The Popular Vote Was For Hawaii 1

 

 

 

I asked my friends where they would like to go, what was on their bucket list. Probably the most mentioned place of all, by Daphne, Terri, Ruby, and my Aunt Carol; was Hawaii. I looked into this, because I've been writing a story called "A View of Paradise" about my friend Daphne's life. She was born and raised in Hawaii. My friend Ruby has a grave to visit in Hawaii. I have known more people in my life that have dreamed about going to Hawaii than have dreamed of going anywhere else. My mother has been there a few times. It is referred to as paradise.

 

 

Hawaii has worn many hats in its history. Polynesian, British, other Pacific Nations, and most recently, American. Hawaii has been ruled by royalty, as a commonwealth, as a territory, and now as a state. It of course is the location of Pearl Harbor, and the attack by Japan that dragged us into WWII. Since 1959 it has been our 50th state here in the U.S. It's the home of Dole Pineapple. It's the most common host of the NFL's Pro Bowl. It has some of the most famous beaches in the world. There are a lot of things to discuss when talking about Hawaii.

 

 

That is why I'm going to do it in pieces. There's a lot to talk about. This is only part 1.

 

 

 

I've decided to start with some out of this world entertainment. Hawaii is home to some of the most famous and some of the most active volcanoes in the world. It sits in the dead center of what we commonly call the ring of fire; the term for the ring of active volcanoes and busy fault lines that circles the Pacific Ocean. The Hawaiian Islands are a creation of volcanic activity, which is one reason I chose to start with this topic.

 

 

 

The volcanic creation of the Hawaiian Islands led to it being a fertile soiled wonder for farming and nature. I remember my friend Daphne telling me that when she was a child, you just picked the fruit off the trees for a snack. Plants grew everywhere. Wouldn't we all love to live like that?

 

 

 

Today, the Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the state and on Earth. Diamond Head is probably the most visitor friendly, since it has not erupted in some time. It has not been moved to the inactive list permanently yet, but its crater has a visitor center and hiking trails. There are driving roads, tours to take, hiking trails, and a monument on this massive volcano. The view from the rim, and the view of the volcano from Honolulu are amazing.

 

 

 

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most amazing National Parks in the world. It's home to two active Volcanoes; Maunaloa and Kilauea.

 

 

 

 

Maunaloa is not erupting currently, but is very much so considered active. What exactly makes it important enough to be protected as a National Park? It's height. It is the biggest active volcano on Earth and is part of the land mass that is The Big Island of Hawaii. It last erupted in 1984.

 

 

 

 

Kilauea is probably currently the most famous volcano in the world. It erupted continually from 1983 to 2018. Currently, it has been erupting again. There are about a hundred different tours you can take of Kilauea. You can see if from a boat, a hike, a drive, a plane or helicopter. But always go with a tour and a guide. Volcanoes are the monsters that formed the ground that you walk on. They are dangerous and deserve our respect. They are also some of the most hypnotically beautiful parts of the globe.

 

 

 

 

So, Diamond Head and all the natural beauty and the views. Maunaloa and all of its massive majesty. Kilauea and its overwhelming beauty of beast in action. They all are a must see.

 

 

 

I have to mention one more volcanic wonder. Maunakea. This 13,500 foot high monster is home to the WM Keck Observatory. This is one of the most famous observatories and planetariums in the world. It is home to the twin telescopes which are the most productive observational tools on Earth. So many discoveries have been made from this observatory that I can't name them all. They go a long way to helping us understand space. They are also a great place to visit.

 

 

 

 

Maunakea isn't just about a collection of amazing observatories and an unparalleled contribution to astronomical sciences; it's cold up there.

 

 

 

 

I know that most people equate a visit to Hawaii with a nice tanning session on a beach, but during the winter months in particular, you can ski on Maunakea. It is home to the best ski resorts in Hawaii. Ski by day, and hang out by the ocean with a Mai Tai in the evening. Truly paradise.

