Two family members remain…A visit to a resort with animals…A year ago…80 what in the yard???

This charming sheep posed for this photo without hesitation, obviously comfortable around people.

As time winds down for the extra days that daughter-in-law Camille and granddaughter Madighan are staying in the islands, we’re enjoying our remaining time together. They return to Minnesota on Friday.

The resident turtle at the resort.

With Madighan’s crazy rash under control since they relocated, we’re certain that something in the house or on the grounds may have caused the reaction. Now completely well, she’s able to spend a little time here with us with no consequences.

These chickens came running toward us with enthusiasm.

Yesterday, I visited them at their new place, a cozy resort no more than 15 minutes from our house, yet still considered to be in the Puna district, located in the city of Pahoa.

Camille and Madighan had a chance to pet one of the chickens. 

Seeing Madighan giggle over the chickens, sheep and giant turtle at the resort was a joy as shown in these photos. Ah, come on, it thrilled me as well.  I was desperately needing a little “animal fix” which I grasped when seeing these farm animals up close and personal.

A beam of light streaked across the sky from the lens of my camera.

We ended the day back at our house for dinner as we make every effort to use the frozen and fresh food we have left. Last night it was coconut chicken, oven-baked fries (none for me), roasted veggies, and salad. 

This freaky beam of light appears to be lightning was only a result of my playing with various settings on the came as I attempt to learn to get good moon shots.

Tonight, it will be burgers and marinated chicken tenders on the grill, more roasted veggies, tin foil wrapped grilled potatoes (with onions, butter, and bacon on non-stick foil on the dull side), and more salad.

Clouds gathering in front of our view of the moon.

Watching the weather today will determine what activities the day holds. If the weather is cloudy, we may decide to go to Mount Kilauea or if sunny, hang out at the pool at Camille and Madighan’s resort. With the unpredictable weather in the islands, it can change on a dime, making a fast turnaround in a day’s plans.

We were in awe of the reddish tints surrounding our view of the moon last night.

Last night’s full moon brought us outdoors to take a few photos which we share with you today. It was odd to see the new renters that have moved in yesterday our “old” house next door. Looking at them, I felt a pang of “what are you doing in my yard?” 

On our way to the resort traveling on the 20 MPH Railroad Road which opened in the event the lava crossing Highway 130, we spotted this sign.

The feeling quickly dissipated when the moon caught our attention and we were once again, swept away in a romantic moment of the wonder of our world.

Pool or volcano or what? Tomorrow, we’ll share the details.

Have a marvelous Monday!

                                             Photo from one year ago today, January 5, 2014:

Eighty impalas visited us in the yard in Marloth Park, one year ago today. If we so much as moved, they’d all run off. Sitting at the table on the veranda, I remained motionless taking the photos and videos as shown at our link. Please click here.

What’s happening with the lava flow in Pahoa?…Life goes on among the locals and tourists…Last year…They visited a second time…Magical…

Lava or not, local roosters and chickens are busy peeking on vegetation, a common sight in the islands. This rooster had a keen eye on his “wife” and a chick on the side of the road.

As we drove around Pahoa yesterday afternoon, we couldn’t avoid noticing the number of buildings and businesses that have closed or are soon to close in Pahoa with the lava flow only 660 yards from the Pahoa Marketplace.

Yesterday afternoon, we drove on the newly graveled road, recently made as an alternative to Highway 130 which eventually will be closed due to the lava.

Please click here for the latest update and video of the lava flow in Pahoa.

When lava came through this area in years past, many cars remained, burned, and abandoned.

It was only a few weeks ago, that we attended the final sale days of the Malama Market, the Supercuts, and the Long Drugs (owned by CVS) in preparation for their final closing of these and other stores as the lava approaches, seeming to inch along at this point.

Longs Drugs, permanently closed and boarded up due to pending lava flow.

