Delights of the Heart: And the Adventure Continues

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

And the Adventure Continues

Day 4

It was a drive on the wild side, so to speak.

On the edge of vegetation sat lava.

What looks like a trail was actually the road through the jungle growth and beauty.

Not sure you can see the steam coming up from the ground?

But it must have been hot under the road.

The fields of lava were both black and red, very desolate.

But vegetation is attempting to return.

Then on the way back home we stopped for a snack at a roadside stand. They seemed to pop up in the most surprising places. This one had baked goods, like Rice Krispie treats filled with marshmallow and crumbled cookies.

Day 5

This is Rainbow Falls, not far from Hilo. It was the first place I saw many tourists. If you notice, the water coming over the falls was a bit brown from the mud created from the rain. Still quite beautiful. The tree in the foreground reminded me of the big tree I used to have in my house yard.

We decided to take a picnic and tea to sit by the sea. The view was wonderful and the spot delightful. Tea by the sea with a dear friend, the best!

As we were about to pack up it started to sprinkle. By the time we got to the car it was pouring buckets of rain. We viewed beautiful sights from the car as we drove to find shaved ice, which was promised to me when I arrived. I do love shaved ice; but I never imagined eating it in the car in a torrential rain and thunder storm. We laughed and ran through deep puddles of rain and wind. No pictures were taken; so you will just have to imagine. So glad we enjoyed tea by the sea and shaved ice in the car.

Day 6

Another tourist adventure was to visit the orchard, garden, and store of Mauna Loa macadamia plant. Yes, I did come home with some macadamias, which I have been nibbling since returning.

The garden had many beautiful plants. Not sure many of the tourists walked in the garden, as they were there for the macadamias.

The island had wild chickens and pigs here and there. The houses needed fences to keep the pigs out, as they like to dig in the yards and make quite a mess. I did see one pig family along the road, just digging away.

A walk through the zoo was fun to see, again with amazing vegetation.

Did I say I loved the tropical fruit. This evening there was a Thai dinner out and for the end of the meal it was black rice and mango. Half was gone by the time I snapped a picture, but it was all very delicious. No, I didn't eat the half all by myself. It was shared with the table. The food throughout the week was all amazing.