It was a fall Honolulu afternoon. The Officer picked me up all packed, the tent already in the car. After getting some provisions at 7/11 and stopping at his house to leave behind the uniform and to shower, the weekend trip was about to begin. We were running late, our North Shore camping gate was indicated to close at 6:45. The sun was setting and the traffic was heavy as usual on Aloha Friday. I wanted to give in to my nervousness but resisted. After all it would all work out, one way or another.
Patience and checking-in with my emotions vis-a-vis the facts of any given situation is a skill I have been practicing lately. I’m trying to avoid knee jerk reactions and before reacting, take a deep breath and maybe another. After a detour due to a traffic accident and a lot of NPR politics (it was the last weekend before the presidential election, the weekend where everything was still possible), we arrived on the North Shore and passed through the campground gate. Driving over uneven terrain for over 20 minutes, we finally encountered someone who could help us. We were in the wrong spot, a private ground and had to retract to the state park.
As we pulled to M. gate it was almost 7:45, it was still open but we saw a car coming up. The ranger laughed and said he got caught talking story and he was about to close it. We arrived in a nick of time and took it as a wonderful beginning of the weekend. I was relieved and so glad I had remained calm and positive and hoping for the best because the best did happen. Now was the the time to set up grounds and see how me as the city girl will cooperate with the Officer in our first outdoor adventure. It was definitely going to be a test of communication and adaptability to a scenario very different from the typical wine and dine date we do.
After just minutes of looking, we located our site, A20. There was nobody around, but the spot picked by the Officer would have been perfect even in the company of other tents. It was the most isolated and the closest to the short beach pathway. Oh yes, on the island campsites have to be reserved in advance and permits purchased, for legal camping anyway. We decided to pitch a tent under a tree. I was unsure, thinking it would be a difficult endeavor. But after the tarp was down, in seamless teamwork the tent was soon up. Surprised and happy, I was ready for the setting up of the interior and the night picnic.
We laid down the rented mats and covered them with the plush Patriots blanket. We also brought pillows from the Officer’s home, including my favorite goose feather pillow. We hang the flashlight in the middle and set the lantern to the side. The tent, advertised for 4 people, was perfectly specious for a couple. The outside table being covered in rain water, we decided to have the picnic inside the tent. Our picnic basket was prepared by Marysol of Date by Date Productions. Excited to say the cheers of the night, we began.
First we laid down the straw blue mat from the basket to create a picnic reality. Then we reached for the specially picked wine, and the conveniently packed opener and pretty but sturdy glasses. We saluted the night and started enjoying the snacks. There were chocolate covered almonds, filipino banana chips, fruit and crackers. Marysol also packed a figurine of a unicorn and a helicopter toy, an amusing touches of good heart.
I woke up at 4 a.m., not believing my happiness that I am in the tent with the kindest man. I laid in his arms until the sunrise, unable to fall back to sleep, my mind racing with excitement. I kissed him gently as the sun was coming up and left the tent. Only a few steps and I was on the beach, the wet sand beneath my feet and the sun rising on the horizon. With nobody around me, I took deep breaths, thankful for everything I have. I returned to our temporary house at the edge of the ocean and in tent love welcomed the morning.
We decided to explore the area. First was breakfast at a small local favorite spot and copious, for me, amounts of coffee. We took pictures of the Kahuku sugar mill relics and laughed at the ready to fall down gas station. I wanted to stop by the organic farm and the Officer surprised me by buying tickets for the zipline tour later in the afternoon. I was ecstatic, never having experienced that before. We returned to the campsite and headed to the beach. I put sunscreen on the Officer’s back and he laid next to me as I read aloud from Football for Dummies (he has been teaching me about football fundamentals the entire season, patiently and with enthusiasm). I laughed because after a few paragraphs, he checked for my understanding by asking me to paraphrase what I just read, needless to say I did need additional explanation. The time was moving sweetly, with warm sun and football learning. Before departing for the zipline adventure, we went swimming and the Officer attached his fins on my feet. I was happy to feel their power. Suntanned and relaxed, we headed off.
The zipline tour was close to three hours and they were the most exhilarating. When we arrived I was jumping with joy. Geared up in identical blue helmets, we took pictures. A lady asked us if we are honeymooners, we laughed and said we live here, but internally I smiled, we must have looked really happy. First was the zipline test, and my legs were soft with nerves. The Officer, as always, was gentle and encouraging. Then an ATV took us and a few others to the beginning of the tour. We would traverse different lines, simultaneously touring the farm and learning about Hawaiian history. At different stops, we tasted macadamia nuts, cherry tomatoes and apple bananas. Throughout, I was challenged to overcome my fears: going on the the fastest zipline, climbing up a rope, going backwards after a free fall and even upside down. I did not have to take some of these challenges but I laughed that my ego is stronger than my fear and that I had to keep up with the Officer. He pushed me to be the most fearless me I could be, and I felt completely supported by him. The views of the North Shore were incredible and the feeling on the lines completely intoxicating. I will never forget ziplining right next to the Officer, both of us smiling with elation.
Still shaking with adrenaline, I admired the landscape on our way to dinner in Haleiwa. We talked about the line and how proud I felt of overcoming my fear of heights and challenges. Foodtruck tacos were delicious but we laughed at the non-GMO pork designation and the clumsy explanation given, supposedly the meat stays red and it has no artificial colors. I like it when the Officer points out the absurdities in life. The night had a first for both of us, we both tried shave ice for the first time, mango, out of a single cup. First shave ice ever, in Haleiwa, and couple of weeks later we would buy a poster for the Officer’s apartment commemorating the memory. That night in Haleiwa we would begin decorating the house shelves as well, with him purchasing coral and blown glass. At Haleiwa Joe’s on the bay, we had a drink that brought us together: moscow mule in tin cups, for if it wasn’t for the tin cup, we might have not exchanged the first words months prior.
Completely satisfied, we drove back to the campground. With a bottle of pinot noir we played cards against humanity but soon my lovely Officer fell asleep and I looked at him for a while in the light of the lantern. I read a page out of his history book but my eyelids were heavy after all of the day’s adventures and I fell into a deep sleep snuggled next to him. Once again we awoke in each other's arms, the birds chirping and raindrops falling on the tent. Saying goodbye to our tent weekend with love, we recalled all that we had done. The final outdoor tent test was gathering up the site. It went smoothly and quickly, with seamless cooperation. Packing up the car, we smiled that our first camping trip was extremely successful.
We decided to return to town via breakfast in Haleiwa. With some North Shore coffee in hand, I helped the Officer in picking out more shells and decorations for his apartment. Before departing for Pearl Harbor base to return the tent and supplies, we enjoyed some margaritas over mexican breakfast. Already by Aloha Stadium, we later picked up a model woody and shell night lights at the swap meat. We were very tired but I convinced the Officer to make a final stop at the store for some cleaning supplies. We brought everything upstairs in two shopping carts: camping bags, new decorations, shopping items. With our heads pounding, we sat on the lanai overlooking the Ala Wai canal in soft afternoon light. After few sips of wine, we exhaled and reflected on the beauty of the weekend. That night we decorated and the next day I cleaned. It was absolutely perfect, and the love and adventure of that weekend lives on.
