The month of October is where my Birthday lands. The entire month was filled with adventures day in and day out, radical love displayed by others and more self discovery. But it wasn’t until this past weekend that all of the real fun began, when a journey across the island was put into movement. From Hilo to a beautiful location called Laupāhoehoe was the first leg of our trip. Raging waters and dark skies with vertical drop cliffs and monolithic concrete structures to create the pier welcomed us. There is a misty rain that falls from above, out at sea thick white walls move closer and closer. A kind but ratty stray cat finds his way to us and befriends us for the comfort of a pillow. My inner dog care taker comes out and tells the cat to get lost, to where he takes refuge underneath a dry tree canopy. Annika made an incredible batch of tangy crock pot chicken with carrots and other veggies to which we made delicious tacos and had dark chocolate for desert.
Rain drove us further North into Waimea, we stopped for a good hour or so to re-plan the adventure. The weather was not expected at all, and though it was in its entirety a surprise from Annika, she had to spill the beans and tell me that the next location was supposed to be a hike in Pololū Valley. The rain was surrounding us and caused this grand scheme to be put off for another time. We both came to the conclusion that it would be exciting to just drive and see where we end up together. Kona was our new destination, specifically “Pine-trees” another sandy beach North of Kona where camping and fires are allowed. More gifts and laughs were had, a walk among the sandy waters, stars overhead and a roaring fire. She brings ice cream sandwiches on a plate over to me next to the fire, candles lit and a simple “Make a wish”. Ice cream cake on the beach, never been had in all my ages. Soon we decide to leave and head back to my mothers house. The night continues with celebration and timeless scenes. A blizzard in my mind and lighting from another time.
The morning comes in a soupy loudness from the kitchen. My mother walks into the living room where I slept and begins singing the birthday song, then proceeds to tell me that she’s taking me out for breakfast at Bongo Bens, a nice beachside style diner. My sister Savanna joins us, a very nice way to start the day. I ordered a black coffee and a “Bongo Omlet” Filled with sausage, bacon,cheese,onion,mushrooms and other awesomeness. Annika ordered a fruit covered waffle which she covered in coconut syrup. My mom ordered a stack of pancakes and Savanna a simple breakfast burrito. A lot of good conversation and laughs, the turquoise ocean greeted from across the street and birds flew around us. Afterwards we all headed back to the house in order to get ready for the beachy afternoon. My sister sophia was at a friends house taking care of some puppies, so we had to pick her up as well. The puppies were not even three weeks old yet and had just opened their eyes. Incredibly soft and wanting to be held. Soon I would like to get a puppy to raise and train. Perhaps soon? Driving to the beach is a good twenty five minutes if not longer. I filled the time drawing illustrations on my sisters hand and leg, then mine as well.
Kua beach was next on radar, white sands and calm radiant blue waters to play in. My guitar brought sounds to our group and we all continued sharing stories. After about 45 minutes of sun bathing we all jumped in the ocean and waded around. The waves began to pick up, so naturally I began to body surf and rag doll myself into the waves. A bit of snorkeling, then back to the beach, where the stories began to get deeper and bring more comedic value. My mom begins with a few embarrassing tales from my younger childhood days, which leads into me talking about my mischief days and rambunctious acts during the summers left alone with my brothers. Around 3 o’clock we leave the beach and go back home for the actual birthday cake and gifts from family. My sister had prepared cupcakes with white chocolate frosting which were amazing. Photos are taken for memory, my mom is ready for work and they all watch as I open up the gifts. I’m incredibly grateful for the gifts I received, A notebook for writing music in, a power inverter for the car, a nice dress shirt and thermos for coffee.
Soon my mom heads to work and I prepare the car for the journey back to Hilo. In my mind I’m thinking that the birthday weekend is complete and all the fun surprises had been had. But no, Annika had a few more up her sleeves. Once in Hilo, she pretends to be lost and disorientated and I begin to give her directions and not understand why she isn’t listening. She parks and says, “I just need to take a minute.” We’re parked in front of “The Hilo Burger Joint”, somewhere that I had never been before but had heard amazing things abut it. She asks if I would like to take a walk around and then leads me into the burger joint to which a group of people are sitting at a table and begin signing happy birthday to me. It’s a very unique group of folks that we’ve come to know through bible study and Sunday night church. This time I am genuinely surprised, and thought it was quite entertaining to watch her play it out. The birthday person receives a free burger on the house, so through the many awesome choices I select the blue cheese burger with Fire and Ice fries. We have a feast of American style food and the stories make their ways around the table.
What an excellent weekend and way to complete the journey.
