July 20 - Beautiful valleys, plants, waterfalls, and MALASADAS!

We did such a long hike yesterday that we decided to take a break and head along the north-east side and go to Waipi'o Valley. We had great weather again. Yay! The kids enjoyed it because they like rolling down the hill there. :)

After Waipi'o Valley, we stopped at Tex's Drivein for fresh, hot, malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts). Oh so good! Then we stopped at Laupahoehoe Point where the tsunami of 1946 killed a group of school children, teachers, and families. They have a little memorial shrine for the lost. It is a very beautiful place. Someone else did a great blog of the point. See it here.

Then we visited the Hawaii Botanical Gardens, or as Michael Jr said, the 'Mechanical Gardens.' Beautiful place. We didn't get there till 3:30pm, so we only had 1.5 hrs to look, but that was enough. We ate at Cafe' Pesto (the one in Hilo, not Kohala), then hurried to Rainbow Falls. We got there just as the sun was setting. It was still pretty!

Pictures here!

July 19 - Sun? REALLY???

Yes we see sunshine! Can't believe it!! We don't want to waste this beautiful day, so I think we're going to hike Kilauea Iki crater! Here is the official Hawaii Volcano Observatory info on Iki.

Today we all went, even Mom!, to hike Kilauea Iki crater! We had beautiful weather – finally! The hike was great! We took the back way into the crater, which we haven't done in awhile, but Mike was told that Byron's Ledge trail was easier to hike for someone with knee issues. The trail was easier than the regular Iki trail, but walking over the lava on that side of Iki was more difficult. Oh well. 6 of one, half dozen of another. Didn't matter. We all made it, took some great pictures, and had a great time!

That night we went to the movies – Mom, Jana, and Erica saw Ice Age 3, and the rest of us saw Harry Potter. After the movies we ate at Ken's Pancake House again. Great day!

Pictures here!

July 18 - More rain, so off to South Point!

Rained all night. Was still raining this morning. ugh. We've never had this much rain in Volcano!

We decided to head to South Point to hopefully get out of the rain! On the way, we saw about 6 nenes (pronounced nay-nay) along the road! Nenes are the protected Hawaiian state bird and they resemble a Canada goose. Mom and Jana were very excited to see them!

We stopped at the Punalu'u Beach, otherwise known as the new black sand beach. It was windy and overcast but not raining. Yay! We got to see a hawksbill turtle! It was lying in the sun and everyone was being respectful and keeping the required 15ft distance from the turtle...that is until the japanese tourists showed up. They NEVER pay attention to the posted rules and were bothering the turtle. Last time we were there the japanese tourists were hitting the turtle on the head, shell, legs, anything they could touch. Made us FURIOUS! Where are the authorities when you need them? The turtles are protected by law and any interaction with them is punishable. When we stopped at the Shaka Restaurant for lunch, we told the guy what we saw and he said he'd call the authorities and hopefully stop some of the trouble. Makes us sick. The turtles are beautiful, calm creatures. They do nothing, yet these people are so disrespectful. ARGH!

After that, we drove to the Punalu'u Sweet Bread factory. YUMMY bread! They make regular sweet bread plus taro and guava bread. The bread makes great french toast!

On to South Point, the southernmost point in the United States – yes, even further south than the keys! It was extremely windy, as usual. It is so windy that the trees grow sideways. It is no wonder they have wind farms here! We told mom and Jana that locals like to jump off the platforms into the sea, and they were actually able to watch a few kids do just that!

Pictures here!

July 17 - Rain, rain go away..

OMGoodness! If it doesn't stop raining we're going to go bonkers! We keep telling Aunt Jana that while it always drizzles in the morning here in Volcano, the Volcano NP doesn't usually have rain. It's been in the 50's-60's here, then mid 70's and rain/drizzle in the park. NASTY!

Mom's birthday today! Her knee is healing...but still not well enough to truly hike with us, so the rest of us went to hike Mauna Ulu and Pu'u Huluhulu (i.e. Hairy Hill). The skies were overcast and drizzling in Volcano, so we hoped the skies would be clear – and warmer! - on the hike! Well...not quite. It stayed pretty overcast then it started to spit little raindrops. Not a lot...at first. We made it to the top of Hairy Hill without incident and Mike decided he really wanted to hike over to Mauna Ulu so he and Michael Jr went ahead while Aunt Jana, Erica, and I stayed behind to photograph their ascent. It started to rain...and rain. Water was dripping from our elbows as we're trying to see the boys up on the cinder cone. It didn't help that it was freaking freezing too! The boys captured some good photos then we all hiked back.

That night for Mom's birthday we ate at Kilauea Lodge. We all had a good meal - Mom and Jana had Parker Ranch prime rib, I had seafood crepes, and the kids had soup and pasta - except for Mike. Unfortunately he's allergic to rosemary, and everything there basically had rosemary in it except the venison, so that's what he got. Not what he was hungry for...at all...but he ate it anyway. I felt bad because he didn't enjoy the gamey taste at all. :(

Pictures here!

