Hawaii's north facing beaches have been under a high surf alert off and on the past eight days. My new favorite beach is closed, because water keeps running over the parking lot. "Closed" is more of a suggestion. There are no lifeguards, the gates are closed, but toddlers are still swimming in the water. It's a safe beach, because there is a break-wall of huge lava rocks.
Last week Mom and I drove down the beach park road in Keaukaha to check out the big swell. We heard there was water over the road. There was no water over the road, but the waves were huge. I don't know how to judge wave height, but they were the biggest waves I've ever seen.
It was business as usual in Keaukaha. Tons of people gathering to watch the surf. Cars and canopies lined the beaches. There were kids surfing at Richardson's beach.
I suppose it is similar to a blizzard in South Dakota. Blizzards can be an inconvenience, but more often then not, they are exciting. As a kid, a blizzard meant we'd be sledding or making snowmen soon. As a college kid, we'd be walk to the frat party through the blizzard. As an adult, "Ugh, I have to shovel my sidewalk...again." After shoveling, everything looks pretty and white and you have the perfect excuse to cook comfort food and curl up with a book.
I don't miss blizzards. I will take a high surf alert any day. Any day is a good day to read a book by the beach.
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