they do. Take care my Hawaiin Granny!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Day 20: Easy Going in Waikiki
After waking up in my now familiar self-inflating bed on Jeans floor, I grab some breakfast. My only intention for today is to take it easy and thats exactly what I do. So this should prove to be a short post.
I left around noon to walk about and take back in the warm weather and beaches and people. It actually felt pretty good to be back around all the hustle and bustle and really crowded beaches. Everyone on Big Island loves to be away from it all but sometimes I love just being in the middle of the action. Blame it on me being from the south and geauxing to LSU and New Orleans. I love being where the action is at and then being able to get away when Im done with it.
After walking probably 2 miles I find myself on the second floor of some major hotel in a really comfy chair where I pass out for awhile. After I wake I geaux get some ice cream lt dan. Pecan praline in a waffle cone ohhhh buddy. So good. I take it slow on the way back and take another tour through Kings Village which is this awesome shopping center that reminds me of Magic Kingdom where all the houses are small. Its all so tight knit and just fun to walk around in. Thats where I found the doggy dresses too haha.
I eventually find my way back to Jeans and make dinner and we watch an old show on the Blue Angels. Very cool stuff. And now Im blogging my 20th day in Hawaii! I leave on Thursday which gives me all day tomorrow to shop. I loooaathe shopping alone because Im so indecisive. Where are yall ladies when I need yall?! If you want something small you should comment here pronto. I have extremely limited room in my pack but would love to get everyone something if I can. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. Suggestions for a 3yr old on gifts from Hawaii? Clothes is first thing to mind but you already saw how I managed on that one.
Anyway Im going to bed now. Its been odd being alone again. Very quiet and uneventful but I guess it was rather nice in a way. Alone time only makes you crave those you really care about that much more. Oahu Im going to miss you after tomorrow. Please surprise me somehow once again :)
I left around noon to walk about and take back in the warm weather and beaches and people. It actually felt pretty good to be back around all the hustle and bustle and really crowded beaches. Everyone on Big Island loves to be away from it all but sometimes I love just being in the middle of the action. Blame it on me being from the south and geauxing to LSU and New Orleans. I love being where the action is at and then being able to get away when Im done with it.
After walking probably 2 miles I find myself on the second floor of some major hotel in a really comfy chair where I pass out for awhile. After I wake I geaux get some ice cream lt dan. Pecan praline in a waffle cone ohhhh buddy. So good. I take it slow on the way back and take another tour through Kings Village which is this awesome shopping center that reminds me of Magic Kingdom where all the houses are small. Its all so tight knit and just fun to walk around in. Thats where I found the doggy dresses too haha.
I eventually find my way back to Jeans and make dinner and we watch an old show on the Blue Angels. Very cool stuff. And now Im blogging my 20th day in Hawaii! I leave on Thursday which gives me all day tomorrow to shop. I loooaathe shopping alone because Im so indecisive. Where are yall ladies when I need yall?! If you want something small you should comment here pronto. I have extremely limited room in my pack but would love to get everyone something if I can. We'll just have to see what tomorrow brings. Suggestions for a 3yr old on gifts from Hawaii? Clothes is first thing to mind but you already saw how I managed on that one.
Anyway Im going to bed now. Its been odd being alone again. Very quiet and uneventful but I guess it was rather nice in a way. Alone time only makes you crave those you really care about that much more. Oahu Im going to miss you after tomorrow. Please surprise me somehow once again :)
Day 19: The Return to Oahu
I woke up this morning and I was somehow dreamin I was laying in a bed. Then I remembered yesterday and realized it was real. 3 weeks and finally back in a real bed. I would have slept half the day in it until we heard a knock on our window at 5:50am. Yes A.M.! I dont even have to write more for those that know me huh. It was Sherry picking us up to give us a ride to Walmart before she had to go to work. And Papa and Nana were there too. All were really chipper and made the morning easier to deal with. How Ill EVER be an early bird when I get old Ill never know until it gets here if it ever does.
But its really nice to see them again, despite my zombie-like state. We say our goodbyes with hugs and kisses and get to Walmart. We thank Sherry for everything about a million times and shes just happy as can be. Bless her. Sara and I shop around for a bit and eat some McDs. Then Ilene came and gave us a ride to the airport. Again we thanked her profusely and said our goodbyes.
Our flight was about 1.5hrs away so we killed some time by making hemp jewelry. The flight was extremely short but we finished the anklet.
Now at the airport again we had about a billion hours to kill until Sara's flight back to DC. No prob. We walked around and then laid in this garden area and fed some local birds. They were so much fun because they were really brave and would come right up to us. Once we gained their trust they would even let us pick them up! Way cool. Later we splurged a bit at a restaurant there in the airport and although it was really nice to just sit a a restaurant again I will NEVER do it again. The drinks were very weak and the food very subpar. But I had great company and thats all that mattered :)
We somehow kill all the time and then figure out what she needs to do and where she needs to be. Since she has to redo security we say our goodbyes earlier than expected. Very hard. Its interesting how well you get to know someone in such a short amount of time when you spend every day together. Sara I had an amazing time with you exploring every part of Hawaii we could in such a short amount of time. And amazing doesnt even cut it. It wouldnt havent eem come close to being half as fun without you and your amazingly adventurous personality. Kauai and Maui are next so dont forget! And we are seeing Sherry and fam too! And Jean! I will miss you tremendously but I know we'll see each other again soon enough. Thank you for being the best travel partner I could have never have hoped to randomly find.
While Sara caught her flight I caught my bus back to Waikiki. I arrive fairly quickly and Im glad to see Jean again. I tell her all about my trip and very quickly get exhausted. So much has happened and all too much to reflect on now that its getting close to an end. I cannot believe I was able to write for every single day that I was here but absolutely stoked I did. I know I will be grateful in years to come, even months or weeks. And thank you Sara for putting up with my blog time every other day or so. And of course for being able to put up with me somehow for nearly 3 solid weeks every single day. My family thanks you also...dont yall?!
But its really nice to see them again, despite my zombie-like state. We say our goodbyes with hugs and kisses and get to Walmart. We thank Sherry for everything about a million times and shes just happy as can be. Bless her. Sara and I shop around for a bit and eat some McDs. Then Ilene came and gave us a ride to the airport. Again we thanked her profusely and said our goodbyes.
Our flight was about 1.5hrs away so we killed some time by making hemp jewelry. The flight was extremely short but we finished the anklet.
Now at the airport again we had about a billion hours to kill until Sara's flight back to DC. No prob. We walked around and then laid in this garden area and fed some local birds. They were so much fun because they were really brave and would come right up to us. Once we gained their trust they would even let us pick them up! Way cool. Later we splurged a bit at a restaurant there in the airport and although it was really nice to just sit a a restaurant again I will NEVER do it again. The drinks were very weak and the food very subpar. But I had great company and thats all that mattered :)
We somehow kill all the time and then figure out what she needs to do and where she needs to be. Since she has to redo security we say our goodbyes earlier than expected. Very hard. Its interesting how well you get to know someone in such a short amount of time when you spend every day together. Sara I had an amazing time with you exploring every part of Hawaii we could in such a short amount of time. And amazing doesnt even cut it. It wouldnt havent eem come close to being half as fun without you and your amazingly adventurous personality. Kauai and Maui are next so dont forget! And we are seeing Sherry and fam too! And Jean! I will miss you tremendously but I know we'll see each other again soon enough. Thank you for being the best travel partner I could have never have hoped to randomly find.
While Sara caught her flight I caught my bus back to Waikiki. I arrive fairly quickly and Im glad to see Jean again. I tell her all about my trip and very quickly get exhausted. So much has happened and all too much to reflect on now that its getting close to an end. I cannot believe I was able to write for every single day that I was here but absolutely stoked I did. I know I will be grateful in years to come, even months or weeks. And thank you Sara for putting up with my blog time every other day or so. And of course for being able to put up with me somehow for nearly 3 solid weeks every single day. My family thanks you also...dont yall?!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Abigail my not yet 1yr old niece
actually think babies might not be so bad.
Savannah my 3yr old niece
flip flap party this weekend :( and I can hear her talking in this
picture too! I miss priss...
Oops wrong mammal
lady holds up a dog wearing it! Its for a bloody dog! Nooooo. So Em,
if you dont mind your kids' tushies showing Id like to get it :D
Nicest family in Hilo
Papa, nephew?, and Nana. They know 31!
Day 18: Salvation back in Hilo
Our wetest night was now over and the horses are back by our tent grazing. Sara has the sore neck for a change and her phone got a little damp from all the rain last night. But we both have extremely sore ankles and glutes from the hike. Guess we climbed harder than we thought. At least food and drinks are something we have plenty of today.
We take our time getting up and eating because its still drizzly outside. Ive noticed almost every morning here its cloudy and rainy and then like clockwork the sun comes out around 7-12. Then its fair game after that.
So the sun finally comes out and we get all our tent stuff dry minus our shoes. And then these people pull up next to us in a truck and offer us fresh coconuts. The amount of juice in these is staggering. We drank ourselves full and THEN had enough left over between the 2 of us to fill up a water bottle. Crazy cool. We also scooped out some meat but it doesnt have much flavor and leaves your mouth feeling kinda greasy almost. But it could fill you if youre hungry. Glad to have some water finally as we were out, we thanked them with a machete we found and headed out.
On the way out we ran into our favorite horse again and fed her a last snack. She wouldnt stop following us afterwards. I secretly knew she wanted to give us a ride up but we were too proud to take her up on the offer. We ended up hitching back up the mountain thankfully and from there hitched to an intersection 9 miles away to try to catch a ride to Hilo.
It took a minute this time but we got the thumbs up from a nice family who took us about 10 miles. Now would prove our hardest hitchin yet. Sun beating down on us we had a sign drawn on a piece of typing paper and we were jumping up and down catching peoples attention. Most laughed and kept driving. Just when we were Starting to wonder where our amazing luck with quick rides so far had gone, a real nice girl picked us up in her truck of sorts. We actually got to ride inside for once. Good thing too since we were headed around 30 miles to Hilo.
She dropped us off right where we thought we would stay tonight. Pretty awesome this hitching thing. We've been so lucky with getting rides from nice people but I know how hard it is back home with more conservative folks. Definitely would not be the same stories.
We walked to a nearby beach park, a new one instead of our old one. Actually we were deciding which one to go to at an intersection and had a tiny tiff. To make a short story short we went left to the new one and it made all the difference in the world for our last day/night in Hilo. This one was a lot nicer and had a nice little wave break around a shallow beach. Very kid friendly and there were tons. A birthday party from what we later found out.
So Sara and I pull up some bench and start charging our life lines. There are some people next to us with what looks like a soon to be party of sorts. We just do our own thing and I made a joke about coming to the right place for the food to one of the women there. Sara and I then start eating our own food and conversing as normal. Then somehow we strike up conversation with the people there as we normally do. We tell them where we are from and that we have been backpacking Hawaii and all over Big Island. And theeen the next thing we know these extremely nice women start offering us these very interesting local dishes they made. And then more....and more! And it just...keeps...coming. We are blown away not only by having something other than dry food, but how amazingly these people are treating complete strangers. And the food was great. Korean fried chicken was devine. Different kinds of Sashimi (its Hawaiins version of sushi but with more rice and nothing raw I dont think. Correct me if Im mistaken Sherry/Nana/Ilene!), a vegetable dish, a cucumber and carrot dish, short ribs I think, tator salad, these friend PURPLE sweet tators and something else (apparently sweet tators are purple here! Did not know this but this excited me), and loads more.
Turns out they are caterers on the side. They catered the birthday party next pavilion over and decided to just have their own party. And now we were invited and were in heaven after managing to hitchhike across the entire island.
We ended up hanging around for a few hours just talking and watching everyone play cards. Went for a brief swim too. One minute it was bright, sunny, and hot and the next it was rainy and cooold due to being wet and the winds were strong. Not a good combo but Sherry, one of the women who owned the catering biz, later loaned me a sweatshirt. Im telling you these people are just awesome. We really did feel a part of the family and after so much traveling and being away from all yall back home it was overwhelming at times to be around such a nice tight knit family. The oldest brother who everyone calls Papa was sorta a ring leader, always making jokes and getting people to laugh. Yep, a regular Uncle Bob (for those we met, Uncle Bob is my godfather and a long time friend of the family. He cuts up and is the life a party wherever it is. Very much like Papas personality). So Mom, no worries about us here in Hawaii, we made new friends and family who took unnecessary great care of us. Our families HAVE to meet if there is ever an opportunity. They do a lot of creative stuff too and reminded me exactly of the woman gang back home. Shame everyone is so far apart.
So to name a few members of the family you have Papa and Nana. Sherry and John (thanks again for the drinks and good food convo! Make sure to try out the etouffee recipe when I send it to yall!), Ilene who was most gracious and helpful by driving us around as well as Sherry. There were many others but the names are hard to remember now. Im sorry! My memory for names is terrible.
After we were MUCH too full, we helped load up the van with everything and then the most meaningful act of kindness on the island presented itself. Sara and I were offerred a real live bed to sleep in! Nana house sits and said we could stay a night since they didnt want us on the streets or in the parks illegally. We didnt even know what to say with all our bruises from the hard grounds we have been sleeping on the past two weeks. We accepted of course.
Sure enough we had a bed tonight and a dry place to sleep. Turns out it couldnt have been better timing because it rained that night almost as hard as it does back home on a good rain. By far the hardest rain we have seen in Hawaii. I still cant get over how everything turned out today.
So THANK YOU again Sherry/John/Papa/Nana/Ilene/and the rest for taking us in and treating us like family. It means the world to me and Sara amd we will never forget your kindness. I only hope we can return it if yall should ever find yourselves in the south. And we will definitely be dropping in for a good visit when we come back to Hawaii. Hope yall will be ready for some cajun cuisine because itll be coming back with me!
