The Hiker /  by Dave Hileman

We were very late in the day well past Hana in the Haleakala National Park on the south end of Maui. It meant we had to drive back to our room in the dark on the road from Hana and that was harrowing. But look at the waterfall we got to see. Over 400 feet tall, Waikmoku Falls is deep in the rain forest. What a treat. The woman who is hiking and her husband (not shown) walked back with us the 2.3 miles to the cars and he is a photographer from Charlotte and they own an Oliver. Who would have guessed.

The Cook /  by Dave Hileman

We were warned by several people to take food on the Road to Hana because options were very limited or even non-existent. Not the day we drove. We stopped for a great banana bread in a little village and then, stumbled on this place. An old bus served as the kitchen and a platform around it with picnic tables provided the dinning area. Only two choices, coconut shrimp or fish. We ordered the shrimp. I do not like coconut but I figured I could eat one and the potatoes. The shrimp was fantastic. The coconut was fresh, fried, abundant and crispy. No aftertaste, just a great dish that Cindy and I made quick work of finishing. And the owner/cook was entertaining as well. Nice stop.

The Swimmer /  by Dave Hileman

Deep in the rain forest of Maui this waterfall filled the pool that the young man was swimming in near the end of the day. I was a long way off on a different trail going to a different falls.

The Photographer /  by Dave Hileman

There were two couples on the beach (one swimming) enjoying the last sunshine of the day and I saw this “other” photographer shooting photos of them and moving increasingly closer. Here he was shooting as the level of the sand. I am not sure the foursome ever saw him. But I did.

11th Month - 11th Day - 11th Hour /  by Dave Hileman

November 11, 1918 at eleven in the morning was the official ending of the terrible carnage that was WWI. Unfortunately, people continued the madness with the encore of WWII. History for that massive conflagration showed a clear delineation of evil and the effort to stop it was a worthy goal. World War II ended with the surrender of the Axis, first of Italy, then Germany and finally Japan. The unconditional surrender of Japan took place on the deck of this battleship, the USS Missouri. A heartfelt thanks to all the veterans of every era.

Challenge /  by Dave Hileman

This lava rock center stage of the photo had a difficult problem to resolve so it relied on the old adage, “two heads are better than one.”

You don’t get this insightful commentary laced with humor on just any old photo site.

(Thankfully)

I heard that!

Serious and Stoic /  by Dave Hileman

Hulas are storytelling and most of them are well known to those who grew up in the Hawaiian culture. so that the story is seen, not narrated, in the actions of the dance. At this evening demonstration we were given aid with the story being explained to us and how it related to the dance. We watched several and most of them were lighthearted but this one was a serious subject about loss and sacrifice. The woman on the right is telling the story - for we did not know it, and when she spoke the dancer held this pose, unmoving for what seemed like a long stretch and the music stopped as well. Very impressive.

"Its beginning to look a lot like...." /  by Dave Hileman

No, not me too. Just because it is red and green is no reason to leap into the seasonal fray with everyone else. Too early!

This red maple leaf was snagged in the pine tree on a remote road on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Because we saw so few colorful leaves it made the cut. Also, I am busy and behind on so much, and have to be four hours away this morning for a service. Back tonight. I intend to be caught up by the end of the week. Good intentions.

Conch /  by Dave Hileman

The conch shell in Hawaii is used by skilled practitioners for a variety of purposes, some are not shared with those outside of the natives to that culture. However, most events and ceremonies officially start with the blowing of the shell. We watched a trio and two dancers from the University of Hawaii one night in Waikiki. The presentation began with this man, who has been doing this for years, creating a loud, pure note that he did more than one time and in more than one direction. All of those details matter but it was done with little explanation. What was clear was how skilled this man was and how respected for his gift.

And now for something different. /  by Dave Hileman

These photos are from two different Episcopal churches in Ashe County, NC. The contain striking frescoes done by the artist, Ben Long, a North Carolina native. People come from all over the world to view them. It is quite unique that both churches are open 24 hours a day and there is no charge. You push a button to hear a lengthy, very well done, talk about the art work and the meaning behind them. The churches are about 10 miles apart. Highly recommend the time and effort to see them if you are in the West Jefferson area of North Carolina. Holy Trinity is in Glendale Springs and St. Mary’s is in West Jefferson. I thought the last supper was really well done, visually distinct, and the effort in the expressions and details of the work are fascinating.

Fan /  by Dave Hileman

The array. colors and scope of the flowers in Hawaii - even though I had read about the beautiful colors, was still astonishing to see in person. I was especially surprised by those deep in the woods along trails. This one may or may not be a flower but at about 2 feet across it was stunning in the deep woods of Haleakala National Park.