This is a typical scene at Jitters Coffee shop in Eagle River, especially during bad weather.

The snow continues as the driver education classes take it's toll. Five hours before these pictures were taken was the start of what is posted below.

On my travels to Eagle river for my daily caffeine fix I observed three vehicles off the road, one on the South side of the Eklutna Creek hill, a usual place to experience an off road thrill, but still on it’s wheels. The next two were by the South Birchwood Bridge, one of which had rolled several times but was upright as I arrived and the other just slid off the road and was on the bank by the bridge. Two fire trucks and a couple of police vehicles were attending the incident when another vehicle went cross country on the opposite side of the highway. This is driver education day with a class of slow learners. On my way home I encountered a new batch of students by Birchwood, pictures of some but not all are listed below. On the news it was reported a 16 car pile up South of Eagle River, most likely on the hill.

Looking out to the breakfast area, my room is to the right.

Part of John's living room and looking into the master bedroom.

While in Kona I stayed with John and Barbra. Their house is at the 1200 foot level so it is always cool to them, 70 to 75 deg F and usually gets an afternoon rain or an evening shower neither last very long. John and I worked on the pipeline when they lived in Alaska but had this house in Kona for years. When I stayed at John’s house I had my own bedroom and bath which was very nice. My bedroom opened to a large screened porch which ran the full length of the house overlooking Kona and the ocean. I always kept the sliding glass doors open so I could hear the ocean and traffic from below, sometimes when the locals were practicing their Hula routine I would hear the chants and beating on the Gourds.While staying with John and Barbra I became friends with their two Rottweiler Puppies, weighing in at about 90 pounds each. “Kai” the male took up with me but I never figured out why, Maybe I slipped him snacks and tidbits from the store and carried dog biscuits most of the time. “Kai” was my alarm clock and every morning at 0600 hrs I would wake up with the feeling that I was being watched, so when I opened my eyes, there was Kai about 2 feet from my face staring me right in the eyes. As soon as my eyes opened he started to wiggle from the tail to his head and prompted me to get up. You can’t argue with a force like that, so I started my day.The routine was great, get up make some fresh brewed Kona Coffee, shower, dress (shorts, golf shirt, sandals, and a smile). By the time I was ready to rock and roll Barbra had breakfast ready. John, Barbra and I would eat on the porch listening to the birds and breathe in the fresh ocean air. We would set down to fresh Papaya, Strawberry Bananas, Hawaiian bread toasted lightly with lots of butter and POG to replace Orange juice. Watch a little news then off to the WW II airstrip for a morning walk before it became too hot.The walking trail is about 10 minutes from the house and was donated by some local groups who had it paved and designated for foot traffic only. The trail which is on the lava flats about 200 yds. from the ocean and a nice beach with a picnic area, was constructed in two elliptical paths. The paths are 0.7 of a mile and 0.3 of a mile breaking it up so you were not committed to a full mile if you so desired. The trails are maintained by local people on a voluntary basis and are kept vibrant with trees, flowers, ferns and succulents. I will go into more detail at a later time.

My friends, John and Barbra have a great kitchen.

My Brother

Well, my brother showed up and only stayes a day, not enough action or excitement at Southpoint. He doesn't play golf and usually does not appear during daylight hours, but he does have fun. He is headed back to Oahu where he will expend his energies.

The Bowler Ranch

Well this is a story about the Resort we were traveling too. I like to call it the “BOWLER RANCH”. There are dogs, chickens, birds, pigs, horses, donkeys, a Zebra (yes a Zebra) and some really long horned cattle in the area and can be seen on a regular basis. There are Lava Tubes in the area also and in fact some located on the Ranch, they are actually caves which are explored by Al’s neighbors. The Cavers, as they are known locally, will give you a tour of the caves, and study them frequently. Other critters in the area are the pre-historic Moths which have a wing span of up to 6” (the biggest one I have seen) and they are not afraid of you. I believe they live in the caves and are attracted to lights at night.The land or I should say the property base is an actual Lava flow with intricate patterns, shapes, color and texture. The area for the house was tested for hollow spots or caverns to ensure a solid foundation for the house and other construction areas. To develop the property, crushed lava, dirt and selected rock had to be hauled in to for the driveways, parking areas, lanai, flower beds and tree bases.There are some natural trees in the area but very few around here or should I say at this elevation which makes a huge difference in rain fall, temperature and vegetation. Al has a tree (I believe it is an Ohelo Tree) as the centerpiece for the front yard; it is a work of art, partly covered with leaves and part dormant, with twisted and crooked branches which add to one of natures master pieces. Other species planted in the area are Cactus, succulents, shrubs, palms and vines.Two of the varieties deserve to be expanded on, the Bougainvillea and the Ironwood trees, both varieties are established all over the island. First will be the Bougainvillea, classified as evergreen in wet climates and deciduous in dry areas. If given some soil, fertilizer and water on a regular basis, two to four times a week, the plants will take hold and produce a beautiful crop of flowers and thorns tipped with a black waxy substance. The plants will grow a vine up to 12’long which could tear you to shreds if you are caught in them. Some people plant them as a hedge around the property to keep all critters out. They are thick and impenetrable so nothing except bugs gets through them, but they are beautiful and come in a variety of colors.The other plant or I should say tree to discuss is the Iron Wood Tree. They are fast growing, about a foot a year and are soft and supple with fine leaves or needles. At certain stages of life or seasons the tops get a yellow powder on them, probably pollen which attracts bees like honey. They softly sway in the breeze and you can hear the wind whisper in the branches as they slowly sway like an exotic dancer to slow, soft music.Development of the landscape is an ongoing project and a trial and error situation due to the requirements of new species and the ability to have scheduled care and water applied. The local weather patterns appear to have been routed around the local area, probably due to the hills and being close to South Point, therefore it is a dry area. Although rain is scarce, when it does rain here it can be intense and last a few hours.

The trip to South Point or I should say Ocean View was a pleasurable drive along the coast. The speed signs here will drive you crazy, 35 MPH, then 25 MPH then 45 MPH then 55 MPH then they sneak a sign in that says 45 MPH Minimum speed in small letters then back to 35. All towns are 25 or 35, all intersections are 35 all winding roads are 35 all public facilities (fire stations) are 35, schools are 25. You will get used to it after a while. The mile markers From Hilo to Kona start at Hilo with Mile 1 and North of Kona the Mile post markers start at Kawaihae Harbor at the town of Hawaihae and continue South East to Kona or MP 100. The Municipal Dump South of Kona on the road to Al’s Ranch is at MP 100, drinking water is between 102 and 103, Ocean View (our destination) is at 178, and the straight road starts at MP 189 and stays straight past Ocean View. There is a small town at MP 175 and has a gas station, small grocery store, Post Office and Diner. On Saturday they have Open Market that is comparable to a huge garage and produce sale. The best part is the vegetables and flowers dirt cheap and abundant. Ocean View is a gated community with a secret combination ( 1225 ) December 25 for Christmas, don’t tell anyone what it is. Passing through the gate will be your introduction to Ocean View, and a down hill ride to the Bowler Ranch on the right side of the road. During daylight hours you can see the round flower beds made from lava rock and approximately 5’ across and 2’ high, with Bougainvillea growing in them. At night or when the moon is not out it gives new meaning to the term “Dark”. It is totally black so Al has installed lights in the flower beds which charge the batteries all day, come on at dark and burn most of the night. When approaching the area and driving up the driveway, it gives you the impression you are at an airport, landing an airplane. Great adventure day or night, well we are here, lets unpack and get going.

My New Golf Partner

We won, the picture says it all. Any questions? New experiences at evry turn and excitement beyond belief.