Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Obviously, I would never miss a chance to visit a coffee plantation. This one was on Kauai. There were acres and acres of these coffee bushes, all beautifully manicured.  On Kona, they told us this was a bad thing, because that meant the coffee beans were picked with machines.  The people at Kona Coffee claimed their beans were all hand picked. The smell inside the gift shop was heavenly, but I did not like the coffee samples they gave us.  It was very strong and bitter to me, so we didn't bring any home.  Still, I loved seeing the coffee beans growing.

Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands.  The wind and water have had time to carve a masterpiece in this canyon. This is part of the Waimea Canyon State Park. The day we were there, we went from bright sunshine to clouds and fog, then sunshine again.   Helicopter tours are a popular way of seeing the canyon. It is not uncommon to see several in the air at the same time here. It is not as deep or long as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, but it is art from the Creator.  Seeing it will make you humble; it will make you thankful.

Some of my people resting at Big Ivy Cemetery in Hardin County, Tennessee. My paternal great-grandparents. My paternal grandparents. My dad's first wife (above) and my dad (below). My little brother (below). My aunt and uncle.

Wai'ale'ale is a dormant shield volcano and the second highest point on the island of Kaua'i, Hawaii. It averages from 450 to 500 inches a rain per year. Before we got to Kaua'i, the ship's naturalist told us to go there early, because it was usually shrouded in clouds by noon. After getting our rental car, we headed that way. By late morning, we were standing at the peak, with clouds gathering around us.  It was damp, cool, and breathtakingly beautiful. Because of the excessive rainfall and the rugged topography, there are waterfalls everywhere.  Huge waterfalls. The movie, "Jurassic Park", and many others were filmed here.  Kaua'i is known as Hawaii's most beautiful island, and I agree.  More tomorrow.

My soul rests quietly only when it looks to God; from Him comes my deliverance. Psalm 62:1

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park was a place of refuge to law breakers.  You can read about it here .  Some of the statues and wood carvings have rain/wind damage, but it is still an amazing place to see. We saw this big turtle by the beach.  He did not move the entire time we were there.  Guess it was a slow day for him/her/it.