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.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Day 3: Waikiki
I know a couple of people were unable to comment on these things so I took a look and I fixed it. Anyone should be able to comment now so go nuts.
Today I was abruptly awakened, probably 3 hours after falling asleep, by the fact that I remembered why my phone was not with me. I had left it next to the harbor! Yeeaa I was freaking out a bit, especially because it was raining outside and I was 20 minutes away. Luckily Landon finally gave in to drive me back with my two friends Abraham Lincoln and Abe Linc. We get there and somehow, by some Hawaiian miracle its STILL there! And it was JUST starting to sprinkle. Unbelievable how close my trip was about to hit disaster because I had numbers in there for my contacts here, among other vitally important tid bits. But it was safe and I was relieved.
It was about 8am at that point and Landon had a golf thing to go to so I just started walking around with all my stuff and decided to spend the day in Waikiki.
I started by eating some breakfast (pbj and cheetos) at this extremely nice hotel next to their two pools. At this point Im finally feeling a bit of relaxation again and starting to realize Im actually in Hawaii!
Next, a stroll down the beach was in order. It was time to take in and see what the world famous Waikiki is all about. In a nutshell, the beaches are beautiful, lots of decent small surfing waves, tons of people, tons of shopping, and lots of cancer in the making. The sun here is rediculously hot. Applying sunscreen very often is key if your not local.
I finally settle for a spot on the beach when I come across some sand volley ball courts. I just lay out a bit and ride some of the surf. After it gets around eating time I go to Burger King of all places because I was craving their burgers and they were right there. During dinner outside these birds were playing with me and eventually I was able to hand feed one mid air. I even got a sweet shot of when he grabs the food. And next thing a lady with tropical birds on a cart comes by and lets me take pictures.
I reckon at this point I should head to the buses so I can make my way to where Im going to camp on Makapu'u Point. But when I get there I find out I just missed the last bus about 15 minutes ago! So I go to sit on a bench and try to figure out what Im going to do because its much too far to walk there, and Im in the middle of the city. I have NO idea what Im going to do because a hotel is out of the question and my other options had already been used. Well Im thinking about going to the closest hostel and then the biggest surprise of my trip decides to introduce itself.
A lady is trying to shove a walmart bag of trash into the small opening of the trash can in front of my bench. I glance up and she see does too. She kind of chuckles and tells me its not her trash. I make a joke, she laughs and then says that she picked it all up because she hates litterers. I say I cant stand them either and thats about the time it happens. She looks at my stuff next to the bench and then back at me and asks if I have a place to stay. I say no and tell her my story about missing the bus. Then for whatever reason I may never know, she asks me if I wanted to staybat her place tonight! She told me that women have stayed at her place before but never men. So Im completely dumbfounded and say actually I dont think Id turn it down at this point. She goes well you dont have to if you dont want to but if you want to stay here Ill pick you up on my way back (not by car, by walking by). I tell her Ill be here waiting.
Ok pause. A complete total stranger just randomly asks me off the streets if I want to stay at her place. Im a little weirded out and of course dont trust that this is legit but somehow think it would be sweet if it somehow worked out.
Sure enough about 30 minutes later she comes up behind me and asks if Im ready. I grab my stuff and we take off. She had told me her place was off the same street just a block or two away. We get to these small gated appartment places, go in, and she shows me around the one room apt. Yea these things are TINY and super expensive. Like $1200/mo! So I figure Ive had enough done for the day and just would like to relax in one place.
Next thing I know we are listening to Christmas carols off a VHS lol. Complete and utter randomness has taken over my life now. And I was enjoying ever second of it because it was just great. Later she put on an oold war movie about Audrey Murphy. I know some of yall might know that guy but Id never heard about him. for whatever reason I may never know,Apparently an old war hero. Anyway I just blog during the whole movie so I wouldnt fall behind.
I end up on an air matress rather than the hard marble floor and lay there in total shock and contentment that I had just gotten picked up off the streets and had a place to crash for a night rather than sleep on the streets somewhere with flea infested bums. Those people are everywhere around the city too.
So that pretty much concludes today. Oh and how old is the lady you ask? Haha thats the best part by far. Just dont freak out. Rather accept that life is full of surprises and the absolute best things mostly happen when you arent looking for them. With that said, her 90th birthday is this year!!! And her name is Jean Register, probably the collest and nicest old person Ive ever met.
