Time flies. The moment has really come to say goodbye to all my new friends at HAVO and its surroundings. What a ginormous experience this was, and how quickly it all went by! I just remember arriving, sorting out the rooms in the house, with Chuck leaving one term (three months) ago, and now I was the last one remaining of the current term, and suddenly there are packed suitcases bursting with personal stuff and memories and all!
So Mahalo for everything, it was great and an unforgettable experience. Three months, being part of this Interp family, working as a Ranger and really being integrated and trusted with all the responsibilities, I am really grateful and had a great time. Not only do I hope that all of you and the park’s surroundings and inspirational places had good and lasting influence on me, but perhaps I also could contribute so that all of you had a great time, too.
Looking back, I am sure I am missing even some of the key things, but Halema’uma’u glow so intense the first few nights, the training sessions and getting to grips with all the history and background of Hawai’i Volcanoes NP, then the treks and trails out there, almost made it to the Lava myself, swimming at Old Kona Airport and getting a free island tour as well as a taste of all the great traditions by attending the various cultural festival activities. Swiping the secret lava tube tour, working with the BBC film crew and being on the set for two days. Discovering all the tiny little and yet so important things, plants and animals alike. Being taken out to dinner, to drinks and to sit on your lanais and in front of the fireplaces. Mahalo nui!
Well, looking ahead there’s nothing to be sad about – just have settled down in a great ocean front room in Waikiki, feeling the breezes both on my skin and the palm leaves. Doing some dives and trying to find some more honu (Turtles), then moving over to Maui and – hopefully – finally doing the “back” part of Road to Hana, too. So much to see, so much to do, so I am excited all over again!
Halema'uma'u eruption during daytime, Jaggar, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island, USA