Aloha.

Roosters crowing, then comes the turkeys gobbling (yes I'm still in Hawaii).  The cardinals start their loud calls and the parrots fly by squawking.  The pheasants start talking to one another and finally the geckos bark from my ceiling.  It's morning and it's my last day in paradise.  I don't want to get out of bed.  At all.

Yesterday brought sailing and swimming in the most beautiful blue water I think the world has ever had.  The mountains kept the clouds at bay and as a result received one last sunburn (sorry Tracey).  The boats were all out in formation for their first time to take aerial photographs so everyone came out bearing bikinis and board shorts for the event.  I got to be with three of my favorite people aboard Manu Iwa for one last cruise.

Bittersweet to say the least.  It's the last time I am going to be on these boats for a long time and I actually will miss seeing them coming into Anaeho'omalu Bay every day with their crew bearing blue and white.

This last year and half has been incredible.  There have been many ups and downs and all arounds.  There was tears at first and homesickness, but then something happened and I started to settle in.  I became accustomed to the commute to work, the humidity and the beautiful, clear, warm water.  I got used to seeing people riding in the back of pick up trucks and to eating great fresh sushi whenever I wanted.  Those sudden intense rain storms didn't catch me off guard anymore and I learned to always have sunscreen and a bikini with me at all times because you never know when you're going to want to pull the car off the highway and go for a dip.

What I am going to miss more than anything are my loved ones and incredible friends who have helped me to call this place home.  Unexpected amazing meals and beautiful leis, cozy, little happy houses with Buddy and swinging hammock chairs on the lanai.  Spontaneous chai lattes, chocolate and walks through the rain.  Going to Pololu Valley and getting so close to the second valley we could taste it, but running out of daylight and deciding to head for sushi instead.  I will miss the smiles and hugs and kisses hello and goodbye.
I will miss a lot.

Apparently there are three kinds of people in this world:
Those who stay on the islands forever.  Either born and raised or transplanted.
Those who visit, then move, then move away and then move back to Magicland. (sometimes several times)
And then there are those who visit, move and then move away never to return.

I believe with my whole heart that I will be back.  My time is not up yet.

I am so thankful to everyone who has embarked on this journey with me.  Without every single person's involvement, no matter how brief, my time on the Big Island would not be the same.  I have learned so much from so many and have been lucky enough to embrace a different way of life.  I'm a lucky duck.

This post seems like a ridiculous way to show my gratitude for everything that has happened to me over the past year and a half , but I am forever changed for the better because of my time on the Big Island.
 
It is time for the next adventure now.  I will never forget my time spent here on this little lava rock in the Pacific, nor will I ever forget the people that made it so special to me.  I am forever grateful and I will be back- you're not rid of me yet!

Aloha nui loa.

Until next time,

M.

~"The winds of change blow around us all the time- but, we have to make the effort to raise the sails."
-Nikki Leigh

Sunset BBQ on the point.

Going away bonfire with some of my favorite people. 

Big Fiyaaa!  

Seasmoke getting her closeup.

Sailing along, looking classy.

Made it with all my stuff....over 200lbs...

The hut turtles.

Holy Seasmoke!

Wow time has flown by since the last time I said much of anything....well through this blog at least.

Since January I have had amazing friends visit from all corners of the world, giving me every excuse to go out and do all kinds of wonderful things instead of working like a madwoman through the whale season- it's been great. If nothing else, these past four months have reminded me to remember what is truly important in life- my family and friends.  They are the ones who keep me sane and help to propel me forward into my new adventures day after day, month after month.  Within these last months I have also had the pleasure of visiting the Best Coast.  A quick trip back to California in February to soak up some time with those I hold very close to my heart.  It was the first time I had made it all the way back to my hometown since I moved to this little lava stone in the Pacific.  It was magical to say the least and cold...
It it now May.  This means some new things are in the works...mainly my move back to California.  I am planning the trip back for a minimum of six months and for a maximum of life.  If you ask me what I'm up to the answer is I have no idea and although I'm uneasy about it at times, I'm thrilled too.  More on this later...for now, enjoy these pictures (and a video, please put your volume low...helicopters are loud) from my bird's eye view of the incredible craters, flow into the ocean and magical valleys...

My first sight of lava from the air at the Kilauea Crater.  

Waipio Valley from the water...(remember one of my first posts about the rockslide?)

Literally watching the island form before my eyes...I was losing it.

Lavvvvaaaaaa

Hamakua Coastline heading due West

Sending some love out across the big blue, especially to all those tucked away in the mountains who are missing their friends gone too soon.  Rest peacefully.
-M.

~Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes.  Don't resist them-that only creates sorrow.  Let reality be reality.  Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Lao Tzu