Absolutely could NOT have asked for a better last day and night in Hilo. And after seeing what Sara and I saw on the road, Big Island does have a ton to offer that will make another visit necessary. Just could do with a bit more sunshine and less clouds :)
We take our time getting up and eating because its still drizzly outside. Ive noticed almost every morning here its cloudy and rainy and then like clockwork the sun comes out around 7-12. Then its fair game after that.
So the sun finally comes out and we get all our tent stuff dry minus our shoes. And then these people pull up next to us in a truck and offer us fresh coconuts. The amount of juice in these is staggering. We drank ourselves full and THEN had enough left over between the 2 of us to fill up a water bottle. Crazy cool. We also scooped out some meat but it doesnt have much flavor and leaves your mouth feeling kinda greasy almost. But it could fill you if youre hungry. Glad to have some water finally as we were out, we thanked them with a machete we found and headed out.
On the way out we ran into our favorite horse again and fed her a last snack. She wouldnt stop following us afterwards. I secretly knew she wanted to give us a ride up but we were too proud to take her up on the offer. We ended up hitching back up the mountain thankfully and from there hitched to an intersection 9 miles away to try to catch a ride to Hilo.
It took a minute this time but we got the thumbs up from a nice family who took us about 10 miles. Now would prove our hardest hitchin yet. Sun beating down on us we had a sign drawn on a piece of typing paper and we were jumping up and down catching peoples attention. Most laughed and kept driving. Just when we were Starting to wonder where our amazing luck with quick rides so far had gone, a real nice girl picked us up in her truck of sorts. We actually got to ride inside for once. Good thing too since we were headed around 30 miles to Hilo.
She dropped us off right where we thought we would stay tonight. Pretty awesome this hitching thing. We've been so lucky with getting rides from nice people but I know how hard it is back home with more conservative folks. Definitely would not be the same stories.
We walked to a nearby beach park, a new one instead of our old one. Actually we were deciding which one to go to at an intersection and had a tiny tiff. To make a short story short we went left to the new one and it made all the difference in the world for our last day/night in Hilo. This one was a lot nicer and had a nice little wave break around a shallow beach. Very kid friendly and there were tons. A birthday party from what we later found out.
So Sara and I pull up some bench and start charging our life lines. There are some people next to us with what looks like a soon to be party of sorts. We just do our own thing and I made a joke about coming to the right place for the food to one of the women there. Sara and I then start eating our own food and conversing as normal. Then somehow we strike up conversation with the people there as we normally do. We tell them where we are from and that we have been backpacking Hawaii and all over Big Island. And theeen the next thing we know these extremely nice women start offering us these very interesting local dishes they made. And then more....and more! And it just...keeps...coming. We are blown away not only by having something other than dry food, but how amazingly these people are treating complete strangers. And the food was great. Korean fried chicken was devine. Different kinds of Sashimi (its Hawaiins version of sushi but with more rice and nothing raw I dont think. Correct me if Im mistaken Sherry/Nana/Ilene!), a vegetable dish, a cucumber and carrot dish, short ribs I think, tator salad, these friend PURPLE sweet tators and something else (apparently sweet tators are purple here! Did not know this but this excited me), and loads more.
Turns out they are caterers on the side. They catered the birthday party next pavilion over and decided to just have their own party. And now we were invited and were in heaven after managing to hitchhike across the entire island.
We ended up hanging around for a few hours just talking and watching everyone play cards. Went for a brief swim too. One minute it was bright, sunny, and hot and the next it was rainy and cooold due to being wet and the winds were strong. Not a good combo but Sherry, one of the women who owned the catering biz, later loaned me a sweatshirt. Im telling you these people are just awesome. We really did feel a part of the family and after so much traveling and being away from all yall back home it was overwhelming at times to be around such a nice tight knit family. The oldest brother who everyone calls Papa was sorta a ring leader, always making jokes and getting people to laugh. Yep, a regular Uncle Bob (for those we met, Uncle Bob is my godfather and a long time friend of the family. He cuts up and is the life a party wherever it is. Very much like Papas personality). So Mom, no worries about us here in Hawaii, we made new friends and family who took unnecessary great care of us. Our families HAVE to meet if there is ever an opportunity. They do a lot of creative stuff too and reminded me exactly of the woman gang back home. Shame everyone is so far apart.
So to name a few members of the family you have Papa and Nana. Sherry and John (thanks again for the drinks and good food convo! Make sure to try out the etouffee recipe when I send it to yall!), Ilene who was most gracious and helpful by driving us around as well as Sherry. There were many others but the names are hard to remember now. Im sorry! My memory for names is terrible.
After we were MUCH too full, we helped load up the van with everything and then the most meaningful act of kindness on the island presented itself. Sara and I were offerred a real live bed to sleep in! Nana house sits and said we could stay a night since they didnt want us on the streets or in the parks illegally. We didnt even know what to say with all our bruises from the hard grounds we have been sleeping on the past two weeks. We accepted of course.
Sure enough we had a bed tonight and a dry place to sleep. Turns out it couldnt have been better timing because it rained that night almost as hard as it does back home on a good rain. By far the hardest rain we have seen in Hawaii. I still cant get over how everything turned out today.
So THANK YOU again Sherry/John/Papa/Nana/Ilene/and the rest for taking us in and treating us like family. It means the world to me and Sara amd we will never forget your kindness. I only hope we can return it if yall should ever find yourselves in the south. And we will definitely be dropping in for a good visit when we come back to Hawaii. Hope yall will be ready for some cajun cuisine because itll be coming back with me!
Absolutely could NOT have asked for a better last day and night in Hilo. And after seeing what Sara and I saw on the road, Big Island does have a ton to offer that will make another visit necessary. Just could do with a bit more sunshine and less clouds :)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Wai Pio Valley Lookout
And that black beach is a mile long starting right under where that
lady is
Day 17: Jurrasic Park Falls
I just realized I have about a weeks worth of posts that yall havent read. Sorry about that, I know yall must be dying to read as much as I am to post, but I havent had service since Kealakekua Bay. Being surounded by high crater walls and mountains kinda puts a damper on reception. So make sure you start at the last post you read.
Starting the day off like only Hawaii has done, wild horses sure enough greeeted us when we pooped out of the tent. Told you! And the day was finally sunny and nice. We fed them Mexican animal crackers and they let us pet them in return. They were all brown and black and very beautiful. A bit on the small side though.
We ate our breakfast next and then frollocked on the black beach, enjoying the sun like we hadnt seen it in a week...oh wait. And then the waves were huuge so we had to jump in them of course. Omg they thrashed us so bad but it was so fun. Bathing costumes were even nearly lost. Bad waves! Just hope no one got blinded by my now extremely white tush.
On the way back to the tent some Mexicans pulled up next to us and started grilling. We struck up convo about the water fall and next thing we know they are shoving grilled steak fajitas in our hands and cokes and beers. Big score. And they were cooking enough chicken to feed Thailand on top of the steak. Really nice guys. They invited us to ride with them to the falls so we went. But when we got there the roads didnt go up to the falls, not even close. They were leaving so we decided to stay and check it out on foot. A local guy told us we had to swim and that it was a very hard hike. But me turn down a sha'lounge?! NEVER! So we start walking.
One of two trails lay before us. A nice beaten no trespassing path to the left of the stream or the not so worn no sign path to the right. Left it is :) But soonly we get to a different sign thats all criminal this and legal that so we back track and just go right. Immediately we are tossed back into jungle. Awesome. The hike starts off nice and easy but then gets rocky and more white water. The scenery is just amazing and evrrything is super overgrown and huuge. Fronds on these little palm tree things at least 15-20 feet. No lie. And massive elephant ears. We got pics. Sorry Mom, should have dug them back up for the ditch.
At this one point where the trail just leads straight into deep water there is this family coming out. They say its at least an hour to the falls and that they are heading back because its 4 and they dont want to be stuck in the dark. Sun sets at about 7 so we're wondering what to do. Naturally we press on.
We hide her purse and my camera bag with everything in it and I take off my shoes thinking I could keep them dry. Sara just plunges in like a champion. Seriously there is something wrong with this girl because she is fearless and doesnt complain one time, even when she slips and cuts herself, which was considerable. AND she not only keeps up with me but leads the way most of the time, leaving me behind even. Are ALL girls from Sweden like this? Geeeze :)
So after we swim and find the trail again, we understand why they said this was a hard hike. Huge rocks, slippery with moss and algy, extremely steep muddy climbs, wading on said slippery rocks time and time again, making our own path and litterally climbing up huge rocks, you name it we climbed up and through it. Needless to say my bare feet didnt last long but I tried.
We get to a bambo forrest even and then we can finally see some progress as the base is about 100-200yards away, still climbing. We even run at some points because we are in a race for the sun remember. Towards the last part we dont really have a trail and push on through the water and rocks.
Then we turn this bend, and there she freaking blows captain. The 1000'+ water fall. About a 100 feet from us. I CANNOT even begin to describe the view we have and how unrealistically beautiful it is. Seriously this is straight CGI right in front of us. We continue to the base and its just unbelievable. Extremely windy and misty and loud. I have vertigo when I look up its so high and the greenest walls just climb so impossibly high. They form this U shape with the falls at the bottom of the U. The walls form the rest and they are just incredible. And this really high rocky and green hill sits in the middle of the U and has the best view of the area. Im KILLING myself for not being able to bring my camera but we had the underwater camera at least. Hopefully those come out. My only thoughts are complete awe and anger than I cant stay longer.
With insane regret we head back after swimming under the falls. For some reason my breath was actaully taken away at one point while under because this huge gush of water dropped on us. Indescribable again.
We ended up getting down pretty quickly and record time Im sure. And to prove how random this island and trip continues to be, who of all people do we run into back on the road...the weird New Jersey dude! Seriously how is this possible! We are over an hour away from him and down in a valley on a back road to nowhere. Mad crazy, we're still tripping over that one.
We walk back to beach where we then run into these two really rough and worn guys. They just got back from a wild boar hunting trip about 9 miles hike into the valley. They had dogs with them that had gashes from the hunt and they showed us a video of them stabbing and killing a huge hog while the dogs were all biting it and holding it in place. Brutally hardcore stuff.
So now really exhausted and ankles sore we relax and enjoy our last night in the valley with coqui frogs and the sound of the ocean.
Starting the day off like only Hawaii has done, wild horses sure enough greeeted us when we pooped out of the tent. Told you! And the day was finally sunny and nice. We fed them Mexican animal crackers and they let us pet them in return. They were all brown and black and very beautiful. A bit on the small side though.
We ate our breakfast next and then frollocked on the black beach, enjoying the sun like we hadnt seen it in a week...oh wait. And then the waves were huuge so we had to jump in them of course. Omg they thrashed us so bad but it was so fun. Bathing costumes were even nearly lost. Bad waves! Just hope no one got blinded by my now extremely white tush.
On the way back to the tent some Mexicans pulled up next to us and started grilling. We struck up convo about the water fall and next thing we know they are shoving grilled steak fajitas in our hands and cokes and beers. Big score. And they were cooking enough chicken to feed Thailand on top of the steak. Really nice guys. They invited us to ride with them to the falls so we went. But when we got there the roads didnt go up to the falls, not even close. They were leaving so we decided to stay and check it out on foot. A local guy told us we had to swim and that it was a very hard hike. But me turn down a sha'lounge?! NEVER! So we start walking.
One of two trails lay before us. A nice beaten no trespassing path to the left of the stream or the not so worn no sign path to the right. Left it is :) But soonly we get to a different sign thats all criminal this and legal that so we back track and just go right. Immediately we are tossed back into jungle. Awesome. The hike starts off nice and easy but then gets rocky and more white water. The scenery is just amazing and evrrything is super overgrown and huuge. Fronds on these little palm tree things at least 15-20 feet. No lie. And massive elephant ears. We got pics. Sorry Mom, should have dug them back up for the ditch.
At this one point where the trail just leads straight into deep water there is this family coming out. They say its at least an hour to the falls and that they are heading back because its 4 and they dont want to be stuck in the dark. Sun sets at about 7 so we're wondering what to do. Naturally we press on.
We hide her purse and my camera bag with everything in it and I take off my shoes thinking I could keep them dry. Sara just plunges in like a champion. Seriously there is something wrong with this girl because she is fearless and doesnt complain one time, even when she slips and cuts herself, which was considerable. AND she not only keeps up with me but leads the way most of the time, leaving me behind even. Are ALL girls from Sweden like this? Geeeze :)
So after we swim and find the trail again, we understand why they said this was a hard hike. Huge rocks, slippery with moss and algy, extremely steep muddy climbs, wading on said slippery rocks time and time again, making our own path and litterally climbing up huge rocks, you name it we climbed up and through it. Needless to say my bare feet didnt last long but I tried.
We get to a bambo forrest even and then we can finally see some progress as the base is about 100-200yards away, still climbing. We even run at some points because we are in a race for the sun remember. Towards the last part we dont really have a trail and push on through the water and rocks.
Then we turn this bend, and there she freaking blows captain. The 1000'+ water fall. About a 100 feet from us. I CANNOT even begin to describe the view we have and how unrealistically beautiful it is. Seriously this is straight CGI right in front of us. We continue to the base and its just unbelievable. Extremely windy and misty and loud. I have vertigo when I look up its so high and the greenest walls just climb so impossibly high. They form this U shape with the falls at the bottom of the U. The walls form the rest and they are just incredible. And this really high rocky and green hill sits in the middle of the U and has the best view of the area. Im KILLING myself for not being able to bring my camera but we had the underwater camera at least. Hopefully those come out. My only thoughts are complete awe and anger than I cant stay longer.
With insane regret we head back after swimming under the falls. For some reason my breath was actaully taken away at one point while under because this huge gush of water dropped on us. Indescribable again.
