Day 3: More Pahoa and arrival in Volcano
Trip Start
Oct 28, 2007
1
3
10
Trip End
Nov 08, 2007
Volcano,
Hawaii,
United States
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Breakfast was quite tasty and I enjoyed the company of the other guests and staff. Most visitors are staying for a week or so, and the staff (who aren't one of the 2 owners) are doing a work-study program for a month or even up to 4 months. So everyone eats and hangs out together like a little family. Those of you who are cheering me on in hoped that I meet some fabulous men during my vacation will be disappointed to know that I failed to engage in conversation with the 2 surfer-like guys who impressed me with their killer yoga moves in class earlier. I befriended 2 gals my age (Jennifer and Alicia) and an older woman (Loretta) in her 50s, all from CA and who commented as we continued to talk, that I have the personality of someone from CA and don't seem like I'm from VA or the East Coast in general. Oddly enough, I've heard that many, many times in the past. We then had a little discussion on East vs. West Coast personalities/mentalities. But more on that another time... This doesn't mean I'm now convinced that I must move back to CA. We did have an interesting talk about life transitions.
The 2 younger gals had to get to work, so Loretta offered to take me to a black sand beach. As we drove to the beach, I truly saw some of the most BREATHTAKING views I've seen in my life! I remember when I first saw the Pacific Ocean in CA thinking how much bluer the water was compared to the East Coast, but the water here seems almost unnaturally blue! The water in the Philippines is also quite blue, but it is more flat and you don't have the impressive waves (which is where you see the briiiiight blue water) crashing against the jet black volcanic rock coastline. I promise I'll eventually post those pictures/video footage, although I'm sure it won't do nearly enough justice to the real thing! Accessing the beach required a very short hike (or more like climb) down some volcanic rock...a minor thrill as I looked down to the other side of the rock I was climbing down and there was a little cliff leading straight down to the crashing waves and rocks below. And to add to the little adventure...Loretta had informed me ahead of time that this is a "clothing optional" beach to which I responded with, "Okay!" A first time for everything...
I waded into the water for a bit, but spent most of my time reading. Besides the fact that I'm not a huge fan of swimming unless I'm actually hot, I was also intimidated by the large waves...largest waves I've seen in my life so far. After experiencing what it feels like to get caught in an undertow, I'm a bit of a baby when it comes to swimming in the ocean without a friend or a lifeguard to sort of keep tabs on you. Later I drove down the road to the point where the 1990 lava flow cut off the main road. I parked the car and got some cool footage of the huge lava bed as I walked across it (1/4 mile) to the ocean. It was pretty wild to think I was walking across new land that is younger than I am!
I had hoped to see more sights in that area this afternoon, but unfortunately I had to hit the road so I could check into my next Bed & Breakfast before dark. This evening I arrived in Volcano which is where I'll be staying until Saturday. I must say I am totally THRILLED with this little cottage! http://www.volcanoartistcottage.com It really can't be any more that 400 sq. ft., but it's perfect and so adorable!! Everything from the efficient use of space to the décor is fabulous! The kitchen is stocked with fresh fruit, homemade pumpkin bread, yogurt, granola, Hawaiian chocolates, milk, an assortment of teas and coffee, and other various beverages in the fridge! Plus there is a gas stove, microwave and toaster so I can prepare some of my meals here and save from eating out a lot.
Speaking of eating out...(a minor weakness of mine) I did go out to eat tonight as I did have a plan to try and eat at the most highly recommended restaurant in each main town. I feel like my palette has been under-stimulated and I really wanted to try some different foods while I'm on this trip. I had the MOST tasty margarita EVER...I forget what it was called, but it was a special at the restaurant and had this sort of passion-fruit sugar with a little salt around the edge...SO good! I'm not a big salad eater, but for the 3rd time this trip I've really liked my salad: just simple lettuce with carrots and this yummy blackberry-papaya?-vinaigrette dressing. For my entrée, I branched out and tried a new fish (Ono, I believe) Blackened, Cajun, with a papaya salsa.
I haven't worked out in over a week...for multiple reasons (unless you count yoga this morning and the amount of lugging and heaving of my 45+ pounds of luggage I've had to do over the past 3 days!). I think tomorrow morning it will be time to put on those running shoes. As for what will come after my run tomorrow...I haven't decided yet. I guess that means I should hit the guidebooks and maps and come up with a plan! The 2 big adventures I'm thinking about are the helicopter ride to flowing lava (after hearing stories from Dwayne, my tour guide from yesterday, I'm feeling apprehensive about that night hike to flowing lava) and the Mauna Kea Summit Adventure which is 7-8 hours long! That will be interesting...my body has never had to acclimate to an altitude of 13,796 feet above sea level before, I have no idea what to expect except some AMAZING stargazing!
