Colorado Or Bust

"Okay."

"Do we have everything?"

"Yup."

"Are you sure?"

"Yup."

"Okay then, here we go."

Driving out of the little not-so-quiet-anymore town of Murphys up Highway 4 toward Ebbetts Pass with our entire lives in the back of a truck.  We've got our bags packed, gear stowed, sleeping nook made up in the truck bed (with too many blankets...or so we thought) and some yummy snacks for the way.  We're leaving familiar territory and heading out toward the grand state of Colorado for a 5 week long adventure to explore, have some adventures, meet new people and scope out some new places.  

Why you ask? (we've been getting this question a lot, from a lot of different people) 

The answer is pretty simple actually: there's no time but the present. 

We are both twenty four years old, do not have many major responsibilities (ie mortgages, kids, pets, businesses, etc), are able-bodied, adventurous and are itching to explore the world around us.   

We've taken leaves from work or quit jobs altogether, saved up and geared up for what will prove to be one of the best adventures so far in my life.  Who's excited?  Meggan is!!  

Now that you've got some background as to what we're up to, back to the story....

As we drove up and over the pass, I was surprised to see the aspens had not quite turned colors yet (this was Sept. 28th), another week and they would have been perfect.  With a bald eagle soaring overhead ('Merica!), we continued our journey east into a land of straight roads...Nevada did not win me over on this one and extra terrestrial highways where nothing outlandish happened...I was hoping for some bright lights, or flying cows or something to get my blood pumping, but nay.  We slept our first night somewhere out of Alamo (not THE Alamo, but Alamo, NV) (I'm as surprised as you are) and continued on to Zion National Park (pre gov't fit) to explore some canyons and red rocks.

And let me just take a second to tell you, canyons, wow.  I have never canyoneered before.  I've been into canyons in California and even in Utah before, but I have never been IN canyons where my only way out was rappeling down slick faces, through waterfalls (minor waterfalls this time of year), and wading through ice cold water through narrow canals of carved stone.  We were fully committed to these canyons once we decided to descend our first rope.
We ended up running two canyons in Zion- the Narrows of Pine Creek was my first canyon and Subway Canyon the next day.  The longest rappel was 100ft and what an experience- I felt like a little spider on a web descending into a whole new world (queue Aladdin music) where time was going by but I was just there, fully, in the moment.  It was incredible.

Before everyone gets on the horn and yells at me for being reckless-know there were permits required, we weren't just jumping into a gully somewhere without anyone knowing about it, there were time limits, emergency contacts listed and lots of gear involved that made the trips run smoothly and successfully...aside from my boots which gave me blisters the size of small station wagons.
We were fortunate enough to stumble upon the Zion Canyon Music Festival, were granted free entrance (I'm still not sure how this happened) and drank wine while listening to great live music from multiple great bands-all within a hop, skip and a jump from our home away from home...ie up the road on a level plot of dirt.  We were out of Zion the night before the gov't shut down, so we were not affected by closures yet.

Next to Moab, Utah!  

We ended up staying three days in Moab mountain biking all three days- Kane Creek, Slickrock (crikey!) and Gemini Bridges (where I proceeded to blow out the rear shock on my bike half way through a 14 mile ride...for the win).  G9, the Moab Mamma, was our amazing local guide who chatted with us about the Moab happenings, shuttled us to Gemini Bridges (what a lady!) and was a friendly face who gave us fresh tomatoes and many laughs!  What a cool town!  We'll definitely be back sometime soon!  We were unable to jump into Arches National Park due to closures, but will definitely go back sometime to experience the gorgeous rock.
After our stint in Moab we headed out toward the Colorado state line.  We were greeted by torrential downpours, low temperatures and lightning!  Luckily the storm passed through the night and the trails were surprisingly dry the next day for our rides in Fruita.  A film screening of Bicycling Dreams in Grand Junction the next day (all about people who race across America on bicycles in under 12 days....!) and a day of trails in Grand Junction to follow.
The adventure continues to Westminster and Boulder to hopefully do some climbing, make some new friends, explore some new places and get my bike fixed.
Happy times from Colorado!
To be continued....

-M.

~Life is like riding a bicycle.  To keep your balance, you must keep moving."- Albert Einstein

Take off from Murphys- the set up

View from our sleeping spot in Zion

More pictures to come...

We Bought A Map

Quite an adventure lies ahead of us.  It's square in shape and resides due East of us with 2 states separating.  The Rockies cut through and the Aspens glow this time of year.  The bears are out and about and the rocks tempt you to mosey on over for a climb.  It's time for a little jaunt to Colorado for the month of October.

Where do we even begin?  Well, for starters, we bought a map, a big one.  Seems like a logical place to start the planning process, right?  We've both never been.  Our plan is to spend a month and change exploring this beautiful state before the seasons really change from cool to cold.  We're having a little race against Mama Nature before she ducks into the super chilly season.

We've asked for input from friends and family and contacted the few friends we do have in the state.  Looked at countless websites for mountain biking and hiking and have finally decided on a rough outline of the route to take through the state itself.  We've borrowed park maps and trail guides from friends and started the list-making part (my favorite part...honestly) of the trip.  We've notified work of our leaves of absences and, in my case, made plans to move out of my home in Santa Cruz.  It's all coming together in just a few short weeks.

How do you pack for a month long trip to a place where you don't know if it is going to be 75 and sunny or if it is going to throw an early snow storm right at your face?  How do you pack when you are going to be car camping and backpacking, couch surfing and condo cruising?  It's so exciting.  I love this part.  Yet another fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants moment as I truly don't know what to expect once we take off.  I've never been on a road trip this long before.  All we can do is prepare the best we can, adventure is real.