We ended up getting down pretty quickly and record time Im sure. And to prove how random this island and trip continues to be, who of all people do we run into back on the road...the weird New Jersey dude! Seriously how is this possible! We are over an hour away from him and down in a valley on a back road to nowhere. Mad crazy, we're still tripping over that one.
We walk back to beach where we then run into these two really rough and worn guys. They just got back from a wild boar hunting trip about 9 miles hike into the valley. They had dogs with them that had gashes from the hunt and they showed us a video of them stabbing and killing a huge hog while the dogs were all biting it and holding it in place. Brutally hardcore stuff.
So now really exhausted and ankles sore we relax and enjoy our last night in the valley with coqui frogs and the sound of the ocean.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Day 16: Moving on to Wai Pio
The waves were much better to us last night. They didnt wake me up as much but my neck got twisted up or something because its sooore. We had cheetos and pbj/nutela again mmmm. And then I found a kayak paddle by our shore. Bingo. Uncle Lawrence would be happy. We walked to the facilities and sure enough we ran into him after finding his people and giving them the paddle. He was in fact happy because some rival guy lost a paddle and took one of theirs. This served as a replacement I guess because he was happy. We packed up our stuff after saying goodbye and quickly hitchhiked up to the bus stop.
The grocery store served us well and I even got to speak with Kirk, Emily, SAVI!, and Mels. Thanks for picking up MOM =p Also might have mailed something to yall too ;)
Somehow we caught this last random late bus. And I mean JUST caught it. She was taking off and I had to run with full pack and two heavy grocery bags. Sara was amused and impressed too so it was now double worth it.
On the bus we talked to some really cool local women. The oldest one must have been close to 60 because she mentioned being on the island for 50 years but she was gorgeous and didnt look older than 40. It was crazy. But she has nothing on my beautiful 35 year old mom :D We made the next bus stop at Kmart and we had hunger and guess what they had for 6 bucks fresh hot and ready? Ohh yeeeaaa, little ceasars baby! We chowed down on that bad boy and still have half for later.
The bus comes and this really cool old dude is driving and doesnt even charge me for my bags and is playing music on the bus too. Exact opposite of Mrs Maggy Other Driver. Hahaha only a few of yall will get that one ;) And Mimi, the older woman, mentioned to us that they were going out tonight and if we knew her 2 days ago she would have driven us around and let us crash her place! Doh. Oh well, cant catch them all.
The bus ride was only about an hour and a half this time which gave me good time to catch up on the blog. Im actually writing for the same day first time! Feels great. But anyway, the bus actually takes us 8 miles past our stop so we get to hitching again.
Was rough this time as people werent as nice here or we werent as lucky. But a really nice older guy finally stops and lets us in the back of his truck. Its amazing how much you appreciate the invention of the wheel when youre looking back at the road and all the miles you WOULD have hiked if not for the kindness of a stranger. I will most definitely not think twice about hitchhikers from now on. In fact I will give the next one a ride provided he doesnt have a rifle or sword on his person. Or handcuffs and a jump suit.
We actually find ourself at the same outlook we were at during the island tour. But this time we were walking alllll the way down Wai Pio Valley. Which we just found out has wild horses roaming around. Looks like we get different wildlife out of our tent each morning. Yea thats how I roll, whats up.
Well we finally get down the brutally steep slopes (which actually turns out to be THE steepest slope in all Hawaii), thighs burning and shaking. And on the way down we met this mother and daughter who was like 7 on their way up. Well we saw multiple cars going up and ask them why they didnt take one and the mom says the daughter turned them all down because she WANTED to walk up. What a brave little kid. Haha but then she said she changed her mind. Silly girls.
So we're down at the bottom, run into some Canadians who point us in the right direction and we head straight for the beach, sun setting already. Well we get lost and are trapesing through the woods and stuff and head towards this light like that bug in Bugs Life (DONT LOOK AT THE LIGHT! Zzzt!). Turns out its these peoples back yard and they are grilling out with kids camping in the back yard. We feel like creepos coming in from back yard with only kids outside. But we get these two guys who are there and they show us a spot where we can camp and now here we are. Looking at the most beautifully clear night sky and sound of a nice calm beach right down from us. And a nice steady cool breeze. And we have a fire pit for the first time but probably not going to use it as we dont want attention and have no food to grill :( But man what a journey here and a nice rewarding valley campsite. Oh and its a black sand beach :)
Dun duun! Dun DUUUNNN! dunna DUN da dun da duuuunn! Da da da daaaa, da dadda da, da dadda da!!!
Anyone know that one?? Hint: The valley we are in was filmed in a famous dino movie.
The grocery store served us well and I even got to speak with Kirk, Emily, SAVI!, and Mels. Thanks for picking up MOM =p Also might have mailed something to yall too ;)
Somehow we caught this last random late bus. And I mean JUST caught it. She was taking off and I had to run with full pack and two heavy grocery bags. Sara was amused and impressed too so it was now double worth it.
On the bus we talked to some really cool local women. The oldest one must have been close to 60 because she mentioned being on the island for 50 years but she was gorgeous and didnt look older than 40. It was crazy. But she has nothing on my beautiful 35 year old mom :D We made the next bus stop at Kmart and we had hunger and guess what they had for 6 bucks fresh hot and ready? Ohh yeeeaaa, little ceasars baby! We chowed down on that bad boy and still have half for later.
The bus comes and this really cool old dude is driving and doesnt even charge me for my bags and is playing music on the bus too. Exact opposite of Mrs Maggy Other Driver. Hahaha only a few of yall will get that one ;) And Mimi, the older woman, mentioned to us that they were going out tonight and if we knew her 2 days ago she would have driven us around and let us crash her place! Doh. Oh well, cant catch them all.
The bus ride was only about an hour and a half this time which gave me good time to catch up on the blog. Im actually writing for the same day first time! Feels great. But anyway, the bus actually takes us 8 miles past our stop so we get to hitching again.
Was rough this time as people werent as nice here or we werent as lucky. But a really nice older guy finally stops and lets us in the back of his truck. Its amazing how much you appreciate the invention of the wheel when youre looking back at the road and all the miles you WOULD have hiked if not for the kindness of a stranger. I will most definitely not think twice about hitchhikers from now on. In fact I will give the next one a ride provided he doesnt have a rifle or sword on his person. Or handcuffs and a jump suit.
We actually find ourself at the same outlook we were at during the island tour. But this time we were walking alllll the way down Wai Pio Valley. Which we just found out has wild horses roaming around. Looks like we get different wildlife out of our tent each morning. Yea thats how I roll, whats up.
Well we finally get down the brutally steep slopes (which actually turns out to be THE steepest slope in all Hawaii), thighs burning and shaking. And on the way down we met this mother and daughter who was like 7 on their way up. Well we saw multiple cars going up and ask them why they didnt take one and the mom says the daughter turned them all down because she WANTED to walk up. What a brave little kid. Haha but then she said she changed her mind. Silly girls.
So we're down at the bottom, run into some Canadians who point us in the right direction and we head straight for the beach, sun setting already. Well we get lost and are trapesing through the woods and stuff and head towards this light like that bug in Bugs Life (DONT LOOK AT THE LIGHT! Zzzt!). Turns out its these peoples back yard and they are grilling out with kids camping in the back yard. We feel like creepos coming in from back yard with only kids outside. But we get these two guys who are there and they show us a spot where we can camp and now here we are. Looking at the most beautifully clear night sky and sound of a nice calm beach right down from us. And a nice steady cool breeze. And we have a fire pit for the first time but probably not going to use it as we dont want attention and have no food to grill :( But man what a journey here and a nice rewarding valley campsite. Oh and its a black sand beach :)
Dun duun! Dun DUUUNNN! dunna DUN da dun da duuuunn! Da da da daaaa, da dadda da, da dadda da!!!
Anyone know that one?? Hint: The valley we are in was filmed in a famous dino movie.
Waking up this morning was no problem whatsoever thanks to the waves slamming against the rocks. In fact falling asleep was the problem. Unreal how loud the waves were against the rocks. Then again sleeping about 20 feet from them probabaly didnt help. But we were up and ate our quick breakfast of chips dipped in nutela and pbj. Then we headed over to the other side of the bay to snorkle.
The fish here were the big yellow ones and black with orange spot ones and random others. The coral was a lot better than our turtle bay but still nothing that was too exciting for me. Especially considering they boasted best in state. Bah. Maybe over where the dolphins were. I ended up not getting a chance to snorkle with the dolphins :( but at least Sara go to see them for us. The reason was because we ran into some locals that were jumping off a high ledge right where we were swimming so we joined them. So much fun but after all the snorkling and swimming I felt at least 300lbs on shore.
We met up with with the girl and guy later and we all drove to grab some food. And wouldnt you know it, pizza at last! Local pies. Some veggie with feta, basil pesto, and peporoni. Yummo. And the guy even paid for us. Booyah. Food was just in time too cause of our poor excuse for breakfast.
After food we headed to a house of a friend of the girl (Merav) we were with. They were going to have a ukelele jam session or something and asked us to come with. Take note Im in my togs(Queens Australia term for bathing costume or swim suit if you still dont follow) and flip flops still, no shirt or money or anything but snorkling gear. But at least no shirt is very common here, not that I was worried. It was nice being in a house again but odd too because the road has been our home for so long. They had clash of the titans on too, which I still havent seen.
Outside they had started the jamming so we went out there. It was really fun and they sounded great. Oh! When we walked into the house we immediately saw this guy that we asked for a ride from at the grocery store the previous day. He turned us down of course saying he lived right up the street. Haha it was so awkward but we were cracking up because he had this look on his face when he saw us and we all met officially this time. What a small random world I live in now. But he came out later and rapped a bit to the 2 ukes that were playing. Good stuff. A second later I look over in their garden and see tomato plants, some flowers, some melons and then bam, jagged leaves. Yes Im looking at the lady herself, Mary J. 8 of them. Never really seen a live plant before, much less just right there in someones front yard! Haha I know yall are probably freaking but let me explain. EVERYONE in Hawaii smokes pot. Everyone. And
most people have medical cards which allows them to carry up to 3ozs and grow up to 8 plants. So its very common apparently to see this but it was just our first time too actually see it here. We met the older guy who was growing and he answered our plethora of questions about it all and even showed us his private grow collection of clones and stuff. Very interesting herbology class we found ourselves in haha.
Next we found ourselves watching 2012 and when it was over we got dropped back off at our bay. We ran into Uncle Lawrence and chatted with him for a bit. He gave us food when left too! Great guy him. Without a flashlight we started to feel our way a couple hundred yards into the woods and shoreline where our stuff was hidden. Not fun. But we found it at last and set up camp. We ate our chicken wraps and passed out soonly, stomachs full for once.
The fish here were the big yellow ones and black with orange spot ones and random others. The coral was a lot better than our turtle bay but still nothing that was too exciting for me. Especially considering they boasted best in state. Bah. Maybe over where the dolphins were. I ended up not getting a chance to snorkle with the dolphins :( but at least Sara go to see them for us. The reason was because we ran into some locals that were jumping off a high ledge right where we were swimming so we joined them. So much fun but after all the snorkling and swimming I felt at least 300lbs on shore.
We met up with with the girl and guy later and we all drove to grab some food. And wouldnt you know it, pizza at last! Local pies. Some veggie with feta, basil pesto, and peporoni. Yummo. And the guy even paid for us. Booyah. Food was just in time too cause of our poor excuse for breakfast.
After food we headed to a house of a friend of the girl (Merav) we were with. They were going to have a ukelele jam session or something and asked us to come with. Take note Im in my togs(Queens Australia term for bathing costume or swim suit if you still dont follow) and flip flops still, no shirt or money or anything but snorkling gear. But at least no shirt is very common here, not that I was worried. It was nice being in a house again but odd too because the road has been our home for so long. They had clash of the titans on too, which I still havent seen.
Outside they had started the jamming so we went out there. It was really fun and they sounded great. Oh! When we walked into the house we immediately saw this guy that we asked for a ride from at the grocery store the previous day. He turned us down of course saying he lived right up the street. Haha it was so awkward but we were cracking up because he had this look on his face when he saw us and we all met officially this time. What a small random world I live in now. But he came out later and rapped a bit to the 2 ukes that were playing. Good stuff. A second later I look over in their garden and see tomato plants, some flowers, some melons and then bam, jagged leaves. Yes Im looking at the lady herself, Mary J. 8 of them. Never really seen a live plant before, much less just right there in someones front yard! Haha I know yall are probably freaking but let me explain. EVERYONE in Hawaii smokes pot. Everyone. And
most people have medical cards which allows them to carry up to 3ozs and grow up to 8 plants. So its very common apparently to see this but it was just our first time too actually see it here. We met the older guy who was growing and he answered our plethora of questions about it all and even showed us his private grow collection of clones and stuff. Very interesting herbology class we found ourselves in haha.
Next we found ourselves watching 2012 and when it was over we got dropped back off at our bay. We ran into Uncle Lawrence and chatted with him for a bit. He gave us food when left too! Great guy him. Without a flashlight we started to feel our way a couple hundred yards into the woods and shoreline where our stuff was hidden. Not fun. But we found it at last and set up camp. We ate our chicken wraps and passed out soonly, stomachs full for once.
Day 15: Kealakekua Bay
Waking up this morning was no problem whatsoever thanks to the waves slamming against the rocks. In fact falling asleep was the problem. Unreal how loud the waves were against the rocks. Then again sleeping about 20 feet from them probabaly didnt help. But we were up and ate our quick breakfast of chips dipped in nutela and pbj. Then we headed over to the other side of the bay to snorkle.
