October 26,2024
Welcome to Blog #80
WOW! This feels like a momentous number and it has been a very special week besides being Aloha Week here in Hana. Yesterday was the lei contest and Kupuna Lunch at the hotel. The leis were amazing and the lunch was a special event with so so Hawaiian food and great music-all done in very local style. I met some new people and had a lovely time. Tonight is a big event at the bay with food, music, dancing and a concert. AND it is now pouring.
Sunday I stayed home from a classmates celebration of life to work on two big hunks of Canadian old growth hunks of cedar that were thrown in when I bought the cedar beams. When I first laid eyes on them I pictured the perfect benches. I have been trying to get them moved into the best place and refinished for two years. I finally got them leveled and moved into place several months ago. On Saturday evening and Sunday l sanded them down and painted some cleat sealer to protect the wood and bring out the beautiful color.
Indrajit, Jesse, Malo and Jit’s new assistant Kehau arrived Monday afternoon. They did a coconut workshop in Waihehe over the weekend and then drove out. The four of them were a whirlwind of forward movement. They planted eight new trees and Jit made a paper map so I know what varieties are planted where. During the time they were here they were always doing something. Jesse harvested taro and replanted in some new places. The one I am the most excited about is right behind the first wall at the driveway entrance. In about three weeks it will be a beautiful site for all the cars that drive past. They also planted a big ape right at the address sign on Hana Highway which will be a great landmark.
The two pictures below show the driveway entrance twenty five years ago and the present.
There have been two tulip trees I have been eager to get cut down, but knew I needed a crew on the road to cut the branches and throw over the side. Early Tuesday morning Chris came and cut the trees and the gang had them off the road in minutes. All these advances take a lot of planning and coordinating, but little by little big things are happening.
It was great having them all here and we had some great meals. Monday ehu forvening they took over the kitchw and miscellaneous other ingredients. While preparing he was calling his wife on Oahu for directions. Jit barbecued shrimp and made rice and I cooked some meat. While they were here they were always doing something. Jesse was making awa drinking cups out of small coconuts. Malo was preparing husks for Jit to make coconut twine.
I woke up this morning to very hard rain and we have been under a flood watch all day. This was the day to set up my above ground pool. Maybe tomorrow they say…..
It is a good day for paperwork, but my desk is a tad conjested.
Thanks for tuning in and wishing a great week.
Aloha Nui,
Vicky
Wave Woman: The Life and Struggles of a Surfing Pioneer by Vicky Durand 