Hanging out in Kona

Aloha. It was another beautiful day on the Big Island. Lots of activity today starting with a 30 min. ocean swim in the Ironman swim course. Water was great, there a dozen swimmers staggered out over the 1 mile marked course. All of the Ironman buoys are not out so this is the approximate swim course for training. It was amazing. There was a cruise ship in the harbor so lots of activity at 9:00 am when I hit the water. In addition to the surface traffic, you become distracted by the coral formations and the many many fish that are everywhere. I thought that the water surges and waves might be a problem but I didn't have any difficulties. If I get to go again before leaving I'll target a 60 min. swim. In addition to all that, there is a school of spinner dolphins in the harbor which you can see sometimes on the swim. I wasn't lucky today but I did see them from the shore later.

After the swim I went over to see the Ahu'ena Heiau near the harbor on a small outcropping and bay called the Eye of the Turtle. It was very moving. Also had the chance to stop by Unison at the Banyan Tree Courtyard and meet Ron and Capi Myklebust the owners, http://www.unisonhawaii.com/. They provided a lot of insight about the area and Ironman, Ron has completed several himself. The store is facing the rock wall across the street from the harbor. Check it out. Mahalo nui to them, much aloha.

Yesterday we visited ki'i pohaku, Hawaiian petroglyphs. We went to a preserved field near Waikaloa. It was very impressive. I was moved to realize how difficult living was for the early Hawaiians. Seeing the remains of their self expression while trying to rest in what appears to me as uninhabitable lava fields gives you something to reflect on. Not all of paradise is easy.

We enjoyed a short excursion to Capt. Cook in the South Kona district. Here high above the coast of Kealakekua Bay, the air is cooler. Homes and coffee growers stair step down the hillside starting about 1000 feet above sea level. We went to the Showcase Gallery which has some beautiful art pieces for sale.

Tomorrow is a run day so I'll be out on Ali'i Drive early. A hui hou, see you on the road.