As my partner in crime has been researching on a regular basis all different important aspects of our trip (as have I), I've been fussing over what foods to bring (naturally, I do think with my stomach sometimes), where all of this stuff is going to fit and how my partner is going to strap me to the roof of the car before we hit Nevada out of sheer annoyance alone.  I'm thinking of bike repair kits and how to throw together some clever recipes Pinterest has gifted to me, while still focusing on getting into better biking shape (these hips don't lie) and wondering what to do with my over-the-top amount of layers...lezbehonest....I may have spent my last two cold seasons in Hawaii, but I'm only one person, I can only wear so many layers at a time.  The packing is going to be a fun one.

Stay tuned, as there is more to come on the preparations of this awesome adventure.  I couldn't be happier to go exploring, I've got an amazing travel buddy and I'm semi-worried we are going to fall in love with Colorado and not want to come back.
More to come.
Sending some goodness from Santa Cruz your way.
-M.

~Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. -Miriam Beard

~Once a year go some place you have never been before. -Dalai Lama

Simplifying

The adventure continues.  As I gear up for the next Santa Cruz chapter of life, I am met with one of the most daunting tasks of my life....moving out of the Murphys house.  For those unaware, this little house in the mountains has been my home base since I was four years old.  It has been the center point for groups of friends for years.  The place for sleepovers and baking parties, the place to get through the chicken pox and learn how to use dial up internet.  I was convinced it was haunted for years and still may be as it was built in the 1860's during the Gold Rush.  I do however think if there are spirits there hopefully they are used to me by now and will let me move all my things out in peace.
I have realized how much stuff I have accumulated in my short 24 years of life!  It's not a little bit of stuff either.  Coincidentally the first thing I opened on the internet today had to do with simplifying one's life.  It went through so many things, many of which I plan to put into practice, but the points that got my attention first had to do with de-cluttering my life from a materialistic standpoint.

Here's the tips I've discovered thus far:
1) Edit your rooms one by one leaving only the minimum amount of things that you actually use in the room.  (I've decided my Murphys room has enough stuff in it to fill two or three rooms....it's a little crazy and I am kind of ashamed.  Plus, you saw in my last post how much stuff I came back with, so there's some work to be done).
2) If you haven't used it in the last 6 months, and it's still good, give it away. Snow gear does not count.
3)  De-cluttering before organizing...if there's too much stuff in the picture than all that will happen is a big organized pile of stuff waiting to turn into a mess all over again.
4) Friends are usually stoked to get some old-new stuff, so keep them in mind.

This daunting task has been looming over my head for years now.  It is going to be a summer-long process.

Although a very sad process, I am excited at the idea of my home becoming a home for someone else.  It is something I go back and forth about on a regular basis.  Sometimes I want the house to be mine forever, but other times I realize I want it to go to someone who will love it and take care of it and have babies grow up in it.  It's a delicate process, one that will take some time to come to terms with and accept, but I'm excited for this turning point.
Who knows what the next chapters hold- maybe to mountainous lands in the middle of the country perhaps? Who can tell?

For now, I am living in Santa Cruz, in my happy little loft at the Laguna House-surrounded by wonderful people who are all driven and excited about life.  Working 4 jobs, 7 days a week to make it happen and loving every second of it.  Talk to me a month and I will probably be exhausted, but still loving it!

I miss Hawaii- mostly I miss the people I grew to know out there.  I'm excited to go back and see the keikis growing up (too fast judging by pictures), the upcoming nuptials, the house renovations and for some much needed poke (pronounced poke-eh) and swims in the crystal clear water.

Sending love across the Pacific to those out on that little lava stone...
M.

PS. Had some spam today....just sayin'

~We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths~ Walt Disney

Here's the cutest damn critter you've ever seen who's happy just where he is. 

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

Soaring Above

It is hard to be away from those I cherish so much, especially when tragedy strikes our community.  The little town of Murphys has lost someone who has touched the lives of countless people, near and far.  Zach Orman, an incredibly adventurous, kind and hilarious man, one whom I was fortunate enough to know from Murphys, to Santa Cruz and beyond has left us too soon.  An accident doing something he loved has left us all stunned and made, at least me, reevaluate and remember to be thankful for every day.  He is survived by one of the most incredible families I have ever had the pleasure to have known and by an amazing woman to whom I owe much of my inspiration for my own adventures.  There is no easy way to cope with sudden paralyzing events such as a death of a friend.  It is no surprise that no one gets used to the idea of having their friends pass away, especially at such a young age.  There is no true guide telling us all how to move forward after something stops us in our tracks such as this.
What amazed me more than anything was the recognition of Zach's life, less than 24 hours after his passing, by friends from all walks of life.  Pictures.  Memories.  Praises.  He inspired many people to dream big and worry small.  Never once, when I would happen upon him and Becca, whether it be Strawberry, a concert in Santa Cruz, back in the mountains or some random place along the way, would I see them without smiles on their faces and a new adventure on the horizon.  It was inspiring every time I crossed paths with them to get out there and continue the journey.
It's hard to believe that tomorrow it could all be over.  My mind doesn't let me think like that too often.  It shields me and keeps me focused on things in the future, things I should be honed in on more than anything else...all the "important" things.  I lose sight of those truly important things too often.  It hurts me to think how easily that happens, over and over again.
While I can only give thanks for whatever lucky stars gave me the opportunity to meet Zach and to have some of his stoke for life rub off on me, I am deeply sadden that the world has lost someone so great.  He will live on in those who remember him and those who continue to live their lives to the fullest with him in their hearts.
Soar high Zach, be well and know you'll never be forgotten.
-M.

