'Akaka Falls on the Hilo side: This gorgeous falls is 420 ft. high.
A short 1/4 mile walk, steep in places, takes you there.
There were over 60,000 earthquakes during the 2018 eruption. Most were Levels 1 & 2. However, there were two
severe ones at Levels 5 and 6.
Place of Refuge National Park was a location in ancient Hawaii where violators of kapu (laws), which many
would
have resulted in execution, were allowed to be exonerated. Clockwise: Canoe House; Temple Model;
Fish Ponds; Overview (note the meeting house in the far background: Portion of the original wall – 18 ft. wide,
12 ft. tall, over 950 ft. long, all done by hand; and a rocky beach next in the Park.
Vignette this Month: Celebrating Eighteen Years - Beginning Year 19
I find it difficult to believe that eighteen years have passed since I sent out my first Poetical Journal. This issue begins our nineteenth year. At one time the newsletter had over 22,000 subscribers. Sadly, due to costs and internet rule changes, that number has drastically dropped. On the plus side, ninety-one per cent of those who currently subscribe have been with me for over fifteen years. Two of my youngest subscribers at the time are now in their thirties, both married, and one has children.
Over the years, the format has changed. The original biweekly newsletters were two pages an issue with no pictures. The current issues run eight plus pages with pictures playing a dominant role.
As mentioned in the vignette last year, I proudly can say that the newsletter has always come out on time despite open heart and major abdominal surgeries along with two near death experiences.
I have tried to create a newsletter that is upbeat based on the premise that much of our news today is negative and disheartening. However, as a poet, I would be failing my role if I didn't write about the bigger issues facing all of us in life.
Another principle I have held is to never spam or inundate subscribers with unsolicited emails.
One of the great joys is to receive subscriber emails and be able to personally respond to them. Gratefully, some readers have become close internet friends.
There is much more I could say but will end a "Big Thank You" for your ongoing support.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Green sea turtles are found throughout the Islands.
Kealakekua Bay (Cook's Bay) where the famous sailing navigator met his demise. Note the small memorial
on shore in his honor.
Yes, there is snow in Hawaii. Pictured is the volcano, Mauna Loa, one of five volcanoes that formed the Big Island
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Recommendations
There are many recs I could give, but these are my favorites.
.........Please take a look at the gift page.
Holiday Inn Express, Kona: A bit pricey but not unusual for Hawaii.
Our stay at the Kona Holiday Inn was wonderful. From the moment
we checked in and were greeted by the friendly, efficient, outgoing
receptionist; to the well-maintained room; to the outstanding breakfast;
and finally to the centralized location in downtown Kona, this hotel
more than met all of our requirements.
Splashers, Kona: An excellent downtown restaurant, superb seafood.
Quinn's, Kona: This small restaurant is next to Splashers.
Superb seafood, most freshly caught that day. The filet
strips
are reasonably priced and delectable.
Chris with Kapohokine Adventure Tours is the BEST tour
guide I have ever listened to. Full of comprehensive knowledge
(a walking encyclopedia), personable, and a deliverer of a multitude
of one-liners!
