Rest of the week...

Ok, I think I might rethink how to blog out the rest of the vacation...At this rate, I think I could make a whole day of trying to post 6 days of vacation. How about I tell you about it now and maybe add a flickr page link or slideshow? Fair enough?

Oh, and just for the record, the GPS rental... worth it!

So we ventured out in search of the beach. According to our map we were really close to Punalu'u Black sand beach. It took us no time at all to find it. And yep, it is black. This area is know for its sea turtles that come to nest or just relax on the beach. We saw probably half dozen of them. We also wanted to see the green sand beach. Seriously, who knew that sand came in assorted colors?? tourist. So on the lookout for green sand, we headed to Ka Lae. This is not only the southern most point of the islands, but also of the US. Oh, but first we stopped at the Punalu'u Bake Shop for a little snack... (southern most bakery in the US...surprise!) So we found South Point about 12 miles (south) off the main road. Apparently if you have made it this far, you have to hike to the beach. Rough, rocky and windy. We did find where people still fish off the cliff. About 40-50feet down swinging latters fisherman cast nets. We continued on. And on. And on. While we did get some great pictures (surprise) of the open sea and crashing waves, we did not find the green sand beach.

Monday, we headed back into Hilo. We had signed up for a helicoptor tour. What was I thinking? I don't really care for heights, so good idea, going in a helicoptor over a volcano. Sitting next to the door. Figures that I wouldn't be sat in the middle. Steve, disappointed that he didn't get the window seat. Really this was quite an adventure. Nevermind my headset was not working and I had not a clue of any of the details of our trip. But each outting is recorded and we received a free DVD of our flight. We went around the top of the crater, could see the actual lava flow and the trees that were burning. According to the pilot, a "house" was no longer visible that he had seen on an earlier flight that morning. He used the word house rather loosely in that it may not have been livable, but merely a structure. We also saw waterfalls and Hilo bay. One of the other passengers was from the cruise ship docked there.

Tuesday we went to Kona. It is about a 2 hour drive for us from the cottage. It is more "touristy" on this side. Also, the site of the Ironman endurance contest. We missed it by a couple of days. We spent the day exploring and shopping for souvenirs for the kiddos. Off all things, my crazy girl wanted a dashboard Hula girl.

Wednesday we took another tour. This was to the Mauna Kea summit. This was pretty cool. As an added extra, our tour guide is the owner of the company. We were taken to the visitors center at about 9000 feet and had dinner. Then to about 11,000ft. We were just about the clouds at this point. And finally to more than 13,000ft, where we watched the sunset.

Thursday was another day of exploring. While we were on an island, we just couldn't seem to find just a "plain ol beach." The kind you find driving anywhere in Florida, stop anywhere and go to the beach. But we did find a thermal pool. Ahhh. It was warm like bathwater. We also found the tide pools. They were NOT warm like bathwater. But we took the snorkel gear. I did not stay in too long, but Steve was all about. All colors of fish! I didn't believe him at first. And was surprised at all the ones I saw for the short distance I went in.

Friday was going to be our easy day. We planned on going to the Volcanoes National Park to explore for a while, then chill out at the cottage and get our stuff packed up and ready to go home. That didn't happen. When we arrived, the rangers were talking about the lava flow that was outside of park boundaries. So we did visit the park; driving down the Chain of Craters Road to the ocean. And back up... We went back to the cottage for blue jeans and flashlights so we could go on the nightwalk to see the lava flow. While this was something that we hadn't planned on, it was definately worth it! Amazing!

Saturday was flying day. It was noon Sunday when we walked in the front door. It was good to be home. And the sqeals of the kiddos when Grandma and Grandpa brought them home were music to my ears. She loved her Hula girl. He loved his volcano shirt.

We had made it home.