In Hawaii for a four or five days to see my older son compete in the Ironman Triathalon World Championship in Kona, I met Spanky this morning for a four hour tour of some the Big Island's best roads. The beauty of this place is humbling, and the roads are nothing like I've seen anywhere. Of course, it's not just the roads, but everything around them -- the beautiful views. the increidibly varied microclimates (we went from sun and a high 80 degrees in Kona, to wind and low 70s in the mountains in the space of an hour or so). An on the Big Island, thank God, no interstates, just two lane roads through mile after mile of breathtaking views.

Spanky was kind enough to be my host for the morning, and went out of his way to show me all the great vistas and driving routes. On one two lane highway high in the mountains, we hit nearly 130 mph on a long straight, but I always felt completely secure with Spanky behind the wheel -- he's a great driver and inspired confidence in this passenger.

Here are a few shots taken of Spanky's car at one of the high vistas along the northern coast of the island. This is a calendar view!





Spanky and I (the mature guy on the left is me).



What would it take to air freight 20 or so S2000s from the East Coast for a meet and drive on the Big Island in the depths of winter? Can anybody get us a deal with FedEx

Thanks Spanky for being such a gracious host!

 

Hey Rick great to hear that you had a good time on the Big Island. If you are ever on Oahu give us a call!

 

Wow! Amazingly beautiful views and car! We'll be there in April. Hoping to find an S2k to rent; even for a day. What great people we have on this board.

 

It was an absolute pleasure to meet Rick and to show him around the island! Thank you very much Rick for the sidemarkers and the excuse to go for a drive. I'm looking forward to doing this again the next time you're here.

More Pics:



Rick in the Passenger Seat:

Hey Rick! Get off the road! :

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by smccoy
[B]Wow!

 

mmm... I love the big island. I bought some timeshare points and one of the properties is near Sea Mountain - kind of between Kona and Hilo. Some of the roads there are fantastic. And the stars at night - just spectacular. My dad was born and raised on Oahu... I'm thinking that I could retire over on the big island on one of those macadamia nut or coffee "farms" over there...

lig

 

Here are a few pictures from a past cruise of some of the roads that Rick and I had drove through.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Spanky
[B]

smccoy,

Look me up before you come out to the Big Island.

 

Hey Rick,

I got back from Maui a few months ago. I was on the Road to Hana their and that road is way too twisty and way too small. It would be a fun road to take the S2K on, if there was no on coming traffic.

 

I had a bit of an "island" expirence this weekend in UT. I the Great salt lake there is an island called antalope island. Any way There is a long causway that is about 5 miles long and my friend and I hit about 140 on and when you get to the island there is a unbelievable curvey road with NO other cars on it!! the road is paved and is in great shape and is sooo much fun. So if there is anyone passing through Ut in ther near future look me up and we can go check it out!