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Kaua‘i Hikes – Alakai Swamp
In the realm of Koke’e State Park, Kaua’i, Hawaii, the Alaka’i Swamp Trail artfully delineates a 7.0-mile journey, subtly merging varied terrains and ecosystems into a coherent yet demanding exploratory experience. Julian Coiner, an aficionado of Kaua’i’s trails, refers to it as “a moderate trail, difficult if it’s muddy,” setting a clear, authentic narrative about the prospective experiences along the route.
The commencement of the trail on “mountaintops” swiftly introduces hikers to breathtaking expanses of the surrounding landscape, as described in preliminary details, and corroborated by Coiner when noting “the view is amazing” barely a mile in. This transitional nature of the trail guides hikers from prominent altitudes to a conspicuously contrasting environment – the swamp. As per the description, upon entering the Alaka’i Swamp, hikers embark on a passage through what Coiner identifies as “the world’s highest rainforest and swampland.”
Meticulously laid boardwalks ostensibly characterize the path through the swamp, yet Coiner emphasizes the extant disparity in their condition, stating, “some of this boardwalk is in disrepair.” A condition that seems to mirror previous hikers’ experiences, which varied from acknowledging its rewarding nature to expressing the need for enhanced trail conditions. Amidst the contrasts of topographical and ecological elements, it is said to encompass “radically different” terrain from other regions on the island, resonating with initial assertions of its unique and diverse nature, thus making it a recommended experience at least once for “all Kauai hikers,” in Coiner’s words.
A point of convergence between the experiential and anticipated arises with the presentation of the Kilohana overlook as the trail’s termination point. Here, hikers might find themselves gazing down on Hanalei Bay, contingent, of course, upon the whims of the weather. Coiner’s real-time account candidly portrays this unpredictability, stating, “sometimes you’re not rewarded with the most amazing view.” This nuanced encapsulation of expectation and reality subtly underscores the variable nature of the Alaka’i Swamp Trail experience, where the melding of disparate ecosystems, fluctuating trail conditions, and the capriciousness of climatic influences amalgamate into a multifaceted hiking endeavor.
In this textured narrative of the Alaka’i Swamp Trail, the intertwining of varied terrains, from striking mountainous vistas to the peculiar tranquility of the swamp, constructs an immersive trek, where the antithesis of ecological and physical domains unassumingly crafts an intricate linkage between the hiker and the vibrant tapestry of Kaua’i’s natural world.
Alakai Swamp
Down to Earth – Wooten Farm
Wootens Produce of Kauai, tucked within the verdant landscape of Anahola, Hawaii, operates under a distinct philosophy that mingles organic farming and a distinct way of living, supplying both locals and tourists with a varied selection of fresh produce. John and Nandi Wooten, active participants in its functioning, do not merely cultivate their crops but also perpetuate a spirit of unity and the “aloha spirit.”
As highlighted by the conversation between John, Nandi, and Lindsay Haraguchi-Nakayama from the episode of Down-to-Earth Kauai TV, the crops are plentiful and diverse. “Lemons, bananas, oranges, avocados, soursop, jackfruit,” John and Nandi Wooten enumerate as part of their regular offerings. They also spotlight “some nice eggplant, lettuce, Thai bok choy, celery, green onions, and real yellow cilantro.” And the abundance extends beyond, reaching into the realms of cabbage, dandelion, parsley, lettuce, cauliflower, kale, and varied dandelions utilized by Akamai Juice for some of their cleansing juice blends. The informative dialogue further extends to highlight Thai basil, which John points out is “good for cooking, but it’s a little bit strong for people to eat raw or in pesto.” Moreover, a version with the “milder taste of the Italian basil but the disease resistance of the Thai basil” is offered as an alternative.
A pivotal part of the Wootens’ farming practices revolves around sustainability, as observed through their use of “Crotalaria Sunhemp.” John Wooten elaborates on its functionality: “Look at those little white balls on there. That’s just like pure nitrogen gathered from the atmosphere. It’s supplying that nitrogen to the root systems and the soil without any chemical fertilizer.”
A commitment to providing fresh produce extends to Wooten’s Produce’s operational methodology, which is succinctly described by Nandi Wooten: “We have Monday and Thursday home orders. Give us a call before 9:00 a.m., we’ll take your order over the phone, and it’ll be ready for you in the late afternoon.” This personalized service deviates from a conventional CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model. As Nandi underscores, it’s not a matter of customers receiving what’s available; instead, “you get things because you want it.”
