Day 6, June 8

I woke up at six am, anticipating the trip that was in store. As we finished packing the last of our items and gathered at the front of the hotel with all of our assorted bags and cases the shuttles arrived to take us to LAX. We were each assigned a second carry on, mostly electronic equipment. We made quite the site with our mountain of luggage to check and carry in the middle of the airport. Despite the sheer number of people and things I think heck in went rather smoothly. There were a few minor issues with bag weights, but they were quickly resolved. Going through security was quite interesting. I had my computer in my backpack along with two more in my additional carryon. Coupled with those, bags and everything else, I’m pretty sure I filled almost five bins on my own. Luckily everything passed without trouble. From what I hear, not everyone was so lucky. We then headed to the terminal to wait. It was quite full so we decided to sit in a corner and break out the snacks we had bought the day before. WE didn’t have to wait too long before boarding. I managed to sleep for about an hour of the flight. I was very impressed with Hawaiian airlines. They were very friendly, had a clean and roomy plane, and served a meal en route. They even had small personal touchscreens in the back of the head rests that could tell you altitude, speed, time, distance, and a map of your location. The light lasted about five hours and I was glad to land and get a chance to stretch my legs.

I have officially arrived in Hawai’i!  We trekked to the baggage claim to find all the bags we had checked. It was surprisingly quick and efficient. We then waited for the vans to come and pick us up. WE piled shoved and squeezed everyone and all our things in and started heading to the Ranch. I was buzzing with excitement the entire ride. I was in a van with Dr. Lee, Kerry, Julianna, and Greg. As we drove we were able to see how completely beautiful this island is. We drove down the coast, admiring the pristine water and beaches. We then started winding through the mountains. The sheer denseness of the vegetation and steepness of the ridges was mind blowing. We all kept exclaiming out loud our disbelief that we were in this situation. I feel so lucky. As we go closer we began to recognize the area and features from looking at the satellite imagery for the past week. As we rounded the corner and kualoa ranch came into view I was almost speechless. I knew how large the area is, but the reality is almost overwhelming. I can’t believe we get to study in such a spectacular place.

AS we reached our home for the next three weeks, trade winds ranch we were greeted with the sight of horses and cows grazing in the pasture. There were horses (very friendly), cows, chickens everywhere, and goat (chilling on a golf cart). The smell of the farm reminded me of home, and seeing the horses made me a bit nostalgic. The barn itself that we are housed in is pretty much the coolest place ever. I would live there if I could. The bottom floor is a working stable, as you walk up the stairs it is a large open main room containing couches, tables, kitchen, pool table, and everything one could possibly need. There are also three bedrooms and two bathrooms in the corners of the building. There are two huge porches and the barn opens up on three sides so it is almost completely open air. Our hosts were so thoughtful in everything they provided. Blankets, beds, couches, cots, hammocks, and everything else you could need.  We then called our sleeping spots. After exploring the area for a while we returned for dinner which was provided by our host. It was absolutely delicious and more than welcome after a long flight. Kerry was kind enough to go out and buy groceries. She’s always so helpful and good at getting everyone rounded up. We rounded out the day with a walk down the beach which is literally right down the driveway. We jumped in the pacific and swam. I’m very glad I thought to bring my waterproof camera. It was a lovely site. The only bad part is all the mosquitos. It seems that I am being eaten alive even while a bathe in bug spray. But that’s alright, I’m certainly used to it. I’m looking forward to see what tomorrow brings!