Chapter 2 "Across the Pacific" The First Few Hours

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 quote says "only the strong survive." To thrive here, one would need to become fully in tune with the culture, nature and the people who were native to this beautiful place.