Argie's 4th of July Parades - argie hoskins shumway - Picasa Web Albums

Argie's 4th of July Parades - argie hoskins shumway - Picasa Web Albums

HAWAIIAN ADVENTURE WITH ARGIE HOSKINS

The day was in the year of 2000, cold morning, and of course I had not worn my gloves as I walked into the elementary school office, reached into my mailbox and spotted a card which announced, “Special Education opportunities in Hawaii.” Now, that sounds like a dream that I hadn't explored. Burrr, it wasn't cold in Hawaii. Traveling to Hawaii wasn't on my list of places to visit. My touring was limited to family history interests. There wasn't a cemetery in Hawaii that enjoyed the company of my family who long ago had passed through the gates of eternity from Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany, and not Hawaii. What was this hype about the land of paradise? Well, I decided to file the card in case the day would come when I would perhaps have a desire to pull it from the resting place in the dusty drawer with the rest of my well stored information. I went to work that morning without a Hawaiian dream.

Later, while taking a ride with Gene and son Daniel, Daniel said,”Mom, Gene has gone to many place where you want to go. Have you ever asked him where he would like to go?”

“Welllll no, never thought of that idea.”

“Gene, where would you like to go away?”

“Hawaii.”

“Hawaii? Why?”

Hawaii 2001

Saturday, September 22

This is the day we have waited for. . . Surprise for Gene Shumway. Daniel and I have had an exciting time planning this trip. I have told great big stories to confuse Gene and sometimes confused myself. Which story did I tell him last? Anyway, it has been fun. Family and friends have known, but not Gene. This has been fun to surprise this great man.

Randy took us to the airport. We left early on Southwest Airlines.

Daniel met Gene and me, at the Oakland Airport. Daniel and I had fun planning our trip and keeping our secret. Daniel is better at this secret game than I am. I wanted to tell.

We had lunch at 12:30

Boston Market

3375 El Canino Real

Palo Alto, CA $15.84

The smell of the fresh food with steamed veggies created a feeling of health. Ready to go!

This restaurant is very close to Daniel's place and not far from where he worked for Intuit. The food was exceptionally good and healthy. Must try the Boston Market at home.

Caught a train from Palo Alto to San Jose. Gene still did not know where we were going. We then took a shuttle bus to the airport.

Gene thought we were going on a camping trip because I had packed our hiking books, lots of bottles of water, and sweaters for the cool weather. It is easy for me to create a lie or should I say a happiness illusion.

Before boarding our plane, Gene overheard another passenger talking about all the islands he was going to visit. Then Gene knew and was excited!

After a two hour wait, we left San Jose on American Airlines flight #35 at 5:05 PM for Honolulu. We arrived in Honolulu at 7:27 PM., Honolulu time. Our flight was enjoyable. Not full, so I stretched out, and sleep I did. Incidentally, it was only a few days ago on September 11^th that an American Airlines' plane flew into the World Trade Center in New York. The world's most terrible terrorist attack and it was against the United States. It is estimated that about 5,000 persons perished. I suppose that is why the plane was not full of passengers. I felt brave to get on the plane. Gene and Daniel were so cool about it. They don't let fear control them.

I learned from the flight attendant that there is still a Kiwi club. This is a club for retired American Airlines stewardesses and flight attendants. At one time I belonged to the group. I would like to find out more about them. In fact, I would like to be involved with the Kiwis.

We rented our car from Avis. It was a Chevy Tracker Convertible. $33.99 a day for two days.

Directions from airport to our hotel: take H1 East to Nimitz HYW. It flows into Ala Moana Blvd., go one and ½ miles on Ala Moana. Hotel Ilikai is on the right, 1 block past the Ala Moana shopping center.

Ilikai Marriott

1777 Ala Moana Boulevard

Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815606

1-800-245-4524

2 nights $129.00 each night

Made our way to the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel in Honolulu. Room 1640. The Ilikai is conveniently located, a two minute drive from the famous Ala Moana Shopping Center and Ala Moana Beach Park, ten minutes from downtown Honolulu and Aloha Tower Marketplace, and ten minutes from the International Marketplace, Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium. The hotel beach walkway leads from the lobby to Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and the beginning of Waikiki Beach. We did the tourist thing, pictures and all.

Gene and I walked down to the Ala Moana Beach Park looking for the Shopping Center. We were looking for a place to buy milk.