So, this concludes round one of Hawaii. There is so much more to come. Volcanoes are where I started, because without them; there would be no Hawaiian Islands. They are the source of life, fascination, fun, beauty, science, and part of the wonder that is the paradise we call Hawaii. I hope that if my friends visit Hawaii, they will visit at least one of these behemoths and experience the wonder of nature at its most amazing. So, come and visit a volcano, look at the stars, watch new earth erupting, get some exercise, and enjoy!

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/hawaii-history-and-heritage-4164590/

https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/whats-the-story-behind-hawaiis-flag/

https://www.hawaii.com/travel/

https://www.gohawaii.com/

https://www.usgs.gov/volcanoes/kilauea/volcano-updates

https://www.lovebigisland.com/big-island-lava-viewing/

https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island/regions/kau/volcanoes-national-park

https://www.travelawaits.com/2479232/how-to-visit-diamond-head-oahu/

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument/

https://www.hawaii.com/big-island/things-to-do/snowboard

http://www.hawaiiinfoguide.com/hawaii_skiing.htm

https://keckobservatory.org/

https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hawaiian-volcano-observatory/active-volcanoes-hawaii

https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm

https://www.travelshack.com/big-island-hawaii/activities/volcano-tour-with-private-lava-tube?vt_keyword=volcano%20tour%20big%20island&msclkid=b995aaef17551a540629cafebf9b0069&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Big%20Island%20-%20Volcano%20Tours&utm_term=volcano%20tour%20big%20island&utm_content=Big%20Island%20Volcano

https://www.booking.com/city/us/volcano.en.html?aid=339462&label=msn-fKTLkFE1FcCwHNjVtinAKQ-80333172971400:tikwd-9214863230:loc-190:neo:mte:dec:qsvolcanoes%20hawaii&utm_campaign=United%20States%20of%20America&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=fKTLkFE1FcCwHNjVtinAKQ&msclkid=f9c01937143816d5469e7926bca46d58

https://www.volcanotours.com/big-island/

 