The Wild Things

Sailing north, only 8 passengers on board.  We're nearing Black Point and although it's been relatively calm today the winds are starting to pick up and we know we will have to turn back sometime soon.  We've been following a yearling humpback whale for over an hour now.  He's by himself, although his mother was with him this morning, but is nowhere in sight now.  This is something seen a lot with yearlings and their mothers- these duos will often make the migration south together back to the Hawaiian Islands and then cut ties permanently leaving the yearling to find its way back north alone.
This particular yearling appeared to be playing by himself swimming back toward the channel between the Big Island and Maui (the channel that will open up toward the north for this little guy to head home).  As he spiraled through the water slapping his pectoral fins together as if he was clapping his hands we realized he was not alone.  Swimming in front of him, a pod of dolphins.  10-15 individuals all swimming in a row as if leading him toward the channel opening.  Often times the only major interactions between whales and their cousins are negative (the dolphins tend to annoy the whales with their sonar and are usually chased off after the whales have had enough).  This display of camaraderie was so amazing to witness in person that I nearly forgot I was supposed to be teaching these guests about the whales, not just drooling as I stared off into the distance.  The yearling continued to playfully spiral through the water toward Maui, trumpeting bashfully at the dolphins swimming in front of him.  It was such a sight to be seen.  This little whale, all by himself in the Pacific Ocean, had made friends, if only for the time being with a group of creatures whose only way of communicating with him was by swimming by his side as he began his first solo migration home.
As we made a turn to return back to the harbor for the day, out of nowhere two huge whales swim right below the boat.  Coming up along the port side to say hello and examine the boat a little closer.  The larger of the two, probably nearing 45 feet in length, is the largest whale I have seen close up in my life.  While incredibly huge and much more powerful than any boat in the area, their presence is also nothing but awe-inspiring and majestic.  There is no fear when you see these creatures, just awe and adoration.  Their presence is humbling and their beauty reminds anyone who sees them how precious the wild world is and how important it is to save it.  I'm inspired every day I see them to make positive changes- environmental, mental and spiritual.
Eat some krill and think of the whales.  I hope everyone finds something to inspire them today. <3

Where the Wild Things Are?

A thought ran through my head recently- what if the whales don't come?  This is a frightening thought that has left many puzzled and anxiously awaiting their arrival.  The past month and a half has been a constant struggle to find whales to watch on the Kohala Coast.  It's a bizarre thing to think that they may not all show up because they cannot swim around or under the huge garbage patches in the Pacific, because they've lost their ability to navigate through the noisy ocean or because there aren't enough left (no longer in the humpback's case).  While this is mostly hypothetical at this point in time and it may just be coincidence that we are having a "slow" start to our season, it is quickly become more and more of a valid theory and on several levels has already been proven to be fact.  Our worst fears about these gentle giants may be coming true.     
As we sit here and wait, I cannot help but wonder what the future holds for these beauties and for ourselves.   It is outrageous to think we may have altered a migratory pattern that has been around for thousands of years simply because we don't clean up after ourselves.  Unfortunately the thing that has caught my attention the most is the future of this industry, how many more years will a job like mine be around (?) and about other industries that have been so heavily impacted due to lack of wild things around the world (the salmon industry comes to mind).  I wonder if people will one day say, "Do you remember when grandma and grandpa told us about going to Hawaii to see the humpback whales?  They said they were so awe-inspiring and majestic, their songs so beautiful.  I wish we had been around when they were."  It's a depressing thought, but I wonder if my kids will be able to experience seeing a whale, or hear them sing someday.  I really hope so.
While the winds have returned and the vog has cleared, we are slowly seeing whales returning to the Kohala Coast.  It has been a very slow start to the season and we do not know how long of a season we will be fortunate enough to have, but we are hoping for more whales every day.  The first calf of the season was seen outside of Puako about a week ago and it appeared to be happy and healthy swimming along with its mother.  There are hopefully thousands of expectant mothers making their migration to the Hawaiian islands as I type.  With the suspense building by the day, we are hoping for a few months of "whale soup season" and then back to the summer months of dolphins and diving.
Many alohas and well wishes for the new year from me to you.
Aloha nui loa,
M. 

~May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace~

First whale of my season, coming up to say hello and then waving goodbye.

Post December 21st

Well lookie here... the world didn't end after all.
I am pleased to say I have gotten to see the days post-"Apocalypse" and am celebrating by baking copious amounts of pumpkin chocolate chip muffins and cookies.  With my holiday shopping done, I am excited to say I can sit back and relax for my day off before the holiday madness really hits.
Around this time last year, I was still in the infancy of adjusting to living on this island.  I still knew very few people and unfortunately sat on the phone with friends as they helped me cope with being away from all those I love, especially during the holidays.  This year is a little bit different, thank goodness.  While I am still without my California sunshines, I am happy to report I have found a  motley crew of friends out here with which to share the holiday cheer.  I hope the holidays find you in a similar situation- surrounded by friends and great food.
This next week hopefully will bring many laughs, many whales and many cookies- in that order.
I would be lying if I said I didn't think something bizarre was going to happen on December 21st (Human drama, not planetary alignments).  People never cease to amaze me and I was thinking of many coming out of the hills on the morning of December 22nd seeing a "new light" and living a new life.  I am sorry to say I was less than entertained by this whole event, but that is probably for the best- people are crazy.  I am glad that the world did not end, obviously, and am looking forward to good times to come.
I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with an old Professor from the University of Iowa.  An incredibly brilliant gentleman, in his mid-80s I would say, with bright blue Oakley bifocals and a very light stutter in his speech.  After hearing about my undergraduate career at UCSC and my "plans" for the future, he told me something that I will always remember-
Keep your eye on the bigger picture, however keep your focus on one of the lower corners of the bigger picture- somewhere where you can focus your energy and time and love.  If you focus too broadly, you often become overwhelmed and burnt out.  Have fun, he said, and remember to focus on something that keeps your heart happy because if you don't, you'll end up like a lot of the old saps that come out to Hawaii who realize they have missed out on the point of living.  His name was Hugh, Hugh Morris.
He was taking his 60 year old daughter parasailing the next day in Kona, what a cool old guy.

