Do you know how long it takes to edit a slide show? It seems like forever, but I finished the video this morning. Two months may as well have been two years. I love looking at this slide show because being in Hawaii for that long was magical. Most people go for a week or two. Now, I wish I had stayed longer.
For those of you who don’t know me well, I hate to make plans. I had to plan for two months and more (what would I do on my return?). Finally, I sat down with many photos and created a slide show of my two months in the Fiftieth state.
What was special about my time there?
Soft and Gentle Trade Winds Keeping Me Cool Twenty-Four Hours a Day.
Green and Lush, Everywhere I Looked.
Birds I Have Never Seen Before.
Big, Really Big Waves.
Sunsets, Golden Glowing & Sunset Watchers. It is a Passion.
Visiting With Friends. They Let Me See Their Hawaii
Flowers, More Than I Could Begin to Describe. What Were They?
Orchids
Volcanos That Chose Not to Errupt When I Was There.
Kind and Wonderful People Everywhere I went.
Pineapples.
Shaved Ice.
Octopus and Other Colorful Fish. Snorkeling in the Beautiful Blue Hawaiian Water.
Green Sea Turtles Deep Sleeping on the Beach.
Mojitos and Lava Flow.
The list could go on, but I don’t want to bore you. Maybe you could go to Hawaii sometime and experience another amazing place on our planet. Then, you will find your own memories and magic moments.
Enjoy the slide show. It is a bit long. Just remember, I am a photographer. It is hard to eliminate too many photos when there was so much to see and do.
Today, I am thankful for the adventures in my life and for your willingness to join me in my experiences.
It is incredible how quickly a month can go by. I left Oahu for Kauai on February 1. Where did the time go?
I have seen big waves and surfers. Beach walking was a favorite activity for me. I frequently walked to the beach and then the half mile to Banzai Pipeline. It is interesting to think that it is smooth and glassy where the swells are now during the summer months. What? How can that be?
I really enjoyed my month on Oahu. I had a lovely apartment to stay in. I liked sitting on the porch and feeling the warm Hawaiian trade winds blow through. The rains went from soft, gentle female rains to raging, windy, male downpours. I saw the results of the flooding of the falls of the Waimea River that tore through the sandy beach, creating small, perfect swells that the surfers enjoyed.
And then there were the perfect sunny, blue-sky days with the soft Hawaiian trade winds keeping the temperatures cool. It was as close to perfect as was possible.
I have snorkeled, hiked, and even taken a boat tour to swim with dolphins. And oh, has that camera been busy.
The waves were twenty to twenty-five feet high the first weekend I was on Oahu. Only the bravest of surfers will tackle these waves. By the time the surfer reaches the foot of the wave face, they may be going upwards of 35 mph. Whoa! It is hard to imagine going that fast on a small board. How do you keep your balance? How do you breathe? How does it feel to have that body of water racing behind you? What happens when the wave wins? I will never know. Yet I will seek those waves out because they fascinate me.
Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition
I arrived as the Backdoor Shootout Surf competition was going on. I left the North Shore as the Lexus Pipe-Pro championships were beginning. I enjoyed the spectator part of this sport. I had no idea many people like me enjoyed watching the surfers and cheering them on.
Spending a month in one place has allowed me to relax my pace and not feel like I have to do everything all at once. If it was a rainy day, I could stay home. If I got tired, I could nap. Well, heck, I can do that any time, but I don’t when I am out traveling in Emmylou. I am a girl on the go.
Walking the Beach to the Point, Oahu.
My friend Tina joined me at the end of my time on Oahu. After a month on my own, it was good to have company. Since I had spent a month there, I got to show her some of my favorite spots and explore other places she knew of. I still believe that adventuring on my own is fun. Adventuring with someone else is even better.
Kauai the Magic Isle
Tina continued on to Kauai with me. After five days she left yesterday, and my friend Mary arrives late today. I still have a friend to adventure with and explore. In the meantime, I am snorkeling, enjoying sunsets, and relaxing on the beaches of Kauai. This is a magical isle.
Sometimes the choices I make are OK. Sometimes the choices I make are listed under “The Best Things I Ever Did”. Traveling for a winter to Hawaii is in the later catagory. And I am not even done yet. I still have the Big Island to explore.
“If you get to North Shore during the winter months, and the conditions are right, you might witness some monstrous waves How tall exactly are the waves? Well, you see, during the winter, the waves can be more than 20 feet high or 2 stories tall – and remember that in Hawaii, wave height is measured from the back. That means north shore surfers zoom along waves with 40-foot faces or higher!