July 16 -Blue Hawaiian lava show

Today we drove to Hilo to catch our helicopter ride over the lava flows -- the Ring of Fire tour. The rain has been almost non-stop - which has never happened to us here before! Aunt Jana is so funny -- she said she is so cold that this is her tropical vacation from hell. LOL! So with all this rain we worried that Blue Hawaiian would stop our flight. Nope. The rain slowed and away we went.

The new flow isn't as jaw-dropping dramatic as the last we viewed via the copter, but just as devastating. The amount that has flowed from the vents is unreal. Our pilot was telling us that houses have burned in the last few days, and in fact a house that was there yesterday burned down and was covered with lava this morning. Right now many forested areas are being burned and covered. It was surreal to see the way the lava just took over everything in its path. I know the pictures tell the story, but they can't convey the total and utter devastation that these flows are causing. Pele is very destructive!

After our flight we ate lunch at Ken's House of Pancakes. We love Ken's! LOL. It is very 'ONO' (good!). We then took a tour of the east side -- Puna, Kalapana, etc -- and drove to where the lava is flowing. We didn't go to the viewing site because it was only open 5-8pm, and we'd have to walk 1/4 mile across lava in the dark because we didn't have flashlights with us. Instead we drove to Kalapana and viewed it from a pull-off...miles away. Since it was still light outside all we could see were the white plumes of steam and volcanic gases from the lava entering the ocean. We drove along the coast and saw some *beautiful* coastline, the kind where you say "This is Hawaii!" We also made our regular stop at the eastern-most point of Hawaii where the air is supposed to be the cleanest on earth, and took a few breaths, a few photos, and then headed to another regular spot...Uncle Billy's.

We always have to eat at Uncle Billy's. It's a tradition now. We were a bit disappointed this time though because it seems like they updated the restaurant. The fun thing about UB was that the decor was so 70's polynesian cliche. Macrame lights with shells suspended from them, tiki hut-type light fixtures. You name it, they had it. It was great! Now much of that is gone and the light fixtures are modern, no macrame shell lights or mobiles, nothing. BooHoo. Anyway, the food was good and we even bribed the kids to go up on stage and hula! OMG, was it funny. The entertainer that night played and sang as Michael and Erica swayed on stage for their rendition of the hula. Too cute!

After dinner, we drove back to Kalapana to see if we could view any red along the coast. It was pitch black out there so we could see red plumes when the molten lava entered the ocean and caused an explosive event. It was mesmerizing. Unfortunately, we were too far away for our cameras to catch the red, dancing plumes. Plus whenever we tried to get a long shutter time, a stinking car would come down the road and ruin our exposure. :( I could have stayed and watched it all night. It's really something to know that you are witnessing the creation of new land. Totally cool.

I don't have pictures ready yet, but hopefully soon!

July 15 - Lava tubes and devastation

Today we went to the Thurston Lava Tube to take our biennial lava tube picture. It was a bit more difficult this year because our new camera, for some reason, didn't like the low light and wouldn't take the picture even when the setting was 'no flash'. ARGH! Took a while to finally get the stinking picture taken, and keep everyone still while the shutter stayed open. Not as good as other years, but it works! It has been extremely rainy here, so the tube was really dripping and was full of puddles. Always very cool to know lava was flowing through this huge tube!

After the lava tube, we decided to hike Devastation Trail. This was a trail we had never done, so we didn't know what to expect. It ended up being a great trail! This trail is a paved path through a forested area that was devastated by falling cinder from the lava fountains of the 1959 Kilauea Iki eruption. It was an easy hike and we found many iridescent pieces of lava, gold lava, and rainbow-colored lava. We also found lots of Pele's tears - small pieces of solidified lava drops formed when airborne particles of molten material fuse into tearlike drops of volcanic glass. Pele's tears are black in color. We also found delicate strands of Pele's hair -created when the lava is spun into the air and strung out to create thin fibers of glass. Very cool!

Next we went down Chain of Craters road and explored some of the previous lava flows until we reached the end of the road. Lava has covered 9 or so miles of the road, so we walked to where it ended. We could see the plumes from the current eruption, but it was miles away -- over 9 miles to be exact. We still want to see it entering the ocean, so we may try to go to it if the stupid rain and drizzle would ever stop!!

I posted pictures here.

July 14 - Volcanoes, Walmarts, flora and smoothies!!