The fish here were the big yellow ones and black with orange spot ones and random others. The coral was a lot better than our turtle bay but still nothing that was too exciting for me. Especially considering they boasted best in state. Bah. Maybe over where the dolphins were. I ended up not getting a chance to snorkle with the dolphins :( but at least Sara go to see them for us. The reason was because we ran into some locals that were jumping off a high ledge right where we were swimming so we joined them. So much fun but after all the snorkling and swimming I felt at least 300lbs on shore.
We met up with with the girl and guy later and we all drove to grab some food. And wouldnt you know it, pizza at last! Local pies. Some veggie with feta, basil pesto, and peporoni. Yummo. And the guy even paid for us. Booyah. Food was just in time too cause of our poor excuse for breakfast.
After food we headed to a house of a friend of the girl (Merav) we were with. They were going to have a ukelele jam session or something and asked us to come with. Take note Im in my togs(Queens Australia term for bathing costume or swim suit if you still dont follow) and flip flops still, no shirt or money or anything but snorkling gear. But at least no shirt is very common here, not that I was worried. It was nice being in a house again but odd too because the road has been our home for so long. They had clash of the titans on too, which I still havent seen.
Outside they had started the jamming so we went out there. It was really fun and they sounded great. Oh! When we walked into the house we immediately saw this guy that we asked for a ride from at the grocery store the previous day. He turned us down of course saying he lived right up the street. Haha it was so awkward but we were cracking up because he had this look on his face when he saw us and we all met officially this time. What a small random world I live in now. But he came out later and rapped a bit to the 2 ukes that were playing. Good stuff. A second later I look over in their garden and see tomato plants, some flowers, some melons and then bam, jagged leaves. Yes Im looking at the lady herself, Mary J. 8 of them. Never really seen a live plant before, much less just right there in someones front yard! Haha I know yall are probably freaking but let me explain. EVERYONE in Hawaii smokes pot. Everyone. And
most people have medical cards which allows them to carry up to 3ozs and grow up to 8 plants. So its very common apparently to see this but it was just our first time too actually see it here. We met the older guy who was growing and he answered our plethora of questions about it all and even showed us his private grow collection of clones and stuff. Very interesting herbology class we found ourselves in haha.
Next we found ourselves watching 2012 and when it was over we got dropped back off at our bay. We ran into Uncle Lawrence and chatted with him for a bit. He gave us food when left too! Great guy him. Without a flashlight we started to feel our way a couple hundred yards into the woods and shoreline where our stuff was hidden. Not fun. But we found it at last and set up camp. We ate our chicken wraps and passed out soonly, stomachs full for once.
The fish here were the big yellow ones and black with orange spot ones and random others. The coral was a lot better than our turtle bay but still nothing that was too exciting for me. Especially considering they boasted best in state. Bah. Maybe over where the dolphins were. I ended up not getting a chance to snorkle with the dolphins :( but at least Sara go to see them for us. The reason was because we ran into some locals that were jumping off a high ledge right where we were swimming so we joined them. So much fun but after all the snorkling and swimming I felt at least 300lbs on shore.
We met up with with the girl and guy later and we all drove to grab some food. And wouldnt you know it, pizza at last! Local pies. Some veggie with feta, basil pesto, and peporoni. Yummo. And the guy even paid for us. Booyah. Food was just in time too cause of our poor excuse for breakfast.
After food we headed to a house of a friend of the girl (Merav) we were with. They were going to have a ukelele jam session or something and asked us to come with. Take note Im in my togs(Queens Australia term for bathing costume or swim suit if you still dont follow) and flip flops still, no shirt or money or anything but snorkling gear. But at least no shirt is very common here, not that I was worried. It was nice being in a house again but odd too because the road has been our home for so long. They had clash of the titans on too, which I still havent seen.
Outside they had started the jamming so we went out there. It was really fun and they sounded great. Oh! When we walked into the house we immediately saw this guy that we asked for a ride from at the grocery store the previous day. He turned us down of course saying he lived right up the street. Haha it was so awkward but we were cracking up because he had this look on his face when he saw us and we all met officially this time. What a small random world I live in now. But he came out later and rapped a bit to the 2 ukes that were playing. Good stuff. A second later I look over in their garden and see tomato plants, some flowers, some melons and then bam, jagged leaves. Yes Im looking at the lady herself, Mary J. 8 of them. Never really seen a live plant before, much less just right there in someones front yard! Haha I know yall are probably freaking but let me explain. EVERYONE in Hawaii smokes pot. Everyone. And
most people have medical cards which allows them to carry up to 3ozs and grow up to 8 plants. So its very common apparently to see this but it was just our first time too actually see it here. We met the older guy who was growing and he answered our plethora of questions about it all and even showed us his private grow collection of clones and stuff. Very interesting herbology class we found ourselves in haha.
Next we found ourselves watching 2012 and when it was over we got dropped back off at our bay. We ran into Uncle Lawrence and chatted with him for a bit. He gave us food when left too! Great guy him. Without a flashlight we started to feel our way a couple hundred yards into the woods and shoreline where our stuff was hidden. Not fun. But we found it at last and set up camp. We ate our chicken wraps and passed out soonly, stomachs full for once.
Day 14: The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow
Wow. What a completely bad night of sleep. Woke up sore as all get out and ready to peace out ASAP. We start walking and somehow only walk about a mile and someone picks us up. Awesome! We get a ride to this Kaelekuela Bay which has the Capt Cook monument. And the guy we rode with just happened to be the son of the guy who "owns" this place. Well they rent the kayaks here but they are local "Uncles" here in the bay which means they are like the mob you could say. They know everyhing that goes on here and people respect them. That sort of thing. Seems this is the Hawaiin way wherever you are. All about uncles and respect. So just show respect and you can get and do just about anything. We meet the father Uncle Lawrence. Son is Kaloni. Both extremely nice people who tell us about everything and show us where we can camp in te mountains. We thank them and head of to check it out.
The beach is a black sand and white sand beach with nothing but rocks on the shore. The bay claims some of the best snorkling on the islands with schools of fish and dolphin pods. Naturally this excites us so we cant wait. The place even has a pavilion with a shower and power. Score. Such a reilef over last night.
We head to where they pointed and its great. No sand on the shore but where I layed down there was some. I finally got to bust out the book and read! Sara went snorkling with some randoms and came back claiming to have been like a couple of feet from the dolphins. Totally jealous but I was enjoying my first ever true alone time on the islands where I could relax.
Soon as Sara got back we found our campsites, plural because I wanted to use my own tent for a change, and headed back to the road for food. We ran into Kaloni and he gave us a ride to the grocery store. We ate at this Chinese place and hitchhiked back with a mexican dude. And when we came back we ran into this same guy we ran into earlier today that was really stoned and drunk or something. We eneded up talking with him for a while because we didnt want him to know where all our stuff was and that we were camping in the woods. He poured out some stuff to us and we just laugh to each other because this guy is pretty far gone. But he leaves after dark and we head to set up camp. This is when we realize our bread is for the second time claimed by nature. Ants and roaches this time. Uugggghhhh!!
We get all our stuff pitched and go to pass out. Only the waves are right by us and smash really hard against the rocks so it makes it near impossible to sleep. And I find myself on reallly hard surfaces so Im sore again the next day. Really cool place but just bad place to sleep if your not used to it.
The beach is a black sand and white sand beach with nothing but rocks on the shore. The bay claims some of the best snorkling on the islands with schools of fish and dolphin pods. Naturally this excites us so we cant wait. The place even has a pavilion with a shower and power. Score. Such a reilef over last night.
We head to where they pointed and its great. No sand on the shore but where I layed down there was some. I finally got to bust out the book and read! Sara went snorkling with some randoms and came back claiming to have been like a couple of feet from the dolphins. Totally jealous but I was enjoying my first ever true alone time on the islands where I could relax.
Soon as Sara got back we found our campsites, plural because I wanted to use my own tent for a change, and headed back to the road for food. We ran into Kaloni and he gave us a ride to the grocery store. We ate at this Chinese place and hitchhiked back with a mexican dude. And when we came back we ran into this same guy we ran into earlier today that was really stoned and drunk or something. We eneded up talking with him for a while because we didnt want him to know where all our stuff was and that we were camping in the woods. He poured out some stuff to us and we just laugh to each other because this guy is pretty far gone. But he leaves after dark and we head to set up camp. This is when we realize our bread is for the second time claimed by nature. Ants and roaches this time. Uugggghhhh!!
We get all our stuff pitched and go to pass out. Only the waves are right by us and smash really hard against the rocks so it makes it near impossible to sleep. And I find myself on reallly hard surfaces so Im sore again the next day. Really cool place but just bad place to sleep if your not used to it.
Day 13: Kona and the Lava Fields
Sara and I woke up kinda late today after sleeping extremely cramped in a two man tent on roots and rocks. Dell and Jake came to pick us up and we headed to the farmers market and check out our bus situation. We were dropped off at the mall and ate some lunch. Kind of ashamed to say but I had 2 double cheeses from McDs and it was goood. Anything this trip that isnt pbj is heaven. Speaking of which our third loaf of bread was claimed by nature the next day! And we even hung it from a tree! Nature sure does love its bread and its sneaky to get it too.
So we hung out at the mall until our bus at 1:10. We even saw a hula dance with these really old Jerries and this woman in front leading the dance that looked like Mathusala's sister lol. Seriously she was like 200 years old (Mathusala is the 900 yr old dude from the bible btw). Our bus finally arrives and the driver lady is extremely uncool and mean to me for some reason but whatever. We get on and pass out.
4 hours later we get off in Kona and start walking. It was a long walk before some nice lady in a big truck picked us up. She drove us back to the statue place we already saw so we walked down another road to a bay where we met this really weird guy from NJ. He was really nice, gave us water and passion fruit even, but was talking all spiritual and how the island had called us here. Yea that sort of person. Oh and when we were opening the fruits and Sara got hers he was so extremely passionate about it and went something like "oh yeeeesss! She's in! Thats soooo amazing!" Haha this guy gave us some laughter later to say the least. And later we would meet these other people who told us the same jab about being called to the island. Sorry but cant I just make a nice random decision to come here for no other reason but to explore and not work?
Anyway we watch the sunset and he tells us this spot up the hill to camp. Weeeellll ole high hippy dude from NJ turns out to be one of my least favorite people on the trip. This had to be an island joke because, well....it was a freaking old lava field! We walk around on some trails in the dark tryin to find a place to crash. Its getting late for us and theres NOTHING but rock. Finally we find some simblance of dirt and just say screw it and pitch the tent. We also had our gear in there so yay another cramped night! And holy batman flaps it was hooott! Yea we kinda had our first tiff too but nothing bad. Just having our worst night in Hawaii by far.
So with everything covered in sweat and it raining and mosquitos outside and door shut with no air and on rocks and feet tucked in to chests, we try to get some sleep. Guess how much I love my decisions right now....
So we hung out at the mall until our bus at 1:10. We even saw a hula dance with these really old Jerries and this woman in front leading the dance that looked like Mathusala's sister lol. Seriously she was like 200 years old (Mathusala is the 900 yr old dude from the bible btw). Our bus finally arrives and the driver lady is extremely uncool and mean to me for some reason but whatever. We get on and pass out.
4 hours later we get off in Kona and start walking. It was a long walk before some nice lady in a big truck picked us up. She drove us back to the statue place we already saw so we walked down another road to a bay where we met this really weird guy from NJ. He was really nice, gave us water and passion fruit even, but was talking all spiritual and how the island had called us here. Yea that sort of person. Oh and when we were opening the fruits and Sara got hers he was so extremely passionate about it and went something like "oh yeeeesss! She's in! Thats soooo amazing!" Haha this guy gave us some laughter later to say the least. And later we would meet these other people who told us the same jab about being called to the island. Sorry but cant I just make a nice random decision to come here for no other reason but to explore and not work?
Anyway we watch the sunset and he tells us this spot up the hill to camp. Weeeellll ole high hippy dude from NJ turns out to be one of my least favorite people on the trip. This had to be an island joke because, well....it was a freaking old lava field! We walk around on some trails in the dark tryin to find a place to crash. Its getting late for us and theres NOTHING but rock. Finally we find some simblance of dirt and just say screw it and pitch the tent. We also had our gear in there so yay another cramped night! And holy batman flaps it was hooott! Yea we kinda had our first tiff too but nothing bad. Just having our worst night in Hawaii by far.
So with everything covered in sweat and it raining and mosquitos outside and door shut with no air and on rocks and feet tucked in to chests, we try to get some sleep. Guess how much I love my decisions right now....
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Day 12: Busted
Just an aside but please frward this blog to any of the family or friends that you think would e interested. There were a lot of email addys I didnt have when I sent out the link. Also I am trying to respond to comment when I can so check back on older posts because I might respond a few days later. The time it takes on the phone to write these is much longer than I thought so to go back and respond on comments takes longer =\
Slept in as late as we could this morning. So around 9 here. We rolled out of the tent, put our gear on, jumped into the water, and snorkled with our shelly friends again. There were 4 turtles in our bay this morning, 4! How many sea turltes were in YOUR bay this morning? Weather was finally sunny again, giving this island a chance afterall.
We grabbed a snack for breakfast and headed to the park to meet up a local Sara met her first day. There were a bunch of people at the park today as it was Sunday and nice out. We all just layed in the grass in the shade of palm and other trees. They keep all public palm trees free of nuts so they dont fall and hurt or kill people by the way. Wow what a crappy way to die, get hit by some delicious nut. Anyway we pass out for a bit, tan up a little more and then head back to grab a bite to eat.
Well on the way back to the jungle we took a different way. We cut through these woods, harmless enough right? How about if the ground is water instead of normal leaves. Like Im talking swampy knee high water, water covered like in star wars in that garbage shoot place with the monster swimming around. Yea crazy scary looking stuff. But in Hawaii they dont have snakes or gators so we slowly edged in and waded through. It was kind of fun in the end because we got scared over nothing really.
