Maui # 8

Well good morning all you pale faced ,two legged , up right walking sons and daughters of man .

This is the missing link in your lives speaking and I,m no Monkey, Darwin was wrong,I have a new theory...( patented pending on the Irish master race.)..but I can swing from a Coconut tree, skin is dark brown, I can chatter like a Monkey , swim like a rock-star , sing like a bird in Heat of 80 degree`s and walk up-right like the Grand looking Irishman I`m...welcome to my Jungle on this beautiful Maui morning.

Yesterday.... Sunday 800 hours.... south Pacific time …...Home land security report........dash...Irish invasion...stop..

My self , my two Neanderthal adopted Geico-Cave men ( Adam and Casey) headed for the “IOW” valley in their Islander cruiser.

( 89 Buick skylark that still has 4 wheels, can even go forward but is afraid of heights, as Adam declared when they tried to drive up Haleakala 10,000 ft...that the eighty`s Buick only had a 6000ft limit! My Theory is the mountain could not handle two Beer swilling Wisconsin Rednecks on her summit )

Well, we arrived just as the rain was coming down. That side of the Island always has rain, but as it is so warm you don’t really notice, hey you never have to wash your clothes,just add deodorant under the old arm pits once in a blue moon just like 18^th century French Royalty did...of course they did lose their heads..mmmm

My Friend Hanna-lei and His Wife Sara ( cant remember how to spell her name) were leading a sunday service under a Palm thatched Hawaiian meeting place/ hall with no walls. There were about 15 people in attendance plus 3 amigo`s. It was a mixture of all Hawaiian cultures.

Hannalei shared the history of Hawaii from Gods perspective in one of the best collage classes Adam and Casey had ever attended, they were in awe and felt extremely privileged to sit under Hannibal I mean Hannalei...hahahaha.

Afterwards we were invited to work in the taro fields in the upper part of the IOA valley. Baiscly we harvested the Taro root. This was done by standing calf deep in taro ponds and pulling the whole Taro plant out of the mud, then cutting the bulb/patatoe like root of the bottom of the stalk leaving just enough root on the stalk so that it could be replanted about an hour later after the the ponds had been rototilled by Hannlei and our feet...it was an amazing cultural experience and a blessing to participate in an anciant Hawaiian tradition .

Afterwards we were treated to a wonderful lunch of a variety of Hawaiian vegetable,names that I have forgotten,forgive me..if Cynthia was here she would have given you a complete break down,complete with taste structure analysis....Got to love her food passion:0)

The Boys made fast friends with the group and Hannalei embraced them warmly. Marci Hannalei`s daughter gave them the use of her surfboard. Marci reflects her Mom and Dads love of God in a powerful and impressive way. If I wrote Websters next to the words unconditional love would be a picture of Hannalei`s family.

Well, we drove back to camp later that afternoon with a surfboard wedged between the front seats touching fore and aft windows with the 3 amigo`s squeezed like sardines port and starboard of the redneck local Island cruiser, grinning ear to ear like local boys all we needed was a beer cooler duck-taped to the hood of the Buick ,boy do we fit in!!!!:0)

Ok ,Aloha for now...love to you all!!!!

Michael oxoxoxo :0)

  

Ps, Anyone seen Wilson ?

Maui # 7

Aloha mainlanders and all you stranded fellow Islanders who cant find their plane tickets!!!

Woke up at 6 Am ,Late for me here,normally up at 4:30. But last night had a cool experience.

Previously on Lost...on a trip to Keihie I had gone in search of 2 people whom cynthia and I met last year.

One I found who is dying from cancer,actually we are all dying, Mr X ( Not his real name,he is on the FBI bring a friend to work list) is just or possibly going sooner than the rest of us.

