Welcoming 2009 on the Big Island

Kona sunset

Almost two weeks in Hawaii is an excellent way in which to usher out one year and welcome a new one. We spent it in Kona, on the island of Hawaii. Not the Pacific Northwest, but the volcanic landscape was a very familiar sight for me and made me oddly homesick for Oregon's central and east side. The homesickness was quickly washed away by the 82F temps. 2008 was a difficult year in many respects. Let 2009 be much more hopeful. I look forward to more exploration and travels in the Pacific Northwest and beyond this year.

A poor photo of a remote Kona beach - too many mai tais make the horizon crooked

Clear water - full of turtles and tropical fish

Cliffs near the spot Captain Cook met his maker