Kapolei Today

The Great Aloha Run

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2010-02-07T20:37:00Z

I often say that when I moved out here, it was like stepping out of an old life and into a new one. It's been a little over 3 years now and I have never looked back or wondered for a second if it had been the right move to make.

There was never an interest on my part to participate in a run of any kind and while I wonder at that, I'm glad to be doing so now. It is a fundraiser for cancer research and since that is a topic close to my heart (or should I say butt : ) I look forward to doing it.

If you left with anything from this post, I would hope it might be to investigate this website Team In Training website . I had the opportunity to meet a lot of people while I was participating in this and found them to be warm and generous people who donate their personal time and energy for something important to them for so many different reasons. The common theme could only be described as to make a difference.

When I went to the Honolulu Marathon as a cheerleader and supporter for our daughter Kate who introduced me to the program, the one thing I found was that there was no specific profile. There are all shapes and sizes who do that every year and as simple as that, running changed from something beyond my realm to within my world if I wanted it to be. And I do live in a great place for morning and evening runs.

So, in a week, I will be plodding along like a Clydesdale down the Nimitz highway and no matter what my body is telling me, I know my heart will be feeling good and I'll be feeling good because I actually did it.

Of course, since this is a fundraiser, it would be rude to not give you the opportunity to contribute if you wished to. It's real easy... just click HERE

Fully Furnished 2 bedroom at Kai Lani at Ko Olina For Rent

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2010-01-21T16:40:00Z

                        Gorgeous 2 Bedroom With Ocean View

                                     $3,250 Per Month + GET

This unit has been leased. If you are looking for a similar property or have property in Ko Olina you would like to have managed, feel free to contact me and I would be more than discuss your situation.

Aloha- Michael Hege' RA Kapolei Realty, Inc (808) 225-3660



If you are familiar with Kai Lani at Ko Olina, you'll know what a wonderful place this is to live. If you aren't, and are wanting to live in the Ko Olina resort, you will love this unit. This property has been used as a vacation rental, so it is fully furnished and all you will need to do is hang your clothes in the closet and call it home.



One of my favorite aspects of Kai Lani is the way it is situated along the side of the Ko Olina to create a great awareness of the ocean and the Leeward coast. If you have been looking for a place to call home and want to feel like you live somewhere that emphasizes the beauty of the Hawaii, Kai Lani is perfect for you!



If you would like to take a look at this lovely property, please give me a call and we'll set up a showing for you. Property is also available for purchase at $629,900 and details on that can be viewed at this link with additional information Sale information

The rent will be $3,250 per month plus GET of 4.5% for a minimum 6 month lease. Tenant will also be responsible for electric, cable and telephone. This property is perfect for the person who is either going to be here for a temporary stay or who wants a place to call home until they know exactly where they want to call home.

If this might be you, give me a call or Send me an Email . I look forward to hearing from you!

Michael Hege' RA
Kapolei Realty, Inc
(808) 225 3660

Beach Villas at Ko Olina for $275 / Night

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-12-30T20:43:00Z

Take advantage of our March Pricing for vacations booked for 2010 in our premium Vacation Rental at the Fabulous Beach Villas at Ko Olina.


Close to Waikiki and Honolulu on Oahu, Hawaii but not too close. We specialize in peace and tranquility !



Last minute Special pricing of $275/night* available for the following dates:   April 12th through May 6th, 2010*
*April 12 pm through April 23 am and April 30th pm through May 7th am*

Our current prices start at $299 per night *plus tax and a $200 check in/out fee with a minimum 7 night stay. For availability and prices for the rest of 2010, Follow this link  Some summer and holidays are still available so send me an email if you have particular dates in mind.

This is a luxurious 2 bedroom / 2 bath ocean view 8th floor condo with free parking and is located in Ko Olina Resort and Marina directly on Lagoon 2. We're about 20 miles and a world away from Honolulu and Waikiki. Golf, lagoons, fitness center, pools and most important... Peace and Quiet!



This is a premium unit in a premium location managed by a local REALTOR who has an ownership interest in the property... Me! If you'd like to send me a note, Email Michael
or give me a call at (808) 225-3660 to check on avaliable dates.

For a complete virtual tour of the home and an overview of the Beach Villa property, click on the Virtual Tour Link Take a Virtual Tour . For a slide show of the unit and the grounds of the resort, watch the slide show on Flickr.com, Click here for Slide Show .

