Monday’s biking day trip on the Big Island was questionable. Our group of 24 really wanted to ride the “red road” and enjoy the spectacular views of the lava rocks and the Pacific Ocean, but it was raining sideways, and the winds were blowing like crazy. After our safety talk and gear check, we regrouped at a local church. The ride was a go, we decided. So 18 of the 24 of us headed out. We didn’t know how bad it was, or how bad it could have been. We only knew that the excitement of something new was upon us, and we wouldn’t step aside. Isn’t that how we start January 1 every year; full of excitement, renewed energy, and goals? With no turning back, our biking group took off Monday morning full of about half kids and half adults. About 3 miles in, our group had come to a complete stop. I was in the back, so I saw the group stop, and panicked for a second. Quickly I that knew since no one was screaming and looking at me, Brady and HK were safe.
Within about 15 minutes, the tree blocking our road had been cut buy a local with a chainsaw. A neighbor wielding his homemade machete showed up to help clear the debris. And unexpectedly, a neighbor with an excavator quietly emerged from the rainforest to clear our path and we continued our journey. Remarkably, during the group effort to clear the roads, our Backroads Travel leaders appeared with an impromptu snack of fresh cut watermelon. Our biking group waited patiently for the road to clear, and then a local yelled to us “just another day on the island, kids”.
Our group of 24 escaped Monday without anything but a few scratches on our teenage boys who were helping the locals clear the road. We rolled into Tuesday with blue skies, and assumed everything was ok. However the Big Island of Hawaii had suffered major damage, including a potentially fatal blow to the PU’UHONUA O HONAUNAU National Historic Park- otherwise known as the “city of refuge.” This city of refuge had become a safe space for the Hawaiian people. If you could reach it alive, you would be pardoned by Kahuna and given a second chance.
2022 was a year that we sought refuge, and found our safe space, although I didn’t comprehend it at the time. The year started with renewed energy and hope, but there were plenty of unforeseen challenges. Ultimately, we found our “city of refuge” within our group of good friends. Mahalo to our support system who are always prepared! I’m heading into 2023 with hope and excitement, but also new found resilience and perspective; I don’t think those are mutually exclusive. I’ve polled my friends, and know who carries the sharp machete, who always answers the phone and offers solid advice, and who is always equipped with the latest, greatest equipment!
“Hau’oli Makahiki Hou” Happy New Year and welcome “e como mai” 2023!
Love you all, Tori