Emptyknitster

The last few weeks I've been working on this years sock stash. I've finished four pair of socks that will probably keep my handmade sock assortment intact for another year. In fact, I threw the last store bought socks (except athletic) away.  I bought the yarnand planned to take it all with me on vacation. There was enough yarn for three pair, sure that would certainly suffice, especially when I'm the one that has said loud and clear at the yarn shop, "You might as well knit a sweater for as much work as a pair of socks are." I used the “No Pattern Socks” from The Knit Girllls. But from the top down this time. I love this pattern because it is so easy and since I was traveling I didn’t want to have anything unnecessary - like a pattern- with me. As I finished the first pair I realized I'd bought themed yarn! I present to you my vacation in socks... HAWAII Sand Socks: Pattern: "No Pattern Socks" Yarn: Paton Stretch Sock Yarn, 41% cot...

We had a very nice vacation again this February. Mostly relaxing, knitting and soaking up the sun. Our first view of the island from the airplane Beautiful weather Some of the biggest waves we've seen at Hapuna Beach! Great boogie boarding Our Hapuna shelter from the brisk tradewinds "Winter Storm Watch" on the Big Island -snow on the volcano! We did some animal watching... When we arrived at Turtle Beach I spotted this bird in the water doing a little fishing. I just wish I'd gotten a photo, he was walking in the water with his head stretched out skimming the water. After I had settled in my beach chair, there he was... Fish in beak, Going down! Sliding down the hatch! Great meal!  We went to Spencer Beach and spotted several turtles At the Macadamia Nut Factory there were several dozen wild goats hanging around - guess they know a good meal when they taste one!  There were many beautiful sunsets durin...

The perfect screen saver...

Each day was wonderful on Paradise. But all good things must come to an end.... Tidal Pool sunset, across from our house Observatory sunset... Hapuna sunset... Kona Coast sunset... Mauna Kea sunset... Kona sunset... If you lived this everyday what would you have to look forward to?

We were enjoying an open air market in Kona when Hubby heard another tourist talking about a "really great tour" he had taken to the lava fields. Hubby was unable to resist this adventure, there is something about the combination of fire, being a male and a fireman that got his blood flowing... First thing the next morning, we were on the road to the volcano. It's a beautiful drive, from the west side of the island - dry and full of beaches, up to Parker Ranch - lush and green, to the east side - rainforests and cooler.  We went to the summit of Kilauea and checked out the crater. The crater inside the larger crater of Kilauea We visited a park were you can see the devastation caused by earlier flows into the ocean. Owners of the land prior to the eruption are now just beginning to rebuild, although a home was lost last month because of the lava. The end of the road... A brave soul, with an ocean view and a "glow in the evening"... Then on to finding...

As far as animals were concerned, there were several firsts on our vacation. At the beginning of our stay we woke up to some very familiar bird sounds.... Knock, knock. Who's there? "Your friends - the turkeys, and it's a hella'va lot nicer here than in Montana!" Why did the turkey cross the road? To get to the beach, silly! We had never seen a manta ray at Hapuna Beach, so that was very exciting to be able to swim with one, and there was also a turtle at Hapuna which, although not a first, was still exciting. On other beaches we saw many pretty birds, turtles, sea cucumbers, sand crabs, whales, and just hanging loose were the geckos and mongooses.