From the gentle Hawaiian islands to southwestern USA - Enjoying our country's beauty
While friends shiver in the Vermont chilly air and snow, Peter and I take our annual 2 month hiatus and explore new American sights and cultures. Chapter 1 Hawaii "Garden Island", Kauai with four close friends Early Hawaiian settlers. We learned a lot about how the US sugar cane plantation owners orchestrated the demise of the Hawaiian political structure and cultural norms in the late 1800s. Occasionally those who want Hawaii to be independent from the US make their views known Signage says a lot: Tsunami alert towers Animals (with wild chickens the dominant species): Monk seals often found snoozing on the beaches and heavily protected by local volunteers Brazilian cardinal Food and drink favorites: Shaved ice Musubi: Seaweed wrapped spam and rice. Very popular for breakfast and lunch Mai Tai par excellence! Hikes of many varieties: Waimea Canyon Mahogany plantation The view from ...