Sunday, January 20, 2008

Kona Adventure - Part 8 - The People

UPDATE: Kristen is on her way home from the hospital in a few minutes - after numerous tests all day long, they have come to the same conclusion that the Urgent Care doctor did yesterday afternoon - inflamed muscles. We don't know how or why, but it seems better than pericarditis! Thanks for your prayers again - please continue to pray that the pain will disappear, no matter what is causing it. She can't take anything besides anti-inflammatories because of nursing.
BREAKING NEWS: Kristen went to the ER last night with chest pains, which she'd been having off and on since Friday. They admitted her with a diagnosis of pericarditis (inflammation of the sack around the heart). What next??? Please pray!


When we're on a trip, DC and I like to really absorb the culture of the place we're visiting. We tend to run the other direction when we see a tour bus coming. Of course, we do visit the shops to pick up little things for the grandkids, and we do some of the packaged excursions that take us to places we couldn't go on our own, but mainly we tool around on our own, exploring and discovering. Because of this, we meet very interesting people - other travelers, people who have moved to Hawaii from the mainland, people who have lived there forever.

DC loves to snorkel. I am aquaphobic, but not to the extent that I can't enjoy an excursion ON the water, fortunately. He's willing to pay for two tickets in order for me to go along on the snorkeling adventure. I sit in the boat and read, or just watch, or talk to the captain. Mostly that's what I did this time. (Getting in and out of the boat did pose a challenge, though, with my injured foot and knee!)



Captain Chuck led us on a wonderful day trip to Captain Cook's Cove, where the other 5 people snorkeled in a beautiful setting.

That's DC out there - hope you can see him!



Chuck had lived in Hawaii for 27 years and had a great knowledge of the land and the water. He took us into sea caves where there were tremendous blow-holes. He took us into little coves that many do not get to see.



He fed us a delicious snack of fresh fruit and cookies, then created a little souvenir for each of us from palm leaves.




When DC made our travel arrangements, the agent got us a deal with our rental car that included two nights at Uncle Billy's Hotel. We had already made our own housing arrangements, so we just ignored that offer. We were walking down the street in the shopping area on the beach of Kona when we happened upon this hotel. We'd walked by it several times before, but had never noticed the name. When we realized it was the place we could have stayed for two nights, we were glad we hadn't taken them up on it - it was a bit run down, and way too close to the "action."



Several days later we were having a fruit smoothie at one of the little shops in this area. We were greeted by an elderly gentleman who rolled up in his wheelchair and engaged us in conversation. He had on an "Uncle Billy" cap, and we thought it was a souvenir type cap. We had such a great conversation with this gentleman - he was quite the entrepeneur and he told us great stories of his long life on the island, beginning in Hilo and ending in Kona. He owned the whole shopping center, and had lived in a nice apartment above the shops, overlooking the sea, until he could not care for himself any longer. He was Uncle Billy himself. He told us all about his family. He told us about the planting of trees in Hilo years ago along the main street through town, all of which had been named for a famous politician or military person - many of whom were there to be honored. He planted one of these trees himself. He was a really interesting and delightful man.






Another day we were looking for DC's major souvenir. DC is addicted to koa wood - a tree that is native to the islands. The wood has the most beautiful color and grain. We happened upon a little shop in a tiny town up above Kona, near where we stayed. He fell in love with a hand-carved miniature canoe paddle. The shop owner and his wife were the artists - he was the carver and she was the photographer and painter. The painting depicts his work, her work, and their wedding hats. The picture of Mel is autographed for DC. The small round piece is a tiny oil lamp which we found in another little shop.






STILL MORE TO COME!!


23 comments:

Linds said...

I have loved visiting Hawaii with you! There is so much I would love to see for myself now. Maybe one day. I love wood too. I look for pieces wherever I go, to make things. And fabric. And beads. And paper. Did I mention that I am magpie when it comes to making things??

Susie said...

What wonderful memories of Hawaii to remember during these cold Jan days!
With all that's happened in your life, it must seem like Hawaii was a long time ago.
Prayers continuing for those sweet little babies. Such a blessing they are and a wonderful reminder to me of the beautiful circle of life...
xo

Barb said...

I'm living vicariously through you Dawn. It's always been a dream of mine to go to Hawaii and somehow, I doubt it will ever happen. Honestly, if I had the money to make the trip, I'd talk Rob into taking me to the Outer Banks. So I love the way you're giving us all this wonderful detail and especially the beautiful photos of your trip.

Needled Mom said...

I love Hawaii!! We lived there for several years and our second son was born there. The beauty of it is something that seems to be appreciated by mainlanders more than the locals. The winds that blow are so warm and comforting....just like a big hug.