Thousands of miles north of North Shore, near Alaska, the sea gets stormy during the winter. These storms send huge ocean swells south, directly to Hawaii. But that’s not the only thing that affects these giant waves… ancient submerged volcanic rocks and lava tubes – as well as coral reefs along the coast – influence the direction and activity of the waves as they break along the shoreline. These two things – the big swells and the rocks and reefs underneath the water – create the huge waves that have made the North Shore legendary.”
I arrived on the North Shore of Oahu on January 2. After I settled into my home for the next month, I took a walk. During winter, I am on the seven-mile stretch of big wave surfing. Most of it is within walking distance of where I live. I get up in the morning and walk a half mile to the Banzai Pipeline, a famous surf break. There are big waves and big wave surfers. The first full day I was there, I found two surfing competitions. I got to take so many photos on that first day. I figured out what to do better and went out the next day to try again.
Surfing here is like watching other sports, such as football, baseball, cycling, and more. When something goes right, a surfer successfully enters the barrel and comes out again in one piece; the crowds cheer. When someone wipes out on a big wave, people cheer and groan. Definitely, it is a spectator sport.
The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition
On the first day, I found the Da Hui Backdoor Shootout Surf Competition in progress at the Backdoor Break.
The Da Hui Backdoor Shootout is a unique surfing competition created in 1996 and run by Hui O He’e Nalu, a nonprofit entity dedicated to educating, coordinating, preserving, and supporting Hawaiian activities and culture. It aims to promote their progress.
Da Hui originated in Hawaii, founded by a surf gang called the “Black Shorts.” These passionate native Hawaiians were dedicated to protecting and preserving Hawaiian surfing, unyieldingly defending it. Their notable presence in the late 1970s, disrupting professional surfing contests on the North Shore by non-Hawaiians, marked the beginning of their significant impact on the global surfing community.
Da Hui actively supports local talents, enabling them to gain global exposure and promote the brand professionally. The Da Hui/Hui O He’e Nalu Backdoor Shootout highlights the classic Hawaiian surfing approach, focusing on style, strength, and reverence for the sea.
Participants are evaluated based on their technical skills, general strategy, choice of waves, and proficiency in tube riding, emerging with poise and flair.
The Backdoor Shootout holds a famed reputation.
It only runs when the conditions at the legendary North Shore of Oahu surf break shine in all its glory.
Each competitor is part of a team that is only announced moments before the start of the competition. The judging scale does not follow the industry standard. Waves are scored from 0 to 12.
The contest in memory of Duke Kahanamoku is held every year in January with a tight waiting period.
People love to watch surfing. If there is a competition, everyone shows up, sometimes for an hour, sometimes all day. And there are specific unspoken rules—well, not always unspoken.
I sat down next to this woman who proceeded to tell me that she knew I wasn’t from here because;
I had shoes on. She rolled her eyes when I told her I had a heel condition and had to wear shoes or not walk.
I must be a beginner photographer because I didn’t have a monopod, and all photographers carry one when shooting surfers and waves. I am not fond of monopods, so I left mine at home.
Where was my bathing suit? I didn’t have one on. And if I did have one on, it certainly wouldn’t be a string bikini like most of these younger women’s.
One thing that comes with age and experience is that I had a good internal giggle and sat there and took photos anyway. Since then, I have met lovely people and enjoyed the island experience.
I met a big-wave surfer who took me on a tour of the North Shore. I visited surfboard-making and repair shops, saw several breaks, tasted local pastry, and enjoyed my day with this transplanted New Zealander. We ended the day meeting someone who was selling him a surfboard. It was a good day.
The waves had settled down until today. Although I visit the shoreline every day, I am beginning to explore other parts of Oahu. Do I want to spend time on the beach, or do I want to explore other aspects of this island? I will likely combine time on the beach with exploring other parts of the island.
Since the above paragraph, I have ventured abroad, as far as this island will let me. Everything leads me back to the ocean, waves, and surfing.
Incredibly, a small island can have such different climates. One side is wet, and the other is dry. Mountains are in the middle of the island, and they drop to the ocean floor in some places. Big waves happen on the North Shore but not on the other coasts. When the trade winds shift, the North Shore becomes glassy and idle.
