Adventure Travel; "Into the Pacific"

Scars on My Heart It was eight pm Tuesday evening, the day of the Florida shooting, the day that high school kids stopped dreaming of prom or first dates. That day they were immersed in a horrible dream that they couldn't wake from! I had heard the news, Hawaii couldn't shield us from the terrible scars of reality, the world into which we had so naively delivered our children. It was that day, that evening, that all the stories brought home of his threats, taunting and assaults became vividly horrible. I had just finished cleaning the kitchen and was heading into the bedroom to take a shower when my cell phone rang. Never hearing from friends at 8:30 at night, I felt cold dread in shivering drips of sweat begin their journey down my back. Hesitating was only prolonging the wicked clock of time that was ticking against my will. “Hello what's up? Is everything ok?” I barely breathe as my friend sounds nervous and a...

This beautiful spot, was one of the first places we visited upon arriving! This vast array of pools, intermixed amongst volcanic rock walls, expanded up to 200 feet offshore. Not only were there fishing opportunities at the further ends of the pools, but endless snorkling, swimming and exploration opportunities! Keep in mind that when entering this area, parking is located only outside of the boundaries of the neighborhood there, called Kapoho Vacationland. Residents are very generous and allow visitors and locals to access through the main road, however, respect for their homes and privacy is of the utmost importance. Please "kokua" and follow all road signs, making sure to access only in designated areas. Furthermore,to protect the coral please refer to the signs on the kiosk, which explain how "oxybenzone," a common ingredient in most sunscreens will result in damage and killing off of coral reefs. Make sure to check ingredients on the back of your sunscreen b...

Our temporary home was a beautiful vacation rental, nestled on a backdrop of open landscape. Our first three months here were not only a unique experience in the outside world, but at our home as well. The hale had a large water catchment, which required me to learn the techniques of care and maintenance. Self sufficiency was a pleasurable skill as long as one knew what they were doing. Our days there, were spent exploring the open backyard space, trekking down the road to see horses and relaxing on the lanai. There were always downsides to an area as much as one might love it overall. One of the biggest challenges that I faced, was the lack of preschools in our area or any preschools with openings for that matter! I started calling a few weeks after we moved, but quickly learned, if you were going to settle in Hawaii, school deadlines ended in April for the following school year! I was finally able to gain an interview at the Waldorf School in Hawaiian Paradise Park, how...

If one owned a pet before moving to Hawaii, they were required to undergo a several month process, in order to be exempt from the 120 day quarantine period. Six months to be exact, was the recommended period of time to prepare the tests and quarantine ahead of time. Our process included the initial Favn Rabies blood test, microchip registration, a waiting period, then a final exam within two weeks of our departure. The entire process was explained online by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, which I will include the link below. It is a lengthy process, takes precision and patience and effort on the part of the owners to do their research initially. Otherwise, glitches may occur at the airport, as I mentioned before. Bar King Dog Kennel, the only approved quarantine facility on the Big Island, was located close by in Keaau, Hi. The staff was refreshingly friendly and helpful, all female so as to bring forth a calming atmosphere, they are avid animal lovers and most importantly the f...

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1290046067

We arrived in Hilo, Hawaii during daylight hours, feeling happy and giddy with anticipation! We could see the clear blue waters crashing against the jagged coastline, creating foaming white patterns all along the rocky shore. I felt shaky as the excitement coursed through me! We were almost at our new home on the Big Island of Hawaii and we were here to stay! I exchanged a huge smile with Tim as we flew towards the island, the lush trees growing larger by the minute. The day was effervescently clear and we could see the shoreline below. It looked wild and untamed. The waves crashed in foaming torrents towards the shore, then immediately retreated. White sand beaches were nowhere in site on this eastern side, but we loved the Hawaii wilderness! This was an island of adventure, with a shoreline resembling that of the coast of Maine, except warmer. The island drew thrill seekers, adventurers, wanderers and those who sought a quieter life. This place was not meant for the weak, as the quot...

June 14,2016, We were leaving the desert forever! It was approximately 11:00 am in the morning and I had just tearfully said my goodbyes. My best friend faded into the distance as we drove away, tears blurring my vision. We drove from Lake Havasu City Arizona six hours west to Los Angeles, as we had to fly with Fudge out of the LAX location. There was an embargo on pets flying during summer months at the Las Vegas airport.That night we tucked away into a tiny room, tiredness setting in. Little did we know what would occur at 5:00 am the next day! June 15; We were presented with an Uber! At 5:00 am, June 15th, Tim recieved a call from the airport stating that Fudge could not ride in the cabin and a hard carrier was required for the cargo section. This was unbenownst to us, as we had called and confirmed more than a month ahead of time! After arriving four hours before our flight, anticipation ran high, yet we were unsure how to proceed, as we did not have the proper cat carrie...

A Real Life View of Ocean's Force Young women, faces full of youthful arrogance, perched precariously on rocks. They watched ocean tides sweeping in through the channel and then leaping in eager haste, found themselves apart of the ocean in its'rageful rush to sea! Forceful tides carried them, voices barely heard over the rushing water. Leaving wife and kids, a man leaped in to rescue them, only to be drug across the reef and came up with open wounds, as raw as fear, of death, of failure! The minutes dragged, then helicopter swooping,people crying, rescuing, emotions running. The ocean of Hawaii spared them that day!