Waimea

We have a childhood friend who now lives in Hawaii. I contacted him before we went and coordinated a surprize visit from him, for an early birthday present for my brother and a catch up- It's been too many years since street hockey and snow forts...

Since the surprize was had (and it went so good) we decided to make a day trip up to the north side of the island: reason being there was this huge surf competition on, the Billabong Pipemasters. 

The day we finally went, the competition was actually called OFF because the waves were too big!

But it was beautiful- stormy and wet and those waves were dramatic. We still stopped at 3 or 4 beaches along the coast. Warning signs everywhere not allowing swimming. There were still surfers out there but it was intense. 

(People taking risky selfies)

It was a great day out. Thanks GK for taking us to the 'country' for a beach day

in the heart of the volcano

Despite all of our trips and practically living in the shadow of Diamond Head, we finally decided to climb the crater. 

Once as kids we had gone on a drive to the inside of this defunct volcano- but I'm not sure that we even got out of the car!

This time my parents and I took the city bus to the base- and walked right in, and then up the hike to the look out. 

At the top there is what actually was a war time bunker/look out. And the view. Oh, the view. 

It was so freakin hot. And when we got to the top there wasn't wind, a breeze. Just still, and hot. 

As we passed some Aussie girls on that last flight of stairs- on their way down I overheard the best conversation I heard all week:

Q: "is THAT a breeze?"

A: " no, I think that's just us walking against the air..."

Exactly. 

Aloha

Just got back from a wonderful break away with my family- besides the wedding in the summer we have not gone on a family trip together for some years. We went to Hawaii- and spent most of our time in Waikiki. 

Waikiki is like our old neighbourhood- we spent a lot of family trips their growing up, and honestly our end of the beach has not really changed. We have pretty much only ever stayed in the same 2 hotels (that are across the street from each other). My mom was reflecting though on the early days- when we were little (like 30-35 years ago) the big difference was that we were the only kids at the beach. The only 2. It was more of a honeymoon destination, or for people on r&r from the army. Now, it's packed with families and people of all ages enjoying the sun and surf. 

Super relaxing. By Thursday I had decided I did not want to go home. Like, ever. And my tan isn't too bad either. 

Wrap it up

I was so glad to wrap up this year with another bookbinding class at Atira- the women's resource Center on the downtown east side. 

People were in festive spirits and as it turns out I wasn't the only workshop running. Another lovely lady had collected pine and cedar boughs from near her home as well as around east vancouver- I joined them in making a wreath for my door. 

Over the few hours I was there I made books with 5 or 6 ladies. Had some lovely chats, ate treats and had a surprize visit from, none other than Santa himself.