Yesterday, as we drove around the Pahoa area we discussed the tragic impact the lava flow has had on local residents; lost jobs, lost homeownership and rentals, lost business ownership, loss of revenue, and taxes for the city. 

Pahoa gas station, tanks removed, and closed in anticipation of the upcoming lava flow.
The Pahoa Marketplace strip type mall is guarded 24 hours a day by the National Guard.

In one positive way, it has put Pahoa on the map, a sleepy little “hippie” town known for its laid back retirees with long beards, braided hair, and a gentle demeanor; its quaint shops with locally made artifacts, clothing, and treasures and its cozy restaurants where the locals gather to share the news of the day.

Auto repair shop in the path of the lava.
Malama grocery store, since abandoned for the upcoming arrival of lava.

These days, its been discussions in the community about the continually moving lava, albeit slow at the moment, that invariably will make its way to the sea, somewhere near where we’ve been living these past five weeks. Fortunately, for our convenience, it never made it to us.

The pharmacy had left this sign referring prescriptions to the now-closed Longs Drugs.

At the lava flow’s current rate of travel, having recently almost stalled, it could be many months before it reaches this area. Now, living here, we realize that had we found the necessity to relocate, we’ve would have done it with more grace and ease than the frenzied panic we anticipated many months ago.

 
The local grade school, quite a distance from the Pahoa Marketplace, has been closed for some time due to the lava.

It’s the way of life for the people of this island. They accept that Madam Pele, the Goddess of Fire, as having the power to make the decisions that ultimately will bear down on the lives of its people. They graciously accept her choice of the course of the lava as it flows from Mount Kilauea and the other active volcanoes on the islands. 

The Pahoa Community Center has been closed since before our arrival in anticipation of the lava flow.

After all, Hawaii was created by volcanic eruptions forming the land of the islands, rising from the sea. Who’s to question this power?

We watched the behavior of this rooster and his family. He kept an eye on us and the mom safely tucked her chick on her opposite side.

As for tourism on the Big Island, it has increased since the news of the lava flows attracted worldwide attention.  This fact is good for the businesses remaining in Pahoa.  But, for those who have been permanently displaced, losing their financial security and homes, the saga continues on.

During high winds on Friday and Saturday, this tree was uprooted at the birdhouse where we currently reside.

For us, we’ll always find ourselves checking online news for the progression of the lava as we’ve acquired compassion for the fate of the island’s people and their lives as the course of this geological certainty continues over the years. We pray for their safety and for finding peace in whatever course their lives may take.

Happy Sunday to all.

                                                Photo from one year ago today, January 4, 2013:

This was the second time that the giraffes appeared in our yard on a sunny morning in Marloth Park. We were no less thrilled the second time than we were the first.  For details and videos of this visit, please click here.

One by one…They return to their homes…Visit to Lava Tree Park…We begin to return to our wanderlust lifestyle…

This sign served as a valuable warning to keep us and others from exploring beyond this point when we visited Lava Tree Park yesterday.

As Tammy, Tracy and Vincent head back to Minnesota today, we are reminded of how quickly the time flew.  Now, only daughter-in-law, Camille and granddaughter, Madighan remain in Big Island for another week during which we’ll spend together at the beach, the park or strolling along the boulevard in the village of Pahoa.

Lava Tree Park has been closed to the public due to the risk of lava fissures creating vast openings in the ground. In August, Hurricane Iselle ravaged the Big Island leaving this and other parks closed due to risks from fallen trees and resulting lava shifts. We visited yesterday with Tammy and family going as far as we could stay safely within the marked areas.

Today, we’ve already begun the process of moving back into the house next door that Tom refers to as the “birdhouse” (so it looks from the aerial photos). This house is also situated in close proximity to the raging surf, the spray from the surf, and the roaring sounds. We’ll be as content as we were in the “birdhouse” prior to December 20th when we moved into the house next door to accommodate our family’s arrival.

A crevice area that was fenced off to protect visitors. This crevice was very deep.

