I know that our favorite saying is, "Hang Loose," but, this is a little disturbing!  The resident had a decoration malfunction I suppose!

Crazy enough, I must have HEIGHT FEVER, because heading up the mountain seems to be the routes I'm taking!  HaHa!  Actually, close to finishing Ka'ahumanu St., I thought it might be a good idea to do that.  I figured that it couldn't be as bad as Radar Hill Rd.!  Walking to the end and back doubled the distance to 4.39 miles for the day. 

Since today will be the last Walking Hawaiian for the year of 2013, a grand total should be announced!  Even though for the month of December, I trod a respectable 17.69 miles, I didn't succeed in my goal to reach the 600 mile mark to end the year of 2013, but managed to complete 586.32 miles.  With my foot problems hallmarking this year, I was still able to walk 159.96 miles this past year!

Named after Kamehameha's favorite wife, Ka'ahumanu, was a high-born chiefess, higher than Kamehameha himself.  After Kamehameha died, she became a Kuhina-nui and ruled jointly with Kamehameha II (Liholiho)  She broke the laws of Kapu, never to be used again.  Read the history about her, as she was an important part of change to the Islands.

Another interesting fact about this street is that the west side of the street is considered Pearl City, and the east side of the street is Aiea!  So, I walked in Pearl City and Aiea today! 

Somebody got company!  I hope that they were NICE all year!  HaHa!

Barren of leaves and flowers, this plumeria tree looked more like a decorated antler tree, don't you think?

Looking like ripe fruit, I wanted to pluck the decorations and have a bite!  I know that you're thinking that Donna must have had too much sun, but I think it had to do with the color of the balls.

Yes, Ka'ahumanu St. wasn't as bad as Radar Hill Rd., but it was still quite a climb.  What a welcome surprise and relief that a chair and a panoramic view awaited at the very end.

Barely visible surrounded by a monstera plant, I want to call this mailbox, "Hide and Seek!"

Only taking four years to produce all this lush vegetation, Jeff, the owner of the property was busily trimming and almost had a heart attack when I surprised him with my presence and voice!  HaHa!  That happens a lot with me, I don't know why?

With dedication and effort, Jeff and his wife accomplished so much in four years!  It starts with the first plant!  The New Year spurs renewed dedication to walking this beautiful Island of Oahu.  My efforts seem paltry compared to this garden, but progress is occurring!  I will see you all next year!  "Hau'ole Makahiki Hou!(Happy New Year!)

I'm thinking, "Steeple?"  Circling the object, I searched for some plaque of information.  None was to be found!  Can you help me out?  What do you think?

Plugging holes and scraping the perimeter of the southern corner of Fort Shafter, in 3.57 miles , I have completed the mauka (towards the mountain) side of the base. With construction barring my way, changes in street names, changes in the road itself, I think that you could call me "the confused Hawaiian!"  HaHa!  I got it done anyway!

You could call today a day of "stairways!"  Almost hidden as I never saw it until I stumbled upon it, I know that roads on Shafter are circuitous and these stairways would expedite pedestrian flow and keep them safely away from traffic.  But, they are rather steep and you better be in good shape to handle them.

Pretty amazing that civilians live on the other side of the fence, but, that's all that separates Kalihi from Fort Shafter in certain areas.

Pausing to watch the water lazily flowing by, with tadpoles and guppies swimming in the shadows to avoid an occasional bird, I really wanted to take off my shoes and wade in the cool waters.

 

Only in Hawaii would you have need for an "Aloha Center!"  Is it a welcoming place or a place to help facilitate your leaving?  I'm hoping that it is a welcoming place! ALOHA has many meanings depending upon context.

 

  *CORRECTION!  In a previous blog, I identified this bird as an "e'lepaio," and I am wrong.  With further study, this bird is actually a "White-rumped Shama Thrush.  My bad!  I want to be as correct as possible, so expect me to make amendments from time to time.  Hoping you had a wonderful Christmas and the New Year is just around the corner!  Have you made any resolutions?  Mine is to keep walking!  But you knew that, yeah? Aloha! (Bye!)

Usually, I'm the solitary Walking Hawaiian, but today, TWO Walking Hawaiians graced the road as my daughter accompanied me on the journey.  As you can see, she's a tad faster than me!  HaHa!

Of course she may have second thoughts after completing the RADAR HILL RD!  The second picture continues the length of the road and believe me, it was ALL INCLINE for practically every step!  My walking program said that we clambered 2.99 miles, but it sure seemed a lot l-o-n-g-e-r than that!  I guess the intensity skewered my opinion!  We did manage to climb 800 feet!  Ibuprofen is on the menu this evening!

Hey!  What happened to the nice, paved road?  Starting to look more like a trail then a road early on, careful footing was necessary!

Is this a SIREN?  If so, why didn't it warn me about this road!

Quite an anomaly, this bunch of bromeliads was only on one part of the WHOLE road!

Yes, even here you can't escape DIAMOND HEAD!  Well, I needed the break anyway!  HaHa!

The tree canopy provided welcome shade, as well as beauty!

Oh, oh!  The road divided into three parts!  Checking my walking program, it said that we have reached the END of Radar Hill Rd.  YA-HOO!  I guess that the road straight ahead becomes a trail and the side roads are access to the electric lines.

Resting before heading back down, the reward of a spectacular view is NEVER missed.  Thanks to my daughter, you get to see the Walking Hawaiian too!

