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Time for another book signing and sale at the Volcano Market!
This time my table was in the busier outside pavilion, and we were right next to some breakfast items cooked to order! Good for business as their customers had time to browse while waiting for onolicious pancake sandwiches and French toast hot off the grill!
Good fun talking story with people and answering questions!
With a Big Island section featuring well-known local photographers G.Brad Lewis and Jack Jeffrey plus artist John Dawson and botanist Tim Tunison, interest in the book has been especially high with bookstore sales at Basically Books in Hilo.
How about a book signing at the Volcano Village Sunday open market, which is close to many of the images taken at various sites within Volcanoes National Park. This particular open market, held on Sundays from 7-9AM at the Cooper Center, is very popular with Volcano residents and visitors, who pack the parking lots and park along side the road to sample a wide variety of food items, unique handicrafts and plants. The center also has a large collection of donated books as well as other miscellaneous household items.
So it was that on February 8th, attendees had a chance to get signed copy of Adventurerʻs Hawaiʻi at an attractive special new yearʻs price with lots of talk story and networking opportunities. The event was a big success for both author and visitors so it might be repeated in the next 2-3 months!
Kicking back on Sunday morning!
Itʻs always nice to get a pat on the back for your efforts! When it comes to books, it doesnʻt get much better than to be a medalist in the annual IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) Benjamin Franklin Awards competition.
Designer Cindy Turner and author Peter Caldwell with gold medal trophy in hand are all smiles!!
The book continues to do well, and the four years of work to put together this second edition were well worth it!
Paying a visit to a sea cave is one of the highlights of any kayak session. This kind of adventure is generally limited to the summer months as the winter storm forces that created the cave in the first place are certainly to be avoided and care is always needed.
On Oahu, the cave on the back side of Mokumanu is one of the best. These two islands are are part of the Hawaiʻi State Bird Sanctuary system, and there are often clouds of birds cruising around the higher cliffs. Divers give the area high marks but itʻs also a favorite hang out for the “men in the grey flannel suits” especially the striped kind! For experienced paddlers, there is also a narrow passage between the two islands but that requires good timing and the right tide. The cave itself is spacious and turns to the right as you paddle in to the end. As always, you have the feeling of being a privileged guest as you contemplate the caveʻs creation and watch the birds wheeling high above the entrance. Pick a relatively calm summer day and check it out!
Approaching from the Kailua side (top); Looking out from the entrance (bottom).
Approaching from the Kailua side.
A hiker pauses on the KST on a spectacular clear day. Endemic Hawaiian vegetation rules! Central Koʻolaus: Peering over the edge down the windward side.
For hikers on O’ahu, the Ko’olaus always beckon us as they are a constant presence as we go about our daily lives. Summer days can offer ideal weather for a chance to sample stunning views and have memorable experiences. Ascending one of the ridge trails, in a short time the downsides of civilization leave us quickly and the wonders of our unique Hawaiian ecosystem surround us. Best bets for enjoying our mountains safely are to take advantage of the Nā Ala Hele state trail system or hook up with an organized weekend hike with the Hawaii Trail and Mountain or Sierra Club. Lots to learn from these experienced folks! Following sections of the Koʻolau Crest is a step up in adventuring and needs to be undertaken only with caution and careful preparation. The Ko’olau Summit Trail contours along both sides of part of the crest from Pūpūkea to Kīpapa and is a challenging and strenuous journey. Continuing further along the summit crest from that point is an epic adventure and can be very hazardous. Two excellent resources are Stuart Ballʻs Guide to Hiking Oahu and his fascinating companion book on the history of Oahu trails. Head for the hills!