The offerings at Wootens are not confined to commonplace vegetables and fruits. A notable moment within the video showcased “ulu” or breadfruit, which is traditionally considered a valuable food source during famines. Its culinary adaptability is notable, being comparable to a potato in that you can “steam it, boil it, make hash browns, potato patties, or potato salad.”
A distinct fruit highlighted in the tour was the eggfruit, described to have “a thick peanut butter” like texture but with a sweet flavor profile and with a ripe fruit that visually resembles “a hard-boiled egg yolk.”
John and Nandi Wooten extended their gratitude to Lindsay at the close of the tour, expressing, “Mahalo. Thank you so much for having us here. It’s such a wonderful experience.”
Engaging with Wootens Produce provides a lens through which one can observe an agricultural endeavor that not only champions the availability of standard and exotic produce but also embeds sustainable practices into its operational ethos, all while fostering a spirit of community, delivered through their produce and into the daily lives of those who partake.
Wooten Farm Facebook
Pastega Christmas Light Display
The Pastega Christmas Light Display, a seasonal spectacle in Corvallis, Oregon, has illuminated the local community since its inception in 1981. Initially situated at the Pepsi plant when owned by the Pastega family, the display has since transitioned to the Benton County fairgrounds on 53rd St., following the sale of the business and a community effort to preserve and relocate the cherished pieces.
The tradition began when Mario Pastega commissioned the creation of Christmas scenes, which were placed in the field surrounding the PepsiCola Bottling plant. Over the years, new scenes and characters were added, with community members also contributing their displays. After Mario Pastega’s passing and the subsequent sale of the firm, the Pastega family decided to continue the Christmas display tradition. Community outreach led to individuals or families adopting the weather-beaten pieces, which were then refurbished and relocated to the display’s new home at the Benton County fairgrounds on 53rd St.
Ryan Long, with the Sue Long Realty Group at Keller Williams, shared insights into the history and evolution of the display. When Mario decided to sell the business, the community was called upon to “adopt the pieces.” Remarkably, all pieces had been adopted, refurbished, and subsequently returned in September, ensuring the continuity of the display. The Pastega family, through a foundation, continues to fund the display annually.
Alma Pastega, described as the artist behind the original pieces, would design and paint them, sometimes incorporating movement through mechanisms created by a gentleman named Olli Brendsdal. Alma would convey her vision to Olli, who would invariably respond with, “No problem,” and find a way to bring her ideas to life. Some of these original displays, with motorized swings and rocking horses, are still part of the exhibition today.
In recent years, the design process has involved collaboration with local high schools and their art clubs. Cutouts are delivered to the schools, where they are painted by the students. The display pieces have also expanded to include contemporary and popular culture references, such as Harry Potter and unicorns, often inspired by the interests of younger family members.
The display, which has grown to approximately 195 pieces, with eight added this year, has not been without its peculiar stories. One notable tale involves Dopey, one of the Seven Dwarves, who went missing but was eventually discovered in the basement of a fraternity and returned to the display, just as a replacement was being prepared.
The Pastega Christmas Light Display, while a festive and seemingly joyous occasion, is also a reflection of the community spirit and the Pastega family’s engagement with the local populace. It is an event that not only brings together various elements of the community but also serves as a platform for interaction, sharing, and celebration amidst the broader services provided by the family and the foundation. The emphasis on community involvement and giving back, as seen with the canned food donations, showcases the spirit of the event.
Volunteers, crucial to the setup and takedown of the display, are coordinated through the website, pastegachristmasdisplay.com, using a Sign-Up Genius link. The setup typically begins on November 1st and has been completed in as little as two weekends, while takedown has varied from five days to two weeks, depending on the number of volunteers.
The display, free and non-commercial, encourages visitors to donate canned food to support local communities, embodying a philosophy of community support and engagement. The Pastega Christmas Light Display, with its rich history, community involvement, and the stories that have unfolded over its many years, remains a cherished tradition in Corvallis, bringing light, joy, and a sense of unity to the community it brightens.
