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.
