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Our trip to Kauai with Family 2014
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One of the many flowering trees |
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Opening Comment from Bob
Aloha: We took a one week trip with Craig, Nicole, and Peyton to Kauai. During the winter the rain occurs almost daily in the Princeville area where we stayed. This time we chose September, one of the drier months. The poems Heritage, A Sad Tale, and Another Lesson touch on lighter as well as serious notes. Enjoy!
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.Three Poems
Heritage
The toddler wades up to her chin–
no worries
except for an occasional gulp
of salt water that she laughingly
spits out.
Proud parents and grandparents smile
wondering how her life
will unfold.
On a sandy dune
miles and light-years away
a two-year old dashes and plays
coughing momentarily
on the fine granular mist.
The family smiles
daring to wonder what life
holds for this beloved child.
Comment: As I watched my granddaughter play on the beach and swim in the Pacific, I thought about how universal family love is and the hope for happiness. I know there are exceptions in all societies, nevertheless, that sense of hope for our children exists in most of us. (Over the years I have written several poems on this topic.)
A Sad Tale
Gnarled fingers chisel
sliver by sliver
the rare koa into a figurine
of a god long gone.
Though his heart
inwardly aches
for ancestral times,
he knows the money
will feed his family.
The tourist peers on thinking
what a unique doorstop
this carving will make.
Comment: Having visited numerous cultures and talked to individuals there as well as overhearing conversations, this poem formed while on my recent visit to Kauai.
Another Lesson
Seated, sipping,
remembering
a time when
a fifty-mile ride
barely broke a sweat.
Not today
when 10 miles
causes me to contemplate
“The end is near.”
But that may change
with training and diligence.
Isn’t that what life is about,
Change?
Comment: This poem was written relatively early in the season. I eventually got into shape. As many of you know, as one ages it takes much longer. I eventually made it.
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Nothing like a small shovel and a bucket for some fun on the beach
An artist trying to capture Hanalei Bay on canvas
So many beautiful flowers everywhere you look
Enjoying a swim in the waters of Hanalei Bay
The Cafe Galleria in Midway where many of my Utah poems begin including the last poem Another Lesson
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Panoramic view taken while enjoying a gourmet breakfast at the Kauai St. Regis–note the waterfall pool lower left |
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Hanalei Bay - beautiful beach to swim
Hanalei Bay - beautiful beach to walk
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Vignette: Thoughts on Kauai
Those who have traveled to the fiftieth state realize that each island has its own personality. When asking others about which is their favorite island, many reply either Maui or Kauai. I find each island possesses great beauty, especially the often maligned Oahu where visitors land for a day or so and head off to one of the other islands never seeing the North Shore's monstrous winter swell or its magnificent eastern shore that has some of best views in the state. However, I have to agree that depending on whether you enjoy a slower but more cosmopolitan island or an even slower more rustic flavor, then Maui or Kauai would be your choice. This trip to Princeville in the northern section of Kauai during the relatively dry season gave me a greater appreciation for the gifts this garden isle has to offer. Because we had Craig, Nicole, and twenty-three month Peyton with us, our usual sightseeing drastically changed. We slowed down and spent a lot of beach time. These daily ventures became a photographer's dream with the miles of sand, turquoise water, and the ambiance of Hawaiian life. Previous visits usually included short beach visits, often missing the deeper beauty. Of course seeing the island through a two-year old's eyes added an incredible new dimension. Nicole, who had never been to Hawaii, shared her perspective which also enhanced our experience. While Maui will remain dear to my heart, Kauai comes in a very close second. Should you have an opportunity to visit this lush island what follows is a minimalist list of musts: Hanalei Bay, Anini and Poipu Beaches, Kilauea Lighthouse, Waimia Canyon. Na Pali Coast, Opaeka'a and Wailua Falls, one of the National Botanical Gardens, lilikoi sorbet, and fresh fish, especially the Ahi. If you really want to splurge, enjoy the buffet breakfast at the St. Regis with the multimillion dollar view. You will also add many more musts to your visit. If you do, let me know your choices.
If you have a guest vignette you would like to submit, please do so. Not only will I enjoy reading it, but if agreeable with you and space permitting, I will print it in a future issue. The vignette should be written in paragraph form and relate a personal story or event. Equally important, it should fit the overall tenor of this newsletter. Ideally, it should not exceed twenty lines. Please send to bob@poeticaljourneys.com.
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St. Regis, Princeville, Kauai: If you want to splurge, enjoy a buffet that is delicious, and marvel at a multimillion view, then this elegant hotel is the place to visit for an unforgettable breakfast dining experience. Most in our party made at least three trips back to the buffet tables. Almost any breakfast item you can conjure in your mind was available. The bread pudding with macadamia nuts and caramel topping was incredible.
Please take a look at the online book and gift page. |
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...............Breakfast at the St. Regis - the view reflected in the windows |
.On my walk to early morning tai chi
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Kailua Lighthouse
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Anini Beach - just one of many beaches from which to choose |
Opaeka'a Falls - 152 foot drop
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Waimia Canyon - Grand Canyon of Hawai'i |
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.......................................................................................Another Canyon view
..................................................One morning enjoyed this view during early morning tai chi.
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| Sometimes I practiced my early morning tai chi on this golf course. |
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