Aroha and Aloha!

Arrived in Auckland at 6 am from Honolulu.  The 8.5 hour flight was a red eye and was not so bad at all.  Very much like a flight from Honolulu to Kodiak, only one would not have to get off in Anchorage and wait for the flight to Kodiak.  Ruby was quite rested and refreshed after the flight, she slept well through the night on the chairs. As for myself, I slept - some, with a little help from the wine after the male flight attendant suggested a glass of Pinot Noir. "Its good sleeping wine", he said, and that's what convinced me!

We stayed the day in Auckland to settle with the fact that we are in a foreign country and went to a nearby animal park.  Today our rental car was delivered to us and we left busy Auckland for Raglan. A small coastal town on the NorthWest side of the North Island.
It is absolutely beautiful and warm and sunny out. The drive was great. I posted "keep left" on the dash and it just takes some time to get used to. 

It was a little hard to leave the land of "Aloha", but similarities abound between Hawaii and New Zealand, the land of "Aroha", which means "an open door" and "love" - like Aloha!

Ruby is loving the sheep and cows in the pastures along the road.  I had a belly full of Green lip mussels, local,fresh and in a red curry sauce.  The first backpackers place we came to is an old farm.  With a beautiful view and a dog named Ruby, we set up our tent and feel at home, for the day, and tonight.

The Big Island of Hawaii

Ruby and I have enjoyed getting to see and experience more of the Big Island than we ever have.  We've been in Hawaii for about 2 1/2 months, most of the time spent on the Big Island, Hilo side. We both love the sun, the warmth, and the beaches.  It rains a lot on the Hilo side, but the island is small enough that within a couple hours we can be on the other side of the island in sun, or other types of weather!  We've been to South Point, the southern most tip of the island and the U.S.  Yesterday we made it to Hawi, in the North and hiked down to a beautiful black sand beach.  And last night I finally saw the Lava! How COOL that was!!  Beautiful bright orange and red, thick, crusty and 2000 degrees. I poked it with a stick and stared at it in awe, admiring its brilliance.  Next time I'll take marshmallows and maybe hotdogs and roast them.
Hawaii is an amazing place, especially the Big Island, with its variety of  climates and landscapes and natural wonders.
I took Ruby to Rainbow Falls, a popular site in Hilo.  She happened to be wearing her  rainbow dress.  Next to the Falls is a giant Banyan tree in the jungle. As Ruby played around the tree, she resembled a Rainbow Fairy!

I don't know if anyone is reading this, as there are no "followers".
I am so greatful for all that we have, and the adventures that we have enjoyed and for the ones about to come.  We are continually blessed by Life, People, Angels and The Creator.  In small ways and big ways we are blessed and so thankful for the life we are living.