We did not find the shopping center, which was right before our noses. We bought milk from the ABC Market across the intersection from the hotel.

On our walk, Gene explained to me his understanding of the Pearl Harbor attack. Interesting.

It is a wonderful experience to be in Hawaii with my special friend Gene. We have been through a lot together on this earth. It is great to share relaxation and sweetness.

Sunday, September 23

What a spectacular sunrise!

We drove on Hwy 92 Nimitz to Hwy 99 and followed it to Pearl Harbor U.S. Naval Base where we visited.

Arizona Memorial Museum

1 Arizona Memorial Place

Honolulu, HI 96818

The attack on Pearl Harbor was the culmination of a decade of deteriorating relations between Japan and the United States over the status of China and the security of Southeast Asia. The breakdown began in 1931 when Japanese army extremists, in defiance of government policy, invaded and overran the northern most Chinese province of Manchuria. Japan ignored American protests, and in the summer of 1937 launched a full scale attack on the rest of China. Although alarmed by this action, neither the United States nor any other nation with interests in the Far East was willing to use military force to halt Japanese expansion.

On December 7, 1941

Pearl Harbor was attacked.

Gene was a junior at Mesa Union High School in Mesa, Arizona. I was in the first grade at Sully Elementary in Santa Rita, New Mexico.

After graduating from high school in 1943, Gene joined the Navy and was trained as a pilot. He completed training a few months after the war ended in 1945. His brother Don was an infantryman killed near Luxembourg, Belgium ten days after going over seas. Gene's sister Marjorie was a Master sergeant in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) based in England. She was a court reporter at the war crimes trials in Nuremberg, Germany. Two of Gene's cousins, Melvin and Kenneth Gardner were killed while serving in the Army Air Corps.

Don said that he would never kill another person and we know that he gave his life freely. These were sad times for the family of Shumway. Tears, tears, and more tears.

My cousin Earl Hoskins was on the Bataan Death March, but died in the camp at Cabanatuan. As a child, I well remember the horrible stories that I heard about this place. My heart would hurt for my cousin Earl.

The war was more than real for our families.

At approximately 8:10 AM, the USS Arizona exploded, having been hit by a 1,700 pound armor piercing bomb that slammed through her deck and ignited her forward ammunition magazine. In less than nine minutes, she sank with 1,177 of her crew, a total loss. The USS Oklahoma, hit by several torpedoes, rolled completely over, trapping over 400 men inside. The California and West Virginia sank at their moorings, while the Utah, converted to a training ship, capsized with more than 50 of her crew. The Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, all suffered significant damage. The Nevada attempted to run out to sea but took several hits and had to be beached to avoid sinking and blocking the harbor entrance.

The attack was a great, but not total, success. Although the U.S. Pacific Fleet was shattered, its aircraft carriers not in port at the time of the attack were still afloat and Pearl Harbor was surprisingly intact. The shipyards, fuel storage areas, and submarine base suffered no more than slight damage.

My heart cried as my eyes wept for the sadness of the experience. While teaching on the island, I met a dear man who was a survivor of the Pearl Harbor experience. As I share the words of Harold Estes, I am grateful for his duty.

We left Pearl City on Hwy 99 through central Oahu. We went by the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Somehow we got on Farrington Hwy 930, I am not sure how! We drove until Hwy 930 ended.

This far end of the north shore was cold, wild wind and stoney. Something about this place reminded me of life. I found myself tearful. Later I learned that Hawaiians believe this is the place where departing spirits leave the island. Now I understand the feelings that I was having. I am certain that this place is not an advertised setting. As a side note; this area reminded me of places in Scotland that we had visited as I remembered my family who had left the Isle of Islay for the colonies; cold, wild wind and stoney. I am glad we are exploring and that we found this side of Oahu as it touched me in a very deep and moving fashion, smelling and feeling the ocean in a mystic way. Only two other persons were to be seen here. We turned around and headed back until we somehow joined the Kamehameha Highway.

Traveling on Kamehameha, we got to Waimea Bay Beach Park, to Waimea Valley Road and to the Falls. Yes, the beach was nice, but for me the flora of the Waimea Valley was so lovely. I could smell the loveliness.

Waimea Valley

59-864 Kamehameha Hwy.