For youtube Video of the resort and our unit Click Here

Please feel to Contact Michael for remaining availability and February's Promotion.

Aloha!

Michael Hege' RA
Kapolei Realty, Inc
www.HomesOahuHawaii.com
www.KapoleiToday.com
(808) 225-3660

Full Details on Hale Nalani at the Beach Villas at Ko Olina

Ko Olina Vacation Beach Villa For Rent

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-11-22T21:24:00Z

If you are considering a Honolulu Vacation Rental on Oahu, perhaps you might want to consider Ko Olina to enjoy a truly Hawaiian Vacation.

Special pricing now available for vacations booked during March, 2010!
          Full details of the March special pricing are listed below.

                                   Show me Pictures!

             Hale Nalani at The Beach Villas at Ko Olina

The Hawaiian name, Hale Nalani, is translated as Home of the Heavens, and that says it all. This luxurious home is fully appointed and ready for you to enjoy for a vacation of a life time. This 1,265 square foot 2 bedroom - 2 bath 8th floor Condo has an expansive Lanai overlooking the Ocean, Beach and the grounds of the fabulous Beach Villas at Ko Olina.

To check on remaining dates in 2010, Contact Michael . Rates and additional information below.

For a complete virtual tour of the home and an overview of the Beach Villa property, click on the Virtual Tour Link Take a Virtual Tour . For a slide show of the unit and the grounds of the resort, watch the slide show on Flickr.com, Click here for Slide Show . For youtube Video of the resort and our unit Click Here

The master bedroom has a King Size Bed, the 2nd bedroom has 2 twins and there is a queen sized sofa bed in the living room. Maximum occupancy is 6. If you would like to see the floor plan, Click Here for Link to Floor Plan

This property is professionally managed by a Licensed Real Estate agent (me) who is a co owner of the property and you have my personal guarantee that I will do everything within my power to make your stay as enjoyable as I possibly can.

I think you'll enjoy this property immensely and here is a list of some of the amenities included with this property:

The unit itself
- Complete kitchen with wolf range and oven and subzero refrigerator
- Dishwaser, microwave, wine chiller cabinet, cusinart counter appliances
- Complete dishware, cookware and all the fixings so you can make your favorite meals
- Bosch washer and dryer
- Kingsized bed in the master bedroom and twins in the 2nd bedroom
- Queensized sofa bed in the living room
- TV's in each of the rooms with cable, wireless internet service and telephones including free long distance to the mainland and Canada
- MP3 player so you can play your favorite music in your suite
- DVD players in all rooms
- Designer decor through out
- Expansive entry onto lanai
- Sumptous Master Bath and lovely guest bath
- Linens and towels
- Direct Ocean view from interior of unit

Onsite Amenities

Fitness center including state of the art equipment, steam rooms, sauna, showers and lockers
Lap pool and Recreational pool with attached spas
Beach front location with immediate access to protected Lagoon for your safety and enjoyment

Ko Olina Resort and Marina also has a wide range of activities located within the resort including the Ko Olina Golf Course, Ko Olina Marina, 5 Star dining, shopping, walking trails, fishing and whale watching charters, 4 protected lagoons and is only 3 miles from Kapolei with shopping including Costco, Target, movie theaters, Safeway and 100's of other merchants.

Located 20 miles west of Waikiki (30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic),
                      Directions and map from the airport

Ko Olina offers a restful alternative to the crowds of Waikiki and Honolulu. Close enough to drive into for adventure and dining, but for those who would rather come home to the escape of tranquility and peace with quiet uncrowded beaches, Ko Olina is a wonderful place to call home for a week or two.

March 1st Update! For confirmed reservations placed between now and March 31st, we are offering the following prices based on a minimum 7 night stay plus taxes* and a $200 check in & cleaning fee:

$275 / night from April 13th through May 6th, 2010 (Last Minute Special ! )
$399 / night May 29th thru June 6th, 2010
$324 / night from June 7th through July 1st, 2010
$399 / night for the week of July 2nd- July 11th, 2010
$349 / night for July 12th through September 1st, 2010
$399 / night for September 2nd through September 11th, 2010
$299 / night from September 21st through November 19th
$399 / night from November 19th through December 16th, 2010
$449 / night from December 17th through Jan 3rd, 2011
$324 / night from January 3rd through March 4th, 2011

Priced comparably to a single hotel room with ocean views, Hale Nalani normally rents for $400/night plus high season/holiday upcharges with a minimum 7 night stay. Call for quotes on high season and holiday rates. *Taxes of 12.96% (before June 30th, 2010) or 13.96% after July 1st, 2010 based on the date of occupancy. There is a one time check in/cleaning fee of $200.00 for each stay. Kama'aina available.

