Hello Friends and Family,

Link to this year's index by clicking here.


Road to Halawa Valley


I got a late start wandering down Highway 450 to Halawa Valley but, even so, many beautiful and interesting sights can be the reward. I stopped to photograph this fish pond which is still in good repair.

I am told that some 60 ancient fish ponds still exist along the southern coast of Moloka`i — the oldest dating back to the 13th century. They consist of walls built from lava rock and coral. I am also told that there was not much lava rock in this area and it had to be hand carried from the north side of the island.

The fish ponds were built to keep fish that either entered through a sluice gate and grew too large to escape — or fish that were caught with nets during times of plenty and placed in the fish pond and raised until needed.

According to some sources, the fish were eaten only by the ali`i (chiefs). According to another source, some two million pounds of fish were harvested each year from Hawai`ian fish ponds. That causes me, with no expertise, to wonder if perhaps the ali`i had first crack at this bounty but commoners were "permitted" some share.

This source of protein was so beneficial that steps are currently underway to restore the fish ponds and return them to productivity. Good luck my friends.


This small peninsula caught my eye and my camera. When I started playing with it in Photoshop, I was drawn to the contrasts which led to black and white. This is so much fun!


I eventually made it down to Halawa Valley, taking this photo from an overlook along the single-lane road as it descends into the valley. Here I encountered a couple from Germany who were also out exploring and taking photos. Curiously, I ran into this same couple again when I eventually made it to Maui — at the Maui Farmer's Market in Honokowai. Small world!

 


It was getting late so, I did not stay long — just long enough to stretch my legs and observe the ocean waves. The spot in this photo is just beyond the influence of the waves, a quiet spot for reflection — or for surfers wanted a gentle start before taking on the breakers.


Heading back, Turtle Rock caught my eye. As you can see, the turtle's head is to the right, just poking out of the water with the body and shell protruding even more. It is difficult to recognize the scale of Turtle Rock from the photograph — but be aware that this rock is visible some 15 miles away on Maui.

 

 


Ah, steak — and hamburger — grazing in the pasture overlooking the ocean. Do you suppose this beautiful setting results in more tender meat?

As you can probably tell, the sun was getting lower in the sky when I encountered some additional farm animals. I love the way the sun shines through the horse's mane and tail. Plenty of grass to munch on — no need to check out the stranger in case he might have an apple or other treat.

The mule seemed more interested in me than the horses. He look like he wanted to talk — perhaps he is related to Francis the Talking Mule.

A horse with freckles! Only on Moloka`i.

Is that a face that only a mother would love?

Life is good.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com