"The Big Island"

We had the great fortune of spending a week on the Big Island of Hawaii in October. Our friends the Pugmire's were at their condo in downtown Kona. We stayed in a really nice condo about 6 miles south of Kona. Some of you have been there, but for the benefit of the rest I am posting some pictures (we took dozens) that show the variety that this great island has to offer.


With the Pugmire's at a very old "Painted Church". The priest took years to paint murals on the inside.



A great view from Poloku Overlook.



This is a terrific beach called Hapuna Beach.




One day the four of us rented a 4-wheel drive vehicle and drove to the top of Mauna Kea (about 14,000 ft). Mauna Kea is considered the tallest mountain on earth although 16,000 feet are below the ocean. This is where the greatest telescopes in the northern hemisphere are located and looking into the heavens. It was really cool to see them. And speaking of cool . . . you can tell from the pictures that the temperature was considerably different than on the beach. With the wind chill, it had to be below freezing. You can see where Ralph and I climbed to the actual summit as well as to a small lake that no one seems to know the source of the water.







Coming down off the mountain you get a great shot of the volcanic activity of yesteryear as well as the weather pattern from the windward side of the island.



The beautiful Waipi'o Valley on the northern end of the island.



A shot straight up as you lay on the beach at Kahalu'u.



What Connie was seeing at the same time.



Beautiful "69 Beach"




A-Bay Beach flowers.



We spent quite a bit of time observing and hiking at the Kileauau Iki volcano. Amazing eruption from 50 years ago.




It's also amazing what can grow in hardened lava.



An incredible beach close to the airport that we had to ourselves.




Friends and others at The Black Sand Beach.




Wearing our leis at the Pugmire condo. They have a great ocean view.



And . . . the obligatory sunset shot.

Camp Creek - Zion National Park

It's baseball season! What does that have to do with this hike? Well, I've tried to get a permit for The Subway on three different occasions, and guess what? "Three Strikes and Yer Out". Tom (son-in-law) and I were determined to go on an excursion (on 9/18) so I got out my trusty guidebook and we found a hike in the furthermost NW corner of Zion's. It is called the Camp Creek trail, and if they allow 50 hikers per day in the Subway, I can guarantee you that 50 hikers haven't taken this trail in years. It was an 8 mile round trip hike that developed into some beautiful, breathtaking scenery.

How's this for a chute!

We saw some amazing formations!

The Narrows - Camp Creek style. (without the water)

This is a shot of our "trail" We had sections where we had to do some serious bushwhacking.

Here'e the thing about this picture. I was leading out and stepped over this rattler. Tom calmly tells me that I almost stepped on this guy. I never saw it.

Ohau August 2010

For a little celebration of my birthday on August 17, Patty and I decided to take a short vacation to Honolulu. We wanted to relax and also see our friends, the Haugens, who are serving a Church mission at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We flew standby . . . but that is a whole different story.


A lovely shot of Patty inside the Marriott Hotel Resort on Waikiki where we stayed.



The view from our hotel room balcony.




The night life around Waikiki rivals Vegas. Not that that is a good thing, but interesting none the less. Here is Patty with her favorite mime.



Below Diamond Head watching surfers do their thing.



These next few pics are at Makapu'u Beach. A great place to boogie board. We weren't very good at it (especially compared to the yound locals that we happened to be with), but we had a great time getting pounded by the waves none the less.






These next couple of pics are at one of our favorite beaches on Oahu, Lanakai Beach. A beautiful place.





How's this for a sunset shot (back at Waikiki Beach).



We were privileged enough to see a whole bunch of very large turtles at Turtle Beach. Some of the males were 300+ pounds according to the wildlife employees there.



With our friends, Norm and Lynette.



Hawaii Temple (temple has been closed for 2+ years for renovation. will open back up in November.)



Where Norm and Lynette work at the PCC.



Nice view from the Pali Overlook.



Patty and I took in the Dole Plantation mainly to eat some pineapple ice cream. It was very good.

The Narrows - July 2010

During July 2010, Jeremy and I took a couple of leisurely strolls through Zions National Park. Here are some pictures from The Narrows (we started at Chamberlain Ranch). Admittedly, we were both pretty tired after this 15+ mile hike mainly through the Virgin River. But, it was worth it. Enjoy the pictures. I can't wait to see what Jeremy came up with on his camera.