Hawaii

Safe and sound in the land of perfect weather. Been here since the 23rd and today the kids arrived. Figured out how to download camera directly to iPad with wifi so I'll post a few of the pics so far and get to some of the grandchildren later. 

Sunsets abound, this from a bar down the block, still haven't gotten the right conditions for that perfect one but will keep trying. 

Went up to the top of the volcano. 

Sea level to 10,000 +. In about an hour. 

This what remains of the inside of the cone after lots of erosion (used to be 3000' higher). 

The silver sword plant. One of very few plants that survive up here. 

The view from the road to the top back down on our beach which extends off camera to the left. 

This is from about halfway up the mountain. 

We went over to the town around the point you see across the bay from us (Lahina); it has the greatest Banyon tree in the middle of the town. 

Covering an entire city block, it is over 160 years old. 

It has some pretty cool architecture. 

Solar collectors have sprouted up on many buildings and there was one wind farm on the ridge overlooking the road to Lahina.

The winds are pretty reliable and no icing problems. 

Back at our beach this little dwarf whale beached herself. A pregnant female, she was very sick and beat up on the rocks. Afraid she didn't make it in spite of many of the locals doing their best. 

Also went to Hana which is an all day affair; driving throug the rain forrest (365 " per year) the waterfalls were maxed out from last night's downpour. 

They also have an aqueduct system to irrigate the sugar cane fields over on the other side of the island.

Some of the larger trees covered with vines that had leaves over 2' long. 

Closer in on the tree on the right side of the above shot. 

Those are some large leaves! And they aren't part of the tree. Rather just a vine using the tree to get sun. Everything in apparent harmony as the trees were still thriving. 

Went to a black sand beach in Hana, had lunch ($13 bare hamburger, good though) and headed back.

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That brings us up to date and the arrival of Amy, Derek and the next generation. Went to tonight's sunset at the beach but was a bust. Back to the beach tomorrow to see if we can move the sand around a bit.

Rain has past and it is forecasted perfect for the rest of the week. Highs have been in the low 80's and a good breeze all night to let us sleep. 

Stay warm.