Although we’re only moving next door, we still have sheets, towels, and more laundry to do plus the packing required as for any move. Packing neatly isn’t an issue right now. We only require that the clothes fit into our luggage and we can close our bags. Once we leave the Big Island in 13 days, we’ll be more diligent in regard to packing neatly.

Another roped off crevice in the park.

A huge storm is brewing in the islands over the next 24 hours, expected to hit the Big Island tonight or tomorrow morning. As a result, we’ll stay put hopefully not pounded with rain while we move next door.

Big Island is all about the lava as shown in these drawings.

This morning I packed my clothing and later today, I’ll begin the process of packing all that we have scattered about this big four-bedroom house, mainly in the master bedroom, en suite bath, and kitchen. I’ll be relieved when we’re done and situated, perhaps stopping to take a breath and realize that most of them are gone, back to the frozen tundra of Minnesota, now with temperatures below zero.

Map of Lava Tree Park original walking path.  We were restricted from venturing any further than the “You Are Here” designated area on this map.

Oh, how right it was that we left such a cold place, definitely not a good settling point for seniors. The risk of falling on ice and snow, hazardous driving conditions, and shoveling and snow blowing simply doesn’t make for an ideal scenario for the aging population. Plus, being cooped up during the long winter as a retiree never appealed to us.

Sign on display at the park.

Yes, we are warm weather people, following the sun wherever we may go with a few exceptions into the future, as we seek to fulfill our dreams of a few cold-weather wildlife expeditions. 

A picnic area in Lava Tree Park was desolate. 

I’m a little out of sorts today. As the storm brews, the air is outrageously humid and I can’t seem to shake this sticky feeling. We awoke before 6:00 am this morning to say goodbye to Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent. Showered, dressed, and ready for the day by 6:30 am, we have a long day of work ahead of us. 

Hibiscus, hearty flower that they are, continue to grow in the desolate park.

Soon, we’ll be settled and at peace, as we spend our final 13 days on the Big Island, amid an upcoming storm, the lava flow, and us two old-timers looking forward to the next phase of life as we carry on our worldwide travels.

Downed trees and shrubs in Lava Tree Park continue to flourish.

Also, thanks to our many readers who graciously inquired as to my dear sister’s health. She left the hospital yesterday and is recovering nicely at home. Son Richard’s shoulder injury is on the mend. We enjoyed a lengthy chat yesterday.

The highlight of living in these two neighboring houses has been the raging of the wild surf.
While lounging in the chairs, one is kept cool by the spray from the waves.
A huge surf pounded the shore yesterday.

We’ll be back tomorrow from the “birdhouse” with more good news to share. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed this lovely house but look forward to being settled once again.

Be well and have a safe first Saturday in 2015!

                                            Photo from one year ago today, January 2, 2014:

We left an egg outside for the mongoose who’s families often surrounded our house. We were happy to see one of them enjoy it. For details, please click here.

Happy New Year to all of our readers…Its a new beginning…

Today, there is a high surf warning.

It’s almost as if on New Year’s Day we have the opportunity to begin anew; to plan, to dream, to make our wishes come true. Yet many promise themselves a new start beginning for a few days or weeks only to falter down the road dismissing the promise as having been unrealistic or frivolous.

The surf, a few minutes ago in front of our house.

And yet, year after year, we make the commitment, hoping magically “this will be the best year yet.” I know from experience. I’d done that for most of my life; the diet to lose the last 10 pounds, the renewed commitment to becoming more organized, keeping my closets tidy, doing my taxes without an extension, and spending more time doing ‘this or that.”

Invariably, after a month into the New Year “life” would get in the way, making it easy to blame “it” for my lack of commitment.

More big surf. We move back next door in two days on January 3rd.

Somehow, its different now. The 10 pounds are gone, I am as organized as I care to be, I clean my closets entirely every six weeks to three months, and I’ve accepted the fact that our new accountant needs us to file an extension (since we’re new and old clients come first).