So dont worry about me Mom and family, for I have found my Hawaiian Granny. And she is taking great care of me so far. And Im not on the streets!
Wow what an ending to a day...
Today I was abruptly awakened, probably 3 hours after falling asleep, by the fact that I remembered why my phone was not with me. I had left it next to the harbor! Yeeaa I was freaking out a bit, especially because it was raining outside and I was 20 minutes away. Luckily Landon finally gave in to drive me back with my two friends Abraham Lincoln and Abe Linc. We get there and somehow, by some Hawaiian miracle its STILL there! And it was JUST starting to sprinkle. Unbelievable how close my trip was about to hit disaster because I had numbers in there for my contacts here, among other vitally important tid bits. But it was safe and I was relieved.
It was about 8am at that point and Landon had a golf thing to go to so I just started walking around with all my stuff and decided to spend the day in Waikiki.
I started by eating some breakfast (pbj and cheetos) at this extremely nice hotel next to their two pools. At this point Im finally feeling a bit of relaxation again and starting to realize Im actually in Hawaii!
Next, a stroll down the beach was in order. It was time to take in and see what the world famous Waikiki is all about. In a nutshell, the beaches are beautiful, lots of decent small surfing waves, tons of people, tons of shopping, and lots of cancer in the making. The sun here is rediculously hot. Applying sunscreen very often is key if your not local.
I finally settle for a spot on the beach when I come across some sand volley ball courts. I just lay out a bit and ride some of the surf. After it gets around eating time I go to Burger King of all places because I was craving their burgers and they were right there. During dinner outside these birds were playing with me and eventually I was able to hand feed one mid air. I even got a sweet shot of when he grabs the food. And next thing a lady with tropical birds on a cart comes by and lets me take pictures.
I reckon at this point I should head to the buses so I can make my way to where Im going to camp on Makapu'u Point. But when I get there I find out I just missed the last bus about 15 minutes ago! So I go to sit on a bench and try to figure out what Im going to do because its much too far to walk there, and Im in the middle of the city. I have NO idea what Im going to do because a hotel is out of the question and my other options had already been used. Well Im thinking about going to the closest hostel and then the biggest surprise of my trip decides to introduce itself.
A lady is trying to shove a walmart bag of trash into the small opening of the trash can in front of my bench. I glance up and she see does too. She kind of chuckles and tells me its not her trash. I make a joke, she laughs and then says that she picked it all up because she hates litterers. I say I cant stand them either and thats about the time it happens. She looks at my stuff next to the bench and then back at me and asks if I have a place to stay. I say no and tell her my story about missing the bus. Then for whatever reason I may never know, she asks me if I wanted to staybat her place tonight! She told me that women have stayed at her place before but never men. So Im completely dumbfounded and say actually I dont think Id turn it down at this point. She goes well you dont have to if you dont want to but if you want to stay here Ill pick you up on my way back (not by car, by walking by). I tell her Ill be here waiting.
Ok pause. A complete total stranger just randomly asks me off the streets if I want to stay at her place. Im a little weirded out and of course dont trust that this is legit but somehow think it would be sweet if it somehow worked out.
Sure enough about 30 minutes later she comes up behind me and asks if Im ready. I grab my stuff and we take off. She had told me her place was off the same street just a block or two away. We get to these small gated appartment places, go in, and she shows me around the one room apt. Yea these things are TINY and super expensive. Like $1200/mo! So I figure Ive had enough done for the day and just would like to relax in one place.
Next thing I know we are listening to Christmas carols off a VHS lol. Complete and utter randomness has taken over my life now. And I was enjoying ever second of it because it was just great. Later she put on an oold war movie about Audrey Murphy. I know some of yall might know that guy but Id never heard about him. for whatever reason I may never know,Apparently an old war hero. Anyway I just blog during the whole movie so I wouldnt fall behind.
I end up on an air matress rather than the hard marble floor and lay there in total shock and contentment that I had just gotten picked up off the streets and had a place to crash for a night rather than sleep on the streets somewhere with flea infested bums. Those people are everywhere around the city too.
So that pretty much concludes today. Oh and how old is the lady you ask? Haha thats the best part by far. Just dont freak out. Rather accept that life is full of surprises and the absolute best things mostly happen when you arent looking for them. With that said, her 90th birthday is this year!!! And her name is Jean Register, probably the collest and nicest old person Ive ever met.
So dont worry about me Mom and family, for I have found my Hawaiian Granny. And she is taking great care of me so far. And Im not on the streets!