I am getting used to living in a lovely apartment with much more room than my tiny RV. It is upstairs in a house. The windows are wide open, and the overhead fans whirr quietly. It is warm and humid, but the ocean breezes help it remain a cool and delightful place. One night, I heard drums playing somewhere nearby. It reminded me of the hula.
With two weeks on Oahu remaining, I will have plenty of time to explore, photograph, swim, snorkel, relax, and enjoy my winter on the islands.
Today, I am thankful for a sense of adventure that has led me to places like Oahu. I am grateful for indulging in a passion of mine. I am thankful for the wonders of nature. I really love my camera and my love of photography.
I have hinted at big plans a few times in my past posts. I hesitated to mention them because so many of my plans this past year have changed, and I decided to wait and see if these plans would change, too.
I am Hawaii Bound.
I love big waves, and I love to watch surfers on big waves. I just love big waves. I decided to see big waves before they were too physically demanding for me to get to.
Hawaii, Here I Come.
So far, my plans have remained steady. Now that January 2nd is approaching quickly, I decided to finally inform my readers of my plans.
I leave on January 2 to spend a month on the north shore of Oahu. I will be within a short distance of the beaches and big waves. And if you are wondering what I will do, I will watch big waves and take photos of them. There is also a nature reserve near where I am staying, so birdwatching will also be on the list. I plan to explore this island as I have spent little time here.
A friend, Tina, will join me at the end of January. After a few days on Oahu, on February 1 we will travel to Kauai. Kauia has always been a charming and adventurous island. I love the vibes of this island and always feel welcomed when I spend time exploring there. I will be there for two weeks. Tina will be there for the first week. When she leaves, another friend of mine, Zee, will join me for the rest of my stay on Kauai.
And lastly we will explore the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Zee will be with me for most of this visit. There is always so much to see and do on this island. Snorkeling, hiking, and visiting Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, which has been erupting again recently. I have chosen some interesting and unique places to stay on this island and I am looking forward to each one.
I enjoy traveling alone but having friends join me makes this adventure even more enjoyable. The last few days of my trip I will visit with a good friend who lives in Kona and then all of a sudden it will be March and I will be heading to the mainland. Where did the time go?
HawaiiKauai
I don’t like to make plans, and it is hard for me to do so. This trip required a lot of planning. It was a bit overwhelming when I started putting it together, but once I made my housing reservations, each piece of the trip slipped into place. Yet, oh my goodness, it was a lot of work for a non-planner. It was stressful and caused me to lose some sleep. I am ready to go. Well, almost, I am packing.
On the last day of December, EmmyLou goes into storage for two months. This will be the longest I will have left her since 2019. She is getting spiffed up and ready to go indoors. Once a month, she will be plugged in for 24 hours, and her generator will run for an hour. I know I am paying for this service, but she will be ready for me when I return. And….if I give them 24 hours’ notice, they will wash and detail her before I pick her up. What more could I ask for?
I am off on a new adventure. I am excited, nervous and a wee bit apprehensive. The bottom line is, I am going. Once the rig goes into storage I can breathe another sigh of relief. And after two nights with good friends in San Diego celebrating the New Year, I will be on my way.
Oooh, I know it has been too long since my last post when friends started to email or phone me to find out how I am doing. It makes me feel like I have not been faithful to updates and adventures.
I am still in San Diego. I am camped by Mission Bay and enjoying my mornings outside or inside my Roadtrek, EmmyLou. I also bike and kayak a little and visit friends. Each year, I arrive in November to have my medical and dental done, visit friends, and enjoy the days as it becomes colder and snowier in other parts of the United States.
First Update: So far, all my medical is looking good, and I am ready for another year. I am almost complete for another year. I am still waiting on the dental part of this picture. I have become very good at helping my dentist and others in his office enjoy their lifestyle. Come February, I will know if I have the all-clear with the dental part of this. Sigh.
Second Update: I have a favorite saying, first found on Ram Dass’s website; “We’re just walking each other home.” This year I have decided to remain in San Diego longer than usual. A friend of mine’s husband died in early December. She has very good friends and support within the local community. She has turned to me for support and companionship. I have something that many have not yet experienced: the loss of my heart, my husband Jim, who died over eleven years ago.
I consciously decided to stay around for a while to see her get back on her feet and face the world in this weird new role she has found herself in. Grief and loss is hard. Some days, it slaps one in the face, and others are softer and gentler.
