Today is my last day on this incredible island. While I’m ready to rescue my poor lonesome hound from his prison kennel stay, I will miss spending time with my son and his family and seeing the amazing sights this island has to offer. It has been a remarkable trip. As Dr. Seuss said, “Oh the places you’ll go. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way.” So with those words in mind, here’s what else we managed to visit.
We drove up to Waimea to check out the Parker Ranch. Nestled below the slopes of Mauna Kea, the ranch is one of the largest (and oldest) in the U.S. at nearly 250,000 acres. Founded in 1847 by John Palmer Parker, it is the second largest private landowner in Hawaii. The two homes photographed below are now museums. The Parker Ranch has a fascinating story with a number of up’s and down’s, but it has become a success story in Hawaiian history. It is now run by a charitable trust. This trip has been amazingly remarkable and I hope you’ve enjoyed visiting some of these irresistible sites as much as I did.
But first…we had to pick up a hitchhiker on the way to the ‘big’ house. This Jackson chameleon was the exact color of the biggest Cook pine tree (often called Norfolk Pine) I’ve ever seen (encircled by the family tree huggers). And because it’s Tuesday, here’s a little trivia about the Jackson chameleon – their tongues are one and a half times the length of their bodies!
The grounds had spectacular gardens and a nearby pasture with several horses and their new foals (it was nearly impossible shooting them as they galloped past too quickly before I could even focus). Here are some pics including a gorgeous Jacaranda tree I was finally able to capture and dozens of ginormous Allium, and lovely Bird of Paradise blooms.
In addition to incredible gardens, there were many tools, saddles and pieces of gorgeous koa wood furniture and period clothing, all far too handsome not to share.
Lunch was crashed at the nearby brew house by a gold dust day gecko who loved my Brownie a la mode as much as I did. 
I could go on and on, there’s so much beauty and far too many unusual sites on this fascinating island but I’m rushing off to catch a plane soon to rescue the hound. The owner of the kennel called to tell me poor Sam was on a hunger strike. I can hardly wait to try to make it up to him but wonder what that’s gonna cost over the long-term? Time will tell, so stay tuned.
It’s been such a terrific trip and I want to extend my warmest thanks to my son and his family for their graciousness and for making it so entertaining. Know I love you all to the moon and back and look forward to my next visit to your beautiful island home. Hopefully by then the newest fur-kid will have out grown the annoying puppy stage and the neighbor won’t be such a douche. Nala…you are a goofball; and I will miss you and your family very much. <3
Live, love, bark! <3
For your first photo…here ya go…
You crack me up!
Oh how I love you. You called your son’s neighbor a douche. Ba ha ha. Hope you managed to get the hunger striking hound to eat.
Oops…was that my out loud voice? Filter Monika, filter!!
Looks like you have a great holiday and , I hope , a good rest before getting back to Sam and the hospital. I loved all your photographs – no Battleships though. :o) Sam will be so glad to have you home again.
Thanks. Yup no battleships close to us. Just gorgeous trees and flowers 😊 We’re scheduled for the hospital tomorrow so I hope I can be caught up enough on my sleep. We are pretty exhausted doing the red eye last night. 😝
Sam must be so impatient by now!
When I talked to them this morning he had eaten a little bit but still out of sorts. Hopefully he’ll feel better when he sees me. Fingers crossed.
Wow! What an incredible vacation! The photos are awesome but I’m sure no camera can do justice to the beauty that is surrounding you. ♥
Totally true, plus I’m not the best photographer to document the beauty. 😉
We’re all friends here. You can tell us the truth that you got voted off the island.
😉 I’d have been a terrible contestant on Survivor and wouldn’t have lasted this long.
What a beautiful place to visit and spend quality family time. Safe travels home!
Smileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Thank you! It really is a special place.
A wonderful time in a beautiful place BUTT there’s no place like home (and Sam)!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Boy howdy…ain’t that the truth!
What a joyous and remarkable trip on so many levels! So happy for you!!! I know someone else who will be ECSTATIC to see you! SAM!! Poor guy! Give him a kiss from us please!! Hope you made it home safe and sound and thank you for the great travel updates!!! xoxo DakotasDen
The puppy kisses should be a-flowing. It’ll be so wonderful to bring that mutt home (and I’m sure the kennel dogs will be glad to see him go 😉 ).
What a beautiful trip, how lucky for you to be there. Have a safe travels back.
what a great trip. Sounds like you’re going home just in time for Sam. LEeAnna
It has been so wonderful but I’m sure Sam will be beyond ecstatic when I pick him up.
Such beautiful pictures, Ms. Monika. I’m glad you had a great time but I agree that you should be getting back to Sam now. Especially it he’s on a hunger strike. You know things are bad when a dog refuses to eat. Have a safe trip! *Ear licks*
He’s so sensitive and completely devoted to me. Can’t wait to see that goofball pogo-sticking hound!
Us guys can be that way. I don’t like it when my Mom leaves me behind either. I mean, I still eat but that’s because round is my favorite shape and I can’t afford to become oblong.
You’ll have to send Sam directions for that. He’s not so much food driven as some pups. 🙂