Burgundy tips on the edges of the leaves.

Its not about being “better” at life.  Its all about acceptance. This is my life and darn it all, I’m going love it, one way or another. We both choose happiness. 

Yes, there are obstacles, sorrows, life events that could easily chip away at that happiness. But, when we choose the life we want to live, we manage to continue to veer down that path we’ve chosen, not allowing anything to get in our way.

These are huge here.

Its not that the sorrows of life don’t have an effect on us. They do. No one with a heart is exempt. But, we both choose to give the attention to that which is heart wrenching and carry on with the knowledge and acceptance that life is short and this moment is the only certainty. It could change in the blink of an eye.

What are small houseplants on the mainland are giant trees and bushes here in Hawaii?

Today, we wish all of our family, friends and readers a New Year of acceptance in that we all live the life we’ve chosen, finding peace and contentment in this moment and strive to make the next moment as precious as the last.

Happy New Year to all.

                                               Photo from one year ago today, January 1, 2015:

It was one year ago today that we celebrated with new friends in Marloth Park at Jabula Lodge. For details of that date, please click here..

Happy New Year…Celebrate or not…A year ago, a scary photo…

View from shore.

Years ago, Tom and I held parties on New Year’s Eve at our home with lots of fanfare. We always had a great turnout with dozens of friends enjoying the labor of love we put into the party planning, the food preparations, and on some years, costumes.

Cloudy morning today.
View of the house next door which we’ll move back to on January 3rd.

The last New Year’s Eve party we’d planned was for the rollover from 1999 to 2000. We had a costume theme of the much-anticipated issues that were expected to result when the clocked chimed 12:00 am on January 1, 2000.

Neighborhood shoreline view.

Tom and I wore custom-made bug costumes to represent the expected “computer bugs” (so they called them) and decorated our house accordingly. Much to our shock, only six guests appeared for the party, the others staying behind, fearful of the long drive on what was a scary night.

Red Road shoreline view.

From that point on, we no longer planned New Year’s Eve parties, preferring to acquire the typical older adult’s attitude that the occasion was for youngsters, not the mature types such as us.

Shoreline view on a drive in the area.

Now, we give New Year’s Eve little thought. Instead, it reminds me that taxes have to be done and other painstaking year-end related “paperwork” must be accomplished sometime soon. 

Numerous beaches line the shores of the Big Island attracting sunbathers and picnickers.

For Tom, he never gave New Year’s Eve a good thought.  His grandfather on his mother’s side was killed in a wagon accident on New Year’s Eve day, hauling a load of wood, falling beneath to his death. His mother was only three months old at the time. Her mother was left a widow with three children, never to remarry. This tragic loss remained in the hearts and minds of the family tarnishing the prospect of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Pods that will open to lilies in our yard.

When we decided to forgo future celebrations, Tom didn’t waiver in respect for the memory of his grandfather and was content to let the “holiday” remain relatively unimportant.

Still searching for the name of this flower.
Pink Ginger Flower.

I suppose we all have our reasons to celebrate or not. Some fear driving on the roads with possible drunk drivers out in full force. Others fear themselves driving after imbibing on a glass of wine or two. Others simply fear the disappointment of not having the good time they’d hoped to experience. And others, are simply bored by the whole thing.

The raging sea with heavy mist.

Tonight, whether you may celebrate or not, we wish each and every one of our readers, family, and friends a New Year filled with the opportunity and execution of reaching for the stars to fulfill whatever dream you may hold dear to your heart with health, happiness, and love.

Happy New Year…

                                           Photo from one year ago today, December 31, 2013:

On New Year’s Eve, we returned home from a casual gathering and dinner at Jabula Lodge in Marloth Park. After a wonderful evening, we found this foot-long “thing” on the wall in the bedroom near the bathroom. I must admit, I had the creepy crawlies all night long wondering if more of these were waiting to walk over me while I was sleeping. At this point, I had overcome many of my insect fears but this one was pushing it. Tom swept it into the dustpan and took it outside where it belonged. For details from that date, please click here.

