With so much to do and so much to see, where do we start. Come and join me on one of my trips! They are a lot of fun and you may even see some of the same people time and time again and they may even be your friends! :)
Let's meet at 1 PM to ski the course. The clubhouse is currently
closed so they don't rent skis, but if you have your own skis, come out
and join us.
If you are new to x-country skiing and you have your own skis, I'd be
happy to give you a lesson. Lessons to x-country skiing includes more
than learning to swish your legs back and forth. Lessons include basics
such as how to get up after falling, how to climb hills on skis, how to
ski down hill, and how to do a 180 on your skis. If you are interested
in this, I will be here at 12, so let me know.
L.E. Kaufman Cross Country Course - (616) 538-5050
If the trails are groomed, the cost is $2.
The Big Island is huge in comparison with all the other Hawaiian Islands,
and has an unusual landscape carved by recent and still active and viewable
volcanic action. It has beautiful RainbowFalls, the ancient Mookini Heiau, and the resorts, beaches and fish
ponds of the Kohala coast in addition to fascinating and historic Hilo.
This is an 8 day trip where we start on the western side of Hawaii, in Kona, where we visit Polulu Valley Lookout. The Lookout is a Must-See, but be sure to be equipped with apparel for the cold, wind and rain because the weather changes there dramatically.
No problem renting snorkel equipment in Hawaii. They are inexpensive and everywhere.
Hilo
We travel to the eastern side of Hawaii, to Hilo, where we venture to hike Volcanoes National Park. Just to remind you, the weather may be beautiful in Hilo, but awful at the National Park. Be prepared for cold and wind. There are numerous cool hikes at the park. Kilaueaiki Iki trail is a remarkable trail, probably like nothing you have ever hiked before. The flowers and color are not there, but the uniqueness brings you in.
In between
Somewhere, you need to visit a couple of coffee plantations. I would rank Mountain Thunder up there. The tour is so informative and you will be hooked on the coffee!
There are numerous beaches that you should try to go to. They are hard to get there in a regular car, so you need to rent a 4-wheel drive. For instance, the Green Sand Beach and the Black Sand Beach.
Kona
We head back to Kona for our last two days to kayak and swim with colorful tropical fish among healthy coral gardens at this spectacular snorkeling oasis where spinner dolphins make this bay their home.
It's easy enough to go kayaking at Kona. The kayaks are right on the beach where you can rent and take them out on your own as far out as you wish. Kona Boys worked for us.
At some point, a visit the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center may be possible, as it is just a 30-second stroll from the open-air terminals at the Kona airport. Created to honor the Big Island-born astronaut who died with six others
on the space shuttle Challenger in January 1986, the center is packed
with hands-on activities that illustrate science and space concepts.
There are a total of eight days/seven nights at hotels. We will be staying
nights 1and 2 in Kona, night 3, 4 and 5 in Hilo and our last 2 nights back in Kona for easy access to catch an overnight flight home. Because of the long flight home, you won't get home until Sunday, the 24th.
Included in Cost of Trip
• Transportation starting and ending at Kona National airport
• Transportation to Hilo
• Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners as on itinerary
• Accommodations for seven nights in Kona and Hilo hotels
• Park Fees to Volcanoes National Park
• Kayak rental
Not Included in Cost of Trip
• Round-trip plane ticket from home to Kona, Hawaii
• Transportation from home to airport and back home
• Travel insurance (recommend to have your own travel insurance)
• Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, alcoholic drinks)
• Admission to Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center ($3)
• Anything else not mentioned on itinerary
Sure, there are maps and tour guides and the Chamber of Commerce, but wouldn't it be nice if we had trips already planned and we knew what we wanted to do at those locations by others recommendations. I have been leading vacation trips with OutsideNE and the Appalachian Mountain Club for over ten years.
Hiking the E4 Trail in Crete
Rockland Maine
Hope you are able to go on one of these trips and add some information! Happy Vacations and Weekends!
