Kona Rangpur Limes

The Rangpur lime originates from northern India and was reportedly introduced to Hawaii in the 1880's. Also known as the "Kona lime" or local lemon, their trees produce fruit from sea level to 3,000 feet. Botanists say it is a cross between a Mexican lime and a mandarin orange. These limes are very tart in flavor and can be substituted for lemons or limes in recipes. Nutritionally speaking, they are high in vitamin C, fiber and glucoraphanin, which is related to sulforaphane, and anti-cancer compound.

Peaceful Aftermath

Here you can see the tsunami's water line on the beachy picnic area overlooking the bay. Thankfully, nothing major, but fun to see nonetheless. One of our neigbors, reluctant to evacuate and eager to see what the wave had to offer gave us the lowdown on what came to pass. "It was like the sound of a freight train," he said, "as the wave made its way from the north end of Kealakekua Bay and chugged emphatically around to the south. I knew I'd be okay, but had planned my escape route just in case. I can run pretty fast, you know."

Big Island Organic Produce

Aloha kakahiaka! (Good morning)
This picture was taken by our friends Al and his lovely wife Kathleen during their January visit to the Big Island. Conveniently scattered along the island are tropical fruit stands where one can purchase local, organic produce. This particular stand resides somewhere on the eastern side of the island near the capital of Hilo where rainfall is bountiful and fruits and vegetables grow effortlessly. Japanese cucumbers, plumeria, tangelos, tomatoes, avocadoes, bananas, plantains, lemons and much, much more....

One of the Locals

This is our friendly neighborhood donkey. He roams around the area, nibbling at grass and minding his business for the most part. We haven't officially met, but I'd like to call him Eeyore. This morning I heard him talking, or rather honking to his other neighborhood buddies. "Hee-haw, hee-haw," and then nothing from him for hours. I'm sure we'll learn more about Eeyore as the days here progress. For now, I just like knowing he's around.