For availability or additional information, please feel free to give me a call at 808-225-3660 or Contact Michael .

I look forward to hearing from you and I hope I can help make your visit to our version of paradise a very enjoyable experience!

Michael Hege' RA
Kapolei Realty, Inc
(808) 225-3660
www.HomesOahuHawaii.com

More pictures

Premium Kai Lani 3 bedroom Furnished Ocean Front Long Term Rental

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-10-11T22:35:00Z

Rarely available fully furnished 3 bedroom Ocean Front ground floor unit in Kai Lani available for rent as a long term rental. This property will be available for a minimum 1 year lease to a qualified candidate for the monthly rent of $3,300 per month plus GET (4.5%). This property will be available on November 15th and is currently vacant and easy to show. Take a look at the pictures and if you have any questions, click here to Contact Michael or give me a call at (808) 225-3660.



Here is a picture from what could be your own Lanai as you watch the sunset.



All you need to do when you move in is hang your clothes in the closet. The living area is furnished with plenty of room to accommodate your needs and is of the highest quality.

The open floor plan allows for ample room for a dining area, living area and the kitchen is placed to allow a full ocean view as you prepare your meals or just enjoy the breakfast bar.



The lovely kitchen is fully functional and comes complete with all of your glass ware and cook ware and includes a Bosch dishwasher



You'll love the views from the master bedroom suite!



The master suite includes a King Sized bed, dressers, nightstands and TV



The master suite includes a large walkin closet, granite double vanity and upgraded tile package with separate tub and glass shower. Here are a few pictures of the master bath.





The second full bath also includes tile and granite finish and is also the home of the furnished extra capacity washer and dryer.



The remaining 2 bedrooms are also fully furnished with beds, dressers and linens.





For some views of the exterior of the unit, views from the unit and some common area of Kai Lani, scroll down





As an owner at Kai Lani, you'll be able to enjoy the pool in the neighborhood as well as many of the amenities in the resort like the fitness center and tennis courts which are all included benefits from your Home Owner Association.


               Fitness Area with Workout Equipment and Tennis Courts


           One of 2 Tennis Courts with onsite Instructor and Night Lights


It is my pleasure to be able to offer this wonderful home for a minimum 1 year lease. The HOA fees include all exterior maintenance, landscaping and yard care, exterior building insurance, pool, and membership to the Ko Olina Sports Club which includes a gym, tennis courts and discounts throughout the resort. So, if you would like to live where most people can only vacation, let me know if you'd like to learn more about this wonderful home just steps to the beach and located in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina. Contact Michael

Aloha,

Michael Hege' RA
Kapolei Realty, Inc
(808) 225-3660
www.HomesOahuHawaii.com
www.KapoleiToday.com

Available Properties For Sale and Lease In Kai Lani at Ko Olina Resort and Marina

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-10-09T18:16:00Z

I thought I would create this page for people to go to who are interested exclusively in Kai Lani at the Ko Olina Resort and Marina. Below you will find links to information on various properties for sale and/or rent and as they come and go, I will update this page.

Mahalo for your interest and let me know if you see something you would be interested in looking at. If you currently own property and would be interested in having your property managed or marketed for sale I would love to let you know how I might be able to assist you.

Premium Ocean View 3 bedroom unit fully furnished for sale at $999,000. Full Details:
  Currently off market.



                                 92-1001 Aliinui Drive Unit 18D

Partial Ocean View 2 bedroom unit fully furnished for sale at $629,900. Full Details:



                                    92-1001 Aliinui Dr # 28C

Partial Ocean View 3 bedroom unit available for sale at $639,000 or for long term lease for $2,700 / month plus GET. Full Details:

Currently Leased



                                92-1001 Aliinui Drive Unit 29B

I also have a 3 bedroom fully furnished unit available for a long term lease at $3,300 per month plus GET that has a premium ocean view. This unit is available on starting November 15th. Full Details:



                                 92-1001 Aliinui Drive # 2B

Be sure to check back as the list changes frequently and I look forward to hearing from you! It's hard to find a nicer place to live than Kai Lani. Below is the picture of the secluded beach that is just steps away from any of these units.