Today we started out by driving to the caldera and visiting the Jaggar Museum. We have been following the new vent in the Halema'uma'u crater for over a year (since March 2008), and up until about 2 weeks ago, you could see lava within the vent from the Jaggar Musuem (see the quicktime movies from July 4th here). Well, of course the vent somewhat collapsed and now the lava cannot be seen. <> They still have Crater Rim Drive closed because of the toxic fumes being spewed from the crater, so that was a bummer too. Odd thing is that we didn't smell the sulfur fumes too much there...but the fumes were VERY strong in Kona when we landed, almost 2.5 hours away! I guess the VOG (volcanic smog) travels over to Kona and just hangs there. yuck.

It has been quite drizzly and cool here -- low 60's! -- and mom's knee is still recovering, so instead of continuing our exploration of the volcano, we decided to head to Hilo to get mom a walking stick at Walmart. Walmarts are the same, no matter time nor place, so not much to say about Wally World. Just think of a WW with tropical-type items and logo knick-knacks all over the place. :)

We ate lunch at Cafe' 100, and Aunt Jana had her first loco moco! Loco mocos are a meal of white rice covered with your choice of meat (like hamburgers, spam, or portuguese sausage), then topped with fried eggs and gravy. Jana had spam, a Hawaiian staple. So far both Mike and Jana have had the loco mocos. I have yet to order one, not because they don't look good, but because they are usually so big I couldn't finish them!

After lunch we visited Akaka Falls State Park to see the beautiful falls and surrounding flora. I am always amazed at the size of the plants growing here in Hawaii. Plants that are normally small, scraggly, houseplants in Ohio, are HUGE wild plants here in the tropical state. Like the pathos plant -- leaves the size of serving platters. Amazing!

To end our day we went to the What's Shakin' smoothie stand. Absolutely *THE BEST* smoothies..ever! We always make a point to stop here at least once on our trips. Everything is locally grown on their farm (except the strawberries and blueberries I think...). No added sugar or ice, just fresh fruit. The papaya smoothie is out of this world. This guy's review sums it up well. :) YUM!

I posted some pictures here.

July 12 -- Diamond Head hike!

We hiked Diamond Head State Park! We left at 6:15am to avoid crowds and the hot midday sun, and a good thing too because at 6:30am the park was busy and it was already warming up. The hike was moderately strenuous to the first set of 74 steep stairs, then a 225ft dark tunnel, followed by 99 more steep steps and another tunnel, then 54 metal spiral stairs to the old fire control station. From there, it was a relatively short hike to the summit. The view was incredible! View the pictures here.

Being our last day on O'ahu, we went to the Oceanarium for lunch. It is a restaurant that features a 280,000-gallon, three-story aquarium, with the tables situated all along the thick aquarium walls. Unfortunately it was Sunday so they only served a buffet. It wasn't bad, but not really what we had been hungry for. Oh well. We weren't very lucky when it came to restaurants. We were really looking forward to the korean bbq we used to go to -- no longer there, then we wanted to eat at our favorite North Shore burger joint -- no longer there, then the Thai place we loved was gone also. To be positive, I guess we can say we found a new chicken place (Koala Moa) and that what we did eat was generally pretty tasty. :)

Where have we been??

We have internet and are finally able to update! I have lots to tell, but a short amount of time, so I just wanted you all to know I *will* get to it...just not this moment! :) We are eating breakfast right now, then off to hike Mauna Ulu. I have TONS of pictures to go through before I post them, but here are some pictures we took at the Punchbowl last week. Enjoy, and I promise to get the blog caught up as soon as I can!

Picture link for July 10

Pineapples and sunsets

Visiting the 'Hill of Sacrifice'

A very moving day. We visited the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, i.e. the Punchbowl. What a beautiful, serene, and sacred place. To stand at the top looking over the pristine grounds, and know that there are over 49,000 men and women buried there is very emotional. It was so peaceful there. A beautiful resting place for those brave souls. They had extended the memorial since our visit in 2001, and the new additions lead out to an awe-inspiring view of Waikiki and Honolulu nestled below. We spent our time just looking at all the names inscribed on the walls, and the exquisite battle map murals depicting each conflict. Words and pictures don't do it justice. You really have to go there and experience it.

After the Punchbowl we ate a small restaurant called Koala Moa. YUMMY!!! We thoroughly enjoyed the meal of rotisserie chicken, rice, and corn. We actually ate there because we passed them on our way to the cemetery and they were cooking the chicken outside on the huge wood-fueled grill and the smell was amazing! Yum, yum, yum!!

After lunch we drove up along the bottom and east end of the island, watching the waves crash along the rocks and rise up through blowholes. These views never get old. After watching for a bit, we came back to the hotel, picked up the ring mom had made from the pearl she bought at Dole, and then ate dinner at Chuck's Cellar. Good, good, food! The kids loved it. Erica even ate a full adult meal of shrimp! Her appetite never ceases to amaze us!