Here's One of the Greatest Winter Trips Ever!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm feeling good today, and I wanted to make a post about life in winter. I have been on a kick for a few years, trying to enjoy this season that we all tend to dread, hibernate during, and desperately try to ignore as we wait for spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greenville, Maine is one of my go to spots. I've been there many times and at all times of the year. In June of 2020, my husband and I went there to get away, because there are so few people. This is the place that shows like Northern Exposure were made about. The people are down to Earth, and a little quirky. You always make a new friend when you're in the area. No one takes themselves too seriously in the outback part of the lower 48. They have a hospital, school system, nursing home, and a ton of hotels, lodges and other accommodations. What they don't have is McDonald's, a mall, a movie theater, traffic, crime, or stress. They even have a restaurant called The Stress Free Moose. Good food, just saying.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greenville is one of those places that always makes me smile. Everywhere you go, there is something to smile about. Even breakfast at Auntie M's and the rainbow that it sits under is something to smile about. But, come winter, it's a one of a kind wonderland around Moosehead Lake. It's something that most people never even dream of.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moose are the key draw to the area. This is a place for the outdoorsman, and especially those with a sense of humor. The tag line for Moosehead Lake is that they have more moose than people. In a lot of places that is true. Everything is based on the moose everywhere you go. This is the north woods, and moose are king.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the great things about Greenville and Moosehead Lake is the never wavering happiness of the people who live there. We came into town during what in my neck of the woods would be called a hell of a snowstorm. We had to go to the Save a Lot to get some supplies. We chatted with the check out girl about the festivities for the weekend and the things that we bought and how much we loved to come up there. No one ever mentioned the weather. It was like no one even noticed it. The irony was that it was easier to get around with the snow there, because it was just snow. It was cold and snowy, but there was no ice and it wasn't slippery. It was way easier than being in a slightly warmer climate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a four wheel drive in the area is cute, but not necessary. Most people just take their snow machines in the winter. You frankly see more snowmobiles on the road than cars and trucks combined. It's an area that is known for its outdoor activities all year round, and winter is no exception. Greenville has several outdoor companies, that handle activities, have guides so you won't get lost, and sell equipment for all of it. Big Squaw Mountain is the place to Alpine Ski in the winter time. In the summer it's four wheelers and ATV's. It's boats and kayaks, backpacks and fishing gear. And, all year round they fly. Moosehead Lake is famous for its sea planes. In the fall, they have an international sea plane fly in that is famous around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter is just another season in the wilds of Northern Maine. The weather doesn't phase them a bit. And, winter brings some unique events. In January, they hold the memorial snowmobile ride to the site of the crashed B-52 Bomber on Elephant Mountain. It happened back in the 1960's and at the time there were no roads to the area. They had to take snowmobiles up the mountain in the rescue effort. Every year the ride is held to remember those who survived and those who died in that tragedy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By the time February rolls around in this neck of the woods, the local folks are looking for something to do. This has become a great tourist season in the area. The moose are hiding, except for the ones you can buy, and the hiking is difficult in the deep snow, but skiing and other activities take off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's called West Cove Ice Racing. This happens on either Saturdays or Sundays throughout February every single year. Amateur racing is big in the far northeastern states, and during the dead of winter, Mainers take it to the lake. West Cove in Greenville Junction becomes the home of Ice Racing. Right on the lake. It's a popular local event, and really something to see. I couldn't believe it when I heard about it, but now I've seen it. It was on my bucket list for years. It was a lot of fun and of course, we met a lot of fun people there. In addition to the car racing, the day we were there, they were also drag racing snow machines. It's quite something to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While we were in town, we went to the annual chocolate festival to support the schools. Most seasons bring local events in Greenville, whether it be an outdoor festival, pancake breakfast, school event or whatever. It's another way to get to know the locals, and a lot of fun.

And of course, one of the biggest reasons that I go to the North Woods of Maine is for the view. So, come and enjoy some great food at some unusual restaurants, shop in a trading post. Come and ski or just watch the races. Meet some great people and go to a community event. It's a place like no other on Earth, I can promise you that. But, in the dead of winter, when most people are depressed and drinking through the dark times, this area comes alive to celebrate the darkness of winter with its short days and snowy weather. I never would have believed that I would go on vacation to the frozen north and have an amazingly good time, but I did. I would recommend it for anyone. Come to Greenville and Moosehead Lake at any time year round, but in winter, come and see the special that only they can offer. Enjoy!

https://www.vacationrenter.com/search/Greenville%2C%20ME%2C%20USA?placeId=ChIJ38T-Z416sEwRHjizmH_zVHc&al=Greenville&as=Vacation%20Rentals&msclkid=db585175e7b011eb61f3317d82e18174&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VR%20US-ME%20Greenville%20%28L-2472%29&utm_term=greenville%20Maine&utm_content=Greenville%20Vacation%20Rentals&nm=1

https://www.vrbo.com/results?q=Greenville,%20ME,%20USA&cid=l_ha3pd-affiliate-6_/adref:com:vr:compareto:a&CID=a_ph_6&utm_source=aff_ph&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=vacationrenter_1101l252&utm_content=0&k_clickid=1011ldydbJZx

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g40658-Activities-Greenville_Maine.html

https://greenvilleme.com/

https://visitmaine.com/places-to-go/the-maine-highlands/greenville

https://stepoutside.org/greenville-me/winter-activities-guide/

https://themainehighlands.com/theme/winter-activities

https://traveltips.usatoday.com/things-greenville-maine-60886.html

https://www.destinationmooseheadlake.com/events/

https://www.facebook.com/westcoveice

https://skibigsquaw.com/

https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=restaurants&find_loc=Greenville%2C+ME