Day 8, 17 Nov 2010

...15.72 miles from Yokohama Bay to St Rita's Catholic Church in Nanakuli...

...pix and story to follow as this week and the post event moratorium allows...

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This is Phil and Mike visiting from California.  I caught them with Yokohama Bay Beach over their right shoulders, and across the road from Makua Cave there in the first mile after departing the Bay this morning.  I had a nice conversation with them...and like the tour guide I am, tried to interest them in exploring the Cave.  

One of these two is a Viet Nam era serving former GI, like me.  But what separates him from me is that.......he fought in the '68 VC Tet Offensive, the highest loss of life of American fighting men in the history of the Viet Nam era......and the turning point in the politics that until then was effectively masquerading the achievement, or lack thereof, of our fighting forces there.

Having been raised by a WWII Bronze Star/Purple Heart decorated, combat-inflicted double amputee; I never cease to be amazed when I encounter others, at any age in their lives, who have transcended what they have been through.  Let's call it "Hell-On-Earth"......; and now they find a way to vacation in Hawai`i, with smiles to share with strangers.

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102.85 total miles walked after today's portion is factored in...and still have 80 some pix/video to edit/comment and add to today's post...

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