Tomorrow we (except mom who is still recovering!) plan on hiking Diamond Head. I'll be sure to update. Tomorrow is our last full day on Oahu then it's off to the big island. We stay in Volcano first and the internet reception can be iffy, so I hope to be able to update at least a few times. I haven't gotten pictures sorted yet, but when I do, I'll post them posthaste.

TTFN!

Pineapples and sunset Friday

Today we went to the Dole Plantation and enjoyed pineapple smoothies, lots of pineapple merchandise, and the World's Largest Maze! We only managed to find 6 of the 8 stencil stations setup throughout the maze, and finally gave up after an hour. The record holder did the entire maze in 8 minutes. :) We weren't quite 'record-breaking' material...LOL.

After the Dole Plantation, we headed to the North Shore. Mike and I were disappointed to find one of our favorite hamburger joints on the NS had closed, but we ate at the Kona Brewing Company and had a great lunch followed by great shave ice from Aoki's. While at the North Shore, we stopped at a beautiful beach to watch the waves and let the kids play in the surf to let off some steam. It was still too early to wait for sunset over the water, so we drove back to Honolulu and up to the west side of the island till the road ended, and then sat on the beach to wait for sunset. The Yokohama beach was wonderful - soft, endless sand, beautiful views, and rolling waves. Unfortunately, the clouds came out before sunset, and while the sunset was colorful, we never got to see the sun set over the endless ocean. Maybe next time. :)

Yesterday, we had a wonderful day at Pearl Harbor. What a moving place. The documentary shown before the boat ride to the Arizona Memorial was heart wrenching. I can't even imagine what it was like during those two hours. Such destruction...

We also toured the USS Bowfin submarine, the USS Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum. It was definitely a full day, but a wonderful experience. We did have to laugh though because our 'body clocks' didn't wake us up as early as we thought and mom and aunt Judy were ready and waiting for us. They'll never let us forget. :)

Today was 'catch up - free day' so the kids begged us to take them in the ocean, and after that we went for a drive east of Waikiki, past Diamond Head, and up towards Kane'ohe. We ate dinner at the 'Top of Waikiki' restaurant, which has a revolving top so we could see the entire Waikiki area. Everyone enjoyed that.

Not sure what we have planned tomorrow. Maybe visit the North Shore. :)

I posted a few pictures from yesterday and today here. Enjoy!

We made it! We landed in Honolulu at about 2:20pm Hawaii time (which is EST - 6hrs). Mom's leg is pretty sore and continues to swell and cause pain, but I hope resting tonight and getting a good nights sleep will help her...and us, since Mike and I only had 2 hrs of sleep before we left.

Because of the time difference, we know we'll be up at an ungodly hour, so we plan on going to Pearl Harbor first thing to beat the crowds. Tonight Mike and I and the kids walked a bit then went to the Cheese Burger Restaurant for dinner. It was excellent, and what was funny was this is where we went when Michael Jr was 6 months old and he tried to eat a big chunk of pickle with his 4 baby teeth, and we were sure he was going to choke to death. :)

So an 'early' night for us tonight. Mike just got back from walking Jr down to the beach and Erica crashed about 10 minutes ago. We are going to bed soon too because while the clock says 8:36pm, our bodies say SLEEP NOW.

Will update tomorrow!

We're off! Mom is as good as can be expected. A trip to the ER revealed nothing but tissue damage...lots of damage and she'll be EXTREMELY sore, but nothing else, thank God. Her car didn't fair as well, but a car can be replaced -- people can't.

So after much ado yesterday, we are on our way!

TTFN!!

Leigh Ann

Leigh Ann here...

Mike took the dogs and kids to grandma's. I was using the quiet time to pack, when Mike calls to say my mom was in a car accident on her way to take her dog to the kennel. I spoke with mom, and she's OK (but she hasn't been checked yet), but I only spoke with her a few minutes before Mike got there to help her out and get her checked. I pray she is well...

Leigh here...

Our Fourth of July party was great yesterday! We always have a wonderful time visiting with friends and family! Our great friends are coming back today for lunch so we can finish up the food we have left from the party...LOL...then we have to be in full "getting ready for vacation'' mode. We send our hiking and snorkel gear ahead so we don't have to carry them onto a plane, so that is my mission today -- find a box big enough for the gear and get it ready to ship tomorrow. Also have to do laundry, get contact info together for family and neighbors, call the police to watch the house, find the car-seat travel bag, make sure all the bills are sent, and gather all of Tank and Peanut Brittle's things together for their stay at Grandma Margaret's. I'll wait to actually pack our bags till tomorrow when Mike and the kids take the dogs to Grandma's. The 5 hours of quiet will be a great time for me to hustle around the house and get things done!! :)

TTFN!

Work, work, work!

Trying to wrap things up at work! Much to do, but I had a few minutes tonight to confirm all the reservations, hotels, flights, cars, and make the helicopter reservation.

All is set from a paperwork point-of-view!

Yeah!