We're seeing whales.  They're sure taking their sweet time returning to the islands, but they are coming back.
Some fun facts about humpbacks:

• They're the fifth largest whale in the world.
• Humpbacks range in size from 40-55 feet and have about a ton (2,000lbs) of weight for every foot of length... a 45 foot whale would weigh around 90,000lbs.
• The ladies are the larger of the two genders and give birth to 10-14 foot babies while they're here in Hawaii (weighing in at around 1,500lbs).  
• The males sing to one another after they lose the chance to mate with a female- a song of defeat...
• Humpbacks breach (jump all the way out of the water) for several reasons, I believe the most important is because it's fun.  I would love it if I was a whale.  
• All humpbacks' eyes are brown.
• They can hold their breath for 45 minutes.
• Humpbacks love to hear little kids' voices- especially the mothers.  They come over to the boat when we have kids on board to check on them.  Motherly instinct bridges between species, absolutely.
• A humpback's favorite drink is a mai tai.
• They're amazing and you should come see them and me.

Happy Holidays.  Please travel safely, along with being crazy, people are also awful drivers.  

Enjoy the snow, for those of you able to ride through the holidays and happiest of new years to you all.

Sending my love from this little lava stone in the Pacific to you, today and every day,

M.

Seasmoke at Sunset 12/22/12

Mom and Baby, I wish I could say this was my photograph....

~There is always, always, always something to be thankful for~

Turkey Day

Even as I write this, I am falling victim to the effects of too much good food in too short a period of time.
Living on an island, although it is a beautiful thing, is also a major form of isolation at times.  Often we find ourselves away from family and friends that we have grown up spending holiday seasons with year after year.  
What happens when you're by yourself in a new place during the holiday season?  Do you stay home and avoid the holiday season?
NOT UP IN HERE!  Not if I have anything to say about it.  
Because many of the people that work on the boats are from different parts of the United States, many do not have anyone to share the holiday cheer with and therefore spend them alone.  This year, we decided to have an Orphans Thanksgiving for those that were working and for those who did not have any plans for turkey day.  A meal was prepared (to perfection, might I add) and brought in a cooler to keep warm to the boat that was taking the sunset charter out for the evening.  Once the cruise was over (which we may or may not have stowed away on), on this particularly gray day, we set up for a feast for the six of us.  Six people from all different walks of life, all different places and all different ages.  We exchanged what we were thankful for, in a joking manner and ended up sharing our stories of what each person's first Thanksgiving was like on the island.  It's amazing that no matter how different a group of people are, if you set them in front of good food and a comfortable space, you will find that we all have things in common and stories to share.  No matter what, you can always learn something from someone else unexpectedly.  
This Thanksgiving I discovered that although I was far from home for the holidays, I was not alone.  Humans are social creatures by nature and if a space is created for people to share, they will.  Add mashed potatoes and anything is possible.  
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for new friends and for my access to the warm ocean.  I miss my family and my friends back home, but know no matter what, we all have something to be thankful for this holiday season.
I hope your tummies are full and your hearts are warm.  
Aloha nui loa,
M.

Ze Turkey

The Spread on Alala

Some smiling sharks...

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
~Frederick Keonig

One Year Down

To say time has been flying is an understatement of epic proportions.  

As I write this I am sitting on the lanai, watching the sunset and trying to catch up on some rest.  The past weeks have brought tsunamis, horrendous Sandy, car trouble, pirates and the continuation of chaos within the workplace.  Obama's reelection, Halloween mayhem, waterfalls, diving and lava.  Coconut palms, warm clothes (I've lost my ability to stay warm on my own), whales and new creatures.
It's been a while since I have written and now I have already passed my one year anniversary on the island- November 4th.  After planning to stay until last April, I have quickly doubled my time and plan to stay a while longer.  As usual, I still miss everything in California, but I am loving my time out here now too.  
Here's what's been happening the past two months: 
We've gone fishing- a lot.  Fresh ahi, mahi mahi and ono, enough for everyone.  I'm fat and sassy now.
We're starting to see humpback whales coming back, I just saw my first breach (where the whale jumps all the way out of the water and lands on its back) of the season a few days ago.  I may or may not have caused a complete scene on the boat...luckily I was not in uniform...
I found the Big Island Candies company...enough said...I now have a frequent buyers card.
I planted a coconut tree where the old town of Kalapana used to be before the lava took it in the late 80s- it's an intense story, you should Google it.
I got to bundle up and see the glow from the Kilauea crater in Volcano National Park...oxymoron-ish, but it was cold and dark.  The glow was so powerful.
I watched Obama win his second term, although not as excited as when he initially won with Stevenson House 3 storming the campus and raging all night, but it was still a load off my shoulders to know I wasn't going to have to move onto a boat in international waters somewhere...just kidding...but seriously.
I've free dove through lava tubes and spotted whale sharks cruising the depths.
I've ruined a great friend's purple surfboard out here because it took the hit on the lava rocks and coral instead of me...woops...
I dressed up as a pirate and paid a buck-an-ear for my earrings....you know you laughed.
All in all it's all been well here. (say all one more time).  

