berrysprite: Big Island and Pookie

Huzzah, the trip to the Big Island was a blast, a lot of driving and rain/ vog/ fog, but still very very enjoyable! We stayed at Kilauea Military Camp for 2 nights and spent the rest of the time driving all around; it was very cool because KMC is actually in the Volcano, so we were very close to the action. The winds were on our side for the most part, and blew the ash and particulate spewing from the volcano away from us the whole time. I actually had the most fun taking pictures of a little someone I brought along for the trip, though I was a little embarassed so most of the pictures are from when no one was looking. I mean, wouldn't you wonder if a 5'9" 23 year old was taking a bazillion pictures of a 3" toy bear, instead of normal things like the scenery, people, etc? Anyway, I was mostly just paranoid. I was hoping to take some better pictures to possibly make a book, but maybe that will come later. So, here is my trip in brief, (although it was really Pookie's).

Many, many pictures follow: it's a storybook!

Pookie's trip to the Big Island

Pookie was really excited about going to the Big Island. He wanted to see the Volcano, so he didn't care if it was raining! But, he was getting a little hungry.

When the plane came in, Pookie stood by the window to look at it, even though it was very big and loud, Pookie thought it looked like so much fun...

And he was right! When the plane took off, Pookie was a little scared still but he really liked seeing the cars and people that looked like ants. Most of all, Pookie loved the big blue ocean; it was hard to tell where the sky began! Best of all, Pookie had some juice on the plane. POG is delicious!

Pookie got off the airplane in Hilo (Hee-low) and decided he was still a little hungry even after the juice so he went to Ken's and ordered a macadamia nut waffle with bananas and whipped cream and coconut syrup, with a side of spicy Portuguese sausage. Pookie was a good bear and ate it all!

The macadamia nuts on his waffles were very crunchy, and reminded Pookie that he had really wanted to visit Mauna Loa macadamia nut factory, so he could buy some yummy chocolate gifts for his family (as you can tell, Pookie loves food!)

The people at the Macadamia nut factory were very nice!

Afterwards, Pookie decided to visit Pana`ewa zoo; they had so many nice plants and animals there. Does that sign apply to Pookie?

He was really excited to see the white tiger, Namaste. But for a little while, Pookie couldn't find him. "Where are you pretty white tiger?"

Pookie thoroughly enjoyed the pigs, they ate their food like this, "gobble, gobble!"

And Einstein the cockatoo loved Pookie so much, he tried to pet him! Pookie must look like a big peanut!

Before going to the volcano, Pookie stopped off at a vanilla farm to rest. He got to pick a fresh strawberries, though he didn't know strawberries grew at vanilla farms!

Pookie decided to go all the way to Waimea, where he saw many nice shops. He even found some new friends.

When Pookie went to Na`alehu, he knew he had to stop and get some Punalu`u sweet bread... yum yum!

Along the way to the Volcano, Pookie found a nice waterfall, which was the perfect place to relax for a bit. Aaaaahhhh...

Finally, Pookie got to the Volcano! He loved seeing the lehua (lay-who-a) blossoms. Legend has it that if you pick one it will rain!

What an awesome sight! Pookie looked through the viewing glasses for fun, but you really didn't need to...

Because the volcano was erupting! Pookie climbed a tree and watched for a while. He was so happy.

While he was at the Volcano, Pookie did some hiking in nature. He came across a beautiful cave with water in it. Let's go spelunking!

Finally, it was time for Pookie to go home. He had so much fun; he had seen so much! He loved the nut factory, the animals at the zoo, the shops, the friends and especially all the food! What a wonderful day! Pookie must be soo tired, because he is sleeping! Goodnight Pookie!