Raining in the rainforest

It was raining on this little nature trail through the rain forest. Yesterday I felt like dinosaurs were hiding behind the bushes; today I was hoping for a glimpse of hobbits or fairies.

Mauna Kea Observatory

The coldest night Ive had on my trip so far was in Hawaii. We went to the visitor center to do some star gazing.  At a height of 9000 ft, the temp dropped from 72 to 39 as we ascended. You can't go to the summit without 4-wheel drive,  which our rental Sentra does not have,  but we got an amazing view.  We took a little hike up a side trail to get away from the chattering tourist who wouldn't put their light out,  and ended up on the little hilltop all alone with the stars. From there,  we could see Hilo a ways off, and the tours coming down the mountain,  but when I laid down, there was zero light pollution, and I couldn't hear another soul. 

No pics to share from there, but after moonrise on our return to the cabin I was able to get these. 

Star gazing from the deck has been very good,  but Mauna Kea is unbelievable.  You can see so far.  

Donkey Trail

There's a botanical garden that we were a little late to see, but next to it is a donkey trail that leads out to the ocean. A little hike for me, a stroll for Anita.  Fun to walk, and fantastic views at the trail end.

Akaka Falls

Nice little walk to these falls.  Such beautiful lush tropical greenery. The ferns were twice as big as me.  Felt like a good place for the velociraptors to set up an ambush.

the farm

Met my Aunt Anita at Kona airport. Started the journey on Big Island with a drive to the east side. Staying in an air bnb that's on a working farm.  

To the Big Island

Off to the Big Island, a couple of days on each side. Waikiki is a party town, lots of fun, but doesnt align with my current agenda, which is rest and reflection. 

Big Island

Dukes Waikiki

Rounding out my 43 something hour day with some Korean street tacos at Dukes Waikiki, which I was assured is the quintessential Oahu restaurant. They weren't sure they could seat me,  and then the maitre d'  said,  "yeah I  can do one" and took me over to a table that said "reserved", and sat me at an amazing table, close to the live music, but not too close,  ya know?. It's been that kind of a magical trip. 

Sorry, no pic of the tacos,  I inhaled them.  But they were delicious kind of a fusion thing.  Just realized I haven't eaten anything since the plane this morning,  so something like 14 hrs...

Going for a short walk on the beach,  and then I'm headed to bed! 

And thus ends my own personal groundhog day.  Maybe the best place on earth to get a bonus day. 😀