The Kooky Trail...

The real name is Kukui but I'm worthless when it comes to the Hawaiian language. With only eight consonants, the words look and sound pretty similar to my "Haole" (white guy) eyes and ears. 

So...the 2,000 foot drop toward  the Waimea River didn't seem all to bad. 

The best part was meeting up with Mr. Jackson. This gentleman/hunter is nine decades worth of inspiration. 

Once I got him to confess to his age, I asked a lot of questions.

Here's our conversation.

Haole: How much does a wild pig weigh around here?

Mr Jackson: About 100 pounds.

Haole:  How much does it dress out to be? (Meaning how much pork)

Mr. Jackson: About 40 pounds.

Haole: Are you able to carry it out?

Mr Jackson: Do you see anyone else around?

I now have a new Hawaiian Hero.

Mahalo/Thank You Mr Jackson.

Most folks are true wimps (including this Haole) compared to you.

May you live longer and prosper.

Aloha/Good Morning...

From the Wandering. Wondering Jew.

Mahalo,

Jeff

Looks like it'll be a good day to go out and get muddy on the Kooky Trail. At least that's the way I  say it.

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kukui_hike.php

Anyone care to join me?

You meet the nicest people...

at the Olympic Cafe's Friday Free Taco Happy Hour!

Look who paddled their Ark over from yonder Princeville in the three inch/minute deluge?

It's that lovable couple from Carbondale, Colorado, Jim Jim and Martha. 

They are celebrating their Honeymoon on Kauai. Don't they make a cute pair?

I believe this union will stand the test of time. 

Cheers to them and thanks for the brews!

It was the most conversation I've had since I arrived in Hawaii over two weeks ago.

Its a couples world out there.

Sunny today. Perfect for a stroll along the beach. I'll wait until manana for the mud to return to solid form in the rain forest. 

Mahalo,

Jeff

My newest Hawaiian Home...

Well, for the next eight nights.

Yep, all the comforts of Barley the Van minus the wheels and engine.

These days the concept of "Home" is wherever my Nalgene bottle, beer, backpack, book, I Pad, coffee and cup are. I'll include a bag of muddy clothes requiring a wash too. 

From the sodden suburbs of Kapaa, (Did I mention, it rains often here?)

Jeff

The Hawaiian hiking trails...

are muddy, slick and eroded. 

Often, there's not much wiggle room for a misstep. So...don't make mistakes! No daydreaming out there. Stay focused!

If you do, photos like these (only better) will be your reward. 

As far as the fungus picture goes, I attached the lyrics from Jefferson Airplane's classic "White Rabbit." A gentle reminder to walk these routes stone cold sober. (Not stoned) 

"When the men on the chessboard.

Get up and tell you where to go

And you've just had some kind of mushroom

And your mind is moving low

Go ask Alice, I think she'll know" 

Enjoy the rest of 2015,

Jeff

   

You Decide!

New Year in Hawaii or New Year in Boulder, CO.

From the Weather Channel:

Now for Boulder, CO

Temp: 16°F

Feels like: 8°F

Fair

Humidity: 46%

Wind: SW 5 mph

See the attached photos.

No need to give a weather report.

Many of you on the Mainland will soon be chanting my old mantra. "Come on! Summer!"

Happy New Year to all and to all a good night,

Jeff

If a bird and a horse...

Can get along, why not humans?

An IPA's worth of philosophy in the New Year.