The other I was told was dead as the guy I met at her sons Kehie Cafe thought he had read her name in the obituaries another person just thought she was sick, Her name is Bunny a very beautiful warm spirited older lady in her 80`s who came to her sons cafe several days a week and would talk with all the diners. First time she met me she came right up to me and simply looked into my eyes and said

“ You have nothing to complain about and everything to be thankful for”

I needed to hear that.That morning,actually if you ask Cynthia all week,I was going going through a rough spell.

After that Cynthia and I would drop by for breakfast and talk with bunny.

She was like Gods Mom in Kehie, talking and praying with everyone who would listen.

Sure Hope I go out that way ;0)

Well this Mother and son have been camping next to me since I got here and until last night because of the Moms work schedule we have never talked.

Well a guy by the name of Dan moves into the camp and declares Saturday night party night, A school teacher from the island of lanai here for a fun weekend.

So we all join Danny boy later that evening including the the mother and son Chris and Angie.

Well we all get to talking and some one brings up the Keihie Cafe ( Where we met Bunny) I ask If anyone knows Bunny and Angie looks right at me and Declares

“ I`m Bunny`s caregiver”

Real small planet right the answer had been right next door opened by Party Dan!!

Well she tells me Bunny had a stroke,but was on the mend and would give her my Cell #..looking forward to the call.

Later this morning Adam ,Casey and I are going to a traditional Sunday morning Hawaiin servic at the IOA valley...hawii`s burial ground for its former Kings...It is where Cynthia and I met Hannali last year. Hannalei will be leading :0)

Local News!!!!!

Last night the island was hit with flash floods...heard police sirens going all night..thankfully the rain storm by-passed my campsite...saw lots of tourists getting rides home in tow trucks all part of the Disney Maui Survivor experience :0(

Ah, writing is fun...think buzz lightyear said it best of all

“ To infinity and Beyond Mick”

As he downed a 'MY-Tie' at the Tiki bar last evening,I asked for my Tie back before he got thrown out for hitting Woody...

Yes, as you have now gathered I,m having a nice relaxing morning, listening to the local bird orchestra as it heralds in the morning credits...I love rambling with words...thank you so much for reading...hope it puts a smile on your face where ever this blog finds you! As you think non jealous thoughts of this Man-friday on his Warm lush Pacific island......

Well thats all she wrote...I,m of to call Cynthia and then make my next move?

Aloha friends!!!!

Michael xoxoxoxo :0)..........Miss My BMW.. :0)

Maui # 6

Well Aloha folks and whats up? you mainlanders and all you other people who are not sitting on a beach in Paradise:0)

I have lost track of time,my heart rate is slowing down and my feet have found their pace on this Emerald isle in the sun which I now officially declare Irelands Red Hot sister !!!!

First the local beach news...

Previously on LOST!!!...I wrote about not swimming at sunrise or sunset as the black tip sharks and tigers come in close to shore.

Well I was at the waters edge whale watching as a Large Hump back breached the surface,rolled,clapped his flippers at the sight of his first Leprechaun, when a very familiar black fin rose like a silent submarine in search of its next target. I was just about to wade in for a closer shot of the whale.

Needless to say I reconsidered my action. Its was about 2 ft of water “U-Boat-541” was about 5 feet long and circling. It was an amazing site, I was in awe!

At one point as he swam parallel to the shore as a large wave caught him and I got to see him in the wall of the wave...great moment..oh, it was about 1:30pm so I surrendered all thoughts of an afternoon dip as I bid Jaws and the Irish Clapper Fan Humpy good day and headed for the shade of the Palm tree`s and a nap.

So now it is 11 days, I,m brown relaxed and in the island grove. I feel as though I have been here for ever. In the last 4 days I have fixed a car beloning to Adam and Casey the collage students that arrived the same day as I. They broke down and I showed up out of the blue...Every time they have been in trouble I show up.

Casey believes I,m an Angel...love those two boys they are like my adopted sons. Oh, the tools for the job came from hanalei`s purple Pick-up and just as we fixed the car,up shows Hannalei to take it back..its all about timing.

If I need a car the lads told me the key is in the ashtray.

