Seeing the scarecrow's plant-pot head from the distance, I thought that it was cute and appropriate to guard the garden against inquisitive animals. Obviously, it attracted a "Walking Hawaiian!" HaHa!
Today's journey seemed to be in "twos," as this Airplane Weather vane (with the propeller spinning away) was also in the same yard as the "pothead" scarecrow!
I bid a fond "Aloha" (good-bye) to Niu Valley as I finally completed the area with 2.98 miles. My route was a crazy zig-zag to finish and attracted the attention of a van-driving resident. Following me and parking to watch me near the end of my trek, I think she wanted to take down the license plate number of my car when I clambered in. Too bad for her, since my NEW car still has temporary paper plates with only a date on it! HaHa! That must have frustrated her! Next time, look at my T-shirt or just ask me what I'm doing! Sheeesh!
Did I fail to mention that the homes in this area have LARGE properties, which many owners decide either to grow beautiful lush gardens or fill the area with home extensions and more garages. These two pictures are from the same yard. With land at a premium, I give the resident credit for creating beauty instead!
As I strolled along, maybe my peripheral vision saw something looking at me, so I looked up and "EE-YAH!" There was a giraffe staring at me! I usually don't look up as I scan side to side. The resident turned his property into an "Indonesian Oasis!" I turned the corner and a fence of fragrant spices filled my nostrils! I could have had FRESH spice condiments for my dinner by picking as I was walking! (No, I didn't do that!)
No, it's not just a bright, blue mailbox! Please double click to see the details. This is a breaking wave, with a surfer in the tube. Can you see his ARM on the mailbox door and the tip of his surfboard coming out of the white-wash? I liked the 3-D effect!
What I liked about this "second" mailbox is the painting of a Hawaiian bird, called the 'Elepaio. Rarely seen on Oahu anymore, it was known as the guardian spirit of canoe builders. Friendly, (opportunistic) it followed the canoe builders into the forest and if the 'elepaio was interested in a Koa tree, the canoe builders knew that the wood was infested with insects and would be unsuitable to use for a canoe. The bird's call sounds like it's name, El-e-PAI-o! So, if you hear that, you are listening to the 'elepaio calling!
Leaving the valley, I took a last look behind me and a final photo. One chapter finished in my ongoing journey to explore ALL the streets of Hawaii. A-LOOOOO-HA! (Bye!)
A nautical themed light post, I resisted my overwhelming compulsion to ring the bell! One of many unusual sights seen today.
Why did I decide to challenge myself to climb the heights of Newtown, only that I'm CRAZY! HaHa! Clambering 4.19 miles, it took me a solid 2 hours to complete due to it's difficulty!
What goes UP, must come DOWN! I had many "Oh, oh..." thoughts on my walk as these came into view! Please double click to see the details of Hapaki St.(up) and Kipikua St.(down)
You have to be STONED to figure out what these rock ornaments are! I think that the top picture is a frog and a monkey. I haven't a clue for the bottom picture, only that it's disturbing!
Hmmm...toy lawn mower in the tree. That's something you don't see everyday!
Now this resident must REALLY love owls, OR really hates birds! What do you think? Double click to see the four owls perched on the fence.
A "waiter?!" holding up the mailbox? What do you think it is?
I'm still AMAZED at the diversity of the hibiscus plant. I've never seen a combination of these colors before! Gorgeous! Hope you see something AMAZING today too! Aloha! (Bye!)
With sights like this, I already know the answer if asked, "Where do GLASS BOTTLES come from?" I'll say that, "They grow on TREES!" HaHa!
Seeing dark clouds traveling towards me, I knew that rain would be my constant companion for my walk today. I still managed to slog through 4.02 miles trying to juggle umbrella and camera in the wind and rain!
I want to call today, the day of ANIMALS! Lining walls, hanging from trees, put on top of mailboxes(read the writing on the curb for a laugh!) and my personal favorite, BARKING DOGS, I couldn't seem to get enough of them!
Red paint on sale? By the way, the mailbox was also the exact same color! They must eat well, since red stimulates the appetite.
These beautiful hibiscus thrived in the drenching rain as I was wilting in it! HaHa!
Passing by the Waiau Fire Station, I stopped to read the sign facing the road. I liked the warning! Please double click the picture and see how you can prevent fires in your house! Be careful and safe, my friends! A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again!)
So coconut trees aren't the ONLY trees in need of metal rings to discourage rats from climbing up the trees and landing on the roofs of the nearby apartment complexes. Double click to see the long line of trees decorated with the metal rings.
Deciding to challenge myself by hiking up Kaahumanu Street, back to Pearl City I went! Trekking 4.72 miles for the day, I felt like I was on a roller-coaster ride dipping and rising as I walked.
I chuckled as I saw this advertisement, since you better be a local to understand this! To the non-local, 808 is the phone area code for Hawaii and GRINDZ means (loosely, FOOD!)
Yes, Donna needs to explain why a wall caught my interest! The textured part of the wall looks like a bunch of little FEET and I thought of my Walking Hawaiian logo with my BIG Hawaiian feet. Maybe they got their inspiration from people driving them "up the wall!" HaHa!
Down Ho'omalu Street, I felt nostalgic! Why, you say? Notice the absence of sidewalks on either side of the road and the "above ground" electric lights and telephone poles. This is what I remember when I was a little girl.
I always find it fascinating, that when you change your point of reference, views can look quite different. One of the many dead-ends that I traveled to, had this lovely panoramic of Pearl Harbor right out their back yard!
This must be the prettiest work area I have ever seen. Please double-click the picture to see up close the colorful ropes cordoning off the area.
Even though Thanksgiving is not yet, this resident must be thinking about it or the turkey is their favorite avian animal. With cooler weather on its way, I'll be very thankful when walking in the blazing sun! Think MAHALO (thank you) everyone!