Wrong day. Start here but still went snorkling.
Some random guys popped their heads in front of our tent and woke us up so we got out and started talking with them. One of them went and opened a coconut so that was our breakfast. They left and we snorkled with turtles again. Later we were back in the tent resting and figuring out what to do next when we hear a car honk outside our tent! Crapola! I get out and wave and its this big lady in an suv. She has this expression on her face and we start talking. She tells me we cant camp here and stuff and I say we were just staying the day but we were just leaving in a bit. Shes really not nice but I try to be polite anyway. She drives off and we start packing up. Then this other dude is coming towards us! He holds his hands out, we say hi, he says what are you guys doing, private property! We explain things to him and he calms down immediately. Hes the grandson of the woman who owns the house and property that I just spoke to. But hes nicer and tells us they had people steal out of the house so they come out pretty strong on people.
So now we're packed up and wondering where the crap we're gonna sleep next. We head to the park to figure things out. Sure enough the same guys are at the same table and call us over. Real nice group but a tad loopy. They gave us a beer and we sat down with them for a while, grateful for their company this time. A few women were with them too.
We end up getting in touch with Dell and Jake, our island heroes, and they pick us up after we walk back to Arnots. They take us to a local joint where we get this dish called Loco Moco. Its rice, beef patty, egg, and topped with brown gravy. Its actually really good. Next we went back to the Ava Bar where they had live music and TONS of hippies. Always fun hippy watching! They also show us the bus stop because we decided to change sides of the island. We get dropped off at Arnots and meet up with Matt, who wants to go see some live lava. Im stoked about seeing it again so we go.
We get out there and walk out to the fresh flows where its just as amazing as the previous night. But on the way out to the live flows we found ourselves feeling heat below us...not too cool. We back up and walk another way and then start stepping on more hot black lava! We start freaking out a little when we see a red glow beneath our feets! Yea thats right, we were walking on live freaking lava and didnt know it! We quickly back track a bit more this time and go a different way. Scary stuff that. When we finally get to the flowing lava I let loose some more pictures and then just enjoy watching it. And the whole time we were smelling the sulfer coming out of the cracks because the winds were different tonight. It started to make me sick so we backed off a good bit. Deadly gas doesnt play nice with my body I guess. We left probably an hour or so later, feeling a bit off. Not cool but definitly worth it. Hopefully I didnt lose a year or two of my life tonight.
We got dropped off and camped in a nearby field under a tree. Grateful to finally lay down, we passed out around 2.
Slept in as late as we could this morning. So around 9 here. We rolled out of the tent, put our gear on, jumped into the water, and snorkled with our shelly friends again. There were 4 turtles in our bay this morning, 4! How many sea turltes were in YOUR bay this morning? Weather was finally sunny again, giving this island a chance afterall.
We grabbed a snack for breakfast and headed to the park to meet up a local Sara met her first day. There were a bunch of people at the park today as it was Sunday and nice out. We all just layed in the grass in the shade of palm and other trees. They keep all public palm trees free of nuts so they dont fall and hurt or kill people by the way. Wow what a crappy way to die, get hit by some delicious nut. Anyway we pass out for a bit, tan up a little more and then head back to grab a bite to eat.
Well on the way back to the jungle we took a different way. We cut through these woods, harmless enough right? How about if the ground is water instead of normal leaves. Like Im talking swampy knee high water, water covered like in star wars in that garbage shoot place with the monster swimming around. Yea crazy scary looking stuff. But in Hawaii they dont have snakes or gators so we slowly edged in and waded through. It was kind of fun in the end because we got scared over nothing really.
Wrong day. Start here but still went snorkling.
Some random guys popped their heads in front of our tent and woke us up so we got out and started talking with them. One of them went and opened a coconut so that was our breakfast. They left and we snorkled with turtles again. Later we were back in the tent resting and figuring out what to do next when we hear a car honk outside our tent! Crapola! I get out and wave and its this big lady in an suv. She has this expression on her face and we start talking. She tells me we cant camp here and stuff and I say we were just staying the day but we were just leaving in a bit. Shes really not nice but I try to be polite anyway. She drives off and we start packing up. Then this other dude is coming towards us! He holds his hands out, we say hi, he says what are you guys doing, private property! We explain things to him and he calms down immediately. Hes the grandson of the woman who owns the house and property that I just spoke to. But hes nicer and tells us they had people steal out of the house so they come out pretty strong on people.
So now we're packed up and wondering where the crap we're gonna sleep next. We head to the park to figure things out. Sure enough the same guys are at the same table and call us over. Real nice group but a tad loopy. They gave us a beer and we sat down with them for a while, grateful for their company this time. A few women were with them too.
We end up getting in touch with Dell and Jake, our island heroes, and they pick us up after we walk back to Arnots. They take us to a local joint where we get this dish called Loco Moco. Its rice, beef patty, egg, and topped with brown gravy. Its actually really good. Next we went back to the Ava Bar where they had live music and TONS of hippies. Always fun hippy watching! They also show us the bus stop because we decided to change sides of the island. We get dropped off at Arnots and meet up with Matt, who wants to go see some live lava. Im stoked about seeing it again so we go.
We get out there and walk out to the fresh flows where its just as amazing as the previous night. But on the way out to the live flows we found ourselves feeling heat below us...not too cool. We back up and walk another way and then start stepping on more hot black lava! We start freaking out a little when we see a red glow beneath our feets! Yea thats right, we were walking on live freaking lava and didnt know it! We quickly back track a bit more this time and go a different way. Scary stuff that. When we finally get to the flowing lava I let loose some more pictures and then just enjoy watching it. And the whole time we were smelling the sulfer coming out of the cracks because the winds were different tonight. It started to make me sick so we backed off a good bit. Deadly gas doesnt play nice with my body I guess. We left probably an hour or so later, feeling a bit off. Not cool but definitly worth it. Hopefully I didnt lose a year or two of my life tonight.
We got dropped off and camped in a nearby field under a tree. Grateful to finally lay down, we passed out around 2.
Monday, July 26, 2010
More live freaking lava!
deep colors
Day 11: Snorkling with Lava Turtles
Today was easily one of my favorites here in Hawaii. We woke up this morning after sleeping in finally to see 3 sea turtles swimming in our cove right outside our tent! Two of them get up on the beach too. We get all excited and I go grab a couple of pictures. Even got some good close ups. They kind of turn around and go back into the water and Sara already has her snorkling gear on and is in the water. I race to get mine on, having neve used it yet, and jump in too. She is already swimmin with all three and I get over there for the last one. She has the underwater camera so I get with the turtle and its just amazing. Dont even know how to decribe it. So peaceful under the water and the turtle is just chill and eating and beautiful. I approach her a little more and shes totally fine with our presence. I reach out and she lets me touch her! Shell, flippers, whatever. I was being gentle and in pure shock and awe at what was happening. I push my luck a bit more when she starts swimming by holding onto her back shell. She is actually letting me ride her!! She pics up speed and so do I. I just wan to shou out with exhileration but I cant cause, you know, Im under water and stuff. Sara is getting pics I hope but then the turlte gets a bit spooked or something and takes off =\ (no worries, Sara got some pics with them the next day). My turtle quest is now not only complete but an overwhelming success. And when we walked to the park nearby on this rock we saw 2 more. One was trapped in this rock circle because the tide was out. She was massive too.
We met up one of Saras local friends at the park and just hung out and slept a bit. Was really nice because there were lots of people and familys and I miss mine. The guy had his 3yr old daughter with him so naturally I think of my two nieces and Christinas girls who I lived with in AR.
After a while we left to got back to the campsite to eat but again there were people, everywhere this time and around our tent. But noone seemed to bother it so it was all good. We stopped by some guys grilling closest to our tent and strunk up convo. They offered us steak and hotdogs and drinks! Bingo. Finally, something grilled and not pbj! Was complete relief at this point. Everyone was really nice and they all just come out to this spot on the weekends.
We went snorkling some more to see if we could find more turtles, someone had just spotted them. But somewhere along the way it finally happened. I sliced my left middle finger open right on the tip. Yeeeaa it hurt a bit and would NOT stop bleeding. Also stepped on some coral on my heel so it got cut up but didnt bleed. Just painful when I walk. Great. Mad at the ocean now I sit out and nurse my wound. Sara got bloodied up on her toe and leg and another guy stepped on an urchin. Haha and he peed on it in front of the parks view of where we were.
When it was time for them to pack up we helped and got thier number because they too wanted to go see the lava flow. Ohhh buudddy!! FINALLY going to see LIVE lava!!
We get in touch later when its dark and they come to pick us up. Theres two guys, Tim and Beau, and Tims pregnant gf, Shalei(sp). Beau has this crazy accent too. With a full car and excited people we head out! Its about a 45min drive to the lava but it took us a bit longer due to a flat tire. Wouldnt you know it. And then we discover the jack is missing! Lol its just getting funny at this point. The guys are sitting there calling people with no luck and Sara I guess just decides to take over the situation so she flags down a car and they have a jack! Everyone is laughing in amazement at Sara. I had my tripod with me and the guys were starting the jack so I see a good photo opp. I set up and snapp off a couple of really cool shots. When Im done Sara has somehow taken over and is changing the flat! Hahahah 3 guys and a girl is doing the man work. In my defense I was taking pictures and was letting the guys work on their own car cause you know, what guy doesnt know how to change a flat right. Im cracking up and the job gets finshed so we're back on the road!
We get to the turn off and there are a bunch of cars going to and from the "off limits" site. Signs of course everywhere. Soon as we park it starts drizzling and Im getting completelt bummed. But my camera bag has a built in poncho so I find myself again stoked tht I chose wisely with it. Sure enough though the Hawaiin rains only last a minute or two and the winds dry me quickly.
Ok, we are now walking on some of the freshest lava in the world. Its stunningly black and crispy. Every footstep crunches like ice and the patterns look like brownie mix being poured. You can see the glow of the flow a ways off so thats where we're headed and everyone is. There are multiple glowing spots bu we head for the one where trees are being burned alive. Ohhh buddy! We get there...I see lava..only feet from me...scorching hot...brand new baby earth...Im absolutely breathless. Most amazing thing nature has ever shown me. Anything youve seen on tv or images do not remotely compare to what Im lookin at. Just woooow.
I snap a bunch of pics and we get group shots and jump shots. People think we were going to fall in the lava during those shots it was funny. We even poked and pulled some of the lava out! I wanted to spend alll night here no lie, but our friends were heading back because Lei needed to sit down. Yes, a 6month pregnant woman hiked out to see lava. Thats how cool this stuff is. So we leave too and head back to Hilo, completely humbled.
Today I snorkled with and rode sea turtles, ate one of my best free meals on the islands so far, made some really cool new friends, and saw and touched fresh lava for the first time....ask me how I feel right now..
We met up one of Saras local friends at the park and just hung out and slept a bit. Was really nice because there were lots of people and familys and I miss mine. The guy had his 3yr old daughter with him so naturally I think of my two nieces and Christinas girls who I lived with in AR.
After a while we left to got back to the campsite to eat but again there were people, everywhere this time and around our tent. But noone seemed to bother it so it was all good. We stopped by some guys grilling closest to our tent and strunk up convo. They offered us steak and hotdogs and drinks! Bingo. Finally, something grilled and not pbj! Was complete relief at this point. Everyone was really nice and they all just come out to this spot on the weekends.
We went snorkling some more to see if we could find more turtles, someone had just spotted them. But somewhere along the way it finally happened. I sliced my left middle finger open right on the tip. Yeeeaa it hurt a bit and would NOT stop bleeding. Also stepped on some coral on my heel so it got cut up but didnt bleed. Just painful when I walk. Great. Mad at the ocean now I sit out and nurse my wound. Sara got bloodied up on her toe and leg and another guy stepped on an urchin. Haha and he peed on it in front of the parks view of where we were.
When it was time for them to pack up we helped and got thier number because they too wanted to go see the lava flow. Ohhh buudddy!! FINALLY going to see LIVE lava!!
We get in touch later when its dark and they come to pick us up. Theres two guys, Tim and Beau, and Tims pregnant gf, Shalei(sp). Beau has this crazy accent too. With a full car and excited people we head out! Its about a 45min drive to the lava but it took us a bit longer due to a flat tire. Wouldnt you know it. And then we discover the jack is missing! Lol its just getting funny at this point. The guys are sitting there calling people with no luck and Sara I guess just decides to take over the situation so she flags down a car and they have a jack! Everyone is laughing in amazement at Sara. I had my tripod with me and the guys were starting the jack so I see a good photo opp. I set up and snapp off a couple of really cool shots. When Im done Sara has somehow taken over and is changing the flat! Hahahah 3 guys and a girl is doing the man work. In my defense I was taking pictures and was letting the guys work on their own car cause you know, what guy doesnt know how to change a flat right. Im cracking up and the job gets finshed so we're back on the road!
We get to the turn off and there are a bunch of cars going to and from the "off limits" site. Signs of course everywhere. Soon as we park it starts drizzling and Im getting completelt bummed. But my camera bag has a built in poncho so I find myself again stoked tht I chose wisely with it. Sure enough though the Hawaiin rains only last a minute or two and the winds dry me quickly.
Ok, we are now walking on some of the freshest lava in the world. Its stunningly black and crispy. Every footstep crunches like ice and the patterns look like brownie mix being poured. You can see the glow of the flow a ways off so thats where we're headed and everyone is. There are multiple glowing spots bu we head for the one where trees are being burned alive. Ohhh buddy! We get there...I see lava..only feet from me...scorching hot...brand new baby earth...Im absolutely breathless. Most amazing thing nature has ever shown me. Anything youve seen on tv or images do not remotely compare to what Im lookin at. Just woooow.
