Home Again, Adventure Taken

 My adventure took me to the Big Island, Hawaii to visit a friend. Each morning we started with a visit and tea. Then an adventure!

Day One

The beaches are volcanic, but I wanted to see the beach. Off we went down the road to the nearest beach to my friends house. Though it wasn't the type of beach to lay out in the sun it was beautiful to listen to the waves touch the ground at the shoreline.

Then because we were sitting on a volcano on the Big Island there was a hike to see the caldron steam.

A stop at a local fruit stand intrigued me with varieties I had never heard of.

A walk in my friend's garden and we spotted passion fruit hanging from the vine. One ripe one was enjoyed by me. Oh, I do love passion fruit (lilikoi). I enjoyed it fresh from the vine, but also in a jelly and shaved ice. 

The fruit from the palm trees in my friend's garden were not edible, but looked beautiful hanging from the tree.

Day Two 

 A friend of my friend invited us to come for lunch and a walk in her garden.

From the time I stepped off the plane the vegetation of the island amazed me. It was like a tropical paradise or maybe Jurassic Park live and in person.

I almost forgot to tell you about stopping at a garden nursery.

OK, I was besot/enamored by the flowers.

Day Three

We visited a chocolate farm where the owner/farmer gave us a tour. Beside growing and producing chocolate, the family has a farm to table restaurant in town where the food comes from this 3 acres farm. I was amazed at the variety of fruits and vegetables grown here. There were even beehives with busy bees producing honey, a pond for the frogs and dragonflies, and a small rice bog.

The farmer said there were wild pigs hiding in the vegetation. The island has quite a population of wild pigs and some wild chickens. I did see one family of pigs along the road.

Here is the rows of chocolate plants. Can you see the pods?

The farmer sharing his stories that were fascinating to hear. The farm is organic. They have a program where they bring in high school age kids to work on the farm and learn about bio-diversity.

Even vanilla grew here. It wound it's vines through the trees. All very lush.

Again it felt like walking into the jungle. I did bring home a few chocolate bars and mosquito bites.

Since I took so many pictures to share, I will continue on another day this week. For now all I can say is my adventure was about spending time with a friend and amazing vegetation, plus good food coming from my friend's kitchen.

Sending love,

Marilyn