Living Kauai Style.
February 8, 2010 by Rene HalliganOut and about before sunrise.
February 8, 2010 by Rene HalliganTo see the world from a different perspective I highly recommend getting out and to major sight-seeing points before sunrise.
When you arrive this early you usually always have the vistas all to yourself and the lighting is spectacular for photography.
This morning my destination was the Poipu coast. I love to do my morning hike here always with my camera in tow.
I took the wheel of the Acura at 6:10 am so I would be sure not to miss the sunrise. On arrival the only other person I encountered was a lone fisherman.
As the sun began to rise a few tourists climbed to secure the best views of the sunrise, I had my location secured. A prime view of the exact spot where the sun could be seen rising directly over Oahu.
We ran out of Avocados, and Superbowl Sunday is tomorrow.
February 6, 2010 by Rene HalliganSo sad. What is Superbowl Sunday without guacamole. I guess we’ll do as the locals do and have ahi poke. There is hope in sight for future avocado as the trees are in bloom and getting ready to set their luscious buttery fruit.
Our deck is visited frequently by bright green anoles. I think this little guy is just as cute as the Geico Gecko.
Having a cold one in Kalaheo.
February 6, 2010 by Rene HalliganA few nights ago we experienced our coldest night here on the island of Kauai. Our usual most comfortable temperatures range between about 65 degrees at night to 82 degrees during the day. We were surprised when the news contained hypothermia warnings and the temp dropped all the way down to 61 degrees. We even used 2 blankets. I think we’re getting soft.

This photo was taken by photographer Sean Taylor. It's my New York home sweet home. Now that's what I call cold.
The houses here do not have any source of heat and most don’t have a/c either. Most seem to be built with only 2×4 wall construction and have no insulation. It seems they have no need for heat or insulation.I did a little research and found the lowest temperature ever recorded here was 50 degrees in 1969.
Kauai, where the wild things are.
February 5, 2010 by Rene HalliganPlease note all images can be double clicked to zoom in for a close-up look.
February in Kauai is still, wow.
February 4, 2010 by Rene HalliganI’ve been a lazy blogger.
January 23, 2010 by Rene HalliganI’m still here in Kauai. Trying my best to live frugally and have a great time while I do. I’m going to garage sales every Saturday but I need very little now as I have our home pretty well stocked.
We really enjoy our deck out back that gives us a view of the mountains and the sea, but plants make it even better. I search the garage sales now for containers for our on deck garden. We love having flowers and plants all around. Inside I have water-filled bottles along a shelf by the ceiling with vines cascading down and a varying assortment of ever changing cut flower arrangements.
On the deck we’ve made a nice dish garden with rose flowered impatients and polka-dot plants. Some snake plants, the coconut palm, variegated arrowheads, vinca, deep red lettuce and a tomato plant round out our deck garden now, but Chris wants more flowers.
The deck is also a great place for bird watching. The white cattle egrets and red junglefowl make a strong presence. Red crested cardinals, zebra doves, and the white-rumped shama frequent our deck side trees and delight us daily with cooing and song.
I can’t help but to share my pictures from my favorite time of my day.
Whale Watching Both Free and Exciting, Where to View Whales in Kauai
January 14, 2010 by Rene HalliganWe’ve been whale watching over the past several days. They have finally arrived in our area of Kauai. We love it. We parked above Glass Beach by the shearwater release site to view them with sundaes from Mickey D’s. A grand excursion that only costs 2 bucks for 2. Life is good. This is the first time in my life I have ever seen whales.
I’m loving it. No good whale pictures yet I was too absorbed with just taking in the sight of them. We’ve come across several pods of humpbacks. I can watch them for hours. The first thing that is visible is the large spout from where they breathe. I find if I keep watching after they spout, many times they breach the water. What a sight to behold. We also went on a hike west of the Salt Pond County Park along the coast and found other great whale watching opportunities. Hiking about one mile brought us to a high elevation rocky coast where the whales were well visualized, but I was without camera. This area was beautiful and private, perfect for an afternoon of whale observation. Hopefully photographs of whales are soon to come. Maybe next time I’ll bring my camera.

Another of my photos was featured in the Garden Island News on January 12th 2010, I feel very privileged.
- I’ve been working on my garden here in Kalaheo. I’m thinking having a garden is going to save a great deal of money by decreasing the amount of produce I have to purchase.
I am currently harvesting tomatoes, avocados, grapefruit, key lime, oranges, figs and Hawaiian hot peppers.
Soon the lettuce, arugula and papaya will be ready. I can’t wait.
On the Outside Looking In…….Rene makes local headlines
January 9, 2010 by Rene HalliganToday I had the honor of having one of my photos printed in the local newspaper, The Garden Island News. On the coaxing of my favorite Kauaian friend I submitted the images that she selected, and voila. 3 days later I’m featured in the paper.
I also have high hopes of being honored again as I received the following email:
Aloha, Rene! Thank you for the submission of photos. Your images are beautiful. We are planning to use the cattle egret in tomorrow’s paper (Friday, Jan. 8 edition). I forwarded your e-mail to the editor (Nathan Eagle) so more may be used in the future, as space allows. Mahalo for sharing your art with our readers … and please thank your friend, too, for encouraging you to send them in!
Thanks again,
Viviane Stein
(paginator)
Mahalo, Connie and Viviane …..I am honored.
Welcome New Year 2010…a collection of photos and light commentary
January 5, 2010 by Rene Halligan
welcome new year.....another great sunrise.....I wake up every morning to see the sunrise, brew some coffee and try to get a photograph of the wild pigs. I'm just not quick enough with the camera. No wild pig pictures yet.......

Camp-out Hawaiian style. I found this under a cliff facing the Pacific Ocean while hiking along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. Prime Hawaiian real estate, ocean-front, great view and privacy. The frugal travelers lodging delight.

rose petals...cliff side coast by Poipu. I don't know why the rose petals were there. I liked their contrast with the rugged background.

Petroglyph, found in the limestone on the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. Is it really ancient, or was I scammed.














































































