Hawaii - The Arrival

The last time I was in Hawaii was 1983. We moved there for a year and then moved back to Nevada. It was a really nice time of life, the offspring were in kindergarten and 2nd grades. It was quiet and we lived out in Haaula, on the windward side, on Oahu, right on the beach. Very quiet and every other day or so we found crabs in our shower.

So last year when my cousin suggested we spend some time "bonding" we came up with the idea of going to the Big Island. Now I have never been to the Big Island and had visions of green rolling Parker Ranch pastures, clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and beautiful azul blue skies.

Imagine my surprise when I looked out the airplane window and saw this...

It was rocky, black, brown and desolate looking, worse than any desert I have ever seen and I have seen my share. I was little bit relieved when I looked back out the window and saw this...

A little bit of emerald ocean and a peek of greenery can do wonders for the spirit. I also noticed a definate haze in the horizon. I wondered if smog had finally come to the islands. No mind, I really felt that I was "coming home." I was filled with a nice warm feeling, how I had missed the islands without even knowing it.

Never having been to Kona I was surprised at how rustic it was. It tickled my senses. As I descended the airplane steps I was bombarded with wet humid heat and the intoxicating scent of the flowers. It was pretty overcast and grey and the airport was all outdoors. No buildings just covered areas. Did you know it rains 296" per year on the Big Island. 295" on the Hilo side and 1" on the Kona side?

We finally found our way to the lodging, got a little settled and went out for dinner. This is how life should be, dinner on the sand under an umbrella.

Extremo was extremely happy.