A Million Little Pieces Of My Mind

Since I can't meet Rob for those pictures until Thursday, I decided to spend the day at a beach. I mean, it is Maui!

On this part of the island, the sun rises out of sight to the East. The mountains are north, and show delicate shadows at both sunrise and sunset. Further north, beyond the mountains, is rainforest. It rains a lot there, but here in the lee of the mountains' prevailing winds, not so much (which is why the South Shore of Maui is more populated than the North Shore.

Rooftop tents for Jeeps have become a popular choice for Maui rentals. These tents attach directly to the roof rack system of the vehicle, providing a convenient and elevated sleeping area. They are designed to be durable and weather-resistant, often featuring hard shell or soft shell options. Hard shell tents offer quick setup and takedown, while soft shell tents provide more space and additional features like annex rooms. These tents typically include windows and ventilation to ensure comfort in various weather conditions.

I would love to have tried one, but with my hip the way it is, climbing the ladder would've been out of the question. (I had enough trouble crawling into the back of my SUV.) Maybe next trip, after the hip replacement surgery?

I called Rob and found he wasn't going to be driving to this side of the island until Thursday (my last day). So I decided to spend the day at one of the beach parks I didn't visit that often, Kanahā. This beach is near Kahului, and, being on the curve of coast as it is, you also get spectacular views of the North shores.

Kanahā (pronounced kah-nah-HAH) Beach Park is a scenic coastal park located on the northwestern shore, near the town of Kahului. Renowned for its expansive sandy beaches and consistent trade winds, Kanahā Beach Park is a premier destination for a variety of outdoor activities and events.

I think that's the town of Waihee-Waiehu. Probably one of the few spots on the island I haven't already been to.

Kanahā Beach Park, located on Maui's north shore, is home to a variety of native and introduced plant species. Kanahā's coastal dunes and wetlands are adorned with 'aki 'aki (Sporobolus virginicus), a native grass that thrives in salty environments. Additionally, the park features lush greenery, including various shrubs and trees that provide shade and habitat for local wildlife

There were plenty of cars in the parking lots, but the place is so big you can easily feel as if you're wandering alone.

As we approach the beach, the first surfers come into view. Maui is home to every kind of surfing there is; each shore attracts surfers, windsurfers, kiteboarders, and more in accordance with its waves, winds, and absence of hazards.

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is a thrilling water sport that combines aspects of surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding. In kitesurfing, a large parachute-like kite harnesses the power of the wind to propel the rider across the water on a small surfboard or kiteboard. The kite is connected to the rider via a harness, allowing them to control the kite's direction and speed by manipulating a control bar.

To be honest, this isn't really anything I'd want to do. But it's a lot of fun to watch!

And if kiteboarding is too advanced for you, there's still windsurfing! This is an exhilarating water sport that combines elements of both sailing and surfing. It involves riding on a board, known as a sailboard, which is powered by the wind through a sail attached to a movable mast. The rider stands on the board and uses the sail to catch the wind, propelling themselves across the water. By adjusting the sail's angle and position, the windsurfer can control their speed and direction.

I made friends with one of the surfers, a guy named Gary. He was born on Maui and surfs every day. When he needs money, he asks visitors if they want surf lessons.

He's never short of money.

Part of the fun of being 73 is having to go to the bathroom, like, every fifteen minutes. So on the way back to the campground, I pulled into Maui Lani Regional Park, where I used to let the dogs run, and where I knew there was a decent restroom. That community on the lower slope is Wailuku.

Anyway, I made it back to Camp Oluwalu well before dark. And I was still jetlagged, so I again went to sleep early. But I awoke around 1 AM (another perk of being old) to be reminded how amazing the night sky is in a Dark Skies-designated area.

DarkSky International is an organization which works to protect night skies for present and future generations through outreach, advocacy, and conservation. They certify communities, parks, and protected areas around the world as International Dark Sky Places, ensuring these locations maintain responsible lighting policies and public education efforts.

So, back to bed…I've decided tomorrow to drive to the top of Mount Haleakala, a trip I haven't made since before the pandemic.