With the exception of The Beach Villas at Ko Olina, Kai Lani is the only neighborhood in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina that has unobstructed views of the ocean and some of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet. If you have additional questions about Kai Lani, I'd love to hear from you!



Aloha!

Michael Hege' RA
Kapolei Realty, Inc
(808) 225-3660
www.HomesOahuHawaii.com
www.KapoleiToday.com

3 Bedroom With Ocean Views at Kai Lani For Sale or Lease in Ko Olina

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-10-08T07:41:00Z

         3 Bedroom Ground Floor Kai Lani With Ocean View
                         Available For Sale or 1 Year Lease

Located within Ko Olina Resort and Marina, Kai Lani is one of the 5 residential neighborhoods within the Resort and is my favorite of all of them. Kai Lani is a low density development and nearly all of the units have varying degrees of Ocean Views and this unit is no exception. In addition to the closest proximity to the ocean of all the neighborhoods except the actual Beach Villas, Kai Lani is where you will wake up in the morning and know you are in Hawaii! This unit is currently leased through the end of October but is available for limited showings during the Month of October.




Available for purchase at $639,000 or a minimum 1 year lease for $2,700 per month plus GET, it provides a great opportunity for you to live in Kai Lani. Furnished with Stainless Steel appliances and washer & dryer this 3 bedroom and 2 bath main floor townhouse will be available on November 1st.

Kai Lani was just approved for VA financing so if you have VA eligibility, give me a call and find out how you can buy this home with 100% financing!


                        Stainless Steel appliances and Granite Counters


           The open floor plan has plenty of room to enjoy the space and views


   Wake up in the master suite with a view of the ocean and enjoy the convenience
     of your large walkin closet, granite double vanity and seperate shower and tub


                 Enjoy the Sunsets every evening from your covered Lanai

Located on approximately 11 acres with 30 buildings situated for maximum serenity and greenspace, Kai Lani is a peaceful retreat. As a gated community, you'll enjoy a feeling of security and with the impeccably landscaped grounds, everyday you wake, you'll take both pride and pleasure in your home. You can walk along paths through the Ko Olina resort to the restaurants and lagoons or if you want a little quiet time, you can go to the little beach in front of Kai Lani for some snorkeling or just to have some quiet time. When sunset comes, this is a favorite spot of mine.



As an owner at Kai Lani, you'll be able to enjoy the pool in the neighborhood as well as many of the amenities in the resort like the fitness center and tennis courts which are all included benefits from your Home Owner Association. Here are some pictures of those added features:


                                            Pool and Spa with Bar B Que and Meeting Area


                       This is an Example of the building architecture. Each building contains
          4 units (2 downstairs units and 2 upstairs units) Each home includes a
                   1 car garage and an additional assigned parking space.


                          Aerial View of Kai Lani and adjacent Coast. The greenspace
                            that fills the triangle along the coast is Preservation Land



               Fitness Area with Workout Equipment and Tennis Courts


           One of 2 Tennis Courts with onsite Instructor and Night Lights


It is my pleasure to be able to offer this wonderful home either for purchase or a minimum 1 year lease. The HOA fees include all exterior maintenance, landscaping and yard care, exterior building insurance, pool, and membership to the Ko Olina Sports Club which includes a gym, tennis courts and discounts throughout the resort. So whether you choose to rent the property or purchase the home, you'll enjoy full access to the Sports Club facilities, a community that you'll enjoy calling home and a wonderful home just steps to the beach and located in the Ko Olina Resort and Marina.


                As you can see, the beach is just a short walk to your home!

This is truly a Resort location where 5 star hotels, a LPGA golf course and a world class marina are located. Currently Disney has chosen Ko Olina as the site of their latest property and is currently under construction with a completion date of August 2011. If you've always wanted a place in Hawaii, I would encourage you to seriously consider this property while the prices are low and the best are available.

Purchase this Fee Simple townhouse for $639,000 or lease for a minimum of 1 year for $2,700 per month plus GET (4.5%). For other properties for sale in Ko Olina, you might enjoy this site:
                                   Ko Olina Search Page

As always, you may contact me by email, Contact Michael or give me a call at (808) 225-3660 for information on this or any property in Ko Olina.

