Hana is NOT Heavenly. iamq and Marteen in Hell.
Apr 12th, 2009, 05:05 PM
#23
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What a beautiful image of those whales!! I took a whale watching cruise once and it was exciting when the whales came up. But nothing I saw compared with that. I can imagine how that left you breathless.
Apr 12th, 2009, 05:24 PM
#24
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Whether or not you have read them, I think it is due time to read Robert Siegel's Whale collection. I just revisited WhaleSong and White Whale. You both should too!
Mahalo for sharing the joy of the whalesong!
Mahalo for sharing the joy of the whalesong!
Apr 12th, 2009, 05:27 PM
#25
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Iamq, I too have tears, it has been an emotional week so tears are coming easy today as today consisted of many joys after a less than enjoyable week. So while reading about the whale and your and Martin's view of the whale I had tears but also a big smile. That whale was putting on quite a show for you two..something neither of you will ever forget I know.
Your hotel sounds just exactly what I need, what a haven of relaxation including a very warm and thoughtful staff. I remember walking on the lava on the Big Island..one does want to go slow and to be very careful for sure!
I love the story of the various sands you have collected for your students. I had a teacher that collected rocks from all over the world. A teacher with such a passion for teaching like you have, I will never forget him.
I love your special trip report!
Your hotel sounds just exactly what I need, what a haven of relaxation including a very warm and thoughtful staff. I remember walking on the lava on the Big Island..one does want to go slow and to be very careful for sure!
I love the story of the various sands you have collected for your students. I had a teacher that collected rocks from all over the world. A teacher with such a passion for teaching like you have, I will never forget him.
I love your special trip report!
Apr 12th, 2009, 06:30 PM
#26
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Bill - beautiful trip report. I'm glad you had a wonderful vacation. Your experience with the whale is something that will stay with you forever. And, how wonderful to have shared it with your life partner! Fabulous!
Apr 13th, 2009, 05:08 AM
#27
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I am glad that you all liked my whale of a tale. The rest of the hike along the coast was nice, but we didn't see any more whales, even though both of us had our eyes glued to the water. We were definitely at the right place at the right time.
As I said before, we got lost on our way back into to town. We actually weren't lost, because we knew what direction we needed to go in, but we didn't know how to get out to the dirt road that would take us back to town. We ended going cross country, which meant traipsing through people's yards until we got to the road. We saw a lot old rotting cars, boats and even what looked a wing off an old airplane. we neer saw any signs said, "Kapu", so I felt a little better about our temporary trespass. We later told the coinerage about this portion of our journey and he said, "Oh brah, that sounds like you walked through my cousin Kimo's house. Messy, yay?"
We were very hungry by the time we got back into town, so we headed down to Tutu's snack shack down at Hana Bay. Oh, I forgot to mention, that before we left the Hotel on the walk, our auntie server also told us that we needed to take the big hotel umbrellas with us to use as walking sticks and in case in rained. This was another bit of great advice that I am glad we followed. The umbrellas functioned admirably as walking sticks. They helped us navigate the lava fields without using our hands very much. I know I would have cut my hands on that lava if I had had to grab it to steady myself. As it has been mentioned, that stuff is as sharp as broken glass. As it was we emerged from the journey totally uncut, thanks in large part to those "walking sticks". The umbrellas also came in handy as it started to rain just about the time we hit the main road back into town. Thanks again to our auntie at the hotel.
work intervenes here...
As I said before, we got lost on our way back into to town. We actually weren't lost, because we knew what direction we needed to go in, but we didn't know how to get out to the dirt road that would take us back to town. We ended going cross country, which meant traipsing through people's yards until we got to the road. We saw a lot old rotting cars, boats and even what looked a wing off an old airplane. we neer saw any signs said, "Kapu", so I felt a little better about our temporary trespass. We later told the coinerage about this portion of our journey and he said, "Oh brah, that sounds like you walked through my cousin Kimo's house. Messy, yay?"