Wow what an ending to a day...
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Pictures are working!
Now just have to see how I can post them into the postings they pertain to. Ohh buddy Im liking my phone!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Day 2: Honolulu
Woke up this morning with the ever nice trade winds blowing in through the window beside me. Most people around here either dont have or dont use AC. Windows and doors are left open pretty much 24/7. Some of yall would die during the hot parts of the day but other than that its fairly decent and cool at night.
The house didnt really start stirring until around noon but when it did I got to meet two of the other roommates (guy/girl), so a total of 4 people living there. Both were extremely nice as well. Everyone is in their 20s by the way. Since the guys didnt have to work till 3 I decided to just hang out until then and enjoy more rest and company. The girl had just gotten back from travel in India and told me how dangerous it is for singled out women there because apparently rape is very common in India. Also she said it was about 115-120 degrees over there! And because women are basically man servants in India, they [girl and her friends] had to cover up their skin too. She said I couldnt imagine how hot they were. So yep, India is a bit lower on the list now.
Anyway, we did breakfast at the house, eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh mango. The mango was one of the best Ive ever eaten, not lying. They then gave me some spots to the east side of the island to check out for camping.
After I rode in to work with them, which was at a big very nice shopping mall for you ladies, I meandered around and found my way to good ole Wally World where I could catch some nice AC and get the midget off my back and into a buggy. And buy some food too. I figured a loaf of bread, pbj, cheetos, and fig nuetons would be able to hold me over for a few meals.
Now begins the sailing! Soon after, my old friend from 3rd grade, Landon, picked me up from the store and we headed to a pub on the harbor to meet his friends for a drink before we shipped out. There was 6 of us on a nice size sail boat, 20ft maybe longer. We set sail from one harbor to another a couple miles down the beach. We all got quick sailing lessons and all I remeber about my job was to tighten and let loose a jig rope when we tac. Maybe that makes sense to some of yall but basically I just pulled a rope to make the sail taunt and catch the wind. And it being a Friday night we were able to catch some fireworks this one place does every Friday. Everyone was having good times even the moment we set sail but everything at this point is just making me realize how awesome this trip already is and its just the second day! Some people who have lived on this island for years have never even d
sailed out so I was feeling pretty decent you could say. So the sailing continued as well as the good music and although no pictures came out, the view of the island lights at night time from out in the ocean was just awesome. Nothing compares to sailing. Jsut a unique, fun experience everyone should have.
We were out on the water for a few hours I guess and then finally made it to the harbor. The capt of the ship was very funny guy with a VERY funny accent from Wisconsin I believe. He had to turn the boat around maybe 4 times while trying to park it because he kept missing it. Everyone was in tears it was great. Maybe you had to be there.
But when we got everything tied up we headed back to the same pub next to us where we started(we drove to the boat if your confused). We ate taco pizza and then went bar hopping for the better part of the night. Ended up crashing on the floor at Landons extremely nice pad next to the pool at this guys house. Again youll have to wait for pics but the house is sweet looking from the ouside (only saw Landons room which has its own entrance).
Well thats pretty much all I got for day 2. Sorry its a bit long I reckon but youll find out why when I write up day 3 tonight. You might even read it first since Im writing both of these the same night.
The house didnt really start stirring until around noon but when it did I got to meet two of the other roommates (guy/girl), so a total of 4 people living there. Both were extremely nice as well. Everyone is in their 20s by the way. Since the guys didnt have to work till 3 I decided to just hang out until then and enjoy more rest and company. The girl had just gotten back from travel in India and told me how dangerous it is for singled out women there because apparently rape is very common in India. Also she said it was about 115-120 degrees over there! And because women are basically man servants in India, they [girl and her friends] had to cover up their skin too. She said I couldnt imagine how hot they were. So yep, India is a bit lower on the list now.
Anyway, we did breakfast at the house, eggs, toast, bacon, and fresh mango. The mango was one of the best Ive ever eaten, not lying. They then gave me some spots to the east side of the island to check out for camping.
After I rode in to work with them, which was at a big very nice shopping mall for you ladies, I meandered around and found my way to good ole Wally World where I could catch some nice AC and get the midget off my back and into a buggy. And buy some food too. I figured a loaf of bread, pbj, cheetos, and fig nuetons would be able to hold me over for a few meals.
