Hilo

Ron's happy! He finally has his truck here. There is lots to be done as we transfer the business and property down in Captain Cook so we really need 2 cars now and especially the truck. To get the truck we took a little overnight trip to Hilo going over on Tue. on the Saddle Rd. Saddle road is the only cross island road and it needs loads of improvements. The west end is curvy and narrow but after the Mauona Kea State Park it's being widened so there's quite a bit of construction. Most of us islanders can't wait for it's completion. For the first time since our honeymoon we cruised down Banyan Dr. The banyan trees are bigger than ever and the hotels a bit older. We didn't stay there 30 yrs. ago so with a Kama'a'ina rate and a chance to chill for a bit we checked in. I took pictures of the lovely Hilo Bay and Coconut Island that I'll post when I get them downloaded later. Our main reason to stay was to visit the Hilo market as it's supposed to be the best on the island. I liked it and if it's not the best it sure is the biggest. Managed to buy a couple Chrismas gifts, some fruits (our first time to try rambutans) and veggies, had lunch at Ron's favorite place, Cronies, and then headed home along the Hamakua Coast. Wow, I had forgotten how lovely that drive is along the ocean. I think it's my favorite coastal drive here. Mostly high coastline views with smashing waves and thick tropical forest. We wound around at least 3 named gulches and then all of a sudden you seem to pass into another land as the landscape changes to look like possibly upper NY state, then in a few miles like southern Calif, and then maybe Colorado like as we head into Wiamea. Remember we have 11 of the 12 climate zones on this island and you can visit them all in a day. You wouldn't see much but you could do it. Best thing is to take some time here and enjoy the spectacular diversity. After we got back today we picked up our roasted coffee and packaged some of it. We are green at this and to tell you the truth have no idea what we are doing. We only planned on getting a coffee farm, not selling it!! Never thought, what the heck do you do with the coffee cherry after you grow it, did we???