I snap a bunch of pics and we get group shots and jump shots. People think we were going to fall in the lava during those shots it was funny. We even poked and pulled some of the lava out! I wanted to spend alll night here no lie, but our friends were heading back because Lei needed to sit down. Yes, a 6month pregnant woman hiked out to see lava. Thats how cool this stuff is. So we leave too and head back to Hilo, completely humbled.
Today I snorkled with and rode sea turtles, ate one of my best free meals on the islands so far, made some really cool new friends, and saw and touched fresh lava for the first time....ask me how I feel right now..
Day 11: Snorkling with Lava Turtles
Before I forget I think its time to mention this if I havent (sorry if I have, not easy to check back on phone). But Sara somehow has the exact same last name as me, Hansen. A total random stranger and ive never run into anyone with my last name before, much less a girl from Sweden.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Day 10: Race Around Big Island
Thats right. We raced around this island too! But definitely not on scooters. No instead we took the mustang :) But maybe a mustang wasnt the best choice because Ford never did believe in leg room. But we were invited for a free tour so no complaints other than a joke here and there.
It was another bad night of sleep but at least I didnt pay for it this time. Believe it or not Corey Hansen was up at 6bloodyAM! It was tragically rediculous like I knew it would be but somehow I wasnt as tired as I thought I should be. The mustang was waiting on us around the corner and we took off.
All I remember from the start was that it was cold. Much too cold for Hawaii. Oh and the top was down of course. First sites were waterfalls and then some very scenic overlooks. Surprisingly nothing was disturbingly beautiful as you would think. That also could have been due to the fact that the first half of the road trip was overcast and cold. As we started hitting the other side of the island it started to clear and got real hot. Like a 10 degree difference it was crazy.
Unfortunately there wasnt much that happened thats worthy of retelling for the first half. It was green and then when we started to climb the mountains it was all brown and dry. We did see cows though. Eventually the old lava came and it was very cool. Just nothing but dried black lava everywhere from forever ago. In some places trees and grass were trying to regrow.
We did check out the lava park that you pay to go in but we rushed through it like everything else because the guys had to have the car back and make their flight that night. The park was cool for what we got to see. A couple of craters and steam holes and then a big crater with smoke coming out. I was kind of in awe to see this part of nature but regrettably I didnt get to think on it too long. And we missed the one thing I wanted to see most besides the lava itself (which we still havent), lava tubes. Supposedly its actuall tubes you can go inside where lava used to flow but got hollowed out I think. Would have been sick to walk through a freaking lava tube. Maybe we'll go back before we leave.
As we're driving again, Sara and I were looking at our guide book and saw these cool pictures of statues and palm trees. We see the name of the place and then when I look out of the car there was the that place! Really random so we pulled in. Again I dont have the name of the place but Ill try to add it later. It was this sacred place where early Hawaiians were. They carved all these really odd wooden statues and stuff. There were also nice palms everywhere with really nice paths and this crystal clear cove where sea turtles sleep every night. There was one there but I didnt get to see him clearly. So the turtle quest is still on.
I might have gotten the order of those last two mixed up but no matter. Towards the end of the drive we came across a sign....Black Beaches ->! We all got excited and turned immediately. We see the beaches, park, and run out to the nearest one. Two words. Un. Real. I was standing on my first black beach! The "sand" felt amazing bc it was quite chunky. Its lava that hits the ocean and then shatters. Took some quick pics and some up close ones so youll HAVE to see those. Didnt think to take one with phone though =\ it was turned off and forgotten.
So once again we leave regrettably early beacause seeing a black beach in person is just awesome and worth a few hours at the very least. We drive the last stint and are back in Hilo with time to spare. We grabbed some food and then got dropped back off at our jungle spot. But people are here today and we get worried. Not knowing what to do yet we just sat in the road for a minute. There was a house right next to us so we knocked on their door but no answer. We then decided to just eat and figure it out.
We called up our local friend Del and he and his friend came to pick us up because they were going out to eat. They pick us up with all our gear and we went to a bar restaurant somewhere downtown. They told us about this plant called cava I think and how the roots are boiled and you can drink it for relaxation. Odd thing is, when we left we walked around and came across an Ava Bar randomly enough. A guy who worked there came out and we started talking to him about it and we ended up going inside to taste it. We each had half a coconut shell of the stuff and then some kind of grapefruit extract which made your mouth really numb. And then he gave us some kind of coconut concoction. We did a funny clapping thing before and after you drink the stuff. Clap once to center, dip finger in and sprinkle some over shoulder for some god, sprinkle some on floor for another god and then splash your neighbor for fun. Then drink it all in one go and clap twice. It was basically dirty water but it did make you feel something and was quite the interesting experience. He also gave us these wierd spiky red fruits that were really sweet and mushy on the inside. Like a squishy grape once you peel the outside off. We thanked him and said we would probably return on Monday for the live band and cheaper shells. Its normally $5 a shell.
So with a very packed day and interesting experience in our belts, we get dropped back off yet again at our spot, people gone, and set up camp for some well earned sleep.
It was another bad night of sleep but at least I didnt pay for it this time. Believe it or not Corey Hansen was up at 6bloodyAM! It was tragically rediculous like I knew it would be but somehow I wasnt as tired as I thought I should be. The mustang was waiting on us around the corner and we took off.
All I remember from the start was that it was cold. Much too cold for Hawaii. Oh and the top was down of course. First sites were waterfalls and then some very scenic overlooks. Surprisingly nothing was disturbingly beautiful as you would think. That also could have been due to the fact that the first half of the road trip was overcast and cold. As we started hitting the other side of the island it started to clear and got real hot. Like a 10 degree difference it was crazy.
Unfortunately there wasnt much that happened thats worthy of retelling for the first half. It was green and then when we started to climb the mountains it was all brown and dry. We did see cows though. Eventually the old lava came and it was very cool. Just nothing but dried black lava everywhere from forever ago. In some places trees and grass were trying to regrow.
We did check out the lava park that you pay to go in but we rushed through it like everything else because the guys had to have the car back and make their flight that night. The park was cool for what we got to see. A couple of craters and steam holes and then a big crater with smoke coming out. I was kind of in awe to see this part of nature but regrettably I didnt get to think on it too long. And we missed the one thing I wanted to see most besides the lava itself (which we still havent), lava tubes. Supposedly its actuall tubes you can go inside where lava used to flow but got hollowed out I think. Would have been sick to walk through a freaking lava tube. Maybe we'll go back before we leave.
As we're driving again, Sara and I were looking at our guide book and saw these cool pictures of statues and palm trees. We see the name of the place and then when I look out of the car there was the that place! Really random so we pulled in. Again I dont have the name of the place but Ill try to add it later. It was this sacred place where early Hawaiians were. They carved all these really odd wooden statues and stuff. There were also nice palms everywhere with really nice paths and this crystal clear cove where sea turtles sleep every night. There was one there but I didnt get to see him clearly. So the turtle quest is still on.
I might have gotten the order of those last two mixed up but no matter. Towards the end of the drive we came across a sign....Black Beaches ->! We all got excited and turned immediately. We see the beaches, park, and run out to the nearest one. Two words. Un. Real. I was standing on my first black beach! The "sand" felt amazing bc it was quite chunky. Its lava that hits the ocean and then shatters. Took some quick pics and some up close ones so youll HAVE to see those. Didnt think to take one with phone though =\ it was turned off and forgotten.
So once again we leave regrettably early beacause seeing a black beach in person is just awesome and worth a few hours at the very least. We drive the last stint and are back in Hilo with time to spare. We grabbed some food and then got dropped back off at our jungle spot. But people are here today and we get worried. Not knowing what to do yet we just sat in the road for a minute. There was a house right next to us so we knocked on their door but no answer. We then decided to just eat and figure it out.
We called up our local friend Del and he and his friend came to pick us up because they were going out to eat. They pick us up with all our gear and we went to a bar restaurant somewhere downtown. They told us about this plant called cava I think and how the roots are boiled and you can drink it for relaxation. Odd thing is, when we left we walked around and came across an Ava Bar randomly enough. A guy who worked there came out and we started talking to him about it and we ended up going inside to taste it. We each had half a coconut shell of the stuff and then some kind of grapefruit extract which made your mouth really numb. And then he gave us some kind of coconut concoction. We did a funny clapping thing before and after you drink the stuff. Clap once to center, dip finger in and sprinkle some over shoulder for some god, sprinkle some on floor for another god and then splash your neighbor for fun. Then drink it all in one go and clap twice. It was basically dirty water but it did make you feel something and was quite the interesting experience. He also gave us these wierd spiky red fruits that were really sweet and mushy on the inside. Like a squishy grape once you peel the outside off. We thanked him and said we would probably return on Monday for the live band and cheaper shells. Its normally $5 a shell.
So with a very packed day and interesting experience in our belts, we get dropped back off yet again at our spot, people gone, and set up camp for some well earned sleep.
Day 9: Jungle Fever
Funny how when I finally have to pay for a place here in Hawaii I end up having the worst night of sleep yet. I was woken up several times throughout the night by cars and then later these two cats or similar animal. It was a crazy fight. Made me think of my babies, Rufy and Piper. Im missing them like crazy! And Quede too (he is my 6'+ boa). Yea guess Im getting a tad homesick. Well animal sick at least. Would be sweet if I could have all of them anywhere I go and they would obey completely. I guess that would make me beast master huh. Suits me I think.
Well needless to say I get out of bed a bit groggy and grab a small snack for breakfast. We had to check out at 10 so we broke down camp and thats when I got to catch up on my blog at long last. After everyone was ready we hiked out to the jungle they found and yep, it was a jungle alright. At least IVE never seen anything like it. Canopy that in some places almost blocks out all sunlight. The leaves are MASSIVE, like the size of a car door. And there is twisty branches and roots EVERYWHERE with palm trees and banana trees and avacado trees and mackadamia nut trees. Just awesome stuff to see. And the beach is RIGHT by us but its a bit rocky and coold. Guess thats just on this side of the island maybe as they say Hilo is on the wet side.
Well Matt takes off to check out another potential camp site and Sara and I eat and check things out. Sara had seen seaturtles at a spot next to our site the day before too but none were there today :( We pretty much just relaxed a bit today and figured out our camping for the night. And to give you an idea of how chill it is out here, Sara and I came across a table of older guys sitting at a table in a neary park. Sara of course becomes instant friends with them. They were really friendly and were passing around a really big funny smelling cigarrette. They kept offering it to us but we said no thanks about 20 times. Like I said, very friendly. After we left we set up the tents and went for a VERY chilly dip, which didnt last too long without saying.
Oh yea there is this house that is barely used or abandoned or something but its right next to our spot and has a sick view of the ocean and cove nearby. It has picnic tables too so we headed there after the swim to dry off a bit and act like we were in Far and Away. If you havent seen it its really good. Nichole Kidman and Tom Crazy Cruise travel to America during the land rush and trespassin this really nice house one night. They act like its theirs and stuff. At least we didnt get shot though right :)
Our friend John and his friend Matt had flown to the island today also so we got in touch with them to meet up for dinner. They rented a car but something got messed up with their original car at the rental place and they got a brand new mustang convertable instead. Pretty sweet ride for cruising around. They pic us up and we ended up at some local joint with live musoc and drunk people everywhere dancing. It was fun to watch while we ate but we left soon after. They dropped us back off and we crashed to the sounds of the coqui frogs and ocean. Ahhh camping next to a beach at last!
Well needless to say I get out of bed a bit groggy and grab a small snack for breakfast. We had to check out at 10 so we broke down camp and thats when I got to catch up on my blog at long last. After everyone was ready we hiked out to the jungle they found and yep, it was a jungle alright. At least IVE never seen anything like it. Canopy that in some places almost blocks out all sunlight. The leaves are MASSIVE, like the size of a car door. And there is twisty branches and roots EVERYWHERE with palm trees and banana trees and avacado trees and mackadamia nut trees. Just awesome stuff to see. And the beach is RIGHT by us but its a bit rocky and coold. Guess thats just on this side of the island maybe as they say Hilo is on the wet side.
Well Matt takes off to check out another potential camp site and Sara and I eat and check things out. Sara had seen seaturtles at a spot next to our site the day before too but none were there today :( We pretty much just relaxed a bit today and figured out our camping for the night. And to give you an idea of how chill it is out here, Sara and I came across a table of older guys sitting at a table in a neary park. Sara of course becomes instant friends with them. They were really friendly and were passing around a really big funny smelling cigarrette. They kept offering it to us but we said no thanks about 20 times. Like I said, very friendly. After we left we set up the tents and went for a VERY chilly dip, which didnt last too long without saying.
Oh yea there is this house that is barely used or abandoned or something but its right next to our spot and has a sick view of the ocean and cove nearby. It has picnic tables too so we headed there after the swim to dry off a bit and act like we were in Far and Away. If you havent seen it its really good. Nichole Kidman and Tom Crazy Cruise travel to America during the land rush and trespassin this really nice house one night. They act like its theirs and stuff. At least we didnt get shot though right :)
Our friend John and his friend Matt had flown to the island today also so we got in touch with them to meet up for dinner. They rented a car but something got messed up with their original car at the rental place and they got a brand new mustang convertable instead. Pretty sweet ride for cruising around. They pic us up and we ended up at some local joint with live musoc and drunk people everywhere dancing. It was fun to watch while we ate but we left soon after. They dropped us back off and we crashed to the sounds of the coqui frogs and ocean. Ahhh camping next to a beach at last!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Day 8: Island Hop
Woke up to a morning filled with AC for the first time since Ive been out here. Realized I was in the hostel and I should probably get out before they caught me. Lot of people were already downstairs making pbjs as usual so I had one too. Seriously, I dont want one of those things for like a year when I get back. Everyone was going to the beach but I needed to drop by Jeans and figure out my next move.