Sending love,
Spam count is...up....from where it was....I know....it's not a good thing....
Here's some photos to explain a little more:

The falls at Umauma River (pronounced uu-mauw-muh)

Planting my coconut palm at Kalapana

Mango Grove...you can't tell we were lost when this was taken as I look pretty happy. 

The Kilauea Crater glowing on clear night.  I was about 50 yards away.

The mooring ball at a dive sight called Pentagon.  If you look closely you can see a group of baby sergeant major fish swimming around the left side, below the eye.

“My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.” - Jack Layton, 1950-2011

Spelunking For a Swim

Scrambling over rocks, taking time not to hit my head or scrape my arms as it's all lava rock and rougher than sandpaper, I make my way into the shallow opening taking me to a dark place, a quiet place.  No one but us in the middle of no where on the coast.
"So, you climb huh?"
"Yup."
"So, you're not afraid of heights?"
"I was, but I decided that was a fear I needed to get rid of."
"What about claustrophobia?"
"I am a little bit, but I'll be fine."
"Great."
And we head into darkness.  Lucky for me, there are two things always in my backpack...a luna bar and a headlamp.  Both of which I was in desperate need of at that time.  Black Diamond don't fail me now.
Everything is sharp, except for a foot-wide level pathway down the right side of the tunnel.  This lava tube is about 8 feet tall at it's tallest from the pathway and about 12 feet wide, it's spectacular.  A perfect oval shaped tunnel leading deeper and deeper into darkness, toward the salty sea.  I hug the wall on the right as when I look left I notice there is a a 10 foot drop to sharp rock below.  We head under a natural skylight, I see a tree above and think to myself how nice it would be to be sitting next to that tree rather than under it, far under it.  The skylight lights our way for another 20 feet and then we round a bend and are back in darkness, dependent on our lights to keep us from missing any vital steps.
"So that's all water next to you by the way."
"No it is not."
I surprise myself with my quick snappy retort, but everything looks dry and foreboding in this tube.  He quickly finds a pebble along the wall and tosses it into the center of the tube.  He's right.  It's water.  The clearest, most beautiful, undisturbed water I have ever seen in my life starts rippling about 3 feet from my left foot.  It's like something out of National Geographic.  As our lights shine through the ripples, the tunnel no longer feels so scary.  It's got water, I like water, I feel comfortable around water... okay, I can do this.  We continue, deeper and deeper into this tube until we come to a final bend where a large pool of water sits, again, undisturbed and so pure.  We leave our packs and my headlamp (not waterproof) behind and continue on.  It's high tide.  The springs are slowed during high tide because they cannot flow freely from the tube out to sea.  Without warning, my friend jumps into darkness creating a splash of epic proportions, light in hand.  He turns around and looks at me hopeful that I will jump right behind him, but my nerves are starting to get the best of me (I hate when they do this), chickeny moment... I start thinking about earthquakes (grew up in California, helloooo) and how no one knows where to come look for us if this thing collapses, never mind the fact that few know where this place is anyway.  I sit down.  The water is cold, breathtakingly cold.  It calms me down.  Chacos still on I slide on into the water.  Instantly everything is better.  I figure if a cave monster grabs my foot, I will at least be going down in a beautiful place.  We swim with the light illuminating one of the walls and relax in the cool climate of this little, dark, quiet paradise.  I'm told normally we would have been able to swim further down into the tube but because of the full moon, the tides were dramatically high and filled in the tube deeper than normal.
The silence was deafening.  Picture a snowstorm where you are standing outside and the snow is falling so heavily around you that it muffles out all sound.  A silence so pure and intense that it almost hurts your ears as they strain for sound.  That is what it was like deep in this tube away from any movement.  Pristine and calm.
As we make our way back toward the light of day, I cannot help but be thankful for that little twinge of fear. Now that we are heading out, naturally I am braver and take the lead out of the cave, maybe because I am suffocating for the reassurance of sunlight who knows.  Given the chance again I would not hesitate so much, but then again, I accomplished something, even if it was small.  I won a little internal battle with myself that day.
The rest of our day took us to a lagoon full of sea turtles (so many turtles), a warm water spring, a pair of lone forgotten Prada sunnies and a relaxing swim with Dude Crush and Squirt in the layered water of cold and warm (I didn't pee I swear).  The lagoon has so many fresh water springs feeding into it that there are layers of cold fresh water flowing over the warmer salt water.

A jeep ride back up the bumpy gravel road and a much needed shady spot to relieve my poor nose from the sun.  Day well spent.
It's days of random adventure that keep me happy.  I know it doesn't work for everyone, but try to let yourself recharge every once in a while by doing something fun and out of your normal routine.  It reminds you that you are alive and well, what could be better than that?

Aloha from this little lava rock,
M.

"The idea is to die young as late as possible." ~ Ashley Montagu

The Working World

I have been struggling recently with the concept of money and how to continue living the lifestyle I would like to live by paying for it through things I only want to do, not have to do...sounds good huh?

I have recently been having conversations regarding working and quality of life with several people in my life, whose opinions I respect very much.  There are those that are a slave to the 9-5 working day, others that are making just enough to get by so they can play and enjoy life the other 4 days out of the week.  There is the strong individual who is working way too hard for her age only to find that the cost of living never lets up no matter how hard you work.  What about the one that just got out of college, has a degree and is now waiting tables and working part time at something she is really passionate about (that doesn't pay hardly at all) (and yes, she is one of the lucky ones)?

