Honoka’a Theater, still operating. There are many Hawaiis. There’s the Hawaii of shiny resort hotels, shopping, and activities for purchase. Then there’s the Hawaii of rusting corrugated iron roofs. And there’s the Hawaii of trails that predate Cook’s first encounter back in 1778. I like to wander through these Hawaiis.I’m currently staying in the little… Continue reading Old Hawaii
Category: Now-and-Then
Castles in the Air
Poster on my office wall It’s hard to beat a journey that starts with deicing fluid rumbling onto hollow metal. Before you know it you’re six miles above a perfectly blue Pacific. Then, just as the sun is thinking of setting, you arrive in HNL (Honolulu) to a terminal with walls open to fragrant tropical… Continue reading Castles in the Air
Frozen Lakes and Lost Places
Frozen Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis Kilauea caldera, Hawaii Big Island “Why do you live in Minnesota?–The winters are too cold. You should move.” I hear this from a person who brought up a family in a Minneapolis suburb. When her husband retired, they moved to a new subdivision in the Arizona desert. There is… Continue reading Frozen Lakes and Lost Places
Reflections on Gold
Downtown Minneapolis from MSP, hazy August day Minnesota winters can be cold, bitterly cold. I don’t mind January in Minnesota: the relief Christmas is in the rearview mirror is enough to keep me going; besides, it’s a great month for quiet reflection and to play with my LEGO (Technics). Come February, though, my thoughts turn… Continue reading Reflections on Gold
Now and Then: Guns n’ Cigarettes
Last Fall, I was lost in my thoughts, exploring some quiet back lanes in Istanbul I’ve seen described as “gritty.” Just as I was about to walk into a busier area, someone tugged on my sleeve, stopping me in my tracks. A bizarre scene unfolded in front of me. First some men in suits… Continue reading Now and Then: Guns n’ Cigarettes
Now and Then: Key Largo Memorial Day Weekends
2013 Fearless Bellying up to the bar with Grandma 2011 2009
Travel Gear: Water Purification
Until recently, when we went back-country camping, we’d bring a lightweight camp stove. That meant safe water from streams, hot meals, and an unlimited supply of the best Kona coffee… ever. (We also brought a Melitta coffee filter cone.) These days, when we back-country camp, we carry a very effective ultraviolet water sterilizer, which lets… Continue reading Travel Gear: Water Purification
Now and Then: Who was at the Kauai Marriott in January 2007?
March 14, 2013, Marriott, Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii Big Island January 2007, Marriott, Lihue, Mom and Dad to be We knew you were on your way, Caden. And in July 2007, we got to meet you for the first time. And the next year, 2008, we got to meet Davin. Wonderful memories. Hawaii, Big Island, 2012
Now and Then: Hiking the Kalalau Trail (1995)
2013: We’ve just hiked the Kalalau Trail for the fourth time. 1995: Here we are on the Kalalau back in our salad days: