09 Dec - Farewell to School

Friday was the boys last day at Navy Hale Keiki School.  It was their third academic year.  We can't say enough good things about the students and staff at NHKS.  

Kim spent the last day hanging out with the boys.  Pictures below.

 Andy gets farewell hugs from all the girls

 And then all the boys

 Last was goodbye from special buddy Garrett.  A tough farewell.

23-26 Nov - Thanksgiving in Kona

With our stuff all packed up we decided to make our Thanksgiving in Kona.  We've been to the Big Island twice, but both times to the Hilo (eastern) side.  Kona is on the western side and distinctive in scenery and attractions. 

We stayed at the Hilton Wikoloa, a well known resort about 20 miles north of Kailua-Kona.

First day was spent around the resort, swimming in the lagoon and then eating at the Thanksgiving Buffet which was actually really good and had a nice blend of Hawaiian and traditional Thanksgiving Fare.  Probably last time I'll eat ahi poke for this meal.

The view from Kona looking up to the resort area.  Lava fields and very windy.  This is the bike course of the Hawaii Ironman.  Mona Kea and its summit observatories were clearly visible just off the right.  

 

It doesn't take much to get us a bit "resorted out" so we split for the famous Black Sand beaches on the southern shores.  The drive down on the Hawaii Belt Road was spectacular and not at all what we expected - about 1,000 ft in elevation and through dense forests, coffee plantations and then old lava flows.  Absolutely stunning vistas over virgin land.  We stopped at the southernmost town in the US, Naalehu, and spent some time on the beaches. 

 Zach in his Koa pose

 We had an evening flight back to Honolulu on our last day so we did a bit of exploring before heading to the airport.  There was an ancient petroglyph field right near the resort so we checked it out.  The petroglyphs are common decorations all around the islands, but it was interesting to see some originals. 

Further down the road we stopped at Kealakekua Bay.  This spot is notable in Hawaiian history and not just because Captain Cook was killed on its shore.  It was a beautiful spot with crystal clear water, lots of coral and is apparently a spinner dolphin nursery.  If we had to do over again we would make a point of going sea kayaking and snorkeling here.  

Looking north along the bay

View from above.  The small white monument along the far shore is the believed location of Captain Cook's demise.  Only accessible by trail or water.

Some views from the Hawaii Belt Road looking south.  The southernmost point in the US is in the far distance.

Headed home

Great trip.  We can't say enough good things about the Big Island.  It is amazing.  I also got lots of great video on this trip, including all our wildlife encounters - we saw more Honu in three days here than 2 1/2 years in Oahu and also had a close encounter with a Monk Seal.  Movie down the road, maybe. 

20 Nov - Andy's Piano Recital

Andy finished 2 1/2 years of piano lessons with Mrs. Solomon today at his recital.  

He played Octopuses All Have 8's and Ode to Joy. 

20 Nov - Farewell to St. George's

We had our farewell at St. George's today.  St. George's is a very small Episcopal Church located right behind Hickam AFB.  It is considered the official Church of the USS Arizona and two of the crucifixes are made from USS Arizona steel.  

Due to the small congregation you get a chance to jump in and serve in ways which can take years in bigger Churches.  Kim and I both served on the Bishop's Committee - her as the Secretary and me as the Treasurer.  We were also part of the committee responsible for hiring new clergy.  We learned a lot and made a ton of good friends.  Hard to say goodbye.    

19 Nov - K-Bay Sandbar Trip

Out with our friends the Lammers on their boat to the sandbar in Kanehoe Bay.  Kind of windy and cool, but always great to be on the water.

15 Nov - Andy's School Play

Andy played a Turkey in his class Thanksgiving Play which was held to raise money for a local food bank.

 
The play was held at Sharkey's Theater at the Pearl Harbor Submarine Base.  When it was over the kids were bused back to school and we were waiting for them along a walk of fame where they each had a star with their name along the sidewalk.

15 Nov - All Packed Up

12,000 pounds and it all just barely fit in a 40 ft shipping container.  Kind of weird packing up everything you own in a big box without being allowed to lock it.  Supposed to be on a ship Saturday to Oakland and then Jacksonville by rail.  So far so good.