Right now I,m in Keihie, came in to see a couple of people I met the last time with Cynthia. One has cancer and is not doing well..the Other was no where to be found. So I walked the main strip for a while, bumped into Elijha from the camp site who is now living in Keihie, moved here yesterday.

So Have to wrap this up as I have to meet a new friend from Portland for a lift back to Camp. His name is Shy, married to Cat and have two wonderfull little girls, we all bonded the other night talking about school bus driving of all things.

So will write soon....From my heart to yours a warm Sunfilled Aloha!!!!

Michael oxoxoxo :0)

MAUI # 5

Its 5:54 am Maui time tuesday morning. The wind is blowing in gusts of 40 to 50 mph, the islands built in air-conditioning system,temp is about 65...yes its cold according to Maui standards. In Oregon thats a winter heatwave.

As I write this I`m totally exhausted, sun tanned/ burnt hahaha, look like Robinson Crusoe minus the long hair and scraggly beard. My spirits are low,guess thats to be expected after 8 days of heat and walking. The pickup goes back to Hananlei this morning, what a blessing it has been. I was able to travel to all the places Cynthia and I had frequented on previous trips and do the vacation thing as well. Now I believe the real purpose on this island will begin.

From this point on I will be looking to see where I fit in on this island according to Gods plan or not?....I have spent the last 8 days bonding with it. I have had some amazing conversations with Canadians who are just like the Irish and 'Ants' all over this warm paradise.

I have met countless european travelers, Germany,Prague, Spain,England, Belgium, .

From the great countries of South America!!! Brazil, Argentina, one I cant pronounce Many warm hearted People, Last night a great Mexican, and of course many mainland Americans.

On the Camp site here I found a great community who look after each other like a big family. Acceptance is just a smile and handshake away,backed up with warm hugs and local advice on fruits to pick,safe places to avoid sharks ( very important that) don’t swim at sunset or sunrise as that is when they come close to shore to feed.

Remember Jaws it was an after dark swim fiction I know! but based on shark patterns. Seen many whales, chased a turtle.

Think I have lost a few pounds, have not seen a mirror in a while or heard any world news, honestly forgotten all about the rest of the planet, Im on island time :0)

But today feels different almost as though my true test is about to begin as to what that truly is I have no idea Yet ? I just know things are about to change, I feel it in my spirit almost as though the bonding / fear facing testing time is over, I do fit in here, but what am I supposed to do next.

Cynthia put it very well the other day, “Jump without a Parachute” , Emmmm not literally guys, metaphorically. Let go ,jump blindly..and when you feel discouraged remember all the great things that have happened so far...focus on them, God is looking out for you.

I know its only been 8 days but I feel as though I have been here forever,I felt like that on my second day, its just as familiar as breathing.

Ok ,Time to go have breakfast, veggies and honey in a wrap with good coffee a must for any adventure :0)

Until I write again have a wonderful day where ever you are and do something wild today face that fear and live a little, its well worth it and by the way in all my 50`s years my worst fears have never happened.

Its been real !!!

Thanks for reading

Michael XOXOXO

MAUI # 5

Its 5:54 am Maui time tuesday morning. The wind is blowing in gusts of 40 to 50 mph, the islands built in air-conditioning system,temp is about 65...yes its cold according to Maui standards. In Oregon thats a winter heatwave.

As I write this I`m totally exhausted, sun tanned/ burnt hahaha, look like Robinson Crusoe minus the long hair and scraggly beard. My spirits are low,guess thats to be expected after 8 days of heat and walking. The pickup goes back to Hananlei this morning, what a blessing it has been. I was able to travel to all the places Cynthia and I had frequented on previous trips and do the vacation thing as well. Now I believe the real purpose on this island will begin.

From this point on I will be looking to see where I fit in on this island according to Gods plan or not?....I have spent the last 8 days bonding with it. I have had some amazing conversations with Canadians who are just like the Irish and 'Ants' all over this warm paradise.

