It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here for 4 days already – more correctly stated, that I’ve been away from home for 4 days already. I just need to say (repeated from a previous post) that Skype is a wonderful thing. Technology used for good things is just wonderful. I love being able to call home and video chat with Lisa and Grace. My colleague, Alec, and I were driving today, and I thought, “how amazing that Alec, while in a moving car, can talk to his wife from 5,000 miles away, while on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.” These really are wondrous times.
So – what happened today? Well, the conference started. After all of the stress of hoping that it would go alright, and there would be no show stopping A-V events – I am glad to say we made it. There were a few minor issues – like the guy with the size 47 boots, whose feet had to fidget with my projector cable (right at a joint, no less), and kept disconnecting it from the adjoining cable, causing the projector to lose its image - but over all, it went well.
After the conference, we took off up to the Pololu Valley Lookout (we also went there on “day #2”). We had taken pictures from the top of the valley, but wanted to hike down to the floor, get some pictures and see the ocean up close. It was a good hike – it took about 15 minutes to get down there, and I think we dropped at least 500 feet, maybe even more – it was a LONG way down.
Once we got down to the valley floor, it was outstanding. The beach sand was nothing like I’ve seen before. Rather than “sand” as we know it, it was more of a fine gray/black powder. The ocean, while I know that it is impressive and powerful, from the top of the cliff looks much like the waves you would find at the local fishing hole. However, after trekking down to 20 feet from its edge – it transformed from a gentle splashing of water to a roaring beast, pushing rocks, people and anything else in it’s path, where ever it chooses to move them.
While on the beach, we also found some rock “formations” that were built by various people. Some of them were quite impressive, some romantic, and some were just odd. Naturally, I had to build a “monument” too. It was not nearly as impressive as some of the others, but it was mine, so therefore, I am proud. Yes, my mark has been left on the north-eastern coast of Hawaii until someone (or a strong wave or the wind) knocks it down.
After making the hike back up to the top (it was much easier doing down, I must say), we were off to find something for supper. Ahi Tuna from a place called Merriman’s Market Café was on the menu for the evening. It was quite good. Now, at just before 9:00, I am feeling tired and am about ready for bed. So – will close out. It should be an interesting night. I am no authority on Hawaiian weather, but based on the clouds earlier, and the wind right now – my Minnesota weather instincts tell me that it is going to storm tonite. I will tell you if I was right in tomorrow’s note.
Bye for now!
JBD
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