We were very hungry by the time we got back into town, so we headed down to Tutu's snack shack down at Hana Bay. Oh, I forgot to mention, that before we left the Hotel on the walk, our auntie server also told us that we needed to take the big hotel umbrellas with us to use as walking sticks and in case in rained. This was another bit of great advice that I am glad we followed. The umbrellas functioned admirably as walking sticks. They helped us navigate the lava fields without using our hands very much. I know I would have cut my hands on that lava if I had had to grab it to steady myself. As it has been mentioned, that stuff is as sharp as broken glass. As it was we emerged from the journey totally uncut, thanks in large part to those "walking sticks". The umbrellas also came in handy as it started to rain just about the time we hit the main road back into town. Thanks again to our auntie at the hotel.
work intervenes here...
Apr 13th, 2009, 05:18 AM
#28
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Bill, I knew you were a teacher, but never knew it was the little ones -- SECOND GRADE!! Wow. That explains volumes of how slowing down and sitting watching puffy clouds, etc. would be a most welcome experience! I once taught drama/theatre at a private school from 1st to 12th grade. Those little ones wore me out in each half hour session!
This report is so interesting. Now I'm even more thrilled that I made the plan to stay in Hana three nights in October, even though I'm not nearly so skilled at relaxing as you obviously are. Can't wait.
This report is so interesting. Now I'm even more thrilled that I made the plan to stay in Hana three nights in October, even though I'm not nearly so skilled at relaxing as you obviously are. Can't wait.
Apr 13th, 2009, 05:47 PM
#30
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Billy,
This is great. I got teary over the whale tale too!
"They don't have to be BIG things, the can be little things, but they are REALLY amazing nonetheless."
I can't agree more with that sentiment. For me it can even be little things that are not really amazing but they just strike me and I carry the memory around forever. That is why I sometimes feel weird writing a trip report, it's hard to put into words. Bill you do a wonderful job of describing the moment!
The sand for the classroom reminds me of my favorite teacher who happened to be my 2nd grade teacher. I grew up in Minnesota and most of us had never seen the ocean. Mrs Heisler actually brought in a huge pile of sand and a palm tree creating our own tropical island. She buried shells in the sand and when we had done something special we were allowed to go beachcombing. Maybe thats where I developed my love of the beach!
This is great. I got teary over the whale tale too!
"They don't have to be BIG things, the can be little things, but they are REALLY amazing nonetheless."
I can't agree more with that sentiment. For me it can even be little things that are not really amazing but they just strike me and I carry the memory around forever. That is why I sometimes feel weird writing a trip report, it's hard to put into words. Bill you do a wonderful job of describing the moment!
The sand for the classroom reminds me of my favorite teacher who happened to be my 2nd grade teacher. I grew up in Minnesota and most of us had never seen the ocean. Mrs Heisler actually brought in a huge pile of sand and a palm tree creating our own tropical island. She buried shells in the sand and when we had done something special we were allowed to go beachcombing. Maybe thats where I developed my love of the beach!
Apr 13th, 2009, 05:52 PM
#31
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I will start collecting New England sand samples throughout 'the season'
Why didn't you have me bring you pink sand from Bermuda?
Would you like sand from the Charles River - "Oh I love that dirty water....."
Back to the show! We know there is more!
Why didn't you have me bring you pink sand from Bermuda?
Would you like sand from the Charles River - "Oh I love that dirty water....."
Back to the show! We know there is more!
Apr 13th, 2009, 07:11 PM
#33
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Mary,I love your second grade teacher story! Mrs Heisler and I sound like we are cut from the same cloth. That is so cool.
Gyppie, I will take sand from wherever your sweet hands can dig it up.
I can't write anymore right now, I am still depressed about being back. I'll be bettah tomorrow.
Gyppie, I will take sand from wherever your sweet hands can dig it up.
I can't write anymore right now, I am still depressed about being back. I'll be bettah tomorrow.
Apr 13th, 2009, 08:21 PM
#38
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which will indeed send someone to pick you up at the airport
Wow, I've been picked up at ballgames, bars and roller rinks, but sending someone just to pick me up at the airport- great!
Great trip report! I, too, loved the description of feeling like "overcooked pasta" after the hot/cold routine. Now you know what it feels like after you've spent 10 hours in labor and then delivered an 8-lb baby!