Haleiwa, HI 96712

E-mail: waimeafallspark@aol.com

We enjoyed lunch here and then the diving performance. I liked the hula girls. Took Gene's picture with one of them. Visited with one of the divers. I asked him if his mother knew what he was doing. “Yes, but she has never seen me, just pictures.” So scary.

Witness breathtaking cliff diving performance in one of the most ideal setting in the islands. We saw. Stroll through lush botanical gardens filled with some of the rarest flora in the world. We loved the beauty. Surprise the kids with a giant tree house, jungle maze and a man made cave.

Touring continued on Kamehameha to the North Shore, Turtle Bay Hilton. The Hilton has been sold. This looked like a great place to stay.

On to the Mormon Temple grounds, to B.Y.U. Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center. Our scheduled departure did not allow us to be around for the Polynesian program, but we have heard that it is great.

We stopped at Kahana Valley State Park or it could have been another one of the many beaches along this coast. Someday, I will go back and see where we were along this coast. It was wonderful. Gene's watch showed it to be 6:02 in the evening. From the time, I will be able to figure out where we were on the coast. Fun digital photography. We zoomed right to the time on Gene's watch.

Going South, we turned onto Hwy 83 and Hwy 61, through the Pali Tunnels and on into Honolulu. It was getting dark by now and the sun was setting. Pretty. We saw the shadowed mountains. Great sights to see next time. This side of Oahu will be first on our agenda. What a wonderful day.

We had dinner at the Canoes Renaissance Cafe, Ilikai at 7:54 PM.

3 Smoothies and Onion Tomato Salad for $22.33

Monday, September 24

ABC Store #36

Honolulu, Hawaii

$1.45

In one of the hotel shops, we bought a pretty blue silk dress with white flowers for me and Hawaiian shirts for Gene and Daniel. Going all the way to be tourists. So much fun.

Jun's Boutique

Ilikai Hotel

1777 Ala Moana Blvd.

Honolulu, HI

1-808-947-9433

10:15 AM

Clothes $166.66

We enjoyed a delightful time on Waikiki Beach. Out our door, down the elevator, and through the hotel to the walkway and we were on our way with a very short walk to the beach. We could see Diamond Head in the distance. Gene, Daniel and I played in the water, laughed like kids having a great time. The beach and the water were the best we experienced. My thoughts were, “Are we really here? It is an unexpected dream. How could this be real?” It was REAL.

Gene and Daniel went shopping for a new screen for Gene's electric shaver.

Longs Drugs

Ala Moana Shopping Center

1:30 PM

$33.28

We flew to Kauai on Aloha Airlines

1-800-367-5250

Our flight was short and the sun was beginning to close down for the evening. I liked the flowers here and there on the sides of the runway. All very nice. The red color of the ground was so impressive.

Again, we rented a car from Avis. This time $311.87 for 6 days. It was a Chevy Lumina.

We drove to Princeville to the condo we had reserved..

Puamana Condos

3880 Wyllie Road, Princeville, HI 96722

This condo is owned by Carol and Frank Ranger

6313 O'Bannon Drive,

Las Vegas, Nevada 89146

Home: 1-877-528-2411

E-mail: poosie@wizard.com

It was lovely. They call it, Condos Kaua'i www.condoskauai.com

All five days for $800.00

When looking for places to stay, this was the first and only site I visited on Kaua'i. I thought Condos Kaua'i meant all the condos on Kaua'i. Live and learn, however it turned out well. About our condo:

Kauai's prestigious north shore at Princeville/Hanaiei Bay offers you a privately owned luxury condominium featuring a panoramic ocean view from the living room, both bathrooms and as well as both lanais. The bluff view is breathtaking and it includes the Golf Course, Bali Hai and the majestic mountains of Hanalei Bay, a moderate walk to the secluded sandy beach offers privacy and is a snorkeler's dream. The condominium is 1300 square feet and comfortably accommodates 6 adults. It features a spacious master bedroom with queen size bed, spacious closet and spectacular view of the ocean. The living room features a grand view of the ocean a private lanai and a sofa bed. It also includes a TV/VCR, stereo with CD player, and choice of videos and literature about Kaua'i and the Hawaiian islands. The mirrored dining room gives you an ocean view wherever you sit, and the fully furnished kitchen provides you with everything you will need for a memorable vacation. It is a nice place.