I have met countless european travelers, Germany,Prague, Spain,England, Belgium, .

From the great countries of South America!!! Brazil, Argentina, one I cant pronounce Many warm hearted People, Last night a great Mexican, and of course many mainland Americans.

On the Camp site here I found a great community who look after each other like a big family. Acceptance is just a smile and handshake away,backed up with warm hugs and local advice on fruits to pick,safe places to avoid sharks ( very important that) don’t swim at sunset or sunrise as that is when they come close to shore to feed.

Remember Jaws it was an after dark swim fiction I know! but based on shark patterns. Seen many whales, chased a turtle.

Think I have lost a few pounds, have not seen a mirror in a while or heard any world news, honestly forgotten all about the rest of the planet, Im on island time :0)

But today feels different almost as though my true test is about to begin as to what that truly is I have no idea Yet ? I just know things are about to change, I feel it in my spirit almost as though the bonding / fear facing testing time is over, I do fit in here, but what am I supposed to do next.

Cynthia put it very well the other day, “Jump without a Parachute” , Emmmm not literally guys, metaphorically. Let go ,jump blindly..and when you feel discouraged remember all the great things that have happened so far...focus on them, God is looking out for you.

I know its only been 8 days but I feel as though I have been here forever,I felt like that on my second day, its just as familiar as breathing.

Ok ,Time to go have breakfast, veggies and honey in a wrap with good coffee a must for any adventure :0)

Until I write again have a wonderful day where ever you are and do something wild today face that fear and live a little, its well worth it and by the way in all my 50`s years my worst fears have never happened.

Its been real !!!

Thanks for reading

Michael XOXOXO

Maui # 4 ;0)

Aloha, Failte,Cheers, bottoms up to My Aussie friends, and the the rest of you May you all be on Maui 30 hours before your boss knows your missing :0)

Well it is sunday morning and I,m sitting in a coffee shop in a small town called Napli..It has a wonderful Cove for snorkeling and last time I was here , No blarney! I did meet Nemo...I was shocked did not think those kind of fish existed, plus he had lots of friends. So I told the disney gang Like Mac arthur told the troops in the Philippines...I will return.

The Family reunion will take place as soon as I finish my message in a bottle to you all. Im looking rather like a local now, the pale Irish / Oregon shed his skin on a beach in Kehie as I bid hello to it yesterday for my friends Bob and Kellie Drake. Parked My great Irish Arse on Charlie young Beach, swam with a turtle named 'fast eddie” or more to the point chased him , he fled at the sight of a haole ( Hawaiian for white Dude or dead man walking, most def not big kahuna!!! )

As fast Eddie beat it for NewZealand I bumped into a couple from Canada Zira and Justin...we tread water and shared stories for 2 hours..Yes! they could out talk me..ya-ay love when that happens...spontaneous passionate conversation...laughed so hard my stomach is gone,( Ed LANE eat your heart out..laughter is the Key)

The Canadians are so like the Irish warm , friendly and seriously happy for no reason, come to think of it so am I and If anybody begs to differ I know a retired navy seal here Whom I nick Named “WILD BILL” who miss`s the good old days ….hahahaha

Wild Bill just texted me will meet up with him tomorrow :0) Love that guy, oh he is of Irish origin!!!!

As I write this I have tears in my eyes, so full of emotion, and a little bit proud of myself for taking this blind leap of faith, even more proud of Cynthia for believing in me...!!!!!

Well I bid farewell to Zara and Justin promising to meet up again...as I dried my self of a tall man next to me said

“ Another great day in paradise”

Two more Canadians...John and Sarah..we had an amazing conversation about Writing..Sara is a school teacher, John an architect ..

Well as the sun began its free fall into the warm Pacific I turned the Key in my Purple Pickup and headed north to the camp site. On My way in traffic that was at a turtles pace I spotted a car that appeared to be broken down, I immediate reckonised Adam and Casey the Two guys that arrived the same day as me. I pulled right in as they both smiled at the sight of the rescue leprechaun, they could not believe it. They had bought an 89 Buick Skylark,

“ Got love that old Island Cruiser”

I said Laughing as I hugged Adam.