Corvallis Christmas Parade
In a distinct seasonal endeavor, the Corvallis Lions Club coordinates the Corvallis Community Christmas Parade, a service project described as “a gift from the Corvallis Lions Club to the people of Corvallis” by Mark Vomocil, the coordinator of the event. This parade, which seemingly brings together a diverse array of community members, is not merely a festive gathering but a reflection of the community spirit and the club’s engagement with the local populace.
The parade, which features a variety of participants, from those attending for the first time to veterans of the event, is a vibrant display of community spirit and creativity. One participant, who has been part of the parade for 28 years, reflects the long-standing tradition and commitment of individuals involved. Another participant, who has adorned their truck and trailer with about “27,000 lights,” mentioned that it takes approximately “three weeks to get this all put up” – a testament to the dedication and preparation invested in the event.
The parade, which also features Santa Claus, is not only a spectacle but also an interactive experience for children and adults alike. When asked about their conduct over the year, responses from participants varied from affirmations of being “nice” to admissions of being “a little bit of both” naughty and nice. The question of what they hoped to receive from Santa elicited a variety of responses, from tangible items like a “new radio” or a “KitchenAid mixer” to intangible desires like having “as much of my family together as I can.”
The Corvallis Community Christmas Parade, while a festive and seemingly joyous occasion, is also a reflection of the Corvallis Lions Club’s engagement with the community. It is an event that not only brings together various elements of the community but also serves as a platform for interaction, sharing, and celebration amidst the broader services provided by the club. The parade, with its lights, floats, and diverse participants, is a manifestation of the community spirit and the club’s commitment to service, embodying the broader mission and values of the Lions Clubs International.
Boy Scout Troop 3 / Troop 4003 Tree Lot
Troop 3 Corvallis, a Boy Scout troop with a history dating back to 1930, has long been a staple in its community, embodying the mission and values of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) by providing a program that intertwines educational activities with lifelong values. The troop, which has been “dedicated to shaping boys into men,” is part of a larger network that views aiding youth as a pivotal step towards “building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.”
The troop engages in various activities designed to be both educational and enjoyable, ensuring that scouts are learning and developing in a positive environment. However, one of their most notable endeavors, particularly during the holiday season, is their Christmas tree lot, located in Corvallis on Kings and Grant. This lot, as described by a participant, is not merely a fundraiser but a practical application of the skills and values instilled in the scouts.
The tree lot, according to one of the troop leaders, is “our biggest fundraiser of the year” and is singularly significant as it is their “only fundraiser, really.” The proceeds from this initiative are foundational, funding “all of their camping activities, pre-camporee, camporee, fall rendezvous.” In essence, the Christmas tree lot “literally pays for everything for our troop.”
The scouts are actively involved in the operation of the tree lot, from setting up trees on the racks, ensuring they are presentable, to interacting with customers and assisting them in their selection. One scout leader reflected on the value of this experience, stating that she enjoys “seeing the scouts step outside of their comfort zone, talking to adults and talking to families and helping them find a Christmas tree.” This interaction not only provides a service to the community but also serves as a developmental tool for the scouts, encouraging them to navigate social interactions and step “out of their shell.”
The scouts, through their involvement in the tree lot, learn various skills and values that are applicable beyond the confines of the lot. One scout, reflecting on his experiences, highlighted “perseverance, salesmanship” as key learnings, noting that he has learned “how to upsell a tree” and the value of “persistence.” These learnings are not isolated to the practicalities of selling trees but are applicable in various aspects of their development and future endeavors.
Moreover, the tree lot serves as a connection point between the troop and the community. Trees sold at the lot are “all grown locally here in Oregon,” and the troop also donates between “75 and 100 trees to the community” through Vina Moses, which the troop grows themselves. This connection is further solidified through the relationships built with customers, some of whom have been purchasing trees from the lot for decades. One scout shared that there are customers who have been coming “for 20 years to get our trees from you every year,” illustrating a longstanding relationship between the troop and the community.
The tree lot, while a fundraiser, is emblematic of the broader mission and values of Troop 3 Corvallis and the BSA. It is a manifestation of the troop’s commitment to the development of its scouts, providing them with practical experiences that build character, encourage responsible citizenship, and develop personal fitness. Furthermore, it serves as a bridge to the community, fostering relationships and providing a service that has become a tradition for some. Thus, the tree lot is not merely a commercial endeavor but a reflection of the troop’s history, its commitment to the development of its scouts, and its relationship with the community.