Going west of Princeville, we found HANALEI.

The tiny town of Hanalei is the heart of the North Shore. As the two-lane blacktop passes Hanalei Bay, a few old wooden buildings echo a simpler time. With wild, remote valleys on one end, a posh resort surrounded by lush farmland on the other, and a funky little town in the middle, Kaua'i North is a get-away you'll long remember.

The beaches around Hanalei have been made famous by South Pacific and other popular films. Two of the most photographed beaches are Lumahai and Hanalei.

Not only have films been made here, but songs have been inspired and written about this beautiful area of the earth.

Postcards Cafe

5-5075 Kuhio Hwy.

Hanalei, HI

11:00 PM

Wonderful food. $74.71

Postcards is a small romantic cottage with the homey atmosphere of a porch and cats on the sofa. This is where we experienced our first Ono. This is the best fish I have ever tasted. In fact, the Hawaiian word Ono means “The Best”, and it has a white, flaky, delicate, sweet meat. I don't believe I will ever be satisfied again with fish if it is not Ono.

Tuesday, September 25

Foodland Princeville

9:28 AM

Corn Chex $6.55

Tortilla Chips $3.99

1 Gal. Milk $6.09

Etc. Total $23.34

After eating breakfast, we walked down a fairly long and steep trail from the Condo to the beach. It was just like all the jungle pictures I have seen. Gene rested under a tree while Daniel and I walked along the beach for a little way. We came to Anini Beach Park. There was a small stream of water running into the ocean. Some men from the county were chopping coconuts off the trees. After asking for a couple, they gave me a couple of fairly green coconuts. One was split with the milk pouring out. Gene had said that he wanted to have a coconut, so I took them to him.

While Gene napped, Daniel and I went exploring to the end of the road at Ke'e Beach.

Coming back we took pictures of Haena Beach. Haena Beach Park was chosen as the background setting for “Bali Hai” in the movie South Pacific.

Daniel took pictures of places that he thought Randy and Julie would like to visit. Pictures were taken at the second bridge out of Hanalei going toward Haena Beach. We took pictures coming back from Ke'e Beach and after we left Haena Beach.

I bought an original painting of Ke'e Beach. It hangs near a clock in the living room. Love it.

I envisioned emotional pictures of family reunions in this place, that cottage or that house. I could see that grandchild and that one and that one, falling in the streams, running in the jungles, playing at the beach, and reading under a coconut tree, while parents relaxed in this magical place called paradise. How can I make this dream come true?

Coming home to the condo, we stopped by the Farmer's market which was out in a field. We got wonderful things to eat; sweet papayas, a couple of different kinds of pineapple, eggs, star fruit, sugar cane, tomatoes, and good conversation with the locals.

We stopped by the fish market and picked up fresh Ono. What a good fish market! We went home and fixed a delicious meal. I could enjoy this kind of fare every day.

This is the evening that Daniel went out with his friends from his work at Intuit. They were enjoying Kaua'i, also. Their stay was in Kapaa.

This evening Gene and I went down the road to Ke'e Beach. Our memories of Ke'e Beach are very tender and special. The sunset was spectacular. The moon was romantic, Gene and I loved our moments together on this beautiful beach. I am thankful that Gene Shumway has been a part of my life.

A man offered to take our picture. The beach was somewhat isolated after sunset. Hard to believer that all the excitement of the day turned to moon filled silence.

Wednesday, September 26

Drove to Waimea Canyon in west Kaua'i. This is Kauai's magnificent “Grand Canyon.” We first enjoyed Waimea Canyon lookout and continued to the Kalalau Lookout. The colors were absolutely amazing with the mountain mist making a mixture of heavenly beauty. We saw wild chickens “here and there” on the mountain. The story is that a hurricane had blown them to the mountains and there they have stayed year after year. Oh, yes, the wild hydrangeas with healthy blossoms were gorgeous. What a great place. Someday, I want to hike in this Canyon.

McDonald's Corp.

Lihue, Kauai

2:00 PM

$8.62

In the late afternoon, we decided to take a catamaran ride.

Napali Sail

Capt. Sundowners

1-826-5585

$159.00

We made our approach to the catamaran in an outrigger. An outrigger is framework ending in a float extending outward from the side of a light boat or canoe to keep it from turning over. I really enjoyed this bit of local color. We sailed along the Na Pali Coast on a 48 foot catamaran. Never, and I mean never, have I felt the powerful spiritual feeling as I looked at that magnificent Pali. I was awestricken with the beauty that lay before us.

