Shaloha All,
It is not often that our dear and delightful editor resorts to whining. We do encourage it though, as it gives us precedent to have periodic sessions ourselves. Who doesn’t need a ‘good whine’ from time-to-time? Anyway, she had good cause. The previous day’s eleven miles through rugged terrain was testing. By late afternoon, the feet, legs and back were feeling the strain. During the night, relief was found wanting.
‘We went kayaking the other day so maybe we should do that beach hike today—something nice and relaxing without a climb,’ we mentioned. ‘Great idea,’ she replied. Off we went to reach the western most point of the island where the albatrosses nest, the seals sunbath and ‘humpbacks’ hmm...hang around. The road is not passable with a sedan; rental cars are forbidden. This prevents a person making a tour around the island on regular wheels. Good thing we have feet.
The area is very attractive with a rugged rock coastline, powerful waves, strong winds and the usual exquisite blue water. We meandered here and there and enjoyed the sights at a slower pace. However, on our left we happened by chance to notice the mountain range that we find most attractive. It’s covered with lava rock and much greenery, giving it an artist’s appreciation for contrast. “Could there be a path leading to that peak,” we wondered aloud. Of course, we had no ulterior motive in mind. Hey, one mountain is just like another to us. Anyway, our editor was in recovery mode so it was off-limits. There was no mention of trails in the guidebook either. ‘Look at that indentation going up the mountain,’ we spoke out aloud, to nobody in particular.
We always mention our courageous editor and for good reason. She dragged us up that path which appeared to be an abandoned trail. There was something thrilling following it as it took us a little past half-way up that very attractive mountain. What a win, we thought. After all, we were supposed to be on the ‘level’ today. Any time we are able to help our editor realize her aims and dreams, we are always prepared to make the sacrifice. What can we do? We’re just like that.
We returned to our ‘home’ in Waialua after completing more than seven miles of ‘relaxed’ hiking and climbing. We are based in an area devoid of tourists. It is enjoyable as we are getting the flavor of the locals. Clearly, one needs to surf the breakers to break into this community. We had been thinking of getting earrings, maybe a nose ring and of course, the tattoos. These are adornments that are very important and prominent in Hawaii. Tattoos are everywhere. A person could walk around reading bodies all day—so many people cover themselves with pictures and messages. Sometimes it seems we are in cyberspace with instant messages and images floating around us. As our editor pointed out, the Torah forbids defacing the body so we might have to buy a surfboard instead.
Have a great Shabbos.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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