I wanted to join everyone on Big Island because John was flying over on Friday for volcanos on Saturday. So I spent a few hours researching tickets. My friend Quin from the first night called me for the Kauai trip but all the guys we were going to meet up with that had the car and stuff bailed so itd be just the two of us, hitchhiking. I really wanted to go still but at the same time didnt want to miss out on seeing the volcanoes with my new best friends.
Finally I decided to just skip out on Kauai and stay with my people. Booked my flight for that same day and started getting ready. I even cooked my first egg sammich here! Was sooo good. I said goodbye and tons of thanks to Jean. I left some stuff there so Od have an excuse to see her again when I come back. Also made my pack a ton lighter.
I grabbed a bus to the airport and it turned out to be about an hour and a half ride! My flight was taking off in 20 minutes by the time I got there. I freaking ran all over the place finding my terminal and was 9 minutes too late to check in on time! 9!! I had a ride to pick me up from the airport and everything! Well I got put on the next flight and waited. On the plane this really disgusting big guy sits next to me. He reeks and keeps muttering to himself and wiping his face. And at one point he even lets one rip it was rank.
After touching down I meet some people that were on the flight and they give me a ride. One was local so he knew the area. They took me to the campsite where Sara and Matt were and then they asked us if we wanted to go grab some food with them so Sara and I go. We picked up groceries and then went to an Ihop of sorts. When they dropped us off again we go their numbers and will meet them up later. And Sara already met some locals here who will drive us around and take us fishing and stuff too. Im stoked about that.
My intitial impression of Big Island is extremely possitive. The people here so far are extremely nice and friendly. Cant wait to see what it has to offer. We are headed to a place in the jungle we're gonna camp at tomorrow night. Tonight Im setting up my tent for the forst time at the hostel here in Hilo. $10, not bad. And with that Im finally caught up on my blog!!
I wanted to join everyone on Big Island because John was flying over on Friday for volcanos on Saturday. So I spent a few hours researching tickets. My friend Quin from the first night called me for the Kauai trip but all the guys we were going to meet up with that had the car and stuff bailed so itd be just the two of us, hitchhiking. I really wanted to go still but at the same time didnt want to miss out on seeing the volcanoes with my new best friends.
Finally I decided to just skip out on Kauai and stay with my people. Booked my flight for that same day and started getting ready. I even cooked my first egg sammich here! Was sooo good. I said goodbye and tons of thanks to Jean. I left some stuff there so Od have an excuse to see her again when I come back. Also made my pack a ton lighter.
I grabbed a bus to the airport and it turned out to be about an hour and a half ride! My flight was taking off in 20 minutes by the time I got there. I freaking ran all over the place finding my terminal and was 9 minutes too late to check in on time! 9!! I had a ride to pick me up from the airport and everything! Well I got put on the next flight and waited. On the plane this really disgusting big guy sits next to me. He reeks and keeps muttering to himself and wiping his face. And at one point he even lets one rip it was rank.
After touching down I meet some people that were on the flight and they give me a ride. One was local so he knew the area. They took me to the campsite where Sara and Matt were and then they asked us if we wanted to go grab some food with them so Sara and I go. We picked up groceries and then went to an Ihop of sorts. When they dropped us off again we go their numbers and will meet them up later. And Sara already met some locals here who will drive us around and take us fishing and stuff too. Im stoked about that.
My intitial impression of Big Island is extremely possitive. The people here so far are extremely nice and friendly. Cant wait to see what it has to offer. We are headed to a place in the jungle we're gonna camp at tomorrow night. Tonight Im setting up my tent for the forst time at the hostel here in Hilo. $10, not bad. And with that Im finally caught up on my blog!!
Day 7: Waterfall Hike
Met up with Sara and John again pretty early because we had to return the scooters at 1130. We hit the road around 8 and drove straight to Monoa Falls. It was good to be out on the bikes again and where we were going was up in the mountains a bit so there was this wet fog that hung in the air. It was like a natural shower of sorts and helped wake you up.
Upon entering the entrance to this place we were met with an immediate rainforest setting. The greens were overwhelming and it was even green on the pavement. Ha and there were chickens everywhere in the parking lot. We ended up chaining all our bikes together andthen around this one pole since we all couldnt reach it. Made for a nice teamwork picture.
The hike started for the waterfall and it was this narrow path through the woods. First up was one of the biggest trees Ive ever seen in my life! Huuuuge. Sara climbed it real quick but its on my camera =\ Also there were these really blue fruits of sorts that were on the ground. Ive never seen that color in nature before. Continuing on up we were totally engulfed by this extremely green, wet foilage of all types. Massive ferns with leaves taller than me. Around every corner was something new. A bambo forest even popped up. And the trail just got muddier and muddier due to the 1000% humidity and number of people on the trail. Yea we think our humidity is bad in the south, well it has NOTHING on this place. But it was rather a clean humidity. There was so much it was basically like walking through a mist machine and you had to wipe off the water every other minute. I thought it was sweat a first but no, just water from the air.
Finally we get to the falls and Ill be honest, I was completely disappointed. It was really tall but narrow and fell down a rock face into a tiny pool. Worth a glance, maybe even a stare but definitely not a hike that steep, long, and dangerous (for older people moslty but it WAS muddy rock so anyone could slip to be fair). But regardless the hike itself was easily worth it. I just hope the pics turned out because the light was really low.
After making it down in one muddy piece, we rode to a neighborhood area called Round Top. They dont really have neighborhoods here like we are used to. They refer to where they live by valleys and beaches and bays and the like. So this place has these twisty roads that are really steep and go up a mountain that has a sweet view of the city. After taking that in we headed back to turn the scooters in. But we ended up talking to the guys there and them letting us take a trip to Walmart first. We got snorkling gear and some snacks and headed back again.
Next it was beah time since Sara hadnt seen the beach during the day time yet. The waves were decent so that was fun. Soon Sara's flight was here and she took off. John and I went back to the hostel where we ate dinner and met some new people from London, Australia, and the states. We ended up going out to a nearby bar where they had this amazing live reggae music by these two dudes. I only had a dollar in my pocket but somehow ended up with free drinks all night. And this one guy at the table next to us even felt inclined to buy me some nasty pickle juice shot. It was a whiskey shot chased by a pickle juice shot. I took it to be curteous but it was so disgusting lol. A successful night for sure nonetheless. After getting back to the hostel some of us went upstairs and I ended up passing out on an empty bed. Oops.
Upon entering the entrance to this place we were met with an immediate rainforest setting. The greens were overwhelming and it was even green on the pavement. Ha and there were chickens everywhere in the parking lot. We ended up chaining all our bikes together andthen around this one pole since we all couldnt reach it. Made for a nice teamwork picture.
The hike started for the waterfall and it was this narrow path through the woods. First up was one of the biggest trees Ive ever seen in my life! Huuuuge. Sara climbed it real quick but its on my camera =\ Also there were these really blue fruits of sorts that were on the ground. Ive never seen that color in nature before. Continuing on up we were totally engulfed by this extremely green, wet foilage of all types. Massive ferns with leaves taller than me. Around every corner was something new. A bambo forest even popped up. And the trail just got muddier and muddier due to the 1000% humidity and number of people on the trail. Yea we think our humidity is bad in the south, well it has NOTHING on this place. But it was rather a clean humidity. There was so much it was basically like walking through a mist machine and you had to wipe off the water every other minute. I thought it was sweat a first but no, just water from the air.
Finally we get to the falls and Ill be honest, I was completely disappointed. It was really tall but narrow and fell down a rock face into a tiny pool. Worth a glance, maybe even a stare but definitely not a hike that steep, long, and dangerous (for older people moslty but it WAS muddy rock so anyone could slip to be fair). But regardless the hike itself was easily worth it. I just hope the pics turned out because the light was really low.
After making it down in one muddy piece, we rode to a neighborhood area called Round Top. They dont really have neighborhoods here like we are used to. They refer to where they live by valleys and beaches and bays and the like. So this place has these twisty roads that are really steep and go up a mountain that has a sweet view of the city. After taking that in we headed back to turn the scooters in. But we ended up talking to the guys there and them letting us take a trip to Walmart first. We got snorkling gear and some snacks and headed back again.
Next it was beah time since Sara hadnt seen the beach during the day time yet. The waves were decent so that was fun. Soon Sara's flight was here and she took off. John and I went back to the hostel where we ate dinner and met some new people from London, Australia, and the states. We ended up going out to a nearby bar where they had this amazing live reggae music by these two dudes. I only had a dollar in my pocket but somehow ended up with free drinks all night. And this one guy at the table next to us even felt inclined to buy me some nasty pickle juice shot. It was a whiskey shot chased by a pickle juice shot. I took it to be curteous but it was so disgusting lol. A successful night for sure nonetheless. After getting back to the hostel some of us went upstairs and I ended up passing out on an empty bed. Oops.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Day 6: The Race Around Oahu Island
Well it just happened like it was bound too. I write a post and before I finish the browser crashed on my phone and I lost it all. €#*#+}£{¥•! Here goes second attempt. (edit: I just found the lost post as a draft AFTER I rewrote all of it. Fml)
Woke up this morning and wouldnt you know it, pbj again! Youd think my plumbing would be all clogged from all this peanut butter but Im still g2g.
Today John, Sara and I decided to rent mopeds and ride up the east shore to some nicer beaches there. We asked some others to join but they didnt want to spend the $52 total to renb the mopeds for 24 hours I guess. Being my first time on one, it was very interesting and actually a ton of fun. It only took a short trip around the block to get used to it and once we were we were off! Being out on the road with nothing but wind in your face was awesome. We had our little moped pack and were owning the roads.
We shot out towards Dismond Head Crater and rode up the hills there. We were zigzagging and riding next to each other at first because of how exciting our new modes of tranportation were. Oh buddy it was a blast. Makes me really excited for when I get my real bike soon. Continuing up the east beaches we saw scores of hidden nooks and beaches and coves, stoppin whenever we saw a nice photo opp.
(Omg haha Im riding the bus right now to the airport and this crazy lady beside me is talking loudly, as if to someone but really to a rail, with a bus full of people. She just showed me a piece of paper and script sheet and asked me if I would forge it. Haha there are some crazy people here, it cracks me up but is awkward at same time.)
Anyway, the scenery and water was of course breathtakingly colorful and beautiful. I cannot wait to see the pictures when I get back and show all yall. Just so many nooks and beaches and coves where you could spend days at each place.
We finally stopped at a beach a good ways up the shore to take a break and jump in the water. The recent pictures I posted are from that beach, Ill get the names later. I really need to add a map of our route on here if I have the time. We decided to go ahead and just keep going and see if we could hit north shore. At this one stop we made on the way Sara spotted a sea turtle and I got to see my first wild one! Although it was really far away and I couldnt get a pic it was still pretty cool and makes me want to see one up close.
We arrived in north shore around 6-7 after driving through Sunset Beach. It was Really wide open in a very large C shape. No waves but there were dudes paddling those multipeople canoes or whatever theyre called. We did more jump pics and got some really good ones. Which reminds me, Im getting really nervous now that I have so many awesome shots on one card. Wish I had a way to back them up. Maybe I can find someone willing to let me do dropbox on their comp. Thatd be sweet but would take forever For the upload. Heres to hoping nothing happens to my CF cards.
So after some fun we hit the road again and headed south towards the Dole plantation. We were a bit pressed for time so we didnt really stop in the pineapple fields, which were sweet. I wanted to go grab one but Im sure I would have been sniped or something. And I didnt know pineapples were on the ground either. Thought they were in trees for some reason. We took a pic of the Dole place and kept going. At this point Sara and I realize we are on empty and theres no gas station for miles too. We just keep going, freaking out a bit and somehow roll into a station at the last minute. It was our oasis. And to add to the humor in the situation, Sara overflowed her tank and spilled it everywhere. Well done Sara lol.
It was starting to get dark at this point and we were headed downhill mostly. A very nice drive. Oh and I just remembered. While driving through parts on the east we would feel a very cool breeze, almost cold and really damp. The smell was amazingly fresh to me. We all loved it. Back to it, at one point Sara was ahead of us and we came up to a split where the interstate was left and our road to the right. Mopeds are limited to 45mph roads. Guess which way Sara goes lol. So me and John chase after her and we all get off asap. Again more laughs.
The rest of the ride was in the dark and enjoyable. At least until I noticed my bike acting funny. Like the back end would feel like it was slipping out from under me. I thought I must just be really tired but turns out, after driving at least a couple of miles, I had a bloody flat tire! So we stop and luckily we are only several blocks from the place. I ended up walking the bike back and that was no easy feat. With burning calves they gave me a new bike with a full tank so at least I scored that.
But I wasnt done riding yet and neither was Sara so we rode along the beach until we found this random private beach in a gated park. We layed there under some bushes and the moon and all but passed out. A crab in a hole next to us was nipping at me and woke me up. Took that as a queue so we went back to the hostel and I crashed at Jeans.
Day = success
Woke up this morning and wouldnt you know it, pbj again! Youd think my plumbing would be all clogged from all this peanut butter but Im still g2g.
Today John, Sara and I decided to rent mopeds and ride up the east shore to some nicer beaches there. We asked some others to join but they didnt want to spend the $52 total to renb the mopeds for 24 hours I guess. Being my first time on one, it was very interesting and actually a ton of fun. It only took a short trip around the block to get used to it and once we were we were off! Being out on the road with nothing but wind in your face was awesome. We had our little moped pack and were owning the roads.
We shot out towards Dismond Head Crater and rode up the hills there. We were zigzagging and riding next to each other at first because of how exciting our new modes of tranportation were. Oh buddy it was a blast. Makes me really excited for when I get my real bike soon. Continuing up the east beaches we saw scores of hidden nooks and beaches and coves, stoppin whenever we saw a nice photo opp.