Fitful night…Worrying…Up at 5 am…A new beginning in a New Year…A year ago closeup of a visitor…

Late in the day yesterday, we spotted these whales. The much-anticipated fluke, the tail was the prize. Wonderful! 

Even an overly bubbly type has a bad night now and then. Last night was mine, worrying about my sister, unable to speak to her until this morning when she was able to take the call, somewhat awake and alert.

First, we saw the blowholes of these two whales.

We’ve always been very close, my sisters and I. The distance hasn’t changed a thing. We haven’t lived near one another for many years but, we’ve never missed a beat in each other’s life. On any given day, we could easily imagine what the other was doing, our plans for the day, our hopes, our dreams, our sorrows, our shortcomings; always accepted, always loved.

This morning at 7:00 am Hawaii time, 9:00 am in LA, we spoke and I was relieved to hear her voice, so relieved and comforted to know she’ll now begin the healing process. 

The dorsal fin appeared.

I am sorry that I couldn’t be with her. I had been in the past. This time, with family here with us, her partner, and friends of which there are many, were at her side, keeping me informed.

So the days continue on, in the Big Island. The three remaining family members were gone overnight to Kona for swim-with-the-manta rays late-night outing and overnight in the “big city” of Kona. 

Another whale’s dorsal fin.

In three days, they’ll leave the Big Island to return to Minnesota, and once again, we’ll be together alone. Are we sad? Not at all. We loved seeing them all and now as we all roll into the New Year, back into our “real lives.”

For us, our “real life” at the end of the family holiday, begins a new year in our travels which we anticipate with excitement and joyfulness…the vacation that sees no end. How couldn’t one be happy to begin again?

This morning from the lanai.

Over the next few months in Kauai (we leave for the island in 17 days), we plan to explore, learn the nuances of the garden island, lick our wounds from the pricey family get together, take care of insurance, taxes, investments and other such necessary “paperwork” and, most of all, take as many photos as we can to share with our readers each and every day.

Today, a trip to the village is in order for a few things at Island Naturals, the only open grocery store in Pahoa after the evacuation for the still moving lava toward the Pahoa Marketplace. 

The sun desperately tried to peek through this opening in the clouds.

I’m now writing on my new Acer, 15.6, touchscreen, 1 Terabyte, lighted keyboard, Intel Core, i5, 8 gigabytes, la la la…laptop I purchased at Costco on Sunday night for a reasonable $589 including tax at less than half the regular retail price.

Yesterday, I transferred all my data, installed all my apps and email folders, MS Office, and Outlook and I’m loving every moment. It’s been almost a year since my last Acer died due to my dropping it in South Africa and I’ve suffered using an international version of a not so good notebook with keyboard issues from the get-go that finally went kaput in the past two weeks.

Had I been there seconds earlier, I could have taken the rays from the sun reflecting on the ocean. This was the view by the time the camera loaded.

Finally, I feel at ease as I write here each day no longer struggling with the keys and look forward to sharing the future with all of you as we continue on…

Have a terrific Tuesday!

                                          Photo from one year ago today, December 30, 2013:

This kudu looked me in the eye, “You got any pellets this morning?” he asked.  I dropped a handful onto the ground and backed up so his huge antlers didn’t stab me. For details of this date, please click here.

And then there were three…Winding down as the days pass…An unreal video a year ago…

The fog began to roll in as the day wanes.

Yesterday afternoon, the six of us, TJ’s family of four and Tom and I, piled into the minivan for the two-hour drive to Kona. I had yet to experience this long drive across the Big Island from ocean to ocean. Tom had been too preoccupied to take photos when driving to Kona to pick up the family on December 6th. But, he also enjoyed it yesterday.

