Nakalele Hobbitland Labyrinth, Part 3

So why is this area called "Hobbitland"? Did Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin all retire here or something? (Good choice if they did!)

No, apparently this is just a local nickname for Nakalele because tourists engage in persistent rock stacking here, using the area's plentiful rocks to make countless little piles of balanced stones. Rock stackers must be considered by the locals to be hippy-dippy Lord of the Rings flower-children types. Hence . . . Hobbitland.

Actually, many Hawai'ians resent rock stacking by tourists. They see it as cultural desecration of their land. They will dismantle any rock stacks they find. Occasionally you will see signs forbidding rock stacking and advising that fines will be levied against anyone caught doing it.

[Photo by Debra She Who Seeks]

Nakalele Hobbitland Labyrinth, Part 2

The Nakalele Hobbitland Labyrinth was constructed in 2006 using the classical Cretan design. Its grassy walls incorporate volcanic rocks and coral. As you walk this labyrinth, you can look out over the blue Pacific, listen to the booming surf at the base of the cliffs and feel the sharp ocean spray on your face. Stay upright in the wind if you can!

A jumbled pile of rocks and grass marks the centre of the labyrinth.

It was a warm but overcast day when we visited. Clearly it had rained not too long before we got there. Luckily the rain held off while we walked the labyrinth. We had to dodge a few muddy spots on the unicursal path though. Just as we do in Life itself.

Tomorrow: why the bleep is it called Hobbitland?

[All photos by Debra She Who Seeks]

Nakalele Hobbitland Labyrinth, Part 1

Nakalele on the northwest coast of Maui is reputed to be the windiest spot on the island. Getting there requires a rather harrowing drive via an extremely narrow road on the edge of sheer cliffs. Meeting an oncoming car means you must stop and pull over as far as possible on the non-existent shoulder to let it pass. The road has endless switchbacks but often no guardrail between the edge and plummeting to certain death. My Rare One loved driving it. "Why aren't you looking out the window at the incredible view?" she asked as I clutched the dashboard, closed my eyes and turned green.

We were headed to Nakalele Hobbitland Labyrinth, using the rather sparse and cryptic directions provided by the World-Wide Labyrinth Locator.

"From historic Lahaina town take HW 30 north to 'Hobbitland.' At mile marker 38 . . .

. . . park seaside near the orange gate . . .

. . . walk down toward the ocean and voila!"

It's true about the wind at Nakalele. It damn near blew me over a few times!

Tomorrow: walking the labyrinth.

[All photos by Debra She Who Seeks]

Way Up Yonder in Winnipeg

I don't know if many people remember her now, but Gisele MacKenzie was a popular singer and performer in the 1950s and early 1960s. She often appeared on the TV shows of stars like Jack Benny, Pat Boone, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Dinah Shore and Ed Sullivan.

Gisele MacKenzie was also a true Canadian sweetheart because she was born in Winnipeg and studied music in Toronto before becoming successful in the U.S.

In 1960 on the Perry Como Show, she performed a tongue-in-cheek salute to her hometown of Winnipeg. Every stupid stereotype about the Great White North was thoroughly milked -- endless winter, freezing cold, dogsledding, Indians, Inuit and dancing Mounties. The result is hilarious, I think. It is truly the cheesiest of cheesy tributes.

Unfortunately, YouTube won't let me embed the short video but you can watch it by clicking here.

Enjoy!

Scots 'n Aussies

Today is Robbie Burns Day, the birthdate of Scotland's greatest poet, och aye. And tomorrow is Australia Day, mate! So tie yer kangaroo down, throw another haggis on the barbie and celebrate both festivals together by watching this crazy Australian TV ad. Enjoy!

My Favourite Hobby

The second meme question I've chosen is posed by Vickie of Aoibheal's Lair: "If you had to choose just one hobby, what would it be and why?"

Hey, how the hell did that get posted? *shakes fist at Her Royal Highness the cat* It's a pack of lies, I tell you!

Actually, blogging is my favourite hobby, not bestiality. I enjoy thinking up things to blog about, finding appropriate photos or cartoons to go with my posts and yammering on and on.

Here's a few truths about the blogging life that I'm sure you will recognize from your own experience as I did, LOL!

Year of the Dragon

Gung hey fat choy, everyone! Happy Chinese Lunar New Year!

In Western mythology, a dragon is an evil fire-breathing creature which must be slain by a hero (preferably a knight in shining armour on a white steed). But in Eastern mythology, a dragon is a wonderful creature of dynamic energy, prosperity, wisdom and protection. Dragons get the love and respect they deserve in Asia!

What can we expect in this Dragon year? According to Susan Levitt and Jean Tang in Taoist Astrology:

The year of the Dragon is a time of ambition, power, and daring. Events seem as if they are magnified threefold with increased intensity. The energy and vitality of the Dragon year may make some people overly optimistic. A Dragon year is an excellent time to start a business, marry, have children, and take incredible risks. On a global level, expect extreme earth changes, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tidal waves.

Don't forget to exchange a coin with a friend today to ensure good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year! Click here for details.