Thursday August 24, 2023
Today is a planned outing with Becka’s friend Joel driving, which makes it easier for her. He is so late getting there that we have to skip one of the waterfalls I was hoping to see, but there were other interesting places on the outing, including jungle near Hilo with its dense vegetation and exotic flowers.
Our first stop is near the ocean where Becka lived when she first moved to Hawaii. It was a rugged but beautiful hike to the beach for her morning quiet time.
Laupahoehoe Point is our next stop. This is a historical site with a memorial for the teachers and students who were washed to sea during a tsunami in 1946. The tsunami was caused by a massive earthquake in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, which struck the Hawaii Islands with no warning several hours later. The rugged lava shore line is quite beautiful and is a popular park for visitors despite the tragedy of the 1946 event.
As we continue north, the Hawaii Belt Road takes us through landscape that is more reminiscent of eastern Montana than of Hawaii.
We continue to Hapuna Beach on the west coast of Big Island for a picnic and photos at sunset. It is a long drive there and a long drive back, but I appreciate the opportunity for sunset photos.
Friday August 25
Becka and her friend Joel are spending the day together, as he is leaving for the mainland for a job opportunity. Since I am mostly on my own today, I walk to the Alae Cemetery with its huge monkeypod tree, which is well over 100 years old with a canopy stretching over 150 feet. Monkeypod trees, which thrive in Hawaii, were started from seeds brought from Mexico. As far as I can tell, this is primarily a Japanese Cemetery.
I sit at a picnic table at the pavilion near the enormous tree to drink cool water and write in my journal before continuing on to the Honolii Beach where Becka goes every morning for quiet time.
It’s a long walk for me to Honolii Beach. I sit at the farthest picnic table, eat my snacks, and take lots of photos. Walking back to Becka’s place is all uphill.
Later, my daughter-in-law Mandy picks me up, as I am having dinner with her, my son Fin, and their daughter Molly. Aurora, my adult granddaughter, is also there, doing the cooking. It is a tasty dinner and it is special to have time with them.
Becka has taken Joel to the airport, and she is still up when Fin drops me off after my evening with his family. Becka and I have tea and chat a while before heading to bed. As always, I wish Clifford a good night, before I turn out the lights.