Troop 3
Habitat for Humanity ReStore Volunteering
The **Benton Habitat ReStore**, situated on Philomath Boulevard in Corvallis, Oregon, operates as a pivotal entity within the framework of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, which is globally recognized as an organization committed to “provide decent and affordable housing for people in our community.” The ReStore, described as a “used home goods store,” encompasses a broad inventory, including but not limited to furniture, building materials, electrical items, and appliances, all housed within a 15,000 square-foot space.
The ReStore’s inventory is primarily sourced from donations, which, as one regular donor highlighted, is a preferable alternative to seeing “beautiful doors” and other items relegated to the dump. This individual, who visits approximately “once a week,” articulated a sentiment that resonates with various customers who inquire about the destiny of their old items, often hinting towards Habitat for Humanity as a desirable endpoint for their used goods.
The proceeds generated from the ReStore are funneled directly into Habitat for Humanity’s programs within Benton County, underscoring its role as “our biggest fundraiser,” according to a representative. The store, therefore, not only serves as a retail space but also as a financial pillar supporting the broader objectives of Habitat for Humanity.
Volunteers form the backbone of the ReStore’s operations, engaging in various tasks from organizing materials, such as the electrical section, to processing donations. One volunteer, reflecting on the task of organizing, acknowledged the magnitude of the task, stating, “I told the boss that I could spend 120 hours on that.” Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable challenge, the volunteer’s tone did not waver into negativity, highlighting a commitment that seems to permeate the ethos of those involved with the ReStore.
The ReStore does not merely provide a platform for purchasing and donating items but also fosters a sense of community among its volunteers. One individual, when asked about the impact of volunteering at the ReStore, emphasized its positive influence on mental health, attributing it to “doing positive things for the community” and the dynamic nature of the work, which is “new every day.”
The inclusivity of the ReStore’s volunteer program is notable, with a representative affirming that they “take anybody as they are as they come.” This openness extends to those with disabilities, providing an accessible avenue for various individuals to contribute to the community and the overarching mission of Habitat for Humanity.
Despite the ReStore’s commitment to repurposing and redistributing donated items, there remains the inevitable reality of waste. Items that are “too scratched or damaged” or deemed “unsellable” are, regrettably, destined for the landfill, a practice that is not taken lightly given the associated dumpster fees and the ReStore’s inherent objective to repurpose items when possible.
In synthesizing the above, the Benton Habitat ReStore emerges as a multifaceted entity, intertwining retail, community, and philanthropy, all while navigating the practical and ethical considerations of waste and sustainability. The stories and experiences shared by those involved, from donors to volunteers, weave a narrative that transcends the physical items within the store, reflecting a collective commitment to community and sustainability within the broader mission of Habitat for Humanity.
Down to Earth – Waiti Botanicals
Embedded within the lush expanse of Kauai, Hawaii’s North Shore, Wai’iti Botanicals operates on a modest three-acre plot, functioning as an aroma farm while also offering an array of visitor experiences. The farm, taking its name “Wai’iti” – translated to “little water” in Hawaiian, symbolizes collective unity and action, where individual contributions, much like small droplets, collectively cause significant impact. Carmencita Durney, who initiated the project and has been involved with handmade soap production since the 1990s and luffa cultivation since 2010, oversees the operations.
Engaging in the art of handmade soap creation and luffa cultivation, Wai’iti Botanicals highlights the benefits of handmade soap for both the individual and the environment. It underscores a relationship between personal care and environmentally conscious products. As visitors delve into the offerings of the farm, they engage in hands-on activities, crafting botanical skin treats alongside the Wai’iti Botanicals team, allowing the farm to emerge as a tangible, immersive learning experience in the art of handmade soap creation and related products.
An episode of Down-to-Earth Kaua’i TV, hosted by Lyndsey Haraguchi-Nakayama, provided insights into Carmen’s realm where her passion for luffas and the varied uses she finds for them, became palpable. Carmen herself detailed her initial foray into working with loofahs: “I was really into loofahs…I got some seeds, I planted loofahs, and here I am now. These are edible varietals, the big loofahs, and they grow sometimes to eight feet.” Her innovative utilizations of loofahs extend from incorporating them into soaps to using them in footwear as a form of arch support.
