Hawaii

We just returned from Hawaii. We've been there before, but each time it continues to amaze. We spent a week on Maui and the second week on the Big Island.

I like the pleasant weather, scenery, microclimates, and the culture of native Hawaiians. The microclimates are unexpected for first time visitors and are fascinating each time I visit. There is the ocean, mountains, arid scrub, rain forest, open plains, and vast stretches of old lava flows on the Big Island. Weather can be totally different in each microclimate area, even within a half hour drive.

Here were the high points of this trip:

Relaxation: Suz and I are able to relax. We can enjoy walks, sitting by the ocean, staring out at the incredible scenery and, for minutes at a time, do nothing. This is a nice break from the often continuous activity at home.

Hearing native Hawaiian Veni explain the culture, history, and values of native Hawaiians. Their culture respects the environment, family, and fellow human beings. It is so refreshing to hear; why can't we live this way now? Their outlook is reflected in the greeting "Aloha." In Hawaiian, Aloha means affection, peace, compassion, and mercy.

Preparing for luau.

Being in and near the ocean. I learned how to stand-up paddle board, snorkeled, and kayaked every day.

Sea turtle taking a break on beach


Seeing Todd's reaction to the scenery, especially on the Big Island which he had not seen before.

Akaka Falls - 442 foot high falls on Big Island.

Helicopter Tour with Paradise Helicopter Tours of volcano area near Hilo on Big Island


Learning about Kona coffee at Heavenly Hill Coffee Farm. It was fascinating to learn how coffee is grown, processed, and marketed. Kona coffee's milder taste is gaining in popularity.

Attending mass at local churches, Maria Lanakila in Lahaina on Maui and St. Michael's church in Kailua on the Big Island. Maria Lanakila means "Victorious Mary" in Hawaiian. During mass I glanced out the window to see the sun breaking through the shrouded West Maui mountains. It was almost a heavenly experience. St. Michael's Church has no church building now. It was damaged in a 6.7 earthquake in 2006 and was razed in 2010. They meet in a large tent. What a lively group. A new church will be built when funds are raised.

St. Michael's Church - a reminder that church is the people, not the building.


Enjoying Hawaiian and reggae music on KWXX, the "feel good" station in Hilo. I now listen on line at home.

Going home. Even in such an amazing setting, it is good to get home to our own little patch of heaven in Bittersweet Woods.

Changes in Latitudes

We enjoy being able to travel to many interesting places through the Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare program (yes, that is a plug for a great program). Vacation provides necessary time to recharge batteries and gain new perspectives. Right now we are in Palm Springs ending a week's stay. Here are some observations on the trip.

The desert setting is beautiful, and weather is usually crystal clear and sunny. Mountains surround the desert valley, creating beautiful vistas in all directions. The history of the area is fascinating, from the Aqua Caliente indians to the early history of Palm Springs as a vacation spot. We hiked in the Indian Canyons area, with its palm oases and mountain views. I feel drawn to this area by the sunny weather and the wilderness areas beckoning in every direction.





The area has many cultural and ethnic dimensions which we are not exposed to as often. Hispanics, native americans, and asian influences intermingle with more traditional American cultures. On a trip to the outlets, we hear many non-english converations. It's wonderful; we try not to let our curiosity show.

This week southern California has been pestered by an oddity for this area a cutoff low pressure system, creating nearly a week of rainy weather. It has not affected weather in the desert as much. But Southern California TV news has been saturated with coverage of.....rain. Reporters are scattered around the area doing live remotes, and there are frequent cutaways to the weather person who gives detailed radar updates being pummeled by, omigosh, heavy rain and lighting strikes. The area has very little rain most of the time. So, prolonged rain gets the type of coverage which in the east would be reserved for heavy snow or tornadoes. I envy the sunny, bug free weather here. But the obsessive rain news coverage seems odd to us easterners.

Vacation is a time to relax, reflect, and change the routine. Home seems to involve nearly nonstop obligatory activity. Something is always competing for our attention. Not all of it is important, though it seems urgent at the time. It requires extra effort to maintain focus on true priorities, such as faith, family, and awareness of others. Vacation helps restore the balance. We don't have to go to work, walk the dogs, mow the lawn, run errands for Dad, and answer as many e-mails.



Vacations are a good thing. Even short breaks in the home routine, such as a walk in Bittersweet Woods, are healthy, too. I think I need a break from writing this, too. Bye. Talk later.