Kohala Helicopter Ride

This weekend officially marked the end to our summer craziness, as I think we've ticked off most of what we'd wanted Ry to do this summer. I know we're all looking forward to just chilling out the next two weeks (except Ryan, who would very much enjoy a stacked weekend year round).

Thursday was one of the most exciting days we've experience in a while- Ry had his first ever surfing lesson! I've never done it, but have always wanted Ry to at least have the experience of trying it and seeing if he wants to do it. And thankfully, our friend Dmitri was kind enough to teach him some basics. Because Dmitri wisely had Ryan stand up on the board before the wave(s) came, all he had to do launch him atop the wave, making it easier for Ry to try and balance. And it was STILL tough. I think if they attempted 15 waves, Ry caught 2-3. But I was so excited to see him try.

Sensei and young grasshopper

Saturday was particularly long- I started off with a 6am run with my friend Duane that was supposed to be a 13.1, but I did everything I possibly could to ruin it and turn it into a 12 mile walk fest- I was weak, hungry, had stomach cramps/cold sweats...you name it.  It was a little embarrassing, but at least it wasn't in a race. :-)

After some midday work appointments with Rich, and a quick swim lesson for Ry (we're gearing up for a 200-yard swim/1-mile run in a week, and he can barely swim 25 yards without needing a break). It's been a year since our last swim lesson, and it shoooows. Wildly flailing arms and limp legs/feet = a big fat uh oh. I figure if we can swim 100 yards 3-4 times before race day that we should be able to...survive?

Later that day, Ry and I took my mom to the Relay for Life. My mom hit the 10-year survivor anniversary mark this year, so it was particularly important to be there for the dinner and victory lap around the field. Like last year, they had a helicopter drop fragrant flowers on the those doing their victory lap, which is AWESOME.

From there, we had to dash up the hill to a temple for their Obon Matsuri (a festival honoring the dead), since there is nothing our son loves more than a bon dance, taiko (drumming) and dressing in yukata (cotton kimono) and geta (wooden sandals). I feel a little bad that we're one of 'those parents' who stand outside the circle of dancers while their child dances solo (watching strangers and mimicking their moves). :-D But um, not bad enough to join him. I mean, the kid clearly has courage (so let's not get in the way of that), plus...his parents don't have the kind of rhythm he has.

So happy to find two of his Zumba friends to dance with

We didn't get home until after 9pm, and Ry fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow (a rarity, this kid has endless energy and could last until midnight if you let him).

And on Sunday, Ry got to tick something off his bucket list* (and yes, last year at age 6, he made one once he learned what they are)- we took him on a helicopter ride over the Kohala Coast!

*Ryan's Bucket List (as of July 2015)

1. Eat croissants/puffed pastry in Paris.
2. Ride a helicopter.
3. Go back to Japan. 
4. Become a flight attendant or an architectural drafter.
5. Get roller skates.
6. Go to Green Sand beach.
7. See Big Ben in England.

Nice, right?! I can afford roughly three of them (helicopter, roller skates and a trip to South Point's Green Sand Beach. Other than those, Ryan needs to get himself a J-O-B.

A few pictures from our fun family 'almost end of summer' day...

One of the larger rifts on the 'dry' side of Kohala

As we went higher in elevation and more east...the dry plains turned into green pastures...literally. :-)

Our view from the backseat, left side of the chopper (so therefore difficult to get pics between or over the front row passengers), and furthest from the coastline and water fall views.

We saw valley after valley of waterfalls and rivers pouring into the black sand beaches, soaring cliffs, gorgeous clear blue water and a pod of dolphins.

We live on the dry side of the island, so we easily forget how green, wet and lush the island is...even though we're hundreds of millions years younger than other islands. This was my second ride on a helicopter (the first was about thirteen years ago, over the same area but with another company). I tell every visitor here that if they can swing it- a helicopter ride over the island is unparalleled for views of untouched island beauty. Though there was a much more luxurious company in town with nicer aircraft (that we flew with last time), I think they charge closer to $225 pp for the same 40 min ride. We paid 'only' $170pp because we went with the lesser known, more affordable, humbler aircraft that was a 5-10 min drive further from town. Still, that's a lot of money, and definitely something that I can only do once in a blue moon.

In less than two weeks, I return to F/T employment, so I hope to spend the next few weeks focusing more on doing everything I can to make the school year as stress-free as possible- ticking things off my to-do list, stocking the pantry and cleaning the house. I don't think we have much more planned in the way of 'fun' for the remaining few weeks, but if I do, you can bet I'll be happily writing about it here. :-)