Kayaking in Hawaii

Recently our family went to a sand bar in Kaneohe Bay about a half hour from our home. It was a beautiful sunny day with trade winds blowing.

The children were so excited as we boarded the double hull boat with an outboard motor.
I had heard about the sand bar, but it was my first time actually going there. When the tide is low, you can see the sand, but when the tide is high, it disappears.

We were lucky enough to see a few turtles swimming by our boat on our way to the sand bar.
The water was so blue and the surroundings in the Kaneohe Bay never cease to amaze me.
When we arrived at the sand bar, there were several other boats already anchored there, and people had set up some tents. One family was actually having a barbecue.

It was amazing to see so much sand knowing it was just out in the middle of the bay. No roads here! No restaurants, bathrooms, or other amenities. Only sand and sea.

Not to worry. My son had rented a kayak and snorkeling gear. We had brought along our own food in an ice chest, and knew it would only be a couple of hours before the tide would come in. So, we set about making use of our limited time.

I went for a walk with the grandchildren on the white sandy beach. We saw many interesting marine life wandering around in the shallow water and sand.

You could see little holes where the crabs were hiding and we found a few shells.

I had heard there were hammerhead sharks in the waters around the sand bar, and that was enough to keep me on the sand instead of in the water.

The sand bar is around three miles long and one mile wide, so even if you can't see the whole thing, it is pretty large. Of course there are no shade trees, so we had to lather on the sunscreen, and wear our sunglasses.

The fun really began when the kayak was put in the water. Each of my grandchildren had their turn and even their mother who does not swim. Since it was my son that was the chaperone taking each person for a ride, he got a great workout.

I had a good walk around the amazing sand bar and mostly relaxed. What a perfect day to be with family.

There are parties held at the sand bar a couple times of year. Some even bring bands out on the boat and have dances.

Kaneohe Bay does not have long white sand stretches and crystal clear water that make so many of the Hawaii beaches like Waikiki so popular. Instead, it possesses a combination of unique factors that make it one of the most studied coral reef systems in the world!

Kaneohe Bay's waters are sheltered by a barrier reef. Swells generated by the islands' predominant trade winds create perfect conditions for the growth and formation of numerous patch reefs and fringe reefs (over forty)throughout the bay.

If you view the bay from a higher vantage point… like the Pali Lookout, or coming out of the windward-bound H-3 tunnels, you will see a spectrum of color caused by the varying depths and bottom formations of different areas within the bay.

You can see hues of ivory, teal, light and dark blue, and even brown depicting the different bottom conditions and water depths of each of the bay's different areas.

You can kayak, snorkel, paddle surf and swim almost year round in Hawaii, especially in Kaneohe Bay.

As for our day at the sand bar, it was an experience I shall not soon forget.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Kayaking-in-Hawaii#

Hawaiian Scary Ghost Stories

Most people call them goose bumps, but in Hawaii, when you feel the presence of a ghost, or you are affected by a spooky story, we call it "chicken skin" . This is the sensation where you feel the hair rising on the back of your neck, your eyes get big, and your heartbeat races. This particular ghost story was told by Cheryl Wilson to Glen Grant, a famous story teller in Hawaii, who died in 2003.

The funeral for my grandmother in the spring of 1950 was a beautiful memorial service held in a church in Kaimuki. My grandmother had lived a full life and left this world attended by her large, grieving family. She and my grandfather had been blessed with many children who bore them numerous grandchildren.

When the Mass was over, the final blessings were given to be followed by the procession out of the church. The six pallbearers were chosen to carry my grandmother to her final resting place. They solemnly gathered around her coffin, slightly bent their knees and genlty lifted the side handles in precise unison. As all six of the men then attempted to rise up and take grand mother on her last journey, the coffin would not move. It seemed as if it were fastened down to the bier with bolts. 

Quickly glancing at each other in astonishment, they tried again to lift the coffin. Again grandmother's remains would not budge. Realizing now what strange occurrence was taking place, a murmur rose from the mourners in the church.

My grandfather knew instantly what was happening. Although he was a devout Catholic, grandfather was well-steeped in old Hawaiian beliefs concerning the spirits of the dead. When the coffin did not move, it was the Hawaiian understanding that the deceased was not ready to go because the loved ones were not there to say good-bye.

Now grandfather looked among the mourners to see if everyone my grandmother loved was in attendance. Her punahele or favorites were her mo'opuna or grandchildren. All of the grandchildren were at the funeral, grandfather knew, but my two older boy cousins were nowhere to be found. As the first grandchildren, they were especially favored by grandmother.

A quick search was made for the cousins and they were soon discovered outside, playing on the church grounds. The boys were ushered in to pay their respects and to bid a fond aloha to their beloved kupuna.

After the good-byes were said, the pallbearers lifted the coffin without any trouble. The procession followed my grandmother out of the church and then on to Diamond Head where she would eventually be laid to rest.

In her final farewell, my grandmother had taught her mo'opuna her last earthly lesson. The bond of aloha is not severed by death.

October Autumn Leaves in Utah

A Great Ride!

We had been cleaning up during a rainy day at my father's in Orem, Utah. There was a break in the rain and the sun came out. I knew it was the best time to hit the road for our annual trip up Utah State Route 92, otherwise known as The Alpine Loop. It is a scenic drive from Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon or vice versa, a 20 mile breathtaking drive through the Uintah National Forest. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Winding Road

Getting closer to the turn off for the Alpine Loop, we were able to get a fine look at Bridal Veil Falls. Since I grew up in this area, this is a very familiar site for me, but it never gets old.

Sundance

Who hasn't heard of Robert Redford and Sundance? After the turn off US 189, you soon come to one of my favorite ski resorts, Sundance. No snow yet, but you never know when it will arrive, sometimes late October, earlier or later. When I used to ski, it was a favorite place to hang out. But, this time, it was all about the autumn leaves, so on we traveled.

Wildlife

While we were making our way up to higher altitudes, all of a sudden there were two deer right on the side of the road. Lucky I was able to catch a photo of them.

Aspen Tree Forest

You know you have come near the top when you come to the Aspen tree forest. Feels like you just traveled to another world - short, tall, and in between, the aspen trees are mesmerizing. You can catch a few where initials have been carved into the trees. Makes you wonder about the story behind it - were they lovers?

Seasonal

The Alpine Loop is only open from May through October, so it is good to schedule a trip during those months. There are turn offs so you can stop and take some photos of all the beauty.

Cascade Springs can be seen through the trees, and then you can turn off and get a closer view further on.

The entrance to the trail to Timpanogos Cave National Monument is along the road as well. If you want a great hike, this is the place.

Over Too Soon

The ride didn't last long enough, but if you decide you want to stay longer, you can bring your camper and pay $6 pass good for 3 days; a $12 pass is good for 7 days; there is also a $45 annual pass available in case you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/October-Autumn-Leaves-in-Utah