We are back in New England and re-living our Big Island experience. We brought back with us many great memories and stories. So, before closing the Kona chapter, I wanted to share with you our few days in Hawaii through a different lens. Without the pressure of racing, Kasia and I had an opportunity to travel the island and soak up the beauty it has to offer. So, here it is through a collage of pictures.
A rainbow that could be seen almost every day in Waimea. This picture was taken from the "dry" side of town. One can almost draw a line where the rain stops.
On our way to the Akaka Falls Park in the northeastern part of the island. Lush greenery and forests, palms and unending views of the ocean.
The palms and the cloudless sky
The palms, the constant winds, and the Kamuela Mountain
"Lost" in the rain forest
In front of the Akaka Falls
The Akaka Falls up close and personal. The water drops further than in the Niagara Falls
A breath-taking view of the open ocean from where the road ends past Hawi - It takes about 30 minutes to get to a beautiful beach down below and surf the waves. This will have to wait until the next trip.
With our Hawaiian Ohana, Alison and Kukui, at the end of the road
Here we are driving up the Kamuela Mountain to the majestic view of the Island of Maui
It looks like a huge dark cloud from the distance
One of the beautiful art works found on display in Hawi
And the local musicians entertaining visitors
Final moments in Hawi. Kasia is letting it go in the local gallery
Back on the west side of the island. A picturesque sunset over the ocean and the lava fields
And their beauty during the day
And this is my favorite sunset picture over the Waikaloa Beach
Neither of us can bend the fingers for the Hawaiian Aloha. On that day, we had two fully functioning hands between us.
Probably the most valuable real estate off the coast of Kailua-Kona
For a moment I thought it was me climbing that little tree
Or wearing this King's Hawaiian Rules shirt
Back in Kona indulging on some "dragon fruit"
With the former world champion Mirinda Carfre the day before the race. She was one of the favorite females to win the race.
With Lisa Bentley from Canada. She is a multiple Ironman champion and a triathlon icon.
A part of the closing ceremony. An incredible display of art, history, and culture.
These guys were a little taller than us
Volunteering means working. Even the guy on the right was impressed.
Spotting athletes in need of assistance
With two future pro triathletes Rachel and Bryan in the Ironman Village
And with Viktor Zemtsev from the Ukraine. One of the best in the sport among the pro triathletes. An awesome runner.
The final meal in Kona. This place can rival the Lava Java hands down.
In the end, yes, I was supposed to be there ........
.... and bring home one of these. Well, I will have to wait a little longer ;o)
The final look at the Kailua-Kona Bay. Thank you all for your support.
