There’s this advertised app that comes up every so often when I scroll my Instagram feed called Calm. It always has these super soothing sounds such as a heavy rainfall where you can hear each raindrop hit leaves, along with washed out toned dreamy photos that really are lovely. And yes, calm.
Every time I scroll past it, I smile. Someone was thinking! Because we could all certainly use that kind of calm each day.
I get that same feeling when I am in Hawaii. I suppose that’s why I keep going back.
There’s something about the perfect weather, breathing in those fragrant blooms that appear to explode everywhere, along with the perfect bird soundtrack.
Then the evenings wind down to crashing foamy waves along sandy beaches, ending in a stunning sunset.
Pretty hard to top that mental vision, isn’t it?
While I relaxed on my condo’s lanai overlooking the beauty, the odd time I was struck with a backyard or forest memory.
Back home, I start each day on my patio overlooking the mountains. Then of course, end each evening with a bike ride through our local forest trails.
The homesick feeling hit especially hard when I was digging through a thrift store in Kihei, uncovering some cups with painted forest trees on them.
I instantly pined for my forest. And crisp BC air.
As you’ve already probably guessed, once I got home and even before I unpacked, I hopped on that bike as soon as I was alert enough from my first ever (and hopefully my last ever!) red-eye flight, and made it to… the mailbox.
THE MAILBOX.
I was pretty active while in Hawaii, so I’m uncertain why I struggled on the bike! Probably jet lag.
After I got the mail, I decided to attempt down the road.
Once I got to the train tracks not far away, I was totally done.
Good grief. “Dear forest, hang tough please. I’ll cya soon”, I promised.
After a good night’s sleep in my own bed (with CATS CATS CATS), I attempted the bike yet again the next day.
And made it to the trails this time.
YESSSSSSS!
I can still feel the big ‘ol smile I wore on my face as I picked up speed, coasting along the windy smooth gravel trails.
Oh hi again BC’s Kauai! I wrote about the area above and called it that because it’s one crazy beautiful area where all the vines have taken over the trees, and it is spectacular.
Or maybe like near the Seven Sacred Pools in Maui.
But no, not like in Kihei at all.
Yes. I know my Hawaiian vegetation. Glad you noticed. 🙂
I have to admit, I haven’t really pined to be back in Hawaii after getting home. I’ve missed the ocean for a quick dip, but only because of our little heat wave we were/are going through.
But other than that, I’m pretty content that this forest IS my very own every day calm app or beach replacement. And adore how it instantly cools you down, as if you’re cruising through air conditioned quarters.
Oh, hi farm. You’re pretty out there beside your corn fields and my wild flowers. I’m glad we can share so well. We make a good team!
Oh hey, Jumanji section. How far will you be sprawled out across the trail tomorrow? We shall find out! Cya then!
Proof that there’s miles upon miles put down on these trails every day. With a few of them my own.
I’m also excited to report, there are some revisions being made to the trails. The above photo is taken at a new extension that will eventually loop together the trails along both sides of the river, connecting two major road bridges.
That means no more backtracking. The entire loop will be an amazing run with no repeats!
With many more calm, Hawaiian-like moments to cherish. BC style.
Hawaii, I have to hand it to you. You do tropical VERY well.
And at one point, I thought I wanted to live with you.
(Ok, well maybe part time would suffice…)
But just like a forever farmers’ daughter, this land is indeed my true homeland.
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Here’s a little live video action so you can feel like you’re right there too…
Hawaii and BC Forest, I guess I’ll just have to love you both. For very different reasons.
Thank goodness there’s this thing called ‘vacations‘…
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Who else pines to live elsewhere until you miss home?!
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Other related posts: (includes some affiliate links below)
Other bike ride adventures
I think that pining for Hawaii when you live in such a beautiful area and vice versa is a pretty nice struggle to have!!
Haha! Yes, I think I’ll just keep both… since that option is one! 😀
Isn’t it interesting that it takes leaving home to discover “home” is the best place of all. You truly live in a beautiful area. Thanks for taking me along on your bike ride…..I could almost feel the wind in my hair!
Enjoyed your post today. Beautiful scenery. A good place for anyone’s vacation, but lucky you, you live there. Enjoy.
I too share your love for Hawaii. All four of my visits were because of my sons High School baseball team playing in a tournament on Oahu. But that was awesome in itself because not many get to do that. Hawaii is such a beautiful place that makes exercising so much more enjoyable and also just lets you sit and enjoy the calm. My favorite part of Hawaii is it’s beauty that the Lord made. But it looks like your home has it’s own beauty. What a blessing to have that scenery in your “backyard” and you are able to visit such a awesome place on The Islands. Thanks for sharing your adventures. I really enjoy them. FYI-once you posted requesting suggestions on Netflix. Make sure you take the time to watch ” The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. I read the book and the movie is awesome and filled with actors from Downton Abbey. I feel if I had seen the movie first it would help make the book even more enjoyable.
Malinda in Mississippi
Beautiful!
I am a mountain gal. I too love Hawaii, but this video caused envy to rise in my longing for the mountains heart.
Just went on your bike ride with you. Loved it! The music and scenery made me happy! Thank you…