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oceans

The United States

Day 174: Golden Gate Park and Lands End

June 17, 2014

Today, I planned to explore the stunning Golden Gate Park in San Francisco before catching my flight to Las Vegas. We woke up around 10 am, with Phillip rousing me from my slumber as he was keen on grabbing breakfast. Feeling groggy, I wasn’t accustomed to hostel breakfasts, preferring something more indulgent, as usual. Yesterday evening, I had already packed my bag in preparation for departure day today. It was time to move on to a new destination. My flight was scheduled to depart in the evening around 8 pm. We had a mediocre breakfast and departed around 10:50…

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The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, view from Marin Headlands, San Francisco
The United States

Day 173: Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge

June 16, 2014

Today, Phillip and I had plans to explore Alcatraz Island. Later in the afternoon, we intended to embark on a road trip to Marin Headlands, crossing over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The alarm blared, jolting me awake. It wasn’t mine; it belonged to Phillip. Chuckling, I nudged him, realizing his slumber was undisturbed by the noisy alarm. After rousing him, I quickly freshened up, brushing my teeth. Within 15 minutes, we were in the car, ready to embark on our early morning adventure. As the clock struck 4:50 am, we arrived near the pier, eager to see if…

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The United States

Day 172: McWay Falls and the arrival at San Francisco

June 15, 2014

Today, Phillip and I planned to explore McWay Falls, another spectacular waterfall on our global adventure. Despite my groggy state at 5 am, I roused Phillip from his deep slumber and urged him to buckle up. As I headed north on the highway, Phillip snoozed peacefully, oblivious to the journey ahead. The overcast skies didn’t dampen my spirits as I embarked on the 45-minute to one-hour drive. Initially, the road was straight, but as we approached the coast, it twisted and turned, offering a scenic journey ahead. Feeling increasingly drowsy, I realized it was time to find a place to…

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The United States

Day 169: A flight, a hike and a flight

June 12, 2014

Today I would go on a nice hike at Diamond Head, Oahu. I woke promptly at 5:20 am and swiftly packed my belongings into the car’s trunk. By 5:30 am, I was on the road heading north towards Kailua-Kona airport, a drive Google estimated to take around 30 minutes. Hoping to grab breakfast at Subway along the way, I was disappointed to find none open. I fueled up for the last time in Kona before proceeding to the airport. Arriving at 6 am at the Dollar Rental premises, I was greeted by a staff member who efficiently checked…

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Road in the neighborhood of Kailua-Kona, the Big Island Hawaii
The United States

Day 168: The last drive on the Big Island

June 11, 2014

Today didn’t offer much excitement until I reached the charming Manago Hotel. I rose around 9 am, got myself ready, and began some writing on my laptop. However, hunger soon beckoned, prompting me to stroll back to the nearby store. As I stepped outside, the lively sounds in the air hinted at a special event—a celebration for King Kamehameha. Grabbing a drink from the shop, I returned to the hotel. Shortly after, I made the impromptu decision to head towards Kailua-Kona. On my way out, I struck up a conversation with two men painting the hotel exterior. They suggested…

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The United States

Day 167: A rainbow, cliffs and a nice hotel room

June 10, 2014

Today, I planned to explore another waterfall at the Akaka Falls State Park. Around 8 am, the chatter of people in the dorm lobby, including Wendy, reached my ears, but I remained in bed until 9 am. By then, the voices had dissipated. Taking a leisurely approach, I savored some pineapple and a refreshing drink. As I indulged in my morning ritual, I engaged in conversations with friends back home, mindful of the 12-hour time difference in the Netherlands. Despite the dreary weather, which had persisted since yesterday evening’s drizzle, I found a strange comfort in it. Yesterday, the sound…

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A beautiful waterfall surrounded by green nature, Rainbow Falls, the Big Island Hawaii
The United States

Day 166: Time well spent in paradise

June 9, 2014

Today was filled with a multitude of activities in and around Hilo. Due to the uncomfortable night, I woke up earlier than planned. By 4:40 am, I departed from the campsite and headed back towards the visitor center, a 15-minute drive from there to the Kilauea crater. Although the weather wasn’t rainy, a persistent drizzle persisted. However, what truly frustrated me was the poor visibility caused by thick clouds obscuring the scenery. Upon reaching the crater, I attempted to capture some photos, but unfortunately, they all turned out blurry. The combination of fog and low light proved too challenging…

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The United States

Day 165: The southernmost point of the United States

June 8, 2014

Today marks my journey’s pinnacle as I venture towards the Volcanoes National Park. I sluggishly arose at 9 am, later than intended, cursing my penchant for laziness. Slapping together a hasty breakfast of peanut butter on bread, I marveled at my consumption of carbs, relieved not to waste any slices this time. After a brisk shower, I swiftly prepared for the day, completing both breakfast and ablutions within 30 minutes. To my chagrin, the eccentric fellow in the Hawaiian shirt lingered at the hostel, irking me solely due to his odd demeanor. After an hour’s drive southward, I found myself…

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Beautiful lava rock beach south of Kona International Airport
The United States

Day 164: Wawaloli Beach and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau

June 7, 2014

Today I would visit the village Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. I woke up around 7 am but opted to snooze a bit longer. By 9:30 am, I finally rose for the day. I had a simple breakfast of bread with peanut butter, grabbed a drink, and packed my belongings back into the car. I had no intention of returning to this hostel. While it was acceptable, I had read some negative reviews about it online. Today, I planned to camp overnight at Volcano National Park, where camping was free. Currently, I was in Kailua-Kona, located on the…

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Kealakekua Bay in the distance, Hawaii
The United States

Day 163: Giving up on a strenuous hike

June 6, 2014

Today, I had planned to hike to Kealakekua Bay, but ultimately, I didn’t complete the hike. My alarm sounded at 5:30 am, prompting me to rise and pack the last of my belongings quietly, so as not to disturb the others in the room. I waited for what felt like a long time at the bus stop for the airport bus. Finally, around 6:30 am, it arrived. Despite my skepticism, I checked Google Maps to confirm our route and direction after my experiences with unreliable buses. Fortunately, everything went smoothly. By around 7:15 am, I had reached…

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