Moreover, the farm isn’t only home to luffas. A tour through Wai’iti Botanicals reveals a spectrum of aromatic plants. Carmen expressed her fascination with “the palmarosa grass, which is a type of lemongrass…very strange, but it has a rosy scent.” She also elaborated on her distillation process, saying, “The perfume distillation is amazing because it makes hydrosols, distilled water, or anything that we boil and it comes to steam. This cools it down, and then out comes the essence of the plant.” A diversity, including ginger, turmeric, and patchouli, lends itself to her process, further enhancing the aromatic offerings available.
The establishment, while presenting an enchanting collection of scents, also unveils products with pronounced utility, like the aforementioned salt soap. Carmen highlighted its peculiar but effective functionality: “This is trippy; this is salt soap… if you have oily skin or have acne, a little bit of salt will help balance your skin by sloughing. By doing this, you’re actually allowing your skin to shed a little bit, and you can absorb things better.” It’s created with coffee and cacao, tying into a broader, tactile and olfactory experience that Wai’iti Botanicals promises.
As noted by Carmen, Wai’iti Botanicals also crafts eco-friendly lip balm and offers a unique experience to visitors to “distill your own scent of adventure.” This seems to align with the underlying theme of the botanical endeavor which provides not just a product but an experience, a sentiment that Carmen seems to resonate with: “Our products are made with intention, an alternative to just buying and throwing away plastic.”
Wai’iti Botanicals thus stands not merely as a provider of handcrafted soap and luffa products but also as a repository of experiences, where the line between product and experience is elegantly blurred. This is facilitated by a sense of rootedness in sustainability and a tangible, appreciable relationship with the products that the farm curates and crafts. This relationship is not simply transactional but is interwoven with learnings, experiences, and a gentle nudging towards more mindful consumption.
Kaua‘i Hikes – Makaleha Falls
Amidst the lush landscapes of Kapaʻa, Kaua’i, Hawaii, the Makaleha Trail quietly unfurls a 5.2-mile route that intertwines the physicality of hiker and the audacious spirit of nature. With a 984-foot elevation gain, this out-and-back trail nonchalantly masks its rigor behind a veil of exquisite scenery and the promise of a waterfall’s visage at its terminus.
Julian Coiner, a seasoned hiker in Kaua’i, ventured into the Makaleha, admitting it’s an environment where “the trail is not well defined” and, on occasion, “the river is the trail.” A profound connection to nature’s unbridled form is palpable here, where terrain oscillates between rocky passages, mud-engulfed paths, and numerous river crossings. This topographical tapestry, at times, melds the path and river into a single entity, where direction and fluidity coalesce in an indistinct union.
Coiner’s insights embellish the exploratory nature of the hike, highlighting an experience where one’s steps are intermittently guided and misdirected by the whims of the terrain and watercourses. His pragmatic advice to those potentially feeling astray echoes: “Just find the river, and you’ll eventually get back on track.” This seemingly fluid navigation through the terrains intertwines with prior visitor notations, which underscore instances of challenging and potentially perplexing moments, owing to a dearth of clear trail markers.
Amongst the myriad of nature’s challenges along the Makaleha Trail, the prospect of “wet feet” prevails as an inevitable accompaniment, given the inherent need to zigzag through and across the river. Hikers, thereby, absorb into their journey a physical interaction with the water, solidifying an intertwining experience between the self and the elemental aspects of the environment.
Despite the trail’s assertive demands, it surreptitiously unfolds a natural spectacle in the form of a waterfall — a culmination that melds the exhaustion and elation into a single moment of reprieve. Coiner encapsulates this duality of experience upon his discovery: “I found a waterfall.” A divergence in the path, as he noted, presents a choice: a shorter route to the right that promises a resplendent view and perhaps an invitation to momentarily become one with the water, suggesting, “Make sure you take a dip when you’re done.”
Amidst the impartiality of its terrestrial and hydrological challenges, the Makaleha Trail, therefore, subtly orchestrates a dialogic relationship between the hiker and the elements. There’s a silent reciprocity present, wherein the challenges proffered by its miles are met with the visceral rewards of its untouched scenic beauty. This dynamic equilibrium between the tangible hardships and ethereal visual solace succinctly embodies the duality of the hiker’s journey, intertwining the corporeal and the intangible within the verdant embrace of Kaua’i.
Makaleha Falls