Friday, March 29, 2013

Meet Wolf Moon

Meet Wolf Moon


On Maui I learn that each full moon has a name.  The one in January is called the Wolf Moon.

I guess having been born and raised in the Seattle area, I never thought much about full moons, as they often are MIA.  Years have gone by and I have not being wowed by full moons.

So we get to Maui in October and are sitting watching the sunset at the Honokowai beach across from our apartment.


We start to chat with a few neighbors when behind me a light turns on.  I think it must be park lights. It is so bright.  I turn around and it is the moon.  I am flabbergasted it is so brilliant.

Kevin and Faye start talking about Haleakala and how they treated themselves to a moonrise/sunset experience this past August.

I have never been thrilled at the prospect of getting up at 3 or 4am to drive in the dark, up to the top of a 10,000 foot volcano, in hopes that the skies were clear enough to witness the sunrise.  I knew it must be spectacular, but I was not motivated.

However, after hearing about their moonrise/ sunset experience I become excited.  I feel this is not only doable but in the realm of possibilities AND  I want to share this experience with Garrett and Erin.

Only a few details need to be worked out and occur simultaneously.  First no clouds/rain  at the top of the volcano.  Second no high winds.  Cars have been known to blow off the road!  Often the parks department closes the top portion of the road in order to prevent cars from cascading over the side.  And finally Garrett and Erin have to schedule a visit during a full moon.

They came in November - no go.  They came in January -  Huston we have a go! Not only is it a go  it is the WOLF MOON!  The crazy cool thing about the Wolf full moon on Maui and perhaps elsewhere is that the timing of the two events sunset/moonrise occur with in a minute of each other.




We drive up early and tour high country.  We arrive to the summit about 30 minutes before sunset/moonrise.  We have time to do a little bit of exploring.  Garrett and Erin go off to see the "Shifting Sands".  We go up a hill to see if we can still breath at 10,000 plus feet.



We drive up to the observatory parking lot.  The car is gasping for air.  We are at the highest  peak and here are these amazing plants, the silver sword.  I now know we have left planet!


WE ARE READY


 IT HAPPENS  




OMG IT IS AMAZING!

ALOHA


Self Portrait from top of Haleakala












Gracie


Meet Gracie.

Amazing Gracie, got to thank her for this moment.  We were trying to take a photo of our selves, it was the "golden" moment of the day... the setting perfect at the Old Lahaina Luau.  When we hear this voice behind us... "Want me to take your photo?"  We turn around and there is Gracie, big smiles, big attitude, all Hawaiian.  Who are we to say no... So we hand her our camera and she says "First things, First"  And then proceeds to snap off a few photos of her self  All the while telling us that we need mementos of  HERSELF!  Of course she was right.  After she was done snapping pics of self then she decided she wanted a portrait moment of all of us.  Finally when satisfied she took one photo of us, handed our camera back and left.  Never laughed so hard at a "photo shoot" nor had such a competent take charge multi-personalitied director.



A week or so later we were at "the WEDDING" beach.  This has become a favorite thing to do in the evening - watch the multiple wedding parties have their weddings performed and photo shoots taken at sunset.  Very entertaining.  One night we saw the number one photo shoot ever.  It was a lovely young couple all dressed up in traditional garments... They were at the far side of Kapalua Bay and working their way around of the horseshoe shaped beach towards us.  Did I tell you that the groom was also the cameraman?  He had his camera on a tripod - would position his bride, set the camera, run back, straigten his hair, get in position.... flash, photo taken.  By the time he came around to our side they were doing the more complicated traditional poses - kissing, bride held in grooms arms, etc.  Crazy fun to watch.




Well a few weeks later as Gary and I were watching more couples get married on shore we started to goof around and think about money making ventures.  We decided we could become "The Unique Wedding Package".  I, as a minister would perform the ceremony, Gary would be the photographer, Max would add the unique crazy element and Gracie could be Gracie and add whatever she wanted.