Mahalo,

Michael Hege' RA, CDPE
Certified Distress Property Expert
Kapolei Realty, Inc
HomesOahuHawaii.com
KapoleiToday.com

Fully Furnished Kai Lani With Ocean View For Sale

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-10-04T04:01:00Z

2 Bedroom Fully Furnished Kai Lani Retreat at Ko Olina  $629,900

Located within Ko Olina Resort and Marina, Kai Lani is one of the 5 residential neighborhoods within the Resort and is my favorite of all of them. Kai Lani is a low density development and nearly all of the units have varying degrees of Ocean Views and this unit is no exception. In addition to the closest proximity to the ocean of all the neighborhoods except the actual Beach Villas, Kai Lani is where you will wake up in the morning and know you are in Hawaii! I've done my best to create a sense of Kai Lani with the pictures and virtual tours and I hope by the end of the article, you will have a feel for what a magical place it is.

     *** Kai Lani is now approved for VA Financing !! ***



This unit, as you see, is fully furnished and is being sold complete with all the furnishings. This well cared for unit is complete with everything you need except your clothes in the closet. The owners have used it selectively as a vacation rental and it would also be a perfect 2nd home or if you're lucky enough, to have it as your primary residence. Priced at only $629,900, you'll fall in love with this home. If you would enjoy a private tour of this home, Schedule showing , and I will make arrangements to show you around.

For an incredible look at this property and Kai Lani, click on the picture below for a virtual tour that captures both the home and the area.

                                                                                               Click Here for Tour

Located on approximately 11 acres with 30 buildings situated for maximum serenity and greenspace, Kai Lani is a peaceful retreat. As a gated community, you'll enjoy a feeling of security and with the impeccably landscaped grounds, everyday you wake, you'll take both pride and pleasure in your home. You can walk along paths through the Ko Olina resort to the restaurants and lagoons or if you want a little quiet time, you can go to the little beach in front of Kai Lani for some snorkling or just to have some quiet time. When sunset comes, this is a favorite spot of mine.



As an owner at Kai Lani, you'll be able to enjoy the pool in the neighborhood as well as many of the amenities in the resort like the fitness center and tennis courts which are all included benefits from your Home Owner Association. Here are some pictures of those added features:


                                            Pool and Spa with Bar B Que and Meeting Area


                       This is an Example of the building architecture. Each building contains
          4 units (2 downstairs units and 2 upstairs units) Each home includes a
                   1 car garage and an additional assigned parking space.


                          Aerial View of Kai Lani and adjacent Coast. The greenspace
                            that fills the triangle along the coast is Preservation Land



               Fitness Area with Workout Equipment and Tennis Courts


           One of 2 Tennis Courts with onsite Instructor and Night Lights


It is my pleasure to be able to offer this wonderful home complete with the furnishings. The HOA fees include all exterior maintenance, landscaping and yard care, exterior building insurance, pool, and membership to the Ko Olina Sports Club which includes a gym, tennis courts and discounts throughout the resort.


                As you can see, the beach is just a short walk to your home!

This is truly a Resort location where 5 star hotels, a LPGA golf course and a world class marina are located. Currently Disney has chosen Ko Olina as the site of their latest property and is currently under construction with a completion date of August 2011. If you've always wanted a place in Hawaii, I would encourage you to seriously consider this property while the prices are low and the best are available.

For other properties for sale in Ko Olina, you might enjoy this site:

                                   Ko Olina Search Page

As always, you may contact me by email, Contact Michael or give me a call at (808) 225-3660 for information on this or any property in Ko Olina.

Mahalo,

Michael Hege' RA, CDPE
Certified Distress Property Expert
Kapolei Realty, Inc
HomesOahuHawaii.com
KapoleiToday.com

The Final Sale Event... Finally !

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-09-24T08:00:00Z

Now that the September sale event has come and gone and those units have cleared escrow, the stage has been set for the next event in May of 2010. Reservations are currently being accepted with the refundable $50,000 deposit and it looks like the last units will be sold off during that event.



On the 19th and 20th of September we finally saw the Sale event of the Beach Villas at Ko Olina come to fruition. Over 2 days approximately 80 of the 120 villas were selected in the order that their reservations were placed and nearly 100 Million Dollars of real estate was selected. It was pretty exciting as each buyer was contacted to make their choice and then the board of available units was reduced by one. This should be the same process of the next event in May.