One of the smartest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing put it bluntly, "you're part of the working class now, you better get used to it."  I had a frightening thought, what if the working world really sucks as badly as it appears?  Morbid, I know.  I have gone the first year out of college working jobs I have loved- for a year now... what if that isn't always the case?  And then on top of that, is it really in my control to change it or am I stuck?  What about when you throw relationships or my gosh, kids and house payments into the mix? You are quickly buried in a pile of important things that are dependent on your financial stability and location.  How do you get yourself out of this situation if the urge every arises?  Many will say, "you just don't get yourself in that situation to begin with..."- thank you Captain Obvious.  I think most of us would love to have that much control and be able to change anything at any moment...however in the real world situations arise, plans change and obstacles unfold.  Things do not always go as we plan, which is a beauty and a curse of living life.

My thoughts continue on the topic of how do you change your situation once you're settled in it?  How do you take that step to changing it?  What's the use in setting yourself up for a great life when you have no time or energy to live it?  This is a classic situation that I have seen countless times lived out by people I love and people I've just met.  How do you keep yourself from falling into the money wheel grind?  How do you keep your life and pay for it too?  

As near as I can tell, this tight rope is more precarious than Lost Arrow Spire and more frustrating than a day with no wind and no motor.  What do you do?  How do you do it?  

Do you live modestly and just hope nothing bad happens that will send you into the grind or do you work yourself into money bag-dom knowing that "it will all be worth it someday."  Do buy lottery tickets?  How about marrying rich?  

When did it turn into so many people hating their daily lives?  Why did it get to this point?  What are some little things we can do to remedy these situations and make life enjoyable on a daily basis?  

You can read books on how to be happy until you are blue in the face.  You can fill in that happiness hole with all the newest gizmos and gadgets that money can buy.  You can even surround yourself with a bunch of really important, sophisticated people that side track you from what's missing.  I'm no goddess (well okay, you got me), but I do know that masking things only works for so long.  Trust me, I may be young, but been there done that.

I recently talked to a woman who works at an old folks home on the mainland.  She has had the job of working with the mental health of these ladies and gentlemen, whose time on this earth is coming to a close.  You know what she told me?  She said the thing she heard more often than not was, I wish I had taken more chances.  I wish I hadn't settled for what I settled for.  I wish I had taken more time for myself and had a little more fun.  It went by too quickly.  I wish I could go back and take more chances.  This is coming from a generation where taking chances meant you were reckless because why go out and risk it all when you would just come home with your tail between your legs?  And yet, as they are living out their final days, they look back and realize it would have been worth it to take those chances.  No matter what you believe, you only have this one life as you, so you might as well take advantage and enjoy it.  Don't wait it out for something spectacular to happen and then wake up realizing you let your whole life pass you by.  It's gone too quickly.  

While I don't have the answer to what will make everyone in this world happy, if I did I truly would be the Goddess... what I can say is keep it in mind that you deserve the world and shouldn't settle for anything that makes you truly unhappy.  There are always going to be obstacles that won't be particularly enjoyable, however, long term, life is too short to stay grumbly.  Figure out if those gizmos and gadgets are really worth the ton of hours you spent working at a job you absolutely hate.  Weigh the options.  If it's worth it and it truly does make you happy, keep at it.  If you wish you had the lavish lifestyle and that's what you truly want, then keep working at it, because if you want it only you will know how hard you are willing to work to get it.  For the ones without work, who are just starting, or who are in a lull, keep your chin up because random wonderful things fall into your lap when you least expect it.  The universe truly is chaos and some things just happen and wind up making things amazing.  Don't lose hope.  I think above everything else, if things aren't going your way, you just cannot ever lose hope.  Those little pieces of happiness that happen every day will keep you going until something great comes your way.  This does not mean sit still and wait, this is not the Tao, unfortunately this technique does not ALWAYS work.  Staying positive and motivating yourself to switch out the things that make you unhappy for things that do will keep you going and if nothing else, occupy your time until the awesomeness unfolds.  Stay on a mission to have a good time.

-M.

~"Everything's going to be super duper." -Marc Johns

Little Cove, Mangoes and Fishing

Imagine being suspended 1000+ft above the constant crashing waves on a cliff side composed of nothing but loose rocks, vines and scurrying critters.   It is the dead of night and nothing but torches light the surrounding 10 feet of area, precarious indeed.  You’re a young warrior and you are about to carry out your destiny.  As you are slowly lowered down on rope that I can guarantee was not UIAA certified halfway down the cliff, you are not completely alone.  You carry with you the remains of a member of the Ali’i- the royal family.  As members of the royal family pass, onto what was thought to be the eternal life, their bones were taken by a young warrior and hidden in caves high out of hands’ reach in a protected cove known as Kealakekua Bay.  In Hawaiian culture, the bones, or final remains of any individual are said to possess the eternal soul and in order to keep these souls safe, especially the royal family’s souls, they were hidden high above any village.  As you can imagine, the young warrior was essentially the only one who would know exactly where these remains were hidden, so in order to guarantee that no man could steal away the souls of the elite, the warrior’s line was cut after his task was completed.  Falling the remaining hundreds of feet to the rocky abyss below, his sacrifice was seen as a great honor.   To be able to help keep the souls of the Ali’i safe for eternity was seen as heroic and noble. 