So I ask ya'll how many of you would like to participate in our wedding events?  Bring the wedding certificate and it could be real... don't and we can pretend while having loads of fun.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

A GPS Guide for the Traveler - Chapter Two: UR the Center of Your Universe

I ask you - how often do you feel like you are the center of the universe? If you are like me, not too often. Most of the time I just frankly feel grateful that I am still part of the universe!
So if you need an ego boost, may I suggest you engage your GPS system. Why? Because no matter who you are or where you are, in the eyes of your GPS System you are the center of the universe.
Crazy idea, but important to remember.
The GPS technology is here for you. It is here to guide, to maximize efficient use of your time, to enhance and to make your life easier. I have found that when I remember this fact and use my GPS system everything becomes easier and correct in my universe... Ok, getting to place to place and on time becomes easier..
So remember you are like Rome and all roads lead from you to what you need or your desired destination the world with this thought in mind use of the GPS will start to make more sense and to fall quickly into place.  Read More

Monday, February 7, 2011

WHAT THE “HECK” IS GPS ANYWAY?


Sometimes things just aren’t what they seem at first glance.... Sometimes like this hippo swimming in her pond, a lot of “surprise” is hidden underneath!  

WHAT THE “HECK” IS GPS ANYWAY? 
Have you ever asked yourself where did GPS come from? What does GPS stand for anyway? And why is it so prevalent today... yet can’t recall any history about this form of technology? Those questions are answered in this article.
My first impression of a GPS system was that it was a pain in the butt...
As I said earlier first off, I am not a fan of technology. At best I find technology a bothersome tool and at every opportunity I resist - much like a donkey who has its feet dug into the dirt.
My husband and son on the other hand are tech geeks. They love all forms of technology and between the two of them I am provided with many opportunities to experience this kind of stuff - I am not sure if they provide me with these opportunities in hope that I will come over to the “other side” or if they find sadistic pleasure in seeing me struggle.
Typical with this pattern, my first experience with a GPS system was met with hostile resistance. I love maps. I love navigating. I am happy doing those things... and besides what in the heck is a GPS, anyway?
“Without my knowledge, as I pack for a weekend visit to see my son, my husband who has purchased a GPS is down loading the GPS program onto our portable lap top, as he wants to try it out on this trip.
We are ready to leave and I have just buckled my seat belt when he hands me our computer and says “Hold this on your lap.”
Why?” I ask. “
"Cause this will tell us how to find Garrett’s new home.”
Our son’s home is a mere 6 hour drive away and besides we know were he lives!
“Ughhh!” is my only reply.  Read More

Sunday, January 23, 2011

GPS World Traveler - Why the name?

It just dawned on me that many of you probably don’t know why I have latched onto the name GPSWorldTraveler.... well here is my story and our evolution.

A long time ago, a long time ago, a time before the dawn of hand held computers my son and husband loved technology. Although my son now works for Microsoft, Gary and I have always been Apple fans. We bought the first Apple product sometime around 1982. It was “The 128 Portable” :) and have had an Apple computer in our home ever since.

At best I find technology a bothersome tool and at every opportunity I resist - much like a donkey who has its feet dug into the dirt.

Typical with this pattern, my first experience with a GPS system was met with hostile resistance. I love maps. I love navigating. I am happy doing those things... and besides “What in the heck is a GPS, anyway”?   Read More

Friday, January 14, 2011

England-Stone Circle-Long Meg and her Daughters

The second stone circle we encountered was "Long Meg and her Daughters". We were not prepared for what we encountered. It was huge!

Later I read that the circle had a diameter of about 350 feet and that this name came from a local witch, Meg of Meldon, who was alive in the early 17th century. It is near Penrith in the English County of Cumbria.  Read More

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Old Manse of Bourtie

The OId Manse of Bourtie is remarkable and should be a Scottish national treasure...The place is such an accurate step back in time. It was built in the 1890’s and on the remaining 5 acres there is still a complete walled garden, a wild bluebell field, wild pheasants roaming the yard like chickens, ancient trees, beautiful sculptures hidden throughout... and so much old earth magic.

Marion Youngblood and Kiji own and live in the Victorian home which they have preserved. They heat with the multiple fireplaces, cook on a wood stove which also heats water in pipes which lead to both the upstairs and downstairs bathrooms. This piping system is amazingly ingenious as it gives additional warmth to the house while providing warm water where it is needed. The staircases, the stone walls, the windows, the floors, the doors are all authentic and very beautiful.  Read More