Hey Voters!

A little something to remind us that we all want the same things.

Tiny Town

                 Click on the picture above to see my video. Make sure to go full screen to see details.

Originally created by comic book artist Jimmie Robinson, the whimsical fairy houses of Washington Ave. have inspired others far and near to create their own tiny versions. 

A frequest guest in many of the diminutive homes is the Studio Ghibli favorite Totoro (from the animated film "My Neighbor Totoro")
Point Richmond is the western-most section of the city of Richmond, California, and is a world unto itself, populated by creatives and the people who appreciate them. You are humbly invited to believe in magic... 

The Perfect Blend of Art and Science

 

This video showcases a tiny sample of the things you'll see at the Explorarorium.

I've been a fan of the San Francisco Exploratorium for years. What a brilliant idea! Give artists an opportunity to illustrate principles of science - and do it in the form of play. I was able to get a look at the newest set of exhibits, GLOW, running through January of 2022 - light, color, and learning. Of course, all my favorites in the Tinkering section were there, especially Diesel Punk Pegasus.

Don't make the mistake of thinking the Exploratorium is just for kids and families. There are After Dark memberships for adults that are date night favorites. All the exhibits have an element of hand-on play, and there are dozens of them from the ephemeral to the biological. Don't miss it!

Kilauea is at it again!

 

 Photo courtesy of B. Carr USGS

 

For a superbtimelapse video from NPS, click here

 

The Halema'uma'u crater at the summit of Kilauea began spewing lava on Sept. 29 after a series of earthquakes. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park officials expect the eruption to be contained within the park, with no danger to homes or visitors. 

Officials cautioned that high levels of volcanic gas were the primary hazard of concern, noting that vog, or “volcanic smog” had already been observed downwind of Kilauea. Fanned by southerly winds, vog typically moves across the Ka‘u District, hitting first areas in south Hawaii like Pahala, Naalehu and Ocean View, before getting caught up in sea breezes that bring it toward West Hawaii and onshore.

NPS, Courtesy of Janice Wei

 

For some outstanding shots of previous eruptions (and even more inspiring shots of beautiful Hawaii) zip over to the Takaaze Art Gallery online.

 

 Photo courtesy of B. Carr USGS

Kona Overnight & the Big Aloha

A friendly welcome by the host was my introduction to the Surf Hideaway, a basic room with bed, bath and a galley kitchen. I loved that the door and floors had been painted with tropical leaves, and the place was spic and span. No AC, but a fan that made the humidity bearable. Definitely a place for people who are good at entertaining themselves: heavy readers, sleepers, late-night partiers (no TV! – a blessing, not a curse!) who can’t be bothered by cooking (considering the limited but carefully chosen kitchen goods) and TV tray table. A very cool place.

Kona was shockingly deserted, and the shops seemed to be hurting pretty badly.

Fortunately, the parrots weren't the least bit upset about this, as long as the seeds kept a'comin.

I made one more stab at a beach, and found the old airport park beach, which had a lot going for it. It’s big, with both lawn and sand (all facilities shut down, of course), and the requisite lava path to the sea. But the sunset was spectacular…

My flight was the next day at one, so I gassed up the Chevy (prices here 10 cents more a gallon than in Hilo). 

Made a stop at the local L&L (they MUST have one around here) for Katsu chicken (basically, three meals in a box for $9), which I had to leave in the Hideaway fridge. Cruised to the airport, got through all the rigamarole in no time at all, and enjoyed an uneventful flight back to SF, the airporter, and a pick-up by T. Thanks again T!

Is this, my 14^th trip to Hawaii, my last? Could be. I left my fins and snorkel gear for other guests at the Surf Hideaway. It feels like it’s time for the big Aloha…