I am so very happy you and Martin got to experience something so special, but so simple, as watching a whale do what comes naturally. That is my favorite kind of memory. And the more "accidental" it is, the more serendipitous it seems. (I once got distracted on my way home from work one warm summer night. I was headed south and missed my exit ramp to the westbound Interstate. It happened to be the kind of exchange without an easy fix if you missed it, and I got quite angry at myself for missing it. To fix it, I had to go eastbound on the Interstate instead. I'd never had to do that from that intersection before. I did not realize how high up the eastbound ramp went before it dropped you back down to the Interstate. I was still mumbling at myself when I crested the top of the ramp and there staring me in the face was the biggest, fullest, brightest golden moon I'd ever seen, just arisen over the horizon. Immediately, all self-flagellation disappeared. I was overcome with the natural beauty before me and realized what a happy accident it was to miss my ramp!)
Question- how did you find this hotel? And what kind of rate did you get for this time of year?
Wow, I've been picked up at ballgames, bars and roller rinks, but sending someone just to pick me up at the airport- great!
Great trip report! I, too, loved the description of feeling like "overcooked pasta" after the hot/cold routine. Now you know what it feels like after you've spent 10 hours in labor and then delivered an 8-lb baby!
I am so very happy you and Martin got to experience something so special, but so simple, as watching a whale do what comes naturally. That is my favorite kind of memory. And the more "accidental" it is, the more serendipitous it seems. (I once got distracted on my way home from work one warm summer night. I was headed south and missed my exit ramp to the westbound Interstate. It happened to be the kind of exchange without an easy fix if you missed it, and I got quite angry at myself for missing it. To fix it, I had to go eastbound on the Interstate instead. I'd never had to do that from that intersection before. I did not realize how high up the eastbound ramp went before it dropped you back down to the Interstate. I was still mumbling at myself when I crested the top of the ramp and there staring me in the face was the biggest, fullest, brightest golden moon I'd ever seen, just arisen over the horizon. Immediately, all self-flagellation disappeared. I was overcome with the natural beauty before me and realized what a happy accident it was to miss my ramp!)
Question- how did you find this hotel? And what kind of rate did you get for this time of year?
Apr 14th, 2009, 05:13 AM
#39
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Hi sarge, I've known about the hotel ever since my first visit to Hana in 1976 as a teenager. I have stayed in Hana many times over the years, mostly in rentals, but have eaten at the HHM and enjoyed the atmosphere. I stayed there two years ago as part of a surprise getaway while on Maui. I knew I would return. I am not a resort person usually, but this is the sort of resort that I could very used to. I will return as often as possible. We'll go back again in a year or two.
They are offering very attractive rates and packages right now. The package we did was a pay 4/ stay 5 plus a $150 a day resort credit. We also got 20% off because we are return guests. The $915 a night room we stayed in cost s when about half that when all the discounts were applied. The resort credit took care of our food budget each day. It was a VERY good value, still expensive, but a good deal for what was provided.
They are offering very attractive rates and packages right now. The package we did was a pay 4/ stay 5 plus a $150 a day resort credit. We also got 20% off because we are return guests. The $915 a night room we stayed in cost s when about half that when all the discounts were applied. The resort credit took care of our food budget each day. It was a VERY good value, still expensive, but a good deal for what was provided.
Apr 14th, 2009, 06:03 AM
#40
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Aloha bbq!!
I came lookin for your report and am not left disappointed. Aaaahhhh. This is just what I needed this mornin. You've described Hana perfectly. It takes my breath away...
I'm with everyone else cryin over the whale's tale... what a delightful blessing.
Mahalo for sharing so soon after your return. Are you still going through withdrawl?
Excellent reporting buddy!
~smooch~
mak
I came lookin for your report and am not left disappointed. Aaaahhhh. This is just what I needed this mornin. You've described Hana perfectly. It takes my breath away...
I'm with everyone else cryin over the whale's tale... what a delightful blessing.
Mahalo for sharing so soon after your return. Are you still going through withdrawl?
Excellent reporting buddy!
~smooch~
mak
