The theme for today is Beautiful and Strange. The brightly hued hibiscus reminded me of the sun. Seeing orchids encircling these vertical palms seems unlikely with gravity pulling it downward. So many beautiful items came into view as well as strange items, so, I'll pair the two for your enjoyment.
Having walked the flat-lands for the past several months, going back up the mountain ridges proved quite challenging. Continuing in Pearl City and taking 2 hours to walk 4.61 miles isn't breaking any speed records, but, Waimano Home Road is finally completed.
I loved the inviting passage through the gate into the yard. Calm and serene, I really wanted to enter. The second picture was frightening, as the garage roof looks like it could cave in at any moment. I most certainly would not be parking my car in there! Would you?
The attention to detail made the first mailbox memorable, the second one was definitely different. Made out of pipe parts or parts of a musical instrument, that's what I call recycling!
Still blooming abundantly, the rich colors of the plumeria shouts for attention. I had to pause and ponder with the second picture. I think that they are either trimming the mango tree or planning to cut it down altogether in sections. I got this CRAZY desire to climb the scaffolding and see the view from the top! I WAS an avid tree climber in my younger days!
I think I know what this contraption is! I believe that it's an ELEVATOR! Used for a handicapped person or to transport groceries or you're just lazy to use the stairs. What do you think?
Somebody trimmed this growth to look like a bonsai tree. Well manicured and located at the base of a huge established tree, it made me feel inspired that one person created this work of art for all to enjoy. How many people pass by and admire this individual's handiwork? I don't know! But, the Walking Hawaiian did and is thankful for it. Mahalo, mahalo! (Thank you, thank you!)
This is what happens when you get 11 straight days of rain. Not, light drizzles, but, rain coming down in sheets! Hawaii's plant life and aquifers are joyous accepting the abundance! I thought that the flagrant burst of color from this Hibiscus would wake you up!
Jumping back to the Leeward side of the Island again, yes, I do have a plan! Seeming helter-skelter to you, I'm trying to finish off pages of map so by the end of my second year, I'll highlight the map of Oahu of areas completed.
So, today I'm clambering through Pearl City. A surprise awaited me when I tried to complete the uppermost part of Waimano Home Road. Gated off, with security screening cars, I was not allowed to continue. Seeing a trail next to the Road, I decided to walk NEXT to Waimano Home Road. The trail started to wander off the road and deeper into the valley. That's when I decided to turn around. Today finished 3.76 more miles in the area.
My little deviation turned me into a feast for the mosquitoes, since preparation for a "forest hike" wasn't in my plans for this trek! Well, it did help me to walk faster! HaHa!
With residential neighborhoods normally occupying the highest part of ridgelines, I was quite surprised to pass a couple of schools, a Hospital and a Cultural center!
I wasn't the ONLY walking Hawaiian today! I caught up with Ko'o as he headed back down Waimano Home Road. He started from the bottom of the road, as he said he's taking a little STROLL during his lunch break! I had to laugh since that isn't a little stroll, but, I give him a lot of credit!
Seeing what I thought was a huge weed, it actually was a cherry tomato plant! Then, I thought that someone mistakenly chopped it off! To further my surprise, I realized that it was growing from a crack in the cement. Talk about tenacity!
Nearing the end of my route, I came across Kris as she was locking up an exit gate attached to Pearl City High School on Ho'okiekie St. Telling her about my blog, she said, "Let's take a picture together!" Normally, I'm not a "selfie" photographer, but there's a first time for everything! Now, I just wish I wore makeup! HaHa! Why don't you do a "first" today too! Aloha no! (Lots of Love!)
Not a good start when you are salivating like Pavlov's dog seeing the Hawaiian McDonald's called "Zippy's!" I had a long way to go before I could sink my teeth in some ono (delicious) local fare! Are YOU getting hungry now?
I'm I typical girl who couldn't make up her mind as to where to walk today. Finally deciding to lope in Pearl City, 3.91 miles filled a nice area. This part of Pearl City starts to slope upward and makes for more challenging terrain.
There is no doubt in my mind as to WHAT is their favorite plant! I'm only giving you a sample because so many residents demonstrated this recurring theme!
Blatant, BLATANT, BLATANT disregard for the law!
Don't you think that you should hitch a ride with something FASTER?! HaHa! A yard ornament that made me smile today!
Streams festoon the Island of Oahu, and are nothing peculiar, but do you see WHERE it is? This stream flows UNDER the Pearl City Shopping Complex! The parking and all the stores rest on top of a cement bridge! The only reason I noticed this is because I was following the flow of the stream on my walk today, then I noticed that it disappeared under the road on the mauka (mountain) side of the shopping center. As I came around to the makai(ocean) side, this is what I saw! Mystery solved! Scary! Hoping that you can solve a mystery too! A Hui Hou! (Until we meet again!)