The water was choppy with fairly big waves. My heart was in my throat with excitement. Would I live or die? Daniel was lying on the bow of the boat and I greatly feared that he was going to be swept overboard. (A quotation by Gene and certainly felt by his mother.) Daniel wasn't at all worried. Daniel and Gene loved the ride with my feelings being a mixture of pleasure and concern. Just before we turned around and headed back to land, some dolphins put on a quick show for us. Oh, dear! Could it be!The sunset along the majestic coastline was breathtaking. Never have I felt or smelled such beauty. Beauty has no words that I can find to explain: a sunset, sunrise or a feeling of sweet peace and gratitude. For me, beauty can only be felt; it cannot be captured in a picture or with words.

Certain things in life are unforgettable. The Na Pali Coast is one of them. People who witness the 15-mile landmark are stunned by it majesty. After a rain, the coastline is home to countless waterfalls that cascade down razor-sharp pali (cliffs). Within the folds of the 4,000 foot cliffs, ancient Hawaiians were isolated and protected from invasion; fishing and farming settlements utilized the Na Pali's abundance of fresh waterfalls. Some of these waterfalls are standout attractions in their own right. Whether it's the home of the legendary Lost Tribe or the shooting location for “King Kong,” the Na Pali harbors fantasy. This wonder is inaccessible by car. Try it by air or sea; or trek in by foot if you're an experienced hiker. Every visitor to the Na Pali Coast leaves a little richer in spirit. You get this wonderful feeling inside when you see the Na Pali. And every time you think of it again – that same warm, tingly feeling comes back.

Well stated.

After our catamaran tour was over, we did not have a desire to do anything else for the evening. Preparing an evening meal at the condo was a nice way to end the day. Before arriving back to the condo, we stopped to shop.

Foodland Princeville

7:42 PM

1 loaf of bread $4.59

1 Dole salad $4.09

1 Tropicana $6.55

Thursday, September 27

We decided this would be the day for the helicopter ride.

Air Kauai Inc.

3651 Ahukini Road

Lihue

1-808-246-4666

Air Kaua'i claims to be the only company that turns off engines and rotor blades while boarding passengers. Also, they claim they have expert pilots with over 10,000 flight hours, each who takes pride in a perfect safely record. Their helicopters also have the largest windows. They have comfortable leather seats and Bose noise canceling head phones that enable passengers to hear every word the pilot says. They seat six passengers and the pilot.

I was reluctant to go on this ride, but Gene and Daniel took the helicopter tour of Kaua'i. They said the views were breathtaking and one of the highlights of the trip. The tour included Waimea Canyon, Na Pali Coast, Hanalei Valley, the popular “Jurassic Park: Falls, Wai'aleale Crater and “Bali Hai” and beaches and more. . . Talk to Gene and Daniel about this experience. I chose not to go. Next time. . . Perhaps, I'll go next time??? Don't know why I don't like the idea of being in a helicopter. Well, I do know. I am sure you have read stories about fuel and engine challenges. Oh, yes, I may gather information that stays the charm.

While I waited for the flight to return, I observed this on the wall.

Charles DiPiazza, Pilot and Owner of Air Kauai wrote:

It is my spirit that yearns to soar,

Ever searching for higher understanding.

From these lofty heights,

I have learned the oneness of

man, mountains, sky and creation.

My art lies in these truths. . .

Piloting my craft from this perfect vision.

Even through the clouds,

the purpose is clear.

My gift is sharing this flight of love.

Thank you for flying with Air Kaua'i

With much Mahalo!

We stopped at Lydgate State Park and went snorkeling. Wasn't that fun! We felt this was one of the highlights of the trip. We had so many highlights that I can hardly contain myself and many unplanned and unexpected. I remember the fish, but not their names. I will add them later. My goodness, snorkeling is not something that I ever thought I would do. This State Park is a protected area from the wild currents. It is a place that I felt like I could do something new. What amazed me was that there were fish swimming only a couple feet out from the beach. You can't see them. You can see the sand, but no fish until you get your eyes under the water. There they were! Lots of them. This was exciting! As I went out further, the variety was clearly interesting. Beautiful, peaceful and serene beach park with lots of fish to see right at my finger tips. How could I be so lucky?

