30 April 2004
The Posse Arrives
More of our pals have arrived on the island! Eric "Cartman", Lola, and Paul called this morning to say that they were approaching Hilo. Lamont, Satoshi, Kendal, and I met them at Blane's Drive-In, where I enjoyed yet another helping of delicious, heart-stopping loco moco. I should have my cholesterol checked when I get home!
Lamont, Satoshi, and Kendal wanted to go surfing, and I had had enough of the beach. So, I followed Cartman, Lola, and Paul to two spectacular spots: Rainbow Falls, then Boiling Pots.
Soon my companions had to leave for Kona to pick up our pal Pete at the airport. I headed for a strip of grubby old shops on the beach and did some thrifting. At the Pink Elephant Thrift Shop, I picked up a great shirt for $4. The ladies behind the counter, one 91 years old and the other 83, told me that they remember San Francisco when it used to be really nice, "before all the hippies and the gays came." Hrm. I kinda like those hippies and gays!
I made a quick trip up Highway 91 to the Laupahoehoe Train Museum to pick up a thing or two for my dad, a serious train buff (real trains, not model trains). By the time I rejoined Lamont, Satoshi, and Kendal, it was raining holy hell. We decided it would be wise not to attempt a trip to the volcano this evening. Instead it'll be a leisurely evening at home with Internet, TV, and whiskey! We begin by watching part of a recording of the Merrie Monarch Festival, which took place the week before I arrived in the islands. Satoshi is kindly making me a copy of this five-hour hula extravaganza!
Meanwhile, the rest of our posse is assembling in and near the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort. Tomorrow at sunset, we'll all congregate there, on the beach, and watch our friends Aimee and Dennis exchange their vows.