Now begins the sailing! Soon after, my old friend from 3rd grade, Landon, picked me up from the store and we headed to a pub on the harbor to meet his friends for a drink before we shipped out. There was 6 of us on a nice size sail boat, 20ft maybe longer. We set sail from one harbor to another a couple miles down the beach. We all got quick sailing lessons and all I remeber about my job was to tighten and let loose a jig rope when we tac. Maybe that makes sense to some of yall but basically I just pulled a rope to make the sail taunt and catch the wind. And it being a Friday night we were able to catch some fireworks this one place does every Friday. Everyone was having good times even the moment we set sail but everything at this point is just making me realize how awesome this trip already is and its just the second day! Some people who have lived on this island for years have never even d
sailed out so I was feeling pretty decent you could say. So the sailing continued as well as the good music and although no pictures came out, the view of the island lights at night time from out in the ocean was just awesome. Nothing compares to sailing. Jsut a unique, fun experience everyone should have.
We were out on the water for a few hours I guess and then finally made it to the harbor. The capt of the ship was very funny guy with a VERY funny accent from Wisconsin I believe. He had to turn the boat around maybe 4 times while trying to park it because he kept missing it. Everyone was in tears it was great. Maybe you had to be there.
But when we got everything tied up we headed back to the same pub next to us where we started(we drove to the boat if your confused). We ate taco pizza and then went bar hopping for the better part of the night. Ended up crashing on the floor at Landons extremely nice pad next to the pool at this guys house. Again youll have to wait for pics but the house is sweet looking from the ouside (only saw Landons room which has its own entrance).
Well thats pretty much all I got for day 2. Sorry its a bit long I reckon but youll find out why when I write up day 3 tonight. You might even read it first since Im writing both of these the same night.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Day 1: Honolulu
Today has been so long I think the only way my brain can handle it is to split it up into 3 days or parts. Part one would be coming off the plane and stumbling around until I got some breakfast. Afterwards I managed to walk a mile or two to a nearby park on the water where a plethra of bums abounded, so naturally I knew I was in the right place. Found a nice concrete pad under some cover and paasssed out. But not before this random girl started asking me random questions.
Part two came several hours later which I thought for sure was late in the afternoon but was in fact not even noon! So I made my calls to my contacts and set out to find a bus. Again there was a crazy girl on the way so I made sure to avoid her. And by crazy I mean screaming at herself while crying and acting like she had one arm and yelling at traffic and just other off the wall stuff. Basically Im back at my old playground..gold old Nola. Long story short just rode around and walked around and then met up with the guys Im stayimg with tonight from couchsurfing. Pretty solid guys and awesome hosts so far. We rode to the beach on bikes and skate boards on these pretty big hills. Lots of fun only not so much on the way back. And thus begins part three.
Part three really isnt too much, mainly because Im still in it but I passed out again around 7 and got up around 11. Had my first shower too and Ill never take those for granted again. Just hanging out now and probally going to sleep soon.
Tomorrow is more beach and then sailing. Wakiki beach that is. I have pics but cant post yet. Sorry. Yalld be jealous anyway
Part two came several hours later which I thought for sure was late in the afternoon but was in fact not even noon! So I made my calls to my contacts and set out to find a bus. Again there was a crazy girl on the way so I made sure to avoid her. And by crazy I mean screaming at herself while crying and acting like she had one arm and yelling at traffic and just other off the wall stuff. Basically Im back at my old playground..gold old Nola. Long story short just rode around and walked around and then met up with the guys Im stayimg with tonight from couchsurfing. Pretty solid guys and awesome hosts so far. We rode to the beach on bikes and skate boards on these pretty big hills. Lots of fun only not so much on the way back. And thus begins part three.
Part three really isnt too much, mainly because Im still in it but I passed out again around 7 and got up around 11. Had my first shower too and Ill never take those for granted again. Just hanging out now and probally going to sleep soon.
Tomorrow is more beach and then sailing. Wakiki beach that is. I have pics but cant post yet. Sorry. Yalld be jealous anyway
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Post Flight
Aloha! Im in Honolulu! Only took 3 flights to get here and 1 delayed one. But it worked out in my favor because they upgraded my flight from Dallas to Vegas to first class! As Ive never ridden the class of first I was pretty stoked and was not disappointed. Seats were mad comfy and you get much better food than the peons. Hot cookies and then free bar the whole flight ohhhh buuddy! My luck didnt continue for the last leg from Vegas to Honolulu as I was soon discovered a first class spy so I was back in coach. Sleeping on a non-window seat is near impossible. I dont get gow anyone sleeps perfectly upright.