Thanks for sharing the pictures. (I think the fish is really cool too.) I am amazed that you have the time to blog with all that you have going on there.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I've snorkeled in shallow water, but I don't know about the ocean with all those waves pitching.....

Between your posts and another blog buddy who just came back from Hawaii I am so jealous! Maybe someday...It would be very helpful if Hawaii wasn't quite so far away and the Pacific wasn't between here and there. ;o)

Have a great week, Dawn. Hope Kristen and the babies are still doing well.

Love and hugs,

Diane

nancygrayce said...

Oh, I loved the fish he made! I hope I get to go someday! Russell's parents were going to take us last May, but with Russell's dad sick that just wasn't to be! There's always someday!

Nadine said...

I feel like I've gone to Hawaii myself. I'm really enjoying the pictures and the stories.

Sharon Lynne said...

Good evening! I thought I would stop in...now that my computer is fixed. Kate and Emma are so little and cute. I pray they continue to do well!

It was fun to hear more about your trip!

I'm pretty forgetful, too. I keep 2 car keys in my purse.

Thanks for sharing about your trip!

Mimi said...

I so enjoyed the little excursion you allowed us to take with you...
thanks you so much for inviting us to go along with you...
I feel almost like I have been there myself...
thanks again,
Mimi

Tammy said...

So fun!
When we went to Maui I tried to get out of our excursion boat but as soon as I did, I thought...no way...there was vast ocean all around us! ;)

My little girls actually each took a turn out with their daddy...my littlest was nervous but she was braver than I!

Susie said...

Hi Dawn,
Just read your comment and popped over to see what was new. You must be worried sick about Kristen. I've said a prayer for her and for you my friend. Let us know when you have more news..
xoxo

Nadine said...

Come back again to see what's going one. Lord I pray right now for Kristen. Heal her Lord and bring back to right order what is out of order with her heart. Keep her safe. Make her strong. Give Your peace to her, her husband, Dawn and the rest of the family. Surround them with Your presence Father. Let healing flow.

I will continue to pray Dawn. Please let me know how she is doing.

Tammy said...

I wanted to come back and tell you I just prayed for Kristen...(((HUGS)))

Chris said...

I will pray extra for Kristin during my devotions.

I enjoy reading about hawaii. I was there a year ago in Kona. Went snorkling for the first time and then took the boat to Captain Cooks cove also. I did a major panic attack the first time I stuck my head under, then realized I could breath. Sounds like, inspite of your injury you really had an enjoyable time.

Linds said...

I am back and praying, Dawn.

nancygrayce said...

OH, Dawn! I'm praying right now that God will just wrap you all in his arms and heal Kristen and comfort you all! Know we all here are praying!

Ms. Kathleen said...

I had to laugh when I read this line - "We tend to run the other direction when we see a tour bus coming". That is exactly how my hubby and I are. Wonderful. We like to explore.

You had such an awesome trip! Fabulous!

Laura Paxton said...

Praying for Kristen! Thanks for sharing your pictures and story...

nancygrayce said...

Praise God for His mercies! I pray that Kristen's pain goes away quickly...

Barb said...

Thank goodness it wasn't as serious as you thought, Dawn. Poor thing. I hope those muscles get better and her pain goes away. She's got enough to deal with right now without adding that into the mix.

Karen H. said...

Good Evening Dawn,
Wow, I'm sorry to hear that Kristen had to go back to the hospital. I'm glad they did find out what was wrong with her. I didn't post or comment over the weekend because it was a very busy weekend for us. I will still Kristen and the Babies in my prayers. I enjoyed your Kona Adventure again. I can see DC out there with his snorkel sticking up. I had to look close tho. I know yall had a good time being out on the water. Okay, here is another question for you. Since I'm not familiar with Snorkeling, what is "Blow-Holes"? I love the Sovenier he made for you. That is so neat. I bet that was a great visit with "Uncle Billy". Sounds like yall had a great time talking and getting to know things about him. I like DC'S sovenier he got. The Canoe Paddle is so neat. I am always amazed at what some people can make out of things. The people of Hawaii sure do know how to make things. "THANK YOU" for taking us on another Kona Adventure. As you know, I am looking forward to more stories. Take care my friend and have a great evening. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

Nancy said...

Sorry to hear about Kristen's setback. I will keep her and the twins in my prayers.

I love your Hawaii stories. You really made the best of your trip by seeking out all of the local fun stops. With all of the commercialism, you made excellent choices.

groovyoldlady said...

Well after carrying TWO babies, her muscles SHOULD be inflamed! Poor gal! I'ma prayin'


Love the Uncle Billy story. :-)