Kauai

Featured by bennettroot

It never occurred to me that it would work. A family reunion/vacation over the holidays. Not possible without major damage. But no one asked my opinion, and I found myself being carries along to a tantalizing holiday week in paradise. Kauai Dreamscape

Jackie left Paris early in December, caught her breath with us inLA< and then flew to the Big ISland to explore the volcanos. Rick and family flew directly, also wanting to spend time of the big Island. Michelle and her brood came in for Christmas, and with minimal hiccups, we all ended up on Kauai’s south shore, spitting distance from Brennecke’s Beach on Kauai’s south shore.

Of course it was chaos! Families are like that. But for me, it was also relaxing. I just did what I was asked, and made some space for myself. I started mornings quietly at sunrise on the community beach at Brennecke’s. I did my morning pages, meditation and hung for just a bit with the locals. Sunrise at Brennecke's

We settled. Got our feet on the ground, and used to the rhythm of the island. It was a tourist rhythm, yes, but it was decidedly more relaxed that being at home, even when work did not intrude. A day, maybe two, slipped by, View from the left. and I started to relax. Over the holidays. Who knew?

Community Luau

by bennettroot

Parties are a big part of life here, even for tourists. I was a little skeptical of a “tourist” luau, but I went along to get along, and , damn!, it was fun. The pig was just finishing its afternoon’s roast as we arrived and it almost was ready for plating. And I was ready for a little pulled pork. Luau Pig

I could see the roast pig as the center-point for the community feast. I’m suspicious that the Hawaiians did not have Memphis BBQ sauce for their pork, or even catsup, but we enjoyed an array of meats, sauces from the States, local fruits and even a little poi for the brave or foolish. And then came the dancing…

  • Dance Meditation
    Expression in Dance.
  • Hula
    Dancing the hula.
  • Dance Form
    The expression is in the hands.
  • Hawaiian Opera
  • Fire Finale

All in all, a pretty good time…

Hiking Waimea

by bennettroot

We got ourselves organized and headed off towards the canyons. They are an archipelago of volcanic islands, extant in a lost sea.Waimea Canyon

The canyon changes shapes as you walk, sometimes a solid wall, other times a open vista. From some angles, the Waimea Falls are visible.Waimea Waterfall

Buy the canyons bones, lava from 5 millions years ago, washed by water falling hundreds of feet, leaves patterns in the sharp rock.Volcanic Bones

Roadtrip: Into the Canyons…

by bennettroot

Some days were not so laidback. With three pods of family–each with inquiring, self-motivated kids–some discipline was required. One such days was the days set aside to hike Waimea Canyon. We drove along the shoreline, turned north and soon enough the canyon started to open up until we looked back at a vast, empty sea, but one full of islands. The canyon, with its many peaks and valleys, splash colors everywhere.

The trade winds and the rain nourish the thought that you are enveloped in green.Waimea CanyonUnlike Grand Canyon with its desaturated colors and baked feeling, this canyon is alive with color, texture and breath. How inviting.