From left to right; Sarah, TJ, me, Tom, (front) Vincent, Jayden, Nik, Tracy, and Tammy, a photo we took yesterday of our remaining family members. Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent remain in Pahoa for four more days.

The terrain rapidly changed from ocean induced lush greenery to almost desert-like sparseness and dry vegetation. Signs were posted warning of extreme” risk of fire.

Low lying clouds surround the mountains.

By the time we arrived in Kona, the sun was setting. I couldn’t get a good vantage point for a sunset photo when our imminent goal was to get to Costco before they closed at 6 pm. TJ and family’s flights were at 8:10 pm.

Many mountain ranges on the Big Island are higher than an elevation of 10,000 feet.

They were thrilled to stop at Costco for a quick bite to eat before flying back to Minnesota while I found my awaiting laptop and purchased some nuts. We wouldn’t be driving back to this Costco anytime soon.

With many power lines obstructing this scene we still were in awe of this border of trees in the distance.

And then they were gone. And we began the long trek back to Pahoa in the dark. The winding mountainous roads weren’t so pretty in the dark and fog. 

As barren as the scenery is, it offers its own reflective beauty.

At some point, high in the mountains, Tom noticed the outside temperature was only 43 degrees, the coldest temperature we’d experienced since winter of 2011/2012. Even when we were in Iceland in September, it never got below 48 degrees.

The road ahead of us was long and desolate.

Finally, we returned home to an empty house for the first time since December 6th with Tammy’s family of three next door until January 2nd, a mere four days away. Adventurers that they are, we’ll see them here and there, as they complete their remaining Big Island “must do’s” seeing us in between their exciting water-related challenges. We’ll cherish every last moment together.

As we drove by this dry vegetation at 60 mph, it was evident as to why there were fire warnings.
We find beauty in the simplicity of barren land.

Today, my dear sister is having big surgery in LA. I’ll stay close at hand to take calls from her partner with updates on her progress. I can only pray for a good outcome and recovery as she works her way through a difficult time.  Although far away, I am at her side, as we always have been for one another. The same case applies to my older sister in Nevada who also suffers from ill-health.  (It’s in the genes).

The terrain was mostly lava rock interspersed with vegetation that eventually makes its way through the dense lava.
It was sunny but late in the afternoon as we shot the wilderness in the center of the Big Island.

While hanging out a home today, I’ll begin the process of setting up the new laptop. It’s been quite the task, typing on a $10 external keyboard these past few weeks. What a relief, a year later to have a laptop that works well for me as opposed to the keyboard problematic version I’d purchased in South Africa last February with some unfamiliar international aspects. 

Have a meaningful Monday. Back at you soon.

Photo from one year ago today, December 29, 2013:

It was one year ago on this date that we posted this video of tree frog mating in the tree over our pool in Marloth Pak. For the details of that story, please click here.

Winding down…Family heading back…Trip to Kona today…Two plus hour drive…New whale sightings photos!

Tom captured this morning’s sunrise.
At this house, we are able to see the sunrise whereas as the first house, it is blocked by this house.

We knew this time would come and we’d carefully planned for it. We’re all good about saying goodbye having had a great family visit. We all have our busy and fulfilling lives awaiting us.

It’s hard to say goodbye to the grandchildren knowing they’ll be so changed when we see them again, when that will be at this point, we don’t know.

A whale’s back, spotted yesterday. I took all of these whale shots from the lanai.

The life we’ve chosen has a price to pay. But then, every kind of life we choose has its limitations, restrictions, obligations, and challenges. It’s the way it is. Choosing to be happy in those choices, whatever they may be, is the key.

We choose happiness, not sorrow and sadness for being away from our kids and grandchildren, our siblings, and other family members and friends. For many, if not most, being in close proximity to family is their way to achieve happiness

The dorsal fin.

For me, after years of illness to finally feel well, inspires me to see the world for as long as I can. For Tom, after 42 years of working on the railroad, the regimented schedule, the often long hours, and the hard work inspired him. 

