Ah Hawaii! They call it paradise. Honestly it is no more paradise than Nome is. It is, however, a reasonable approximation. If you like ninety, sunny, and a bit humid then the weather was perfect. If lush jungle covered mountains are your thing then the terrain is superb. If azure blue seas tickle your fancy then you are in luck. And if happiness to you involves tearing your feet up on the coral, well they have that covered also.
I spent the greater portion of the time in the pleasant company of my friend from Washington, his sister, brother-in-law and parents. Most days involved a short drive, a long hike, and a bit of sun on the beach. I my limited experience I declare the north shore of Oahu the better swimming area during the calm summer months. The beaches are a bit sandier, and there are more inlets and coves.
The best hikes on the island involve mountains. If you neglect to schedule a mountain on your path you will, in all probability be going for a "sweat" rather than the intended hike. The views from the mountains are magnificent. The sides are shear so it is almost like flying. The most entertaining hike we took had rock faces that we had to scramble up using ropes that were handily affixed to the trees.
The rest of my time with my friend and his brother-in-law consisted of good food, losing at poker, and a healthy dose of the video game 'Rock Band'. All-in-all Their house in Ewa Beach has to be the best stay on the island. Where else does friendship flow so free?
My friend, being an important engineer living at the beck and call of the Boeing Corporation, had to fly out a few days early. Thus I found myself, for the last two days, in the company of my cousin. For those of you outside my family, I do indeed have a cousin on Oahu. At least for another week or so. He just graduated. For the moment he is living in grand style in a luxurious, to my humble eyes, apartment building.
From his swanky pad I struck out into the tourist jungle of Waikiki. It is a fine array of hotels, towers, and merchandise. Anything money can buy, if only anyone could come by enough money. Not my style but it was fun to see.
On my final full day my cousin took me surfing. Very nice of him. I got a nice huge beginner board and hit the surf. I would happily report that was haning ten in green pipes all day if it were not a lie. The truth be told I never got fully standing and for the most part was pummeled by the waves. I became exhausted in ver short order. The push of the wave is exhilirating though. I will return. The last time I fell, I got into some rocks. The water was quite shallow and I did a number on my feet.
The gaping hole in my foot convinced me to find other pursuits for the remainder of the session. Luckily the pretty girl sitting on the rocks turned out to be a friend of my cousins. She became both tour guide and free taxi service for the rest of the day. We had a nice hike. We ate lunch, A big happy shout out to my cousin for picking up that tab before I even knew there was a tab. Then we toured a few of the blow holes along the coast. The most amazing was "spitting rock" a feature that when a wave hits it, it spits hundreds of gallons water horizontally 40 or so feet away from the cliff face.
That is probably enough for now. Hiking about the Seattle area has resumed and I need to start more serious contemplation fo where to go next. Thanks for reading. I will try to get pictures up later.
Sam's Summary
- I was in Hawi'i
- I am not any longer
- 'tis a hot, humid, green place
- I learned how to surf
- I just didn't execute
- I cut my feet on coral
- I hiked quite a bit bot before and after slicing my toes
- The guards at the stores for rich people always stand just to the left of the entrance and slightly out of view.
Meander back down this way! It would be great to see you again, and sooner or later, Matthew will be here too! (We still have Teslas nearby...)
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