But loss does not stop the world. I had so much to do that first year after Jim’s death. Lawyers, accountants, Social Security, Financial institutions, work, finding homes for his “stuff” and treasures, and more. I wish I had had someone to help me navigate all of this. My sister and a friend, Helen, arrived shortly after Jim’s death, which was very helpful. Once they left, I was on my own.
Diversion is helpful, and I think I am providing my friend with some helpful diversion and a shoulder to lean on. We talk, drink wine, and find things to do locally. Sometimes, crying is involved; other times, we laugh and talk. We share a love of books. Grief is not always about being sad. It encompasses the whole gambit of emotions. I am still learning to embrace all of them.
This is what friendship is about. I also think that I am healing myself in this choice I have made.
Third Update: Christmas was quiet this year. I house-sat for my good friends, with whom I spent the first COVID year. They were out of town, and I had a real house. They have the best couch. It is one of my favorite pieces of furniture in the house. It sucks you right in and is so comfortable.
My good friend Pat and her family had me over for Christmas Day. It was a day of relaxation and the joy of being included. Sometimes I get tired of my own company, then it is good to have friends come to the rescue.
Pat, Tessa & Elepjhants
Fourth Update: A good friend from San Juan Island in Washington arrived a week ago in Long Beach, California. We decided to connect as it has been over a year since we have seen each other. For two wonderful days, we camped north of Laguna Beach in one of my favorite State Parks in southern California, Crystal Cove State Park. We walked the beach at an extremely low tide and talked. It was a good getaway, and catching up was so much fun. She owns a Roadtrek too.
Darn She Found Us Again!
Fifth Update: I am back at the park by the bay after caring for two kitties for a few days. I wish I could say that the kitties were fun and that they hung out with me, but I spent my two days lying on the floor, talking to them while they hid from me and giving them skritches when they would allow it. CATS!!!!!
People ask me what I am doing next. Honestly, I don’t know! Plans formulate slowly for me. I have a hard time planning most of my life. I am such a procrastinator. I know I will be heading for the desert soon, at least for a few days. Friends are arriving, and I must go visit. And the desert is so beautiful at this time of the year.
Until then, I am biking and kayaking, enjoying the bay and my friends. Today, I discovered that on Fridays, a group of people gather in the recreation hall and play music. Today there are at least fifteen. And…it is my kind of music. I could contradance to it. Sweet.
Today I am thankful for friendship and growth. Today I am thankful for Procrastination. Today I am Thankful.
Last June I left San Diego and traveled north. I spent most of the spring living with two good friends, Cynthia and Ward. I initailly moved in to help Cynthia after elective surgery. I ended staying with them through the emergence of Covid and our country in some form of lockdown. I sheltered in place with Ward and Cynthia from early March until I headed north, in June, for a summer in Idaho.
Every year I return to San Diego to get my medical and dental work done. I get busy with appointments, doctor visits, a mammogram, and lab work.
This year I headed south driving ahead of cold weather. Eastern Idaho, nope, too cold. Northern Utah, nope, too cold. When I reached Nevada it became much more tolerable, despite the high winds. Eventually, I made my way into San Diego and after almost two weeks at my friend, Pat’s house I have moved back in with Cynthia and Ward. I will remain here through the end of the year.
La Mesa Sunset
It is really good to have such kind and wonderful friends. I feel so honored to be part of such a good network of people throughout this country, Canada, and further. Like attracts like.
When I stayed in La Mesa I had amazing sunsets and I was close enough to walk to the “Secret Steps of La Mesa” (489 steps). It is a workout. There are actually more than one set of stairs. I would climb one and return on the other set, completing a loop back to the house.
La Jolla Shore
Bay Park (I am here now) is close to Mission Bay and not too far from the Pacific Ocean. I can walk to the Bay. It is only a few miles away. I can hop on my bike and complete a 15-20 mile ride from my current home without a problem. Today I drove the short distance to La Jolla Shores and walked the beach at low tide. It is nice to be near the water.
I am back sheltering in place with two other people. After spending five months mostly alone, it is nice to be with others again. I enjoy the company and hope they do also. We got along well when I was here in the spring and I am sure that will be the case this time. It is nice to move into a place where I am wanted. The nice thing is if we get tired of each other, I can go camping for a few days, come back and everything will be fresh again.
Here I am for the holidays. Enjoying my semi-nomadic lifestyle, visiting friends and completing things that need to get done before I head east at the New Year and take up residence, once again in the desert.
Today I am thankful for good friends, beatiful places where nature abounds and my willingness to explore all of it.
Journeys of Thankfulness 