For us as a couple, the adventure, the excitement drives us on with a wild sense of discovering as much of the world as we can, sharing the experience together as lovers, companions, and friends. 

More dorsal fin.

Documenting these experiences only add to the depth of our choices as now we say goodbye to this chapter, rapidly approaching the next months in Kauai, with time spent exploring and, time spent in quiet contemplation of where we’ve been, where we are at the moment and where we hope to be in the future as the planning continues.

After today, they’ll all be gone except for Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent who are staying until January 2nd, a mere five days away. After today when TJ, Sarah, and the two boys leave, we’ll spend our remaining time in the two houses winding down our rental agreement.

not the best angle, the tail known as the “fluke.’

On January 3rd, Tom and I will move back into the first house to spend our remaining days in the Big Island until January 15th when we fly the short distance to Kauai.

Today, we’re driving to Kona to take TJ and family back to the airport after their three-week visit. A stop at Costco in on the agenda in order to pick up the new computer awaiting me that I ordered over the phone yesterday morning.

Another whale spotted a short time later.

We’ll be back with more while spending Tammy and family’s remaining days on the island. They are quite the adventurers so I’m sure we’ll have much more to share in photos on the Big Island of Hawai’i (as spelled by locals).

Have a satisfying Sunday as we wind down to the New Year.

                                             Photo from one year ago on December 28, 2013:

It was one year ago today that we spent time at the Crocodile River wrapped up in the magic of a small herd of elephants engaged in their usual routine.  For more photos and details, please click here.

A nighttime visit to Mount Kilauea…Astounding!

This was my favorite shot of the evening with the backdrop of the glow from Mount Kilauea.

Yesterday, at 5:15 pm we all piled into our vehicles and heading up the mountain to see the volcano at Mount Kilauea on the Big Island of Hawaii. As the crow flies, it may have been a 20-minute drive. However, based on the roads that have been closed due to the crossing of lava, it took us nearly an hour.

Preferring not to use any flash to avoid disturbing others, Tom is a little muted here. 

Here is a link to live webcams from Mount Kilauea.

Shortly before the sun went down, we were separated from the family and unable to get a group photo as we’d hoped. Instead, Tom took this of me and the telescope. Oh, well.

It is this very volcano from which the lava has been flowing toward Pahoa that attributed to our concern these past months and the evacuation of the Pahoa Marketplace.

 
As darkness fell, we had a better view of the glow.

Seeing firsthand the source of that flow was indescribable, to say the least. The pleasant drive to an elevation of only a little over 4000 feet caused some ear-popping but wasn’t felt by the nature of the smooth and easy to navigate roads.

The crowd roared with excitement as it became more visible.

We’d expected to find only a handful of visitors to Volcanoes National Park and were surprised to find the parking lot jammed with vehicles and anxious tourists. 

Then, the glow was in its full glory.  What a sight to behold!

Darkness fell within minutes of our arrival. However, while there was still a little bit of light we were able to get a good perspective of the vastness of the park and the volcano. 

At one point, these trees provided a backdrop and I attempted to take advantage of that fact.
The intensity of the glow changed as the magma at the crater burst into many explosions.

Moments later, it was pitch black with the only light from the hundreds of cameras held over the heads of the excited visitors attempting to get a peek and a photo.

The trees impeding a portion of our views ultimately gave us a better perspective of the glow.

Of course, a determined amateur photographer that I am, I diplomatically maneuvered my way to prefect spots aided by my equally determined husband Tom. We weren’t getting out of there without some great shots.

Inside the visitor’s center, we took the time to appreciate local artwork. Here is a rendition of Madame Pele, the fire goddess.

Experiencing this once in a lifetime adventure as a family was rewarding and fulfilling. Our grandchildren loved it and were fearless and in awe as were all of the adults.

Perhaps, how it may have been for seafarers seeing the Hawaiian Islands for the first time, as the molten lava flowed to the sea, creating new land.

