Today we had to be up at 3:45 am and on the road by 4:30 for our trek up Haleakala Crater to see the sunrise at 5:53 am. The last 23 miles up Crater Road takes an hour... The map looks like a seismograph.
We made it up to the summit a little late, but it didn't matter, because alas, the crater was covered in clouds. We waited it out a little to see if the clouds would break, but this is the best it would do for us. At least the crowds had cleared out by the time we left.
It was a balmy 48 degrees up there, but with the wind chill and very wet mist blowing, it was much colder.
A few miles outside of the park, we stopped for breakfast at Grandma's coffee shop.
A darling little place with just one old guy cooking in the back and young lady taking orders in the front. Made me think that this would be a good job for Mike after we retire here. It's as if they set up a little road side breakfast shop just for the joy of making food for people.
We split two breakfasts, and it was more than enough. The breakfast plates are served with two big plops of sticky white rice. The omelet I was sharing with Mike had Portuguese sausage in it, and it was awesome! Mike said he's seen the sausage at Weggies, so I will definitely be looking for that when we get home.
Next stop, Tedeschi Winery at the Ulupalakua Ranch - the only winery on the island (no surprise there!)
They make a very good pineapple wine and champagne. Now I know what you wine snobs are thinking, pineapple wine can only be too sweet and fruity, but I must admit I liked it, and especially the champagne. They also have a raspberry framboise that is excellent, and at 22% alcohol, gets you where you're going faster. They have grape wines too, and all grown on the ranch. The ranch also raises buffalo and elk, and you can stay for a sammy if you time it right. |
| I have no idea what this flower is, but the color is amazing and like nothing I've ever seen before. |
Continue the trip East along the Pi'ilani Highway, and eventually you get to many cool overlooks and exciting views of the rocky black lava coastline. This trek is quite tricky with winding narrow roads, dips, and some one-lane bridges. As the rain and fog came and went along with our visibility, we couldn't help but feel we were on an adventure...in a Crown Vic, no less.
Sounds very interesting! I will check this out! cremation in augusta ga
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