Today we filled our backpacks with bottled water and prepared for a long, hot hike up the lava fields to find out if we could see any hot molten lava. So far we’ve been delighted by all the rock formation on this side of the island, but we were ready for something a bit more exciting. Hiking two miles uphill on broken black asphalt would challenge most anyone, but the kids and I were determined to make it as far as we could- and then back again. When we arrived at the entry point, we discovered the government had placed barricades in hopes of enforcing specific entry points and times. Unfortunately we were early and met with signs suggesting the possibility of our arrest if we continued. While Jen discussed her rights as a tax payer with a few other people who arrived just behind us, I decided I was tired of standing there with a 30lb backpack on and just started walking. Soon everyone else started to follow and we were on our way.

At the end of the hike we reached a cliff with barricades and caution tape. Just beyond we could see smoke rising at the spot where the hot lava hit the ice cold ocean water. When this happens it explodes into tiny rocks that resemble the black beach sand seen on many older beaches. Here we could see the newest beach in the world, forming right before our eyes. No barricades we going to stop us, and we climbed over the tape and down the side of the cliff. Jen and Leila agreed that they’d already broken the law enough just by hiking this far and they we satisfied with the view right where they were. Malik opted for hiking with me, suggesting that there was no way he was going to watch his mother hike off by herself. The sentiment was sweet and appreciated, but he was just as curious as I was. We hiked carefully and scooped up handfuls of this beautiful new beach just to feel it fun through our fingers. The waves were violently slapping up against our new beach and we were happy to take our photos and head back to the rest of the group. As we left the park we passed the National Guard arriving to open the viewing area we’d already seen. They looked at us slightly puzzled but we smiled and waved and they smiled and waved back, no harm no foul.

After the long hot hike we coasted down to a little overpriced dive by the sea for Ahi and Ono burgers. Afterwards we took a stroll through the native Hawaiian gardens where they displayed their arguments for the return of their rights as native Hawaiians; a struggle not unlike that of our Native Americans. The hike offered colorful orchids, fragrant plumeria trees, and just before we made it back to the truck we stumbled upon the most delightful Hawaiian moonshine brewing bootleggers. They were more than happy to share their process and purpose with us. It turns out they were attempting to brew ethanol for their converted car using bananas and the resulting alcohol was just a bonus. We all enjoyed a few good laughs before thanking them and declining their invite to return later for drinks.

Malik caught a beautiful trigger fish while shore fishing with Suni yesterday. I’m still waiting on Suni to email me the photo because as soon as Malik caught it and snapped a few photos, Suni chopped it up to use as bait. He successfully caught an smaller fish than Malik originally caught, but then used that for bait as well. He then returned the boys and camped out on the shore all night hoping to catch something bigger and more exciting. This morning Suni showed up with something more exciting….this one is also getting chopped up to use for bait. This ugly beast wasn’t supposed to eat his bait, in fact it swallowed it whole so I guess it wasn’t a complete loss; he did pull it back out and intends to reuse it.

The smell of hot tofu scramble, sourdough pancakes, and the delightful sounds of rhythmic drumming filled the air starting at 8am this morning. Locals brought handmade soaps, jellies, and jams to sell and then the coconut truck pulled up and the kids could all be seen running around with topless coconuts that donned big straws made from the stems of the papaya leaf. Handmade “Filthy Farmgirl” soaps were a must as a souvenir purchase, and the first thing I’ve seen that I really just had to have- short of the dashboard hula dancer I picked up earlier this week for Dawne. Breakfast at the arts center was quite the festival.

Another hour later and the kids were riding on the street in front of the house on the Belly Acres’ bicycle built for two. Father’s Day arts and crafts followed before Malik was rescued by Suni and the great fishing trip expedition. While Malik and Bryan were off with Uncle Suni, Jen and I would take Tristan and Leila to Hilo to visit the wholesale fabric outlet. We both have delusions of making the perfect summer dress and bought all the materials required to do so. No trip to “town” would be complete with a visit to KTA- the grocery store. I couldn’t even begin to tell you how much food five people go through in a week. It seems like all we do is acquire food, prepare food, and clean up after consuming food. Today we’re preparing for the big Father’s Day BBQ were hosting tomorrow. I’ve been feeling rather guilty for not being home with my Dad and Malik and Leila with theirs. Then again I keep telling myself that it’s just another obligatory holiday designed to sell more junk.

Hard Cider and the sunset is next on the agenda.

The locals call it “The Warm Ponds”, but it’s a bit like climbing into a very large public saltwater bath tub. Everyone else seemed to really enjoy the experience but I found it oddly disturbing. After a few hours in the tub it was time for food and fun and Sofia’s birthday party. The kids really enjoyed swinging an aluminum bat at the pinata while the parents looked on with moderate concern.

Earlier this morning we enjoyed the local tide pools for a few hours, so by dinner time we were all wiped out. By the time the sun set the kids were sound asleep and Jen and I were enjoying a blender full of a frozen rum concoction. Every day should end so sweetly.

Today we decided to make a break for the Walmart in Hilo, which is about 45 minutes away from where we are now. Every time we get into the car we ooh and ahh and all the exotic plants and flowers. The view is spectacular no matter in which direction you look. However during this particular ride I quite possibly could have thrown myself from the moving vehicle. Jennifer’s son Tristan is usually delightful as most three year old are. On rare occasions he successfully master the temper tantrum and I cringe while Jen tries to turn into the backseat without steering us into oncoming traffic. Walmart itself is usually a nightmare, which is one of the major reasons I steer clear of it….well that and the people who actually shop there. But of course a screaming three year old and three other children trying to talk over the screaming child only adds to the excitement of wading through the mixed crowds of tourists and locals. Once clear of Walmart we grabbed some lunch, which was not unlike the drive to Hilo and the Walmart experience.

With four kids crammed in the car Jen and I decided that it was time to seek out a swimming hole and let the kids entertain themselves for a bit before we had to stuff them back into the car and drive 45 minutes home.

Instead of public pools here they have man made/ nature made inlet swimming holes. Large barrier rock have been lined up to break the waves and allow for shallow swimming areas for families with children. Now I’ve always been quite clumsy, so walking in wet flip flops across jagged volcanic rock should strike anyone- especially me as a very terrible idea. However we wouldn’t even be having this discussion if it were indeed the case.

Of course I forgot to bring my bathing suit, so while Jen and the kids went swimming I decided to explore the area where the fishermen climb out over the rocks and swim along the shoreline. You have to wade through water to get to the perfect spot for the perfect view, and I did just that. After which I promptly slipped and given the choice to land on my 4 thousand dollar camera or any body part of my own…well I would do the same thing for either one of my children as well. As expected, I promptly busted my ass onto the rocks. Technically my foot, knees, and hand. So that perfect spot for that perfect view allowed me time to wash off my bloody foot and collect my composure before the return hike over the rock and through the water back to the refuge of the picnic table.

Just as we were packing up the Shave Ice truck arrived and the kids were blessed with yet another cup of ice soaked sugar. Treats for the kids inspired treats for the adults, and as soon as the shave ice was a memory Jen and I made our way over to the mall for Mac and I even bought some of those awful Crocs. I don’t care what anyone says-I think they’re downright hideous, but yes they are VERY practical in Hawaii.