So, dear readers, we share these photos with all of you, with considerable enthusiasm and joy knowing we have this arena on the web to bring all of us together in however a small way, as our travels continue on.

Its Saturday! May sunshine and smiles brighten our day.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, December 27, 2013

Nothing like stopping for the crosswalk in Marloth Park, one year ago today. For details of that day’s post, please click here.

A day at the beach…Cloudy, yet fun and fulfilling…A year ago, an ironic visitor on Christmas Day!

Yesterday, Tracy took this underwater photo using their GoPro camera. She said he was much larger than appears in this photo.

Christmas is over. Santa came and went. Laughter wafted through the air as the grandkids played with the items Santa had placed in their stockings, in our case Santa hats, when the evacuating store in Pahoa was out of stockings.

I put their names on the hats by making block letter cutouts using the cards from a box of $.60 Christmas cards and glue. We attached the hats with the contents stuffed inside with a variety of interesting rocks, shells, and stones in various packages we’d purchased at the Lyman Library.

Tide pools Onekahakaha Beach Park in Hilo where we spent the day on Christmas.

We included the usual grandparent requisite gift, a Visa gift card so when bored, they can begin looking on their tablets what they’d like to purchase when they return to Minnesota.

Making and packing enough food for 14 for a full day was definitely challenging, to ensure we had everything everyone would like. We did our best and it ultimately turned out well which included.

Burgers, brats, hotdogs, and buns with sliced cheeses
Foil packs with diced potatoes (Tom peeled)
Bacon, Almond, and Raisin Broccoli Salad
Roasted Vegetables
Cut up cantaloupe and pineapple
Sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce

Tom on Christmas Day at the park.

Then, of course, we hauled paper products, beach towels, lawn chairs (Tammy and Tracy purchased two folding chairs for Tom and me), two small grills, water toys and it goes on and on. Three vehicles were loaded to the gills with people and “stuff.”

It rained off and on all day. Luckily, Sarah kept her eye on an available covered pavilion and shortly after we arrived we were in luck. Being undercover all day made it possible to enjoy ourselves chatting and watching the kids.

We were in good spirits and ended up sharing food with a man sitting near us as, apparently alone on Christmas. He had a boom box playing Hawaii rap music but later changed it to a more mellow variety, adding to the festivities of the day.

With the flurry of activities at the beach, it was tough to get a photo of everyone together.

All of us cooked in shifts for each family. Tom and I usually don’t eat until early evening but the smell of the meat on the grill put us right on track with the others, wolfing down the good food. TJ said he’d never had a burger on Christmas Day. How true it was for all of us.

Many spent hours in the water snorkeling, reveling in the fish, eels, and sea turtles.  Vincent didn’t get out of the shallow tide pools until long after we had lunch. Maisie, Miles, and Madighan, new to snorkeling, couldn’t get enough. Nik and Jayden now with us for three weeks, couldn’t get enough.

Birds at the beach peeking on beach-goers leftovers.

And, of course, Tammy, Tracy, Greg, and Camille, spent time with the kids in the tide pools while TJ and Sarah hung out with us under the pavilion. All of us were in awe as to what they could see, excited to share it with the grandkids.

Home by 5:00 pm to whale watch, nibble on leftovers and snacks, it was a laid back evening befitting all of us.

A rainbow, a perfect finish to the day..

I spoke to my sister on Skype and later chatted with son Richard on Facebook. There were many others I’d have like to speak with to wish Merry Christmas. Time somehow slipped away as it often does.

Last night’s crescent moon.

Today, the kids are leaving for beach activities and a few staying behind with us. We have no doubt it will be another good day.

May all of you have a stupendous day after Christmas. We plan to do the same.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, December 26, 2013:

Mr. Kudu was standing near our carport in Marloth Park on Christmas morning last year. Tom teased me stating, “Here’s your Christmas gift, Sweetie.” That was all I needed!  For details from that date, please click here.