Needless to say the zombie state was accurate. However I was greeted With a beautiful sunrise over some mountains right next to the airport. As soon as I can upload pics I will. Im currently jacking power from some random wall to write this on my phone. Plans include find beach and sleep on said found beach. This is going to be one looong day.
Needless to say the zombie state was accurate. However I was greeted With a beautiful sunrise over some mountains right next to the airport. As soon as I can upload pics I will. Im currently jacking power from some random wall to write this on my phone. Plans include find beach and sleep on said found beach. This is going to be one looong day.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Pre Flight
One thing about being ready for me is, when I am I always feel as if I'm missing something crucial. And that makes me nervous. I'm pretty positive I have everything but it's not as if I won't have the means to grab anything I've missed at a local store, including Walmart.
For those who do not know this yet, I have nowhere to stay for the next 3 weeks, and I have absolutely no plan for when I get to Hawaii tomorrow morning around 6am. I expect a zombie like state of course. Hopefully a beach or some form of resting place will be nearby so I can immediately pass out if need be. Then again the airport lobby might suffice. I will be camping when I can't find a place to stay through couchsurfing.org or through various connections I have. Couch surfing has proven difficult in Hawaii since there were only about 100 hosts in Honolulu. Just to give you an idea there are generally thousands in well populated cities. And for those are clueless about couch surfing, it's a website set up to offer people the chance to crash at random peoples' places around the world while traveling. It's completely free and you can either surf or host. Check it out, it's pretty nifty.
My plane takes off around 7pm to Dallas and then Las Vegas and then finally Hawaii. I'm a little anxious they won't allow my pack on the plane as a carry on but I have a trick or two up my sleeve if they give me flack. Other than that I'm ready to see what this trip brings.
Survival mode....starts now
For those who do not know this yet, I have nowhere to stay for the next 3 weeks, and I have absolutely no plan for when I get to Hawaii tomorrow morning around 6am. I expect a zombie like state of course. Hopefully a beach or some form of resting place will be nearby so I can immediately pass out if need be. Then again the airport lobby might suffice. I will be camping when I can't find a place to stay through couchsurfing.org or through various connections I have. Couch surfing has proven difficult in Hawaii since there were only about 100 hosts in Honolulu. Just to give you an idea there are generally thousands in well populated cities. And for those are clueless about couch surfing, it's a website set up to offer people the chance to crash at random peoples' places around the world while traveling. It's completely free and you can either surf or host. Check it out, it's pretty nifty.
My plane takes off around 7pm to Dallas and then Las Vegas and then finally Hawaii. I'm a little anxious they won't allow my pack on the plane as a carry on but I have a trick or two up my sleeve if they give me flack. Other than that I'm ready to see what this trip brings.
Survival mode....starts now
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
First Blog
Ok, let's try a REAL blog site this time. I embarrassingly failed when I created a Twitter account and tried to blog only to find my "blogs" were limited to about 100 letters. Yeeaah, Twitter isn't a blog site afterall.
So to all those whom I just linked to this blog, this is my Official Travel Blog. Here I will attempt to recount my adventures I have while exploring places around the world I have deemed worth my visitation.
So far I have visited a few states but nothing too exciting that anyone outside of the family would like to hear as it pertains to just that, my family (I love yall!). BUT I have returned from my first cruise to Mexico and I will start with that trip in my next blog. Hawaii and the West Coast are up next in a week on July 14th and I'm absolutely STOKED for that trip!
Please comment on these things as much as you want as I will be checking and updating as much as I can. I would love to hear from anyone actually reading these things as I am doing it for yall, my biggest fans =D
Hope yall enjoy!
So to all those whom I just linked to this blog, this is my Official Travel Blog. Here I will attempt to recount my adventures I have while exploring places around the world I have deemed worth my visitation.
So far I have visited a few states but nothing too exciting that anyone outside of the family would like to hear as it pertains to just that, my family (I love yall!). BUT I have returned from my first cruise to Mexico and I will start with that trip in my next blog. Hawaii and the West Coast are up next in a week on July 14th and I'm absolutely STOKED for that trip!
Please comment on these things as much as you want as I will be checking and updating as much as I can. I would love to hear from anyone actually reading these things as I am doing it for yall, my biggest fans =D
Hope yall enjoy!
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