The Big Island

Big Island. We stayed in Hilo while we were there for the weekend. Sheryl had to go on business, so I was lucky enough to go with her and enjoy the weekend together.

Sheryl found a heart shaped rock. No, she didn't bring it back.

Candy Store

Big Island Candies - A must stop

Mexican Food!! Yum!!!

The most beautiful Double Stacked Rainbow I have ever seen!!! 

Black Sand

Day of rest and relaxation. Massage and Pedicure. Thanks!!!

 We have not really had many carbs in a month or so. We splurged with some pizza and pasta. It was worth it.

Pizza with Cilantro Pesto. 

Greek Pasta

Totally worth it!!! 

Volcano!!!

My sister Sheryl!

Flying back to Oahu.

Fantastic trip. Again, tons to see and do on the Big Island, with a relaxed feel and nice people. I enjoyed it.

Finally Here

Well, I made it here. I am in Hawaii. A place that most people dream of visiting. Home of the most beautiful beaches. Great weather. Perfect scenery!! Ahhh!!! Paradise...

Waikiki Beach

look at the blue water !!! CRAZY Right??

Wild Ginger (at least I think that's what that is) everywhere with these beautiful flowers. The pink ones are my favorite.

So, yes, the views are amazing, the color of the water is crazy blue - every shade, the sunsets are beautiful,  the weather is great, the plants and trees are beautiful.

But...

The traffic is hectic, it is really noisy, tons of tourist (where I am at least), lots of homeless people, lots of crime, everything is expensive...

But, I am here. Made my journey. I am here, in beautiful Hawaii, with my beautiful sister Sheryl.

My journey begins in Oregon

 My journey started on August 6th, 2012. I decided to fly to Oregon to see my friend Shea on the way to Hawaii. Shea and I worked together a few years back, but we have remained great friends. He moved to Oregon from Savannah several years ago and loves it there. For many years he wanted me to come out, I refused - knowing that if I did, I wouldn't want to go home.

flying to Oregon. Bags Packed, ready to go!!

Shea. My brother from another mother. My partner in crime. My best bud!!

The big rock...Shea will kill me when he knows I can't remember the name. Regardless, it was beautiful!!

I have never seen a real chipmunk until this date. All others have been on a cartoon!!! 

It really is Paradise.

This is Paradise. 

Shea was the best tour guide a girl could ask for. I was only there for 3 days, but it seems we saw most of the state - Thanks Shea for putting over 100 miles on the car the first day!!

the most beautiful Indian reservation

Mt. Hood

The Overlook Hotel - not the name now but in The Shining - this was the building.

What a great first day!