ALOHA 2007
It's like living on a strange and distant planet, but of course, we are on a planet.
Although, this planet is home and has some of the most wondrous sights. Throughout the year, we've had a chance to explore our island paradise. Starting with Volcanoes National Park!
Here at Volcanoes visitors center is a large scale model of the Big Island of Hawai'i.
On the left side is the most northern tip and to the right is the most southern tip of the island. Near the center of the model facing towards you is Mauna Loa. Behind Mauna Loa is Mauna Kea our two prominent volcanoes. The whole island is filled with smaller volcanoes like Hualalai, Kilauea, and our newest volcano Lo'ihi which is still forming under the ocean.
Kilauea is where the visitors center is located. Here is the caldera named Halema'uma'u. This is where Madam Pele lives.
You can see steam venting from the underground. The whole area is so large it would take days just to explore.
This is Mauna Ulu, a smaller volcano that formed in 1969. You can see Mauna Loa in the distance. Over the years this area has been erupting and forming new land. Currently, the Pu'o'o vent is erupting and forming acres of new land. There are miles and miles of lava fields on this side of the island.
From Mauna Loa, lava spewed down towards the ocean.
Let's go to the most southern point on our island.
Along the way, we'll stop at Volcano Winery! They have very interesting wines here. Although they import some grapes from the mainland, they also use local fruits to make their wines. I particularly like the Volcano Red!
Our tour leads us to some interesting sights here at Ka Lae, also known as south point.
Like something from a futuristics world where satellite dishes scan the sky's.
Windmills dot the landscape providing alternative energy needs. There is also a Geo-Thermal plant generating electricity on the island. What is strange is the protests by the environmentalist. They don't like the wind farms and Geo-thermal plants. They say it harms the environment. I'm not sure where the logic is.
A dog waits for his master to return from the sea.
The fishing docks at Ka Lae are constantly in disrepair. The storms cause huge wave that crash into the docks damaging the structures.
Today the waters are calm. The rocky shore line is dangerous. People have died getting too close to the rocks and where the water meets.
On the other side of the island is Akaka Falls. This is located just north of where we live from Puna. Just north of Hilo.
Some spectacular waterfalls can be found here. There are many more heading to the northern tip of the island.
On this side of the island is the lush jungle forest. It's so much different from the western side of the island. Here on the eastern side, we get about 200 inches of rainfall a year. On the western side of the island they only get about 50 inches of rain. The western side is dry and desert looking, while the eastern side is lush and green. Hawaiians call this lush beauty "Uluwehiwehi"!
The forest can be dense and huge! As we continue northward to the tip of the island.
This is the Waipi'o Valley. This location is also called the Valley of Kings. This location is famous for its black sand beaches and breath taking vistas. Here you can find Taro farmers and taste Poi! Yum Yum!
This is Opulo Point! A U.S. Coast Guard facility is located close by here.
It is called the Valley of the Kings because this is where King Kamehameha I was born.
No trip can be complete without a visit to the Panaewa Zoo!
As the sun sets on our island and the year comes to a close, it's time to reflect on some politics.
There are some real Jackasses in congress and I want to point out a few patriots.
Senator Charles Rangel He wants to reinstate the Military Draft. It seems this misinformed idiot thinks only the poor, uneducated, and jobless have no where else to go but into the military service.
He also thinks like his buddy John Kerry.
He recently went to Iraq where, depending on who you believe, had breakfast alone. Apparently many of the soldiers snubbed the Senator from Massachusetts. However, one thing is correct, he is a botched joke. A dangerous botched joke.
I guess since New Jersey now allows same sex unions. Well, anything goes!
Welcome 2007! I wonder what kine world we'll live in?
What's for Dinner?
Grilled Hulihuli Chicken with corn on the cob and baked potato!
This is the last post for 2006. Aloha!
Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!
