Da weekend.

A cloudless morning over Haleakala pulled me toward Poli-Poli to ride my bike. As I've not been riding regularly, the incline was hard going and not even a quarter of the way up I encountered the park gates that were surprisingly closed. Could I have snuck under them and carried on? Sure, but I don't mind admitting that part of me was relieved and instead I cruised from Rice Park to the Kula Hospital, where I witnessed a few patients being pushed in their wheel chairs by caring family on Easter Sunday....sweet.

Looking up toward Poli-Poli and Haleakala beyond, these are the fields to the Ali'i Lavender Farm and Ali'i passed away peacefully last week. If you ever met him, you were left with the clear sense that he was a passionate gentle soul, who's love and enthusiasm for the land was infectious.

It's a great Island wide view from up there and what I like about this otherwise dull pici is that you can see the shadow of the clouds on the isthmus.

The poppies are out in my favorite garden and butterflies were everywhere flitting in and out of the blooming wild nasturtiums.

On a weekday this is my breakfast, but today post morning exercise a protein shake was in order. Whey powder, soy milk and frozen bananas which often end up in my freezer free from the trees. Yummmmmm.

On Saturday, as I sat having coffee with my friend Oly at Casanova's, we chatted and watched the world go by, which at one point tipped in to the unusual. Never a dull moment in Makawao.

Talking of which, rigging up to go sailing at Kanaha also proved to be more amusing than normal when a bird not only crapped on my head (which made me jump), but the volume was such that there was enough left over to hit the bulls eye! The good news...I've never wanted to get in the water so fast and I had a great sesh, il segno!

Poli Poli migration.

Poli Poli is a breath of fresh air any time of day, but at sunset it's especially calm and beautiful.

Other than the odd Bull in the road.

Friday night was the annual migration for our book club overnighter and once ensconced in our cozy cabin, my ego suggested a little fireside la-la-la-along. Kanara makes it clear one doesn't need to sing or play the Uke to have fun, oh-lay!

To the untrained eye we might look like a bunch of ordinary chicks, but believe me, this group of extraordinary & exquisite women can party, solve, debate, love, cook, laugh, run, support, la-la-la-la, read, speak their minds and welcome your socks off. We had a blast.

A short stroll from the cabin is a lookout where the Big Island pokes her head out of the clouds.

There might not be electricity in the woods, but that doesn't stop a light and delicious lunch for ten magically appearing. "Anyone fancy a another beer?"....burrrrp.

Book Club Bliss.

'Tis that time of the year (again) when the annual migration of avid readers descends out of the clouds and into the bliss that is the cabin at Poli-Poli.

Nancy to Sharon, "honestly-it was this big"!

The evening light at the cabin was ridiculously gorgeous. Not having seen each other for a few months as women do, we clucked and hugged, convened around the BBQ catching up on each others journey..... so far and fully appreciating our surroundings.

I'd say gratitude was the common feeling among us as we nestled in to our electric free cabin life. We had nutritious and alcoholic provisions for days and like a well trained regiment, we all got on with what had to be done, chipping in, doing our part and allowing the gathering to naturally unfold.

Bloody hell girls, it doesn't get much better than this. Oh wait......there was the satellite and shooting star watching, 'Thriller' at dinner dancing and enough laughter to sustain everyone until our October meeting.

The walking stick.....

All feeling rather pleased with ourselves having just picked this upcoming sessions books. It'll be out little way of helping the economy, Amazon here we come!