My next adventure has been brewing for some time. I had many ideas in mind: other long-distance trails, careers to try, countries to visit. My girl, Andrea, and I decided on Hawaii. 

After settling on this idea, sometime in April, we decided the most logical way to start an adventure there was through WWOOFing. It is a worldwide organization where farms and potential farmers have profiles, and the profiles can be reviewed to decide on a good match. Most of the farms offer a work-for-stay program, and some even offer some of the harvest from the farm to supplement meals. This way, we decided, when we arrive, we will already have secured a place to stay, and rent will be covered. After applying to a few, we found one that stood out as our first WWOOF farm experience – a goat and chicken farm on the big island of Hawai’i. After talking with the owners on the farm a few times, we were ready to go. We sold and donated a bunch of our possessions and bought our tickets. 

We had arranged to stop in Oregon for a few days to visit my brother and to explore the state. Zack and Eleanor were both gracious hosts and took us to see some of their favorite spots in the state. 

It was both of our first time on the Pacific Ocean. This lookout was said to be the best on the whole coast, with a view of 70 miles on a clear day. 

Mary’s Peak, formerly Spirit Mountain, was an inspiring viewpoint. 

We hiked down to Salt Creek Falls, the second largest in Oregon, but I’m willing to say it was the first mistiest. 

After saying our goodbyes, we took the plane from Portland to Kona, Hawai’i. We got in super late and ended up stealth camping in Kona. In retrospect, this was more stressful than my ideal first day in paradise, especially considering the lack of grass here. In its place, lava rocks, tropical trees, and spiky shrubs. 

Welcome to a new way of living.