I'm back, rested and revved, enthusiastically ready to get back into the swing of things after a much-appreciated vacation. I spent a lot of time on the beach, worked on my tan, and got better acquainted with my digital camera.

I have lots of new photographs to share with you. I played tourist and toured the island of Oahu, stopped at many popular spots and found new ideas for future celebrations.
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NATURE KNOWS...
"Like a great poet, Nature knows how to produce the greatest effects with the most limited means." ~ Heinrich Heine

Nature knows and feeds the soul. As often as I could, I woke up and drove the 20 minutes to gorgeous Kailua and Lanikai Beaches where I walked along the warm waves before sunrise. Sand crabs crawl along the wet sand and scurry into the many holes that line the wide shoreline.

Ah, the memories of this beach! As a child, my family camped there during summer vacation. Rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the panoramic, aquamarine ocean today is a popular wind surfing destination and great place for family picnics.

About half a mile off-shore, the small, accessible islands of Popoi’a and Mokulua kiss the horizon and beckon kayakers to visit.
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SOFT, CLOSE EMBRACE...
"The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace." ~ Kate Chopin

At sunrise, there are just a few people on the beach. So there is a feeling of intimacy and communion with the ocean. The salt air cleans and clarifies. The pristine sand feels friendly between my toes.

And the sun... How can the sky have so many passionate colors? Can there be anything as glorious or inspiring?

"Sunlight," wrote singer Joni Mitchell, "will renew your pride." ...And a vacation can renew your heart.

Varooom!