Caught in the Rain

Serenity Stroll

A friend noticed I was acting a little on the stressed-out side of the continuum and ask me, “When was the last time you spent time in nature?” I had to pause and think about it for a minute. The length of the pause was proof enough that it had been far too long. Grateful for friends who mirror my needs and offer the means to fulfill them. #iheartnature #thanksadam #annetteappreciation #bigislandbliss #serenitystroll

Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival

Hawaii is more than beaches and palm trees. It too has the signs of spring as seen at the Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival in Waimea. Beautiful day to take in nature and the Japanese culture complete with Taiko drumming and Bon dancing. #iheartnature #springisintheair #bigislandbliss #isawthegovernor

Moon Over Mauna Kea

On January 31st we experienced a blue blood moon lunar eclipse. I ended up missing it because I thought it was the night of the 31st instead of the early morning (around) 1:30am of the 31st. Although I was a day behind I was giving a wonderful treat on my walk to work: the moon setting over Mauna Kea. Totally satisfied.

2017 Stats

Bringing in the New Year

Fingerprints of God

Tropical plants fascinate me with their interesting shapes, colors, and structures. Today I got lost in the finest of details that each flower or plant displayed. Each visit to the garden brings an introduction to a plant I had not noticed before or an old favorite shows off a new beauty. Returning to the same place time and time again to see the ways in which it is changing and growing reminds me that although I am still the same person I too am changing and growing in small ways. Looking forward to seeing what this next season has in store. #iheartnature #bringiton2018 #bigislandbliss #fingerprintsofGod #annualpassclub

Christmas Day

Christmas day exploration on the Hamakua Coast #onameabaybackdoor #akakafalls #kolekole #bigislandbliss #iheartnature #carsittingchristmas #adventurecalls

Christmas Eve Eve

Christmas weekend began with PQ holiday brunch at the Hilo Hawaiian and the afternoon exploring a new beach (to me that is). Looks like it might be a white Christmas this year! #iatesomuch #amazingview #snowinhawaii #mountainmajesty #bigislandbliss #iheartnature

Signs of Christmas

A Hui Hou

I moved to the Big Island over two years ago not knowing a soul. I found myself among a group of ten that all felt the same way. Annie was part of that group. 7 members of the original 10 have left the island. It was a quick decision for some, but we stuck with it. We made it to our first year and kept going.

2 years and 4 months later we shared our last meal together on the island. She has been and adventure buddy (Oh Maui!),  a wonderful spring board, and an analytical companion. We would sit and bounce ideas around and unpack ideas and observations for hours.

Now her adventures take her back to the mainland. Your presence on this island and in this small town will be missed my friend.
Get working on that book!

Until we meet again. A Hui Hou

Spontaneous Sunset

Yes a phrase like "spontaneous sunset" doesn't really make sense as there is absolutely nothing spontaneous about the sun setting. It happens everyday. We have it down to the minute.

The spontaneity in this particular sunset came from where I was standing when I witnessed it: over 9,000ft above sea level on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

At the beginning of the day I was exploring a neighboring Pu'u. Then gathering plants for my Christmas wreath.

While I was constructing my wreath I had the door open to let in light and a fresh breeze. To my surprise an old friend walked through the door. He had an idea to go see the star gazing presentation at the visitor's center on Mauna Kea. He wondered if I might join him.

This was a win/win/win in essence because I hadn't been star gazing since my birthday, the drive there would go right by the area where I could pick more plants for my wreath project (very quickly of course), and I could get yet another adventure in for the day, but this time with friends.

Our timing was perfect. We got to see the view in the day light just as the sun was dropping. With clear skies we saw Mauna Loa, Hualalai, and Haleakala on Maui. I know I use the word "magical" frequently but that is the only word I can find right now that best fits the experience.

I love nature. I love the majesty of it all. I love the beauty displayed. And I love sharing those experiences with other people. Yeah, it is true. I am a nature nerd. But I am so thankful for that and the people in my life that are too. For without it, I would miss so many magical moments that bring me so much life.

The Hidden Forest

The view from the road isn't very inviting. From the top you can see Mauna Kea across the road. No doubt, a glorious sight. Around you is loose stone, sparse vegitation and fine dirt and dust. Then you turn round and head toward the back side. For on the backside of the pu'u you are standing on, this warn down cone in a lava field is a hidden forest...beautiful oasis. Yet another wonderful, magical place found on the island.