The Trail to the Summit of Diamond Head Crater
Aloha from Waikiki!
Rebecca was already five months pregnant when we landed in Oahu on that warm and sunny day in April. That being said, all of our recreational opportunities on the island have been far more tame than what we would typically do when exploring a new place. With things like surfing, parasailing, and getting eaten by sharks out of the question, we have still been able to find some pretty amazing hikes to do as a couple. One such hike, that’s definitely worth mentioning, is no other than the trail leading to the summit of Diamond Head Crater.
An aerial view of Diamond Head Crater (Image courtesy of hawaiiparks.org)
Diamond Head Crater, known as Le’ahi by the Hawaiians, was believed to have formed some 30,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The crater covers 350 acres of land and it is easily the most recognized landmark in all of Hawaii. (more…)
Posted in Adventure Fitness, Adventurous Places, North America and tagged Diamond Head Crater, Hawaii, Oahu by Big John with no comments yet.
Never Go Caving with a Bun in the Oven
Never go caving with a bun in the oven,
It’s just not the safe thing to do.
Since you can’t see your feet,
You might slip on some peat,
and at the very least, blow out a shoe.
The view from the upper Makau Cave.
Never go caving with a bun in the oven,
You really shouldn’t even wander that far.
You might get lost along the way,
which would ruin your day,
’cause you left all your snacks in the car. (more…)
Posted in Scattered Thoughts, Adventurous Places, North America, Travel Tips and tagged Hawaii, Oahu, upper Makau cave by Big John with no comments yet.
Scenes from Haleiwa and the North Shore
Located on Oahu‘s North Shore, in beautiful Waiaula Bay, lies the “malahia” (laid-back) surfing community of Haleiwa. This small town, full of unique shops and eateries, is the first thing visitors will encounter right before reaching the North Shore. Since pregnancy and surfing aren’t recommended by most physicians, Rebecca and I spent the day staying out of the water and exploring the chill scenes on dry land.
The Aloha General Store was voted as having some of Oahu’s best shave ice! (more…)
Posted in Adventurous Places, North America and tagged Haleiwa, Hawaii, North Shore, Oahu by Big John with 1 comment.
Diary of a Higgins Boat Sailor in the Pacific
Robert (R.C.) Triebull, a Higgins Boat Sailor in the Pacific
When one thinks of travel and adventure, a pleasant and well-planned vacation most often comes to mind. There are times, however, when a person is thrown into the midst of an epic adventure that becomes both unpleasant and entirely unpredictable. When speaking of these journeys, there are none more honorable than those enterprises of selfless service where life and liberty hangs precariously in the balance.
(more…)Posted in Adventurous Places, Asia, Historical Journeys and tagged Hawaii, Higgins boat, US Navy, Waikiki, World War II by Big John with 20 comments.