Later that evening we ate at:

Bamboo Bamboo

5-5161 Kuhio Hwy

Hanalei, HI 96714

1-808-826-1177

We had a wonderful dinner at 9:30 $79.59

Treated ourselves to Potato Crusted Mahi Mahi outside on the porch with a nice breeze and quietness surrounding us. Mahi Mahi is the most popular fish in Hawaii. It has firm flesh that cooks to a delicately sweet white meat and is ideal for a variety of preparations.

Wonderful weather.

Their advertisement reads; enjoy ocean fresh fish, the best steak on Kaua'i, daily special, local organic produce, homemade desserts. . . Dine inside and enjoy a relaxed ambiance with all the Aloha and mystique of Hanalei.

We were not disappointed, but found Bamboo Bamboo to be more than advertised. Let's go again!

Friday, September 28

For more groceries

Foodland Princeville

1-808-826-9880

8:17 PM

Ching Young Village

12:22 PM

Dole Juice and Fish $11.83

Hanalei Surf Co.

5-5161 Kuhio Hwy

P. O. Box 790

Hanalei, Kaua'i

1:28 PM

Defogger Bar $3.65

Kahn Galleries

Hanalei, Kaua'i, HI

Nancy Young, Art Consultant

1-808-826-6677

3:30 PM

We bought a picture, Ke'e Morning by Pierre Bouret. An original oil 8'' x 10'' framed in gold. $430.00

Pierre Bouret has been living on the island of Kaua'i since 1970. Once captivated by the beauty of this magnificent island he has been inspired to paint Kaua'i's spectacular scenery. Painting en plein air, or on location, Hawaii's mountains and palis, thousands of feet high cascading into the ever changing sea, waterfalls gracing their sides and the ocean's magnificence has provided an endless source of material.

We returned to Ke'e Beach and this time to snorkel. Gene caught on to this business of snorkeling very fast. Daniel was an “old hand” at this “first time” adventure. For me, it was more difficult with fins. Next time, I will buy beach booties and leave the fins at the shop. I couldn't coordinate all the stuff. After much insistence from Daniel, I ventured out where I needed to be. It was well worth overcoming my fears.

Hanalei Bay Resort

Princeville, Kaua'i, HI

Hanalei Bay Resort captures the essence of Hawaii, that rare mixture of beauty, romance, fun and aloha. It is as unique as Kaua'i itself. Once you've found it, you'll never let it go. Gentle trade-winds cool the open-air Bali Hai restaurant while stunning sunsets enhance the experience of dining at perhaps the most romantic spot on Kauai's North Shore. Stunning views stretch across Hanalei Bay to Bali Hai mountains.

We did it! We had breakfast and dinner at the Bali Hai restaurant at the Hanalei Bay Resort. For dinner we had Kaua'i Forest, Bali Hai Salad, Caesar Salad, Steak Olowalu, Linguini with chix, smoothies, banana cream pie and only $118.00 for dinner

Overlooking breathtaking Bali Hai, the Hanalei Bay Resort is what your mind pictures when you think of the Pacific paradise: soft, white beaches, trade-winds cooled days, cobalt blue ocean and plumeria-scented nights. I think we have seen and felt it all! Glorious!

Saturday, September 29

Stopped at the Hanalei Health Food Store for some refreshments and it turned out to be drinks. Tasty!

Hiked Na Pali Coast!

Who would have ever guessed! For me, Argie Ella, this experience was a dream that had never and I mean never been dreamed by my creative imagination. It was as words can not explain. It was my personal feat that I didn't know was a feat until it was achieved. It took me two hours to hike two miles and another three hours to hike the return two miles. Yes, four miles in six hours. As I returned, I saw a sign that I am glad that I didn't see on my way up the trail. It read, DANGEROUS AND STEEP, not to mention wet, slick and rocky trail.

Daniel made it farther and more quickly than I slowly hiked. He went my distance and on to the waterfall and back to the beginning of the hike in hours to my four hours. In fact Daniel didn't know that I was attempting the hike.

