On the roof it’s peaceful as can be, and there the world below can’t bother me

Yesterday began, as most Friday’s probably will, with a trip to Uncle Bills, to chat with our favorite Bostonian, Phyllis. As Chelsea got her fix of coffee and bacon, I colored a paper heart for Valentines, and Phyllis sat with us to unveil more of the Hawaiian culture. 

First Birthday’s are quite the celebration here in Hana. Unknown to this when her first born turned one, Phyllis woke that day to a party thrown by the community. She watched in awe as men dragged a massive pig through her yard to be cooked underground. All inclusive with a theme and intricate centerpieces at each table, the town miraculously puts on these extravagant gatherings for each one year old in town. It started years and years ago, as reaching the age of one and fighting the odds of diseases, meant one healthy baby, and reason to celebrate.

We then headed down the road to Hana Bay Beach to start the Kings Trail. The Kings trail follows the curvy coast, connecting Hana Bay to Wai'anapanapa. Having heard it’s a great hike with spectacular views, Chelsea and I somewhat blindly headed out not really knowing what to expect. Right off the bat we laughed as our first step took us to a closed gate. Weaving in and around the volcanic rock shoreline and peoples front yards, we spotted Happy at a friend’s house. He showed us some little pools along the coast where he frequently sees sea turtles. Unlucky at witnessing any of the lil guys, we panned the outrageous ocean views only to see whales out in the distance. Excited to finally spot them, we watched the hunch back flop in and out of the water until he had enough of playing.

The next stretch of the King’s Trail, I’m determined, was nothing a King would have been able to handle. I don’t know what type of physical shape Hawaiian Kings were in, but for awhile, we were gripping onto sides the rocks, forced to be extremely cautious as one slip up could have sent us into crashing waves. So mom, it’s either worrying about this or the hitchhiking. ;)

Like true ESF’ers, we survived the steep coasts and cobwebs no problem, and watched as fish darted under us in the pools. One fish that Chelsea spotted had the most unbelievable color I’ve ever seen in nature. A bluish/green so bright, it could have been a turquoise ring on a woman’s finger.  

Not to undermine your outlook on our sense of adventure, but we didn’t make it to Wai'anapanapa… The trail took us much longer than excepted, with me taking pictures of everything, and Chelsea picking up every stray buoy she found washed up on the shore. We paused for awhile on a rocky beach I’d never been too, giving us a full view of the town. Joyfully, we watched as a sea turtle swam under and above the crashing waves. To another pleasant surprise, Chelsea found the little white flower with half it’s petals by the ocean. If we ever make it up the mountain and fend off the wild bores, perhaps will see it’s long lost lover.

After deciding to turn around we sat on the beach, toes in the water, ass in the sand so to speak and ate our freshly found mangos. I looked over at Chelsea and stated how only making $25 a week for food, and knowing that unemployment will greet us off the plane in two and a half months, never felt so good. We have the life, and are far from ever taking it for granted. 

Our next to perfect day ended with pizza with Amy at Hana Farms down the road, icecream from Hasegawas in town, prancing barefoot in the rain like 6 year olds and wine. Not a bad day at all.

Aloha.