GREAT FEAT
Thursday Nov. 13, 2014
Morning beach walks – always are – head-clearing.
Woke before light spilt over Haleakala, before birds and feral cats slurped puddles of overnight rain.
Before bright plumed wild roosters woke every creature as though this place was their gigantic barnyard.
Beach solitude produces magical feelings.
May not heal anyone’s weary body or equal gym-workouts. Does wonders for head space.
Beach walkers fall into two groups.
I would prefer three.
Those who say hi, hello or good-morning. Some nod, mouth words as if making sounds was against local ordinances.
Others – nothing!
Avert their, eye-contact cannot establish. I say hi anyway, making it my mission to challenge them.
Many, both groups, sporting ear-wear; iPods, cell phones.
Listing to tunes, making calls. One guy sounded as if he was on a conference call thousands of miles away – chiming in after wave-cycles as if he was paying attention.
Third group I would like – those who say hello, make eye contact AND who would like to engage in conversation. Maybe I could sell buttons that say “join group #3”.
Preference might be given to age-appropriate women sporting an attractive semi-athletic look, an agreeable demeanour, and suitably naked ring finger. Not sure if I want men in group #3, other than me of course.
I’ve learned on past trips from following sand imprints of very attractive feet.
If I get close enough to look close enough only to find that candidate should be screened out, I can always slow down, turn around, or sprint past yelling ‘great feet.’
Maybe those crowing roosters know where group #3 meetup?
Maybe the translation of their morning crow is: ‘ello ladies’ . Cockney accent.
Mark Kolke
P.S.: yesterday (as with the two days before) is best characterized by sleep deprivation, fatigue, sore-back … and, immediately upon arriving here, absolutely perfect. Not healed/recovered, but absolutely perfect. I do not purport to being a highly skilled traveler, but I know what to do here. I know where to go here. I know what to see here. For the next couple of weeks: tour guide, travel-writer correspondent, explorer of new, nostalgic visitor of old. I’ll get some relief today – stuff for my back, heating pad, sleep. Early morning rituals won’t change – just shifted three time-zones over, so regular readers will have to look at their in-boxes a little later. Today …. grocery shopping, up-country, exploring … showing my travel companion the ropes …
column written/ published from the Maui Kamaole, Kihei, Maui, HI
morning walk: 20C/68F (at 5:30AM), cloudy, rain overnight, surf gentle, beach uncrowded … and a few dogs chasing things their owners fling as far out into the surf as they can. I expect Gusta, the wonder nose, would sniff around the beach and wait for things to wash up.
Reader feedback / comments always welcome:
Hi Mark, Just a quick note to wish you a fun and relaxed trip to paradise! Great time to leave Calgary and its snow! I look forward to your next Musings as you share your trip experiences and surroundings with us! Enjoy it and wish you safe travels!!!, CR, Victoria, BC
Hi Mark, have a great vacation. Maui is beautiful, enjoy! TA, Calgary, AB
Looks pretty darn cold up there right now. Do you hear the Hawaiian sirens calling your name?, MO, Monterey, CA
Finally, a vacation for Mark! Have fun on Maui. Aloha and welcome to Hawaii. Your readers look forward to reading your 'sun and fun' reflections, however, a week of barefoot living may keep you away from the laptop for a while! You've mentioned digging your toes into the sand so much...just watch out for the box jellyfish Nov 15-17. Eight days after a full moon these stingers come to shoreline for a few days. South shore...mostly Oahu. Bites are painful. Glad you are finally taking a break and catching up with friends and memories of Maui. May you experience much Aloha - and return to Calgary with a joyful heart. Thank you (Mahalo) for your daily blog of reflections and insights. Aloha! C, Honolulu, HI