What must have been going on in these young men’s minds as they were slowly being lowered over the side of one the largest exposed cliff on the island?  Were they proud?  Scared?  Excited for their steps into the eternal life?  How does one prepare for this?  While I do not know the full scope of the ceremonies leading up to the actual “burial,” I do know that this is a very powerful piece of Hawaiian culture that has since been discontinued (for obvious reasons), but is still seen as a very sacred part of protecting the eternal being. 

This bay is also incredibly famous for something else- Captain Cook’s arrival.  In 1779, Captain James Cook, the first European to set foot on the island, “discovered” the Big Island.  His first landing put him right in the heart of Kealakekua Bay.  With its towering cliffs, sharp lava rocks and exposed reefs, Captain Cook’s ships were anchored far off shore out of the harm’s way.  Short boats were used to transport crew to shore where they were greeted by the native Hawaiian peoples- who thought of these light skinned men as Gods.  As you can imagine, as with any major land discovery, shit went awry relatively quickly.  As with the Native Americans, traditions were slashed, lives were lost, and general death, disease and destruction ensued.  The long and short of it is, Captain Cook overstayed his welcome and committed an unforgiveable act- kidnapping a Chief as collateral for a “stolen” short boat.  Kealakekua Bay needless to say is also the site where Captain James Cook was executed later that same year, once they discovered he was no god….For such a beautiful cove tucked away on the cliff side, it sure does have a heavy past. 

The only times (two in total) I have been to this bay have been by boat, so on my day off I decided to head down there by car to see it from land. It's absolutely beautiful and such a powerful place.  There is such a presence here.  I ended up sidetracking myself with a long run along the coast and a pick up volleyball game in the shade.  Coconuts and mangoes for sale, freshly brewed coffee right from the farm and friendly kayakers were all around.  I also found a gentleman sitting next to the beach carving tiki men....haha....oh Hawaii...

After a quick stop for the perfect cup of coffee, the day ended with a trip to the Mango Festival in downtown Kona.  This was basically the closest thing I have experienced out here to a mini farming festival.  Lots of great foods, macadamia nuts, beautiful jewelry and live music.  I picked up two WWOOFers (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) and gave them a ride to the festival on my way back from Kealakekua. 

 

My weekend ended with the Wahine (girl) Fishing Tournament out of Honokohau Harbor.  Basically a big fishing tournament just for women.  It's a charity event and was themed African Safari.  All the boats and fisher-ladies were decorated and dressed as such.  It was a riot.  I have never laughed so much at a fishing tournament.  Although I did not partake, I did help to decorate boats and enjoyed the festivities after the fact.  The winning fish was a 401lb marlin.  The winnings are split up between the ladies on the team and the sponsored charity.  Why just raise money, when you can raise money and fish at the same time?  

Aloha nui loa,

M. 

July O' Clock

A lot has happened over the last month:
Boats have hit the rocks, others have been given much needed face lifts, friends have come and gone, hikers have been swept out to sea and hurricanes are approaching.  Hitch hikers have been picked up on their own spiritual journeys, leaving everything they knew behind because they didn't want it, friends have ended the lifestyles they have known for years and started off fresh, new connections have been made through old friends and life as I know it has changed drastically.  We've gone horseback riding and swam out of the way of manta rays.  Caught octopus and ate ahi.  Slept in and barely slept.  
Hollywood came to Hawaii and believe me when I say, all the money in the world is not worth the unhappiness that was surrounding these people.  A TV crew and cast came out on the boats to shoot one of their episodes for a new show that seems to be a spin off of the Bachelor.  "We're in the business of changing lives...ruining them, but changing them." (one of the producers explained to me once he was on board). Wow.   No doubt the moderately attractive man and the five girls hanging on his every word will find everything they are looking for and more if they are truly as they appeared.  I suppose if everyone acted exactly the same, the world would be a very boring place.  I am completely content with my life out of the lime light...wow.  People never cease to amaze me.
We've started working with kids out on the boats.  A few companies based out of Wyoming take trips out to the islands every summer with 10-15 participants and one of their stops while they are out here is onto our boats to learn to sail and live on the water.  Three days is usually the limit.  They do it all- sail, clean, cook, sleep, eat- the whole nine yards.  It's my job to make sure they don't fall off the boat, to teach and to stay overnight to make sure they don't get the bright idea of pulling a fast exit in the middle of the night (well to make sure nothing bad happens)(...same thing).  We teach them about the wildlife and take them snorkeling and free diving.  Not a bad way to spend the months of July and August.  
Life on the islands seems to be a roller coaster for me.  I can never decide if I am truly content here or if I am thirsting for something else.  It seems to change almost daily, which is exhausting.  I am hoping for some peace of mind sometime soon because this back and forth is making my head spin.  If I had the community I left behind in Santa Cruz out here, I would be just fine.  I would love it.  Although I have made some great friends, I have not found the full community that recharges my batteries like the ones in the lovely SC.  In time I hope.  For now I am working on me and what makes my heart tick.  
Life is good, even when it's bad.  There is something to be learned and cherished every single day.  If nothing else focus on the fact that there is something valuable that is going to happen today and it is your job to find it. 


Until next time, 
aloha nui loa,
M. 


It seems true at times...
"Unbeknownst to most, the world is ruled by a single pipe-smoking rabbit." 
-anonymous

20 Things

This island continues to amaze me.
Here are some more interesting things that I have noticed about the Big Island:

1)  Locals park their cars backward in parking spaces to show they have pride in their vehicles.

2) Shaking hands is an insensitive way of introduction.

3) Garages are the hang out spots at houses, not living rooms.  They're usually outfitted with couches and televisions, for "the boys."