Pausing as we are almost finished, I'm hoping that your journey is not as arduous, but full of adventure and discovery!  The precious time spent with my daughter is always reward enough.  A Hui Hou (until we meet again) my friends!

Why don't we start off with a Hawaiian "Merry Christmas!"  Found on the front yard of a resident, I loved the composition and it must look cheery at night with the spotlight blazing on it!  I love walking during the Christmas season as I get to view everyone's decorations and it helps to get into the spirit!

Yup, that's right!  I split the walk today into two sections.  Why, you say?  I was planning to walk a part of Radar Hill Rd. and found out that only Military vehicles can drive there (you wouldn't want to drive your personal vehicle there anyway, it's pretty overgrown.)  So, I'll come back another day and walk the complete length and back.  By the way, there is a lot more of Radar Hill Rd. that you don't see!  Because of the change in plans, I decided to walk another section of Fort Shafter to accrue more mileage and finish more of the base.  Altogether, I totaled 3.85 miles for the day.
 



I have to admit, I was avoiding this part of the base and now you know why!  Stopping to catch my breath, I turned around and took this picture.  Did I still have a ways to go?  Yes, I did!   I have to mentally prepare myself when I take walks that are challenging!
 

Sitting high on the ridgeline are four-plexes with the most gorgeous views and I loved the Christmas decorations of this resident.

This may be the closest I get to discovering the "wallabies" that are supposed to be inhabiting Kalihi Valley, but, I am still hopeful!

 Could this be the elusive 'Elepaio? Very rarely seen on Oahu anymore, I hope that I'm right and I would feel quite lucky to see one!

Yes, I would have to agree with the road name!  Double click the picture to see up close!  It was a beautiful loop to walk through.

These homes reminded me of the homes that were torn down in Fort Ruger!  KCC (Kapiolani Community College) now occupies the space.  So, I'm thinking maybe these were built in the 1940's or earlier and I'm amazed at it's sturdiness and grandeur!  Have an amazing day everyone!  A Hui Hou!(Until we meet again!)

Most car window stickers only deserve a passing glance from me, but, now this I liked!  Then I got to thinking...Fresh or Day old?  I vote for "Fresh!"

"X" is the letter for today!  Streets not on the map, and streets blocked off because of construction.  Change is definitely in the air for Fort Shafter!  I garnered 2.89 miles anyway!  Since I haven't been giving you any monthly tallies recently, (my bad!)  November totaled 7.62 miles.  The Grand Total stands at 568.63 miles!  Will I make 600 miles before the new year?  I hope so! 

Even though I walk the aina (land) to really get to know it, sometime in the near future when all the changes are complete, I'll probably get lost again!  But that's OK!  I can only do what I can, right?

Things a bit out of place?  The rock piles must have been placed on the boulders.  By whom or why is a great question which I have no answer!  The rock "pedestal" is all by itself!  I looked all around and found nothing similar to this!  Do you think you know what this is or what it's purpose might be?

Did you know that there is a Hotel in Fort Shafter?  I sure didn't!  And guess what's across the street from it?  Fort Shafter Golf Course!  If you are an avid golfer, this would be a great place to stay!

During the Christmas Season, most Military bases have a "card" contest!  Lining the main thoroughfare, all can see and enjoy!  The second picture is my favorite as I loved the 3-D effect of Santa surfing in Military BDU's!

Though the season is full of hustle and bustle,  I hope that you will remember the real reason for the season and share your ALOHA!(Love!)  Aloha no! (Lots of love!)

Out of the ordinary, I spied what I believe is a orchid potted plant tied to a coconut tree with hopes of it eventually imbedding itself and growing there.  Or else, its hitching a ride that will slowly go up as years pass by.  REAL Hawaiian style, yeah?

As to where I am, I'm continuing my walk in Fort Shafter adding another 3.63 miles for today.  All residential, the newer homes were built on Herian and Hase, the older filling out the end of Parks Road.  Located deep into the valley, a gentle Kahauiki stream flows nearby and verdant established flora surrounds you as peace fills your heart.

Here are the samples of the NEWER and the OLDER neighborhoods.  Even though the newer homes are larger with Air Conditioning throughout, if I had a choice, I would pick the older homes with the screened in lanais and the grand trees shading me.  Talking to a resident in the older residential  area, I was told that PIGS and TROPICAL BIRDS visit occasionally!

Talking about visitors!  An errant GOLFBALL could possibly visit since the Fort Shafter Golf Course straddles the housing!  FORE!  Double click the photo to see the golfers!

The road I travelled today was named after Lt. General Floyd Lavinius Parks.  He commanded the American forces in the U.S. Army, Pacific during WWII.  After serving in Hawaii, he became the Chief of the Information Department and was known as the "father of Modern Army Public Affairs."  Retiring in 1956, he held the position of executive director of the "National Rifle Association," otherwise known as NRA.  Illness took his life in 1959 and he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.  Besides having this road named after him, a golf course in Fort Meade and a street in Berlin also carry his name.

Performing a "balancing act" in a resident's yard, these mice may be blind.  What do you think?

I might have to reconsider my favorite flower and change it to Hibiscus!  These beauties takes all the tiredness of my walks away and reinvigorates me to continue.  I hope that something comes your way to invigorate you in your path of life! E Malama Pono! (Take good care!)