Finally, A Beautiful Morning and Sunrise

Its been one storm front following another front the past few weeks filled  with dreary skies. I've also been distracted with travel plans to visit Spain and Morrocco soon in May.

But, seeing blue skies again has prompted me to continue my morning walks here in Hawaiian paradise park and be a part of the magical sunrises that occur in this part of the world.

 

It was a spectacular morning today and I'm enjoying the early sunrise by myself. The scenery is just so dramatic and incredible at this time of the morning, don't you think?  Golden light reflects brightly on the dark cliffs against these huge lava rocks and the waves crash so violently even after each storm - its so exciting to see this early in the day!


For more amazing sky views go visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Orchid Mania

I can never get tired of seeing amazing new orchid species and visiting orchid nurseries in Hawaii. Akatsukas in Volcano is an institution in East Hawaii. I regularly stop by when I'm up in the cooler areas of Volcano visiting friends or touring with some friends.

As you can see they specialize in the very showy cattleya orchids, which is very unusual for the cooler climates of Volcano. But since they are hardened in this cooler climate, the plants end up being hardier, resistant to pests and the flowers are even more intense in coloration and longer lasting.

I love this hot fuschia and red combination named Cattleya-Rlc. Teri Nardini Smigielski, isn't it just a beauty? The striped red and yellow throat just draws you in completely.

They also carry a variety of other orchid species like miltonias, this one a vivid red named Milt. Bert. Field 'Leash' is one of their best selling milts.

 

This un-named Phalaenopsis must be one of their newer hybrids since it was not tagged and did not have a sales tag.  The exciting new color combination of pink and yellow with white edging makes it quite a show stopper - I have a feeling this will become a very popular orchid in their collections.

This orange yellow has a nice lite and sweet scent like perfumed jasmine.

Another on of their popular scented cattleyas called Cattleya-Pot. Mitsuo Akatsuka 'Volcano Queen', the scent was very strong when I visited in the morning time frame.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Akatsuka's Nursery.  Come and visit other posts for today's flowers at http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

The Hot, the Loud and the Proud #13

Show us your tropicals and exotics, your hot Mediterranean colors and wild combinations, amazing discoveries and unusual variations. Or how about something exciting you just saw, a crazy garden,  amazing garden art or design, an inspiring visit or hike?



This meme is open to all (you do not have to live in an exotic location to participate)  and will be on the last day of each month…so mark your calendars and lets do something fun on the hot, the loud and the proud meme. I’ll have the link available early, east coast time (USA) to catch you early birds and even earlier for those of you in other countries.

Its been raining all week and last, too wet to be outside. but not wet enough to go to our bi-annual nurserymen's sale which covers a stadium filled with all the nurseries from around the island.

Come and take a look at the amazing plants for sale below...

This event called the BIAN sale is the largest plant sale on the island. You will find everything from the most exotic orchids, the vast variety of tropical fruits, exciting flowering trees and bamboos to other specialties like hibiscus, vireyas and bromeliad growers.

Here's a find of exotic and lush carnivorous pitcher plants one plant this size was only four dollars, a great deal don't you think?

There's always a big selection of exotic orchid growers at this sale, and they always introduce many of their new hybrids at this show sale. These growers are always mobbed with buyers right from the start and and usually the first to be finished with their plant selections.

There are many anthurium growers showing the latest new hybrids also for sale, its sometimes relaxing and other times a mad dash to pick up whats new.

Hibiscus growers also are very popular here with so many different and exciting colors to choose from.

As you can see plant lovers span all ages from our grandmothers to their grand children.

Hope you enjoyed the tour of the Bian sale, whenever you are on the Big Island this event happens twice a year during the spring and fall seasons.




Come and visit other gardens of the world today below

Swirling Patterns with Colorful Leaves

Along the beach at Haena are these beautiful autograph trees with wonderful large green leaves that eventually turn into bright orange, yellow and red before they fall onto the ground.

Except here, they are falling into the sand, a beautiful black and white sand beach.

In an ever changing pattern of swirls and texture created with the ebb and flow of the tide coming on the beach.

Its magical and I watch in amazement at the virtual art that is constantly changing before my very eyes, so exciting to see.


This is my contribution to skywatch friday, to see others go visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Morning Walks by the Ocean are Always Special

I've started a new walking program with a friend exploring the coastal cliffs and walking trails around our neighborhood and it is so amazing how much the vistas change every morning.




 

All in one day it can be bright and sunny, the next moment its dreary and raining and then it changes again to dramatic and puffy clouds. It makes for a very lively walk and fortunately my walking partner, doesn't mind my taking quick photos to document all the beautiful scenes unfolding.

Arent' these views inspiring, I couldn't even consider our walks exercise when we get to see this much beauty every day.

This is my contribution to my world tuesday, to visit others go to http://showyourworld.blogspot.com/

 

A Tsunami From Japan to Hawaii

The Tsunami from Japan or across the ocean, somethimes hits the east side of Hawai Island as an indicator to the rest of the state, but this time the west side on Kona took the brunt of the damages. Mostly with Tidal surges going through the main thoroughfare as you can see on this You Tube video with a brave tourist taking the photos.



Surprisingly most of the areas like our stadiums are located in very low lying areas, so most people had to go to higher grounds and alot of people parked out at the local Walmart Center which is way into town and can accomodate alot of cars.  We are thankful our islands were spared and hope things get addressed quickly in Japan and the vast devastation there.

I'll share this for our skywatch friday in Hawaii http://skyley.blogspot.com/

Three Miles of Ocean Views for Sale

Guess what, for just a mere forty million dollars you can be the owner of three miles of ocean front property with a very rare green sand beach and well over 2,100 acres of raw tropical land. This area is untouched by any development and has been largely intact for many decades.






This area really feels like Jurassic Park with old trees, jungles, coconut fringed beaches and ocean inslets that are rarely seen by the public.






The estate is privately owned by an Oahu family that rarely visits and originally had plans to build a mega resort here on the East side of Hawaii until family plans made them change course.






There are no structures but a small picnic overhang with stellar views of a beautiful inslet with green sand, one of only a few places on Hawaii Island to have a green sand beach.


So now you can be the owners of this beautiful and pristine land a real piece of paradise....any takers?


For other watery Wednesday views go visit http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/