4) Paniolos- Hawaiian cowboys.  There is a lot of cattle country on the big island.  Happy cows come from California...happy cows also come from Hawaii apparently.

5) A back porch is called a lanai.

6) Vog- volcanic fog- think smog, but from a volcano.  Nasty stuff that socks in the island when the winds don't blow it offshore... this cannot be good for my lungs...

7) Kama 'aina- local- show your Hawaii State ID and restaurants and other places give discounted prices.

8) Canoe paddling is the official sport of Hawaii.

9) Parking spaces appear to be much smaller than on the mainland...maybe because we are on an island with limited space...perhaps...?

10)  Centipedes and Brown Recluses are the creepy crawlers to watch out for out here.

11) "Hawaii Casual"- don't even worry about fully dressing up out here...ever...

12) "No rain, no rainbows."

13) Aunties and Uncles- any adult's title to a child that isn't their parent.

14) Black sand beaches only last for about 500-600 years because the coral changes them to white sand beaches.

15) Everyone and their mother has a dog out here.

16) There is officially rumor of one, count it one, bolted climbing route on the whole of the Big Island of Hawaii...

17) A majority of Hawaiians don't visit the ocean too often.

18) Random things will continue to happen no matter where you are on the Big Island- like the coffee barista offering to share a house with you because you are looking for a place to live... or meeting a guy from Jamestown just down the bar from me....

19) Fish is a staple source of protein here for most families- beef and chicken are actually too expensive.

20) The Harbor, like most marinas in the world I would imagine, has its own community, where everyone knows everyone and will jump at the opportunity to help out someone in need.  It has been one of the most pleasant surprises on this island recently.

Aloha nui loa,
M.

"When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky."
-Buddha

Bittersweet~

Sitting on the train now I am flooded with emotions coming from all directions.  It’s not from lack of caffeine because I have now had two very large cups and could probably push this train to San Francisco with all of the pent up energy I now have in my system. 

This visit back to the little coastal city of Santa Cruz has been fast and freeing.  I am in love with that town.  I don’t think I will ever be able to move back, but I wouldn’t mind if an opportunity arose sometime in my life, maybe soon.  As I sat and watched my friends pack their lives up into various bags, boxes, crates and purses, I realized how much has changed over the past year of my life.  While my belongings are still scattered around various places in the states of California and Hawaii, I am not packing everything up like I was last year to head off somewhere random or to head home.   I did not have that fresh fear of what my next step was going to be…although the fear is no longer fresh in my mind, it is still always present.  I sat there and tried to help, however I found that I didn’t want to expedite the process – I didn’t want them to go.  I wanted all of us to stay, happy and healthy and together in that little home. 

An entertaining image of all of us crossed my mind- old and fat and gray.  We were bickering and building fires in the fireplace while someone made some sort of concoction of quinoa and black beans in the kitchen.  Random gear from the Rec would be strewn about the living room that was never returned, mismatched mugs and mason jars would litter the tables and window sills.  We’d still have too many instruments piled up in random corners of the living room.  Meg Ryan would still have a loose flipper and the wall of wonder would have extended all around the parlor.  There would be more cardigans and Velcro shoes, reading glasses and canes next to the door.  I would be baking more things with less sugar because we would need to be watching what we ate at this point and there would always be fresh cut flowers on the counter and special ones drying above the table.  There would still be a surplus of wetsuits out back and Sunday morning waffles on the porch.  We would be moving more slowly, but still moving.  Bikes would have changed into cruisers with little bells and baskets.  We would be in bed by 8 and up early as usual.  We’d bicker and hug and kiss and love one another through every new experience that graced our old souls. 

This is what would happen if we stayed.

We would all find reasons to stay a little bit longer, just a couple more days.  It is easy to do when you’re home.  It’s not easy to leave.  It’s exciting to go for an adventure knowing we can always come back.  While I am not sure what the future of Laguna is, I do know it will continue to be a haven for friends and for new family.  It isn’t ending, it is merely starting again.  It is going to be a magical place for people to share- to laugh, to love, to cry, to work, to feel safe and to make new bonds.  It’s too hard for something so powerful to ever really end.

Stevenson class made me proud.  The speeches given were amazing.  The faces, all grown and ready for no one knows what, but ready.  The fear in their eyes and the excitement in their steps as they walked across the stage made my heart sing.  I had seen these students on day one of their college careers- with that same fear in their eyes and excitement in their steps four years earlier.  As the speaker takes the podium and explains the financial state of the United States and our Golden State, I see heads drop.  This is something no one wants to hear.  Why can’t the world be at the feet of all these amazing graduates who have worked so hard to better their minds and lives?  It isn’t fair. We are all on this boat ready to sail and for many they are stuck at the dock.  They’re anxiously awaiting the voyage and have prepared, done everything right and worked so hard.  What now?  The speaker presses on saying it is not going to harm anyone to keep those dreams held close, to aspire to great heights and to do what makes you the happiest-always to do what makes you the happiest.  Although the world is not laid out in front of us the way we think it should be, it is still there for these fresh hands to grasp and mould.  There are chances to be taken and opportunities that will spring up that will change lives.  There are going to be tough times, that you really wish would hurry up and pass you by and times that you wish would never end.  No matter what direction life takes you, you will always have the support of those around you, whether they are right next to you or thousands of miles away.  Love and support knows no distance.

My congratulations go out to the Class of 2012.  Don’t let your fear keep you waiting- the world is your oyster.  <3 

Love from Cali,

M.

And now you're set adrift, with a diploma for a sail and lots of nerve for oars.  

~anonymous