April 26, 2008 Arriving to The Big Island, Hawaii

Well we arrived without incident and in reasonbly good shape. that is to say, the flight was smooth and comfortable for us and Akua. The folks from United Airlines and the ground crew at Kona Airport handled our dog with tender loving care. It has been so amazing how well she has behaved and endured this 5200 mile journey. I'd pat myself on the back if I could stop, for just a minute, telling her what a good dog she has been.

After a quick stop at the car rental counter we secured an AWD Saturn suv and on to the Puna district we went. the drive was about 2 hours and the weather was excellant. W e arrived in Kurtistown, the township we actually live, stopped for a quick bite and continued on to the location of our new home. We found our lot under clear skies and very warm temps. Unfortunately walking on the lot was not going to happen this day. The vegetation was incredibly thick. Time for trip to Home Depot for some clearing equipment......tomorrow..

Our first problem where to stay this night.. We had contacted somebody we met on the PunaWeb forum who was advertizing a new home for rent on the off chance that we could get it for a short time. As with everthing else on the journey it turned out perfectly. Although mostly unfurnished it did have complete working appliances and a bed, really all we needed, so we secured a 2 week stay until we are able to get the lot ready for camping.

We've spent 3 days now clearing and lugging brush. Scott & Julie neighbors from a few miles away and already great friends stopped by on day two and spent the day with us clearing. Amazing how much we accomplished. Thanks so much guys !! On the third day our neighbor,Matt from across the street stopped by to introduce himself and in Island style was packing a package of delicious chocolate cookies. Matts' visit left us feeling very welcomed, he shall be a very good neighbor and friend I'm sure. Here are just a few shots of our progress.

Driving to the West Coast

The drive across this country was seemingly shorter than we expected but amazingly beautiful. We maintained a south westerly course through New England, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and finally California. From Missouri west the landscape changed so dramatically from wide open spaces that seemed to go on forever to mountains, hills and valleys that simply were breath taking. Of it all the south west left the greatest impression on us. Here are just a few photos from along the way.

The Journey Begins

Our Home in South China, Me.

The time has finally come, all the preparations have been made. Our shipping container loaded with everything in it we will need to build this new life is on it's way and we have been saying goodbye to the many that share in our excitement of this great adventure. We must admit that every goodbye we said and heard was heartfelt and we only hoped that more time was available on our part to get to those we missed. To those we missed, Our Warmest Alohas to you and hope one day to see you all again.

Our Daughter Stacy

grandson Tyler (left)

grandson Zachary (right)

We begin our road journey April 16th 2008 @ 5 pm from South China, Me. We are headed for San Diego to leave our vehicle with Pasha Shipping Company, they will take it to the Big Island on the 29th, our scheduled drop off time is the 24th at noon. From San Diego we travel via rental car to LAX to catch out flight out on the 26th of april at 9:15 am. we will arrive in Kona at 11:54 am and be greeted by the vet who will check in our dog Akua, aka Miss Lucy Retardo. From there it is off to Puna and Hawaiian Acres.

The boom truck owned and operated by

Jock Laselle Pittsfield, Me.

Jock amazingly accomplished this daring feat without incident

Matson Shipping Co. was able to drive under and Jock lowered the container one end at a time onto the chassis. A 90 min. job !! Thanks Jock