(Omg haha Im riding the bus right now to the airport and this crazy lady beside me is talking loudly, as if to someone but really to a rail, with a bus full of people. She just showed me a piece of paper and script sheet and asked me if I would forge it. Haha there are some crazy people here, it cracks me up but is awkward at same time.)
Anyway, the scenery and water was of course breathtakingly colorful and beautiful. I cannot wait to see the pictures when I get back and show all yall. Just so many nooks and beaches and coves where you could spend days at each place.
We finally stopped at a beach a good ways up the shore to take a break and jump in the water. The recent pictures I posted are from that beach, Ill get the names later. I really need to add a map of our route on here if I have the time. We decided to go ahead and just keep going and see if we could hit north shore. At this one stop we made on the way Sara spotted a sea turtle and I got to see my first wild one! Although it was really far away and I couldnt get a pic it was still pretty cool and makes me want to see one up close.
We arrived in north shore around 6-7 after driving through Sunset Beach. It was Really wide open in a very large C shape. No waves but there were dudes paddling those multipeople canoes or whatever theyre called. We did more jump pics and got some really good ones. Which reminds me, Im getting really nervous now that I have so many awesome shots on one card. Wish I had a way to back them up. Maybe I can find someone willing to let me do dropbox on their comp. Thatd be sweet but would take forever For the upload. Heres to hoping nothing happens to my CF cards.
So after some fun we hit the road again and headed south towards the Dole plantation. We were a bit pressed for time so we didnt really stop in the pineapple fields, which were sweet. I wanted to go grab one but Im sure I would have been sniped or something. And I didnt know pineapples were on the ground either. Thought they were in trees for some reason. We took a pic of the Dole place and kept going. At this point Sara and I realize we are on empty and theres no gas station for miles too. We just keep going, freaking out a bit and somehow roll into a station at the last minute. It was our oasis. And to add to the humor in the situation, Sara overflowed her tank and spilled it everywhere. Well done Sara lol.
It was starting to get dark at this point and we were headed downhill mostly. A very nice drive. Oh and I just remembered. While driving through parts on the east we would feel a very cool breeze, almost cold and really damp. The smell was amazingly fresh to me. We all loved it. Back to it, at one point Sara was ahead of us and we came up to a split where the interstate was left and our road to the right. Mopeds are limited to 45mph roads. Guess which way Sara goes lol. So me and John chase after her and we all get off asap. Again more laughs.
The rest of the ride was in the dark and enjoyable. At least until I noticed my bike acting funny. Like the back end would feel like it was slipping out from under me. I thought I must just be really tired but turns out, after driving at least a couple of miles, I had a bloody flat tire! So we stop and luckily we are only several blocks from the place. I ended up walking the bike back and that was no easy feat. With burning calves they gave me a new bike with a full tank so at least I scored that.
But I wasnt done riding yet and neither was Sara so we rode along the beach until we found this random private beach in a gated park. We layed there under some bushes and the moon and all but passed out. A crab in a hole next to us was nipping at me and woke me up. Took that as a queue so we went back to the hostel and I crashed at Jeans.
Day = success
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Day 5: Pearl Harbor and Marathon Walking
Woke up around 8 this morning and met Sarah and Mike at the hostel for some breakfast, free pbj of course. We decided to go see Pearl Harbor but only Sara and I wanted to go because a lot of the guys wanted to go surf.
We took the bus out to the harbor and got our boat tickets for the Arizona, cause its free ya know. I didnt know there was no fee for entrance too so that was sweet. Also if you havent been, there is a $3 bogus baggage fee (so they can have at least some chump change I guess). So dont bring bags. When our boat was finally ready we went out to the monument, which was briiight white. It was kind of surreal seeing the actual wreckage rather than computer images.
When we left Pear Harbor we met a guy, John from texas, off the bus stop on a quest for a Ross store. The 3 of us then started what would become a marathon around the city. We started at some palace, swung on some of these extremely weird trees that have roots growing from the branches and therefore the trunk keeps getting bigger and bigger. Its insane. Next I wanted to go to China town so we went and they had really interesting fruit. We all got smothies at this one market place and I had dragon fruit. It was really good and reeally pink/purple. Watch out because it stains easily, I know.
The rest of the walk was just random and veery long until we chanced upon a tv show that was being filmed right then. Hawaii 5.0. An upside down car and lots of ppl crowded around with people yelling quiet on set!, rolling!, cut!, and finally thats a wrap! It was cool and we even saw and were right next to Jin from lost. Not my fav char from the show but a celebrity nonetheless.
The Waikiki shopping strip was right next to us so we hit that up and found all kinds of random things to do there. And then, at long last, we finally ate..at an all you can eat buffet. It was so good and one of the more earned meals Ive had.
So now, fully exhausted yet stuffed, we went back to our respective sleeping pads and I for one slept like a baby on My Hawaiin Granny's air matress :)
We took the bus out to the harbor and got our boat tickets for the Arizona, cause its free ya know. I didnt know there was no fee for entrance too so that was sweet. Also if you havent been, there is a $3 bogus baggage fee (so they can have at least some chump change I guess). So dont bring bags. When our boat was finally ready we went out to the monument, which was briiight white. It was kind of surreal seeing the actual wreckage rather than computer images.
When we left Pear Harbor we met a guy, John from texas, off the bus stop on a quest for a Ross store. The 3 of us then started what would become a marathon around the city. We started at some palace, swung on some of these extremely weird trees that have roots growing from the branches and therefore the trunk keeps getting bigger and bigger. Its insane. Next I wanted to go to China town so we went and they had really interesting fruit. We all got smothies at this one market place and I had dragon fruit. It was really good and reeally pink/purple. Watch out because it stains easily, I know.
The rest of the walk was just random and veery long until we chanced upon a tv show that was being filmed right then. Hawaii 5.0. An upside down car and lots of ppl crowded around with people yelling quiet on set!, rolling!, cut!, and finally thats a wrap! It was cool and we even saw and were right next to Jin from lost. Not my fav char from the show but a celebrity nonetheless.
The Waikiki shopping strip was right next to us so we hit that up and found all kinds of random things to do there. And then, at long last, we finally ate..at an all you can eat buffet. It was so good and one of the more earned meals Ive had.
So now, fully exhausted yet stuffed, we went back to our respective sleeping pads and I for one slept like a baby on My Hawaiin Granny's air matress :)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Day 4: Zoo/Diamond Head Crater
To start off with, heres just a small bit about Jean and what Ive gathered so far. Shes in considerably great shape because she doesnt own a car and walks pretty much every day to the buses (picking up litter along the way) and does her routines just like any other Jerry Gold Card member (you like that? Just made it up). She likes to talk about her family, the war, new mexico which is where she is from, and pretty much anything you throw at her. Although she will repeat conversations you have already had it is quite entertaining because you can just go a different route this time and see where it leads. She is unbelievably accomidating and even laid out breakfast for me the first morning. Its amazing how much simple food can make such a HUGE difference when your on your own like this. Eggs, toast, ham, grapefruit, and cold coffee.
After breakfast and chatting with Jean for a bit she asks me if I wanted to stay another night and I say sure. I was then free to leave my stuff, taking only what I needed and do whatever. Best..feeling..ever..so far on the trip. I went to the zoo which didnt have anything spectacular in the animal department but the tropical scenery was amazing.
After leaving the zoo I happened across an anual Ukalele Festival. I decided to pull up some grass and eat lunch. The music was really good and there were tons of people. At the end they ended with a popular Hawaiian song and a random local family grabbed my hand and everyone was swaying to the music. Kind of like in Death Valley after the game with the Almader(sp).
I then begin to make my hike to see the Diamond Head Crater, a massive crater on the east coast of the island. I stopped at a comminty college on the way and the view this school had of the beach and ocean is unreal. I wish I had thought to go there actually just for that lol. I continued on my hike and make it all the way to the crater entrance but Im apparently 15 minutes late again! The guys at the entrance were total jerks about it all too and wouldnt let me through even though they just let people in front of me through! So needless to say I walked away hacked off but remembered a trail leading up I saw on the way there. So I head for that.
Again, which is why I love traveling so much, I randomly chanced upon a hidden skate and bike park next to the crater up the hills a bit. There was a big deal going on with the locals and they were playing bike polo. It was fun to watch and take pictures and I even talked to a couple of them. They pointed out the trail to the top and I started my climb.
Let me go ahead and say this. DONT WEAR FLOPS WHILE CLIMBING A VERY STEEP AND SLIPPERY CRATER! I know at least one person reading this who will be proud :) I actually got a bit worried of falling at a few hard parts because not only was I wearing flip flops but I had two bags with me including my camera and another lens. So falling was not an option. But somehow I make it to the top alive. Beat THAT Christina! =p And of course Mom got the now traditional phone call when Im on top of things that could kill me if I fall. Sorry it was so late for you Mom!
At least the victory was worth it. The views were simply awesome and I was able to get the pics I wanted. Well very soon to my complete surprise again, traveling would strike its randomness. I get the crap scared out of me by a guy wearing no shirt and jogging! Im in the middle of eating and listening to music and BAM! random dude in my face in a seemingly extremely unoccupied place on the ridge of the crater.
Well we start talking and the guys name is Mike and hes from Switzerland. We talk for a bit and take pictures before heading down. Luckily he came up a much safer way so we went down that way. He ends up going to same area Im in with Jean so we walk back together and eat dinner at the hostel he is staying in. I grabbed a corona from the store and wen to town on my fresh cheeseburger and home cooked fries and pasta. Was more a victory meal if anything else. And believe me I earned it.
I get introduced to multiple people staying there and this place is set up awesomely. I cant wait to stay at one now. They have two big screen tvs set up and music going during dinner and its all ouside but covered by the building. I also meet this amazing girl from Sweeden and a guy she traveled with here who is from VA.
The four of us decided to go out to a bar so we did and we quickly see that dude from VA has no idea how to control himself and drinks entirely too much. Basicslly he makes a fool of himself the rest of the night and we just try to get him back to hostel. Afterwards we were headed to the beach for a night swim but it ended up just being me and Sara, the Sweeden girl. We had a blast with the waves pounding on this concrete barrier we were on, sending huge torrents of water on us. Again I find myself just in awe at how traveling opens up opportunities for ANYTHING to happen.
Im in Hawaii, Ive just climbed a crater, met a guy from Switzerland, drank with new friends, and now swimming on the beach with a pretty girl from Sweeden with a nice accent. GREAT DAY!
After breakfast and chatting with Jean for a bit she asks me if I wanted to stay another night and I say sure. I was then free to leave my stuff, taking only what I needed and do whatever. Best..feeling..ever..so far on the trip. I went to the zoo which didnt have anything spectacular in the animal department but the tropical scenery was amazing.
After leaving the zoo I happened across an anual Ukalele Festival. I decided to pull up some grass and eat lunch. The music was really good and there were tons of people. At the end they ended with a popular Hawaiian song and a random local family grabbed my hand and everyone was swaying to the music. Kind of like in Death Valley after the game with the Almader(sp).
I then begin to make my hike to see the Diamond Head Crater, a massive crater on the east coast of the island. I stopped at a comminty college on the way and the view this school had of the beach and ocean is unreal. I wish I had thought to go there actually just for that lol. I continued on my hike and make it all the way to the crater entrance but Im apparently 15 minutes late again! The guys at the entrance were total jerks about it all too and wouldnt let me through even though they just let people in front of me through! So needless to say I walked away hacked off but remembered a trail leading up I saw on the way there. So I head for that.
Again, which is why I love traveling so much, I randomly chanced upon a hidden skate and bike park next to the crater up the hills a bit. There was a big deal going on with the locals and they were playing bike polo. It was fun to watch and take pictures and I even talked to a couple of them. They pointed out the trail to the top and I started my climb.
Let me go ahead and say this. DONT WEAR FLOPS WHILE CLIMBING A VERY STEEP AND SLIPPERY CRATER! I know at least one person reading this who will be proud :) I actually got a bit worried of falling at a few hard parts because not only was I wearing flip flops but I had two bags with me including my camera and another lens. So falling was not an option. But somehow I make it to the top alive. Beat THAT Christina! =p And of course Mom got the now traditional phone call when Im on top of things that could kill me if I fall. Sorry it was so late for you Mom!
At least the victory was worth it. The views were simply awesome and I was able to get the pics I wanted. Well very soon to my complete surprise again, traveling would strike its randomness. I get the crap scared out of me by a guy wearing no shirt and jogging! Im in the middle of eating and listening to music and BAM! random dude in my face in a seemingly extremely unoccupied place on the ridge of the crater.
Well we start talking and the guys name is Mike and hes from Switzerland. We talk for a bit and take pictures before heading down. Luckily he came up a much safer way so we went down that way. He ends up going to same area Im in with Jean so we walk back together and eat dinner at the hostel he is staying in. I grabbed a corona from the store and wen to town on my fresh cheeseburger and home cooked fries and pasta. Was more a victory meal if anything else. And believe me I earned it.
I get introduced to multiple people staying there and this place is set up awesomely. I cant wait to stay at one now. They have two big screen tvs set up and music going during dinner and its all ouside but covered by the building. I also meet this amazing girl from Sweeden and a guy she traveled with here who is from VA.
The four of us decided to go out to a bar so we did and we quickly see that dude from VA has no idea how to control himself and drinks entirely too much. Basicslly he makes a fool of himself the rest of the night and we just try to get him back to hostel. Afterwards we were headed to the beach for a night swim but it ended up just being me and Sara, the Sweeden girl. We had a blast with the waves pounding on this concrete barrier we were on, sending huge torrents of water on us. Again I find myself just in awe at how traveling opens up opportunities for ANYTHING to happen.
Im in Hawaii, Ive just climbed a crater, met a guy from Switzerland, drank with new friends, and now swimming on the beach with a pretty girl from Sweeden with a nice accent. GREAT DAY!
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