Day 16 Strangers to Friends

The fun stuff comes when someone is not so strict on sticking to the script. You're allowed the spontaneity, and great moments can happen. 




Jennifer Aniston

A couple of travel nurses and I decide to venture out into Waipio Valley. Tina and I started at the hospital together and I met Cassandra for the first time. The plan was to hike out to Hi'ilawe Falls. We drove down to the beach in my FJ Cruiser and parked. I love this valley. The serenity of it reinforces my love for this island.

After we crossed the river and re-grouped on the other bank, we realized none of us knew how to get to the Falls. Nonetheless, we started hiking towards the mountainside where the Z trail began. It was a pleasant and easy hike. The ocean to our right, jungle to our left. When we got to the foot of the Z trail, however, we confirmed our suspicions that we had gone the wrong way. No matter. We started hiking back, but instead of going through the jungle side of the path, we hiked on the beach instead.

We found a rope tied to a tree and we tried swinging on it. It was so much fun. After a few minutes, we settled down for some snacks. Two of the surfers stopped by and we asked directions to the Falls. Neither was very helpful. As we sat under the shade of some trees eating, two hikers, Justin and Ryan, stopped by and chatted for a few minutes. They are visiting from San Francisco and had spent the night at Waimanu Valley. They are hiking back to their car parked at the Waipio Valley lookout. They ventured on and we rested a little bit longer.

Snacks eaten and rested, we slowly made our way back to our car. We decided that we will have to tackle the falls another day when we were more prepared and had more of an idea of how to get there.

As we were getting ready to leave, the two hikers caught up with us. Apparently, they were resting just before the river crossing. So, I offered them a ride up the mountain. They gratefully accepted. We got to know each other a little bit more in the car and so I invited them to come along with us for an ice cream stop at a little shop near the lookout. The day continued on its spontaneous spiral from there.

I asked everyone if they'd like to go to the beach for a little while, then on to our house for a BBQ for dinner. I offered one of our showers to our new friends since they've been camping for two days. So, off we went to Kawaihae to spend the rest of the day.

As I laid down on the sand getting sun drenched, I also greatly enjoyed the company of my new friends. We shared sandwiches and chatted convivially.

Later that day, we had a wonderful time at the house. We shared some BBQ and drinks and had a great time. Allison and Chris also joined us and the house became alive with the presence of friends once again. It's a good thing Tom is also very sociable. I sort of sprung the BBQ on him. And I brought strangers home. Again.

Aaaah! What an excellent day!