When Daniel returned from the waterfall, there I was sitting on boulders resting my feet in the cold water housed among the rocks. “Mom, what are you doing here?!!!” He was surprised to see me and excitement filled him as he realized that I had made it on my own. It was a joy to me that he was so pleased. He said, “I will go back with you because it is dangerous for you.” I said, “No, Gene will be concerned if you don't get back. I'm slow.”

I know that is how it will be when we have our reunions on the other side of the veil. Surprised and thrilled!

I insisted that Daniel go back and tell Gene that I was alright. I had been gone for a long time. A lady, who was hiking at the same time as I, had broken her ankle and a red helicopter had come to rescue her. I was sure that Gene had seen the helicopter and would be worried and he was!

So Daniel found Gene reading his book on the beach under a tree, napping and reading where he was waiting for us. Right there on Ke'e Beach.

Daniel met a group on their way up and sent some water to me. Now that was refreshing!

The hike would not have had the same satisfaction if Daniel's response had been measured. I sensed that Daniel was so pleased that I had tackled the difficulty of the task.

Several times as I kept hiking, I would think how Daniel would be proud of me. For me that was important. Then when he was pleased with my accomplishment, I was thrilled. I hope that he will always remember the mom “who succeeded” on that wonderful day in Hawaii.

I am dreaming of an extended hike that would include backpacking. This hike had been magical. I loved it. I must do it again and perhaps, again.

Each majestic valley of Na Pali sparkles on its own. Together, they are the jewels of Kaua'i's crowning coast. Listen. Their names sound like beginnings of ancient chants. Even the Pacific conspires to compliment, with gems and elements lending their names to her water—sapphire, turquoise, aquamarine, cobalt. Carved by the hungry ocean, 15 miles of rugged Na Pali- it means the cliffs-jut up to 1,800 feet in places. From there, jungle-green spires, ridges and valley rims skyrocket to heights of 4,000 feet. Imagine seeing it 700 years ago from an outrigger canoe. That is how long ago archaeological records place human habitation along Na Pali.

First, they must have sussed the place out. Surely, they found it as interesting as we do, for whether padding an outrigger canoe or kayak, or taking a boat tour, being on the water next to the Na Pali is awesome. Close up, It's easy to see fascinating geological features. Ho'olulu Valley—it means to lie in sheltered waters—harbors a sea cave. It's so dart that paddlers can pull in and hide. The indigenous and graceful Koa'e kea, or White tailed Tropicbird builds nests in the cliffs.

I was still hiking! Daniel drove Gene to the condo to get ready to leave for the airport. They had a bite to eat at Bubba's. Bubba's an authentic old-fashioned hamburgers since 1936 was one of the places that Gene wanted to eat.

Daniel came back to get me. By now, I had made it back to the beginning of the trail. I knew time was short and that Daniel would have taken Gene back to the condo to get packed.

I was walking up the road, knowing that Daniel would come back for me. I hitched a ride with a couple guys that I had met on the trail, hoping that the adventure with them would save time. They recognized me and gave me a “lift” and sure enough here came Daniel.

Thoughtfully, Daniel stopped at the Hanalei Health Food Store for some nourishment for me. Good son, Daniel. Thanks for the wonderful time with you.

Last stop:

Hananaulu Service

3-4280 Kuhio Hwy

Hananaulu, HI

6:00 PM

Flight from Kaua'i to Honolulu

Aloha to the Garden Island of Kaua'i, I am falling in love with a dream that I didn't know I had. Hawaii!

We bought pineapples, nuts, and children's gifts at the Honolulu International Airport at the Galleria at 8:20 PM, Honolulu time.

Departed on American Airlines flight #58 at 10:39 PM. I slept almost all the way home. Flying over water is not my favorite thing to do, so I relax my mind to not think and I fall asleep.

Arrived in San Jose at 6:50 AM Pacific Standard time. Daniel took us to the Oakland Airport to catch our plane to Salt Lake City.

Normally, we would have someone pick us up, but we wanted to see if we could make it home without calling on family for help. From Salt Lake airport, Gene and I rode a bus into the city where we transferred to TRAX and then to a bus to Provo. This made us appreciate our automobiles. We got home in the mid-afternoon. It was another adventure.

This journey has been a wonderful trip with Gene and Daniel. Sharing an experience of “newness, wonderment, tenderness, love, friendship and lots of excitement” has all been great. Aloha and with much Mahalo!

Will we ever go back to Hawaii. . . someday?