Spring Comes to Indiana

Today has been a beautiful Spring Sunday in Indiana that just had to be spent outdoors. So I (and my new camera) headed out to enjoy the afternoon. Destination was T.C. Steele State Historic Site in Brown County, Indiana. Once the home and studio of a member of the Brown County Art Colony, it is now a peaceful location to enjoy what makes Spring in Indiana something to look forward to.

Live Aloha - Part 3

"House of the Sun"- Haleakala National Park

There are two separate and distinct destinations within the park. First, the Haleakala Summit and second, Oheo Gulch at Kipahula. The summit is 10,023 feet at the crater of the world's largest dormant volcano. There are hiking and horse trails down into the crater itself. One of the many memories of the day I spent at the summit is the striking quiet of the location. I have never been to a place that was so quiet and so monumental at the same time. I hiked part way down into the crater and the further away I was from the Visitor Center and the other visitors, the more I was surrounded by the stillness and the quiet of crater itself.

I stayed with a group of other travelers to view the sunset at Haleakala. The sun rises over the crater itself and is a major tourist draw. For those of us who hung around for the sunset, it was a chance to visit and share travel stories while we patiently waited. As the sun set, you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone went silent as the sun dropped through the clouds. It is an overused word but it was AWESOME.

I visited the Kipahula area of the park early on a glorious Hawaii day, getting there early to avoid the crowds who venture over to Hana for the day. This section of the park is on the "other side" of Hana and in one of the more remote (not easy to get to) parts of Maui. I lingered there for most of the day. It was just too beautiful to leave.

Thanks for looking.

Live Aloha - Part 2

Live Aloha - Part 2 is dedicated to the lush vegetation and plant life of the island. The exotic beauty of the islands today is a remarkable contrast to their beginnings as a series of volcanic eruptions beneath the surface of the oceans from which the land masses finally emerged. Everywhere I went I was stopped in my tracks to investigate and marvel at the richness of the landscape and vegetation, all surrounded by brilliant blue waters and bright sunlight.

Botanical Gardens located on the Hana side of Maui.

South side of Maui on the Wailea Coastal Nature Trail.

Boardwalk section of the Wailea Coastal Nature Trail looking across the Alalakeiki Channel.
The trail runs parallel to the string of upscale and pricey beachfront resort hotels that line this section of the island. Beware of joggers! Despite the hotel traffic, it is a beautiful walk and there is much to see and savor.

Island side view from the foot trail in Waianapanapa State Park outside Hana.
Thanks for looking and stay tuned for Love Aloha - Part 3!

Live Aloha! - Part 1

In September 2011 I traveled to Maui, Hawaii to visit my friend, Mary. She lives in Hana, a beautiful, friendly and rather remote location on Maui. Hana and its community are definitely an acquired lifestyle and one I quickly adapted to and enjoyed. You have to WANT to get to Hana since the only way there is a 2 hour drive on a very winding narrow road full of eye popping scenery. Known as the "Road to Hana", I ended up driving it 3 times while I was there, so I can call myself a veteran.

For Part 1 of the "Live Aloha" blog I am including a sampling of pictures I took over the 2 weeks I was there. It is such a beautiful place that you have to consciously set the camera down sometimes and just take it all in. Below are pictures of Hamoa Beach which is just a few miles and a short drive outside of Hana.

Mary and I visited Hamoa Beach twice, once in the late morning and again on the last evening of my time in Hawaii.

Below is Koki Beach which is also just outside of Hana on the way to Oheo Gulch.

Below is a shot of the Oheo Gulch area. This is the tropical section of Haleakala National Park. Watch for more to come on the National Park in Live Aloha! - Part 2.



Part of the Hana lifestyle with Mary is joining in the morning aqua exercise class at the pool. There is a fancy resort in Hana and the management graciously allows access for a class in their beautiful pool 4 mornings a week. Friend Mary is a regular and I was happy to join right in. The pool and the setting were a great way to start the day.



As you drive into Hana you pass the turn off to Waianapanapa State Park. The park offers a beautiful beach but even better it offers access to a trail through the black lava rock between the state park and Hana. I hiked part of the trail and the beautiful scenery and the pounding surf against the rocks were great companions.

Upcountry Maui

I left Hana for "the other side" of Maui for a few days. I spent time in "upcountry Maui" as it is known. One inspiring stop was Haleakala National Park. I have included a few shots here but more to come on the national park and "the other side".

Haleakala at sunset.

Haleakala Crater

More to come in Part 2! Thanks for looking.