The Road Home

In these days of spiraling gas prices I worry a bit about my daily 19 mile (one way) commute. The original plan was to buy a house in Waimea, within walking or bicycle range of work. But the damp, misty climate of Waimea convinced us to buy a house a little further down the coast and into the dry country downwind of Mauna Kea. A 14,000ft peak creates an enormous rain shadow and a climate a little more like what we were used to before moving. This does mean a commute each day.

I still remember Tucson commuting, heavy traffic, endless signals, the stress of constant defensive driving among the aggressive commuters. The current route consists of 15 miles of open highway and only two minor signals to deal with. My vehicle gets far better gas mileage when I can get it up to speed and keep it there most of the way. None of the stop and go traffic of an urban commute. I find the time of the commute is enjoyable, time to think or listen to music as I cruise the beautiful landscape along the way. The scenery can be breathtaking as the clouds come over the mountain. I enjoy seeing rainbows in the mists of Waimea or watching the Sun set into the Pacific Ocean 2,000ft below.

The Mamalahoa Highway south of Waimea with Pu'us Nohonaohae Iki (smaller) and Pu'u Nohonaohea (larger) looming over the road