For those of you who would be interested in a few more details on how the sale event went, the order that the units were chosen and most importantly at this point, the remaining villas left to be sold, send me a note and I'll email you my notes from the 2 days which will let you fill in the blanks. Send me your notes

For those of you who purchased one of the Beach Villas at Ko Olina, Congratulations! If you are one of those who are still trying to decide if you might still like to purchase one of the remaining units, I would suggest you contact me and I can review the process with you and see you might find it an interesting opportunity. If there is anything I can do for you, I hope you will feel free to send me a note with your requests. Contact Michael

If you were interested in just trying one out for a vacation, we are renting our unit and you can find out the details of the rental terms at this link. Our Rental Unit

Don't forget the other residential neighborhoods in Ko Olina! Kai Lani, Coconut Plantation, Ko Olina Kai, Ko Olina Hillside Villas and the Fairways at Ko Olina all have something to offer. Ko Olina Neighborhoods

Aloha !

Michael Hege' RA,CDPE
Kapolei Realty, Inc
(808) 225-3660
www.HomesOahuHawaii.com

Everybody Needs a Vacation

michael@kapoleirealestate.info (Michael Hege) — 2009-09-08T01:26:00Z

There's nothing quite like a vacation to make one start to watch the calendar and think of all the things they need to do before they go. Even when you live somewhere like we are lucky enough to live, a change of pace is immensely exciting.


                                         Camp 6 Employee Housing

I've been lucky enough to live in some really nice places, and one of my favorites is Yosemite. When I lived there before, it cost me $5.95 a week for a shared tent and 3 meals a day at the employee cafeteria. I made $1.35 an hour and when I think of my favorite all time jobs, it is one of them. It was a coming of age for me with each new friend sharing experiences at a time in my life when I was open to suggestions. Yosemite has been a special place for me ever since.



I still stay in touch with the most unlikely life long friend I ever could have imagined, Arvi Dorsey. He is in his 80's now and if I had half the energy he has today, I would consider myself lucky in deed. He is the consumate example of anything you set your mind to is possible. Active in his community, politics and his work, you just can't help but be energized when you are around him. But the thing he always worked the hardest at was friendships and relationships. A master of the handwritten letter and a genuine interest in the 100's of people who crossed his path during his career at Yosemite, he remembers us all and found the good in all of us. Somewhere in a personnel file on the jacket of my file there is an "ADP" on it. Arvi Dorsey Product.

It was just that kind of a place. My first experience with people from all over the planet who were drawn to a magical place. I remember thunderstorms in vast alpine meadows where the entire force of the planet seemed to be right above my head. Summer solstice from a perch above the valley where the majesty of the universe seemed to fit perfectly into the confines of the valley itself. Conversations that went deep into the night that stay with you the rest of your life. It is the place that I began to understand what a huge world it was.



The time I spent there was so important to me that I can trace most of my other significant events in my life to that summer and fall. Arvi took me to Colorado from there and introduced me to a friend whose sister became my wife. Yosemite put me in Colorado which put me in New Mexico which took me to Minnesota and Kansas. All from a letter of interest I wrote from my dorm room in college as my freshman year came to a close. I definately got my postage worth on that letter.

My daughter spent a summer there when she was in college and had her own life shaping experiences. My love of living where I love was something I missed more than I knew in the middle years of my life, and it is one of the great parts of living where I live now. It almost seems as though I have made a full circle and come back to the type of life that I always loved the most.

And now I get to go back there for some time to revisit all those thoughts and memories. A reunion of sorts, we will have our daughter rendevous with us along with some of my oldest friends and we will have some good times and good food. If you ever want to enjoy Yosemite from a place of comfort, it is a little known fact that there are actually privately owned cabins in Wowona and they are well managed and they have a great website.



                                         The Redwoods in Yosemite

Some of my favorite vacations are new places and some of my favorites are old comfortable places... a lot like shoes I suppose. It all depends on what you're in the mood for. This time, I'm in the mood to float down my old friend, the Merced river. To sit on a rock at Inspiration Point and remember the awe I felt the first time I saw it. To circle the valley floor and feel the walls of the valley leap from the floor straight into the clouds. To take some time and make sure I remember how lucky I am for a thousand reasons.

And maybe, if I'm really lucky, to find myself in a grassy meadow with pouring rain with the echo of thunderstorms off the walls of the granite as the clawed hands of heaven and earth each reach to greet themselves in the greatest lightshow on earth. It just doesn't get better than that.



                         See you when I get back on the 16th!