It was a Leaking water pump, and a cooling fan that had decided to make a bid for freedom but was blocked by the radiator ….. The pick up came with a great tool box...gotta love Hanalei!!!! ...two hours later and lots of water we arrived back at camp and I cracked some wine and talked with Cynthia till my eyelids rang the bell for last call to the Land Of Nod!!!!

Love you all..till later Aloha Michael xoxoxoxo

Maui # 3

Well its been a long couple of days since I landed monday night...long but good I feel as though I have been here forever as though I never left. Tuesday am woke up early and searched out a better camp spot. When I had done this went to the beach to watch the sun rise. I met 2 guys from Wisconsin who had flown in the night before on one way tickets fresh out of collage hoping to find work.Adam and Casey...they reminded me of myself years ago when I first left Ireland headed for London England and adventure. They both have a real cool spirit about them...but more on the two amigos later, great story:0)

Ok, where do I start today Friday has been an incredible day, I,m so full of emotion right now..pause...ok lets start with Wednesday...along time ago on Wednesday on the kingdom of Maui a Leprechaun woke up and had coffee.

Actually it was 4:30am...with coffee in hand I walked 6 miles to the town of Lahina an old Whaling harbor and now a tourist hotspot...my goal was to buy food at Safeway which I did which added about a mile to my trip .After buying much needed veggies at the cheapest poss price I hiked right back to camp only stopping to chat with a fellow beach dweller who was on the same mission, Chad from Prague. Yes it was 14.5 miles round trip in “Clarks Air wave sandals”...best sandal in the world and the pack weighed about 30lbs ,all I had eaten that am was some coconut and coffee.

Got back to camp and had a veggie and peanut butter wrap with honey and also brought back a friend..called Blister , he left yesterday with the help of a needle and a fellow campers Hydrogen peroxide..may he rest in peace.

That night met up with sandy and Eligha who had been living on the beach a long time...they had showed what nuts,fruits and coconuts I could eat...later I chatted with Cynthia on my cell and then collapsed on my comfy camp cot.

Next morning I rose at 3am found a wi-fi spot sent Cynthia a video and Valentines card via email...emailed Hanalei Coledio who Cynthia and I met last trip out to Maui for a couple of hours at the “IOA valley” to let him know I was here.. had coffee with Eligha at 6:30am , met 3 more campers who fed me for the day and one even provided a glass of wine as the sun went down after I had a video Skype date with Cynthia :0)

Early this morning Friday 2am I woke and went to the wifi spot to see an email from Hanalei welcoming me back and his cell number...so did some writing went back to bed.

Woke at 7am and headed out to the local store to buy coffee with the intention of calling Hanalei. As I walked out of the camp a white pickup was pulling in. It was Hanalei..we greeted each other Hawaiian stlye ..I was overjoyed to see him. 15 minutes later we are at his home and his wife Sara makes a wonderful breakfast. We decided to go back to the IOA valley for a hike...The IOA valley is where they buried all the former Kings of Hawaii and Hanalei is the Gate Keeper/ Gardner.

Just before we leave he hands me a set of keys...These are for the Purple Mazda Pick truck outside you have it till tuesday when My Daughter returns, along with it he gave me a camp stove with extra propane bottles ..pots, pans, coffee pot,coffee, cooler ,beach chair etc....Gods provision has been amazing..I,m tearful as I write this..I feel so incredibly blessed..needless to say we had a great Time Of fellowship as we Hiked through the Jungle of the IOA valley...we forged deep overflowing streams.. water oh so cool...truly was a lost experience with a true Big warm hearted Hawaiian …Hanalei and his wife are such an amazing example of Gods love on this Island :0)..more tomorrow...need the rest of the day to process all that has happened!!!

Love to you all

Michael :0) xoxoxo