Mid March and the Newmans

After special meeting we had a couple quiet, busy, working weeks before our next guests arrived. When we were in Idaho in January for our special meeting we invited Lance and Dorena to come on over to the Big Island and visit. We were quite delighted when they took us up on the offer and planned a trip our way in mid March.

Just a few pictures that I took on one of my morning walks
....there is a wonderful 3 mile loop that I walk through Waikoloa.

I am going to miss palm trees when we are through over here....

Hibiscus.

Local cardinal that I spotted on my morning walk.

Sometimes on my walk I loop down by the ocean.

We almost always see a few turtles in the afternoon down by A Bay.

This guy was in the rocks, feeding.

Here is a very common little black crab that was on the rocks, as well.
You see them often but they are FAST so you don't often get a good pic.

Same turtle moving with the current through the rocks.

We've had a lot of rain, so the Bougainvillea are gorgeous...
these were around a coffee plantation on our hike down to Kealakekua Bay. 

Kealakekua Bay as seen from the hike down.

Coffee trees in bloom.

Sunset on our way home from our hike...taken from the beach by the Natural Energy Lab.

Karen Smith and I met at A Bay for some beach time and
here she is helping a wind surfer get started.

And he's off!!

Then Lance and Dorena came....they got here on a Friday afternoon,

 so on Saturday we headed up to the Waimea Saturday Market.

 My pictures are rather out of order for these days because

 I was using several different cameras. We had a great

 time, farmers markets, hikes, beach time, snorkeling,

and Sunday morning meeting...and eating.

 Here they are, although not chronological.

Lance and Dorena in front of Kelly's favorite orchid booth.

The entertainment for the day.

Lance and Kelly waiting for their BACON sandwiches!!

This has always been a "dry creek bed" to us.....obviously it DOES run water.

Side effects of rain in the higher land.

Another beautiful side effect of  rain in the mountains.

Big dude watching the HUGE gold fish when we ate dinner.

One of our favorite "quick" places to eat...right here at Waikoloa..
and Lance really wanted fish and chips!!

Our "heart healthy" dinner!!

The fish right by where we were eating...they love french fries...by the way!!

Had to catch a quick sunset at A Bay.

Dorena watching the sky.

As the sun set the moon rose.

Lance discussing life with Harlon.

Harlon, Renell, Justin and Colter......love this picture.

Found a little spot for lunch on the way to Honaunau for snorkeling.

Another gorgeous sunset!!

Lance, Dorena and I took a little road trip and hiked down Pololu Trail.

Heading down Pololu Trail.

I think I found someone who likes picture taking as much as I do!!!

Dorena checking out the puddle....evidence of all the rain.

Beautiful scenery on the mountain road.

Lance and his RED rental car.

We met Kelly for supper at one of our favorite places in Waimea.

Hiking to Makalawena Beach on a very windy day.

Lance snorkeling at Honaunau.

We saw this turtle hanging out about 20 ft. down.

We watched and waited until he surfaced.