Even in Hawaii, the winter days are shorter. It's also rainier. I've been missing my walks after dinner and Art is concerned I'm not going to be ready for that 8 mile Aloha Run/Walk.
Therefore, whenever I get up early enough Art is pushing me out the door to go for an early morning walk.
For some reason I got up at 4:30 so it was really dark when we headed out.
There's something about that early morning time.
It smells different. The plants look different... magical and there's a quiet in the air making you know everybody is asleep except you.
It brought back memories of my childhood buddy, Diane and I walking in the dark to the bus stop for the long ride into Honolulu. We were going to the Dole pineapple cannery for our 12 hour shift as trimmers. We used to trim the eyes and spots off of pineapples that shot out of the machines that took off the crowns and hard outer skin. It was grueling work and many girls didn't make it through the summer. It was our badge of honor that we worked there for three summers.
It also convinced me to go to college and get a less physically challenging job, not to mention something that got me away from that factory pineapple smell.
But this morning, I just remember being young with an uncertain future ahead. It made me remember having a friend with whom to share the misery of having to wake up early. It made me remember and smile.
Therefore, whenever I get up early enough Art is pushing me out the door to go for an early morning walk.
There's something about that early morning time.
It smells different. The plants look different... magical and there's a quiet in the air making you know everybody is asleep except you.
It brought back memories of my childhood buddy, Diane and I walking in the dark to the bus stop for the long ride into Honolulu. We were going to the Dole pineapple cannery for our 12 hour shift as trimmers. We used to trim the eyes and spots off of pineapples that shot out of the machines that took off the crowns and hard outer skin. It was grueling work and many girls didn't make it through the summer. It was our badge of honor that we worked there for three summers.
It also convinced me to go to college and get a less physically challenging job, not to mention something that got me away from that factory pineapple smell.
But this morning, I just remember being young with an uncertain future ahead. It made me remember having a friend with whom to share the misery of having to wake up early. It made me remember and smile.
the early morning sounds nice, but not fun getting up that early!
ReplyDeleteFunny how smells and circumstances sharply bring back a time in our lives.
ReplyDeleteYes the air does smell differently in the wee hours. No exhaust fumes to drown out nature.
How good that we can smile about our past, no matter how hard it was.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked archaeology a few years ago I'd have to start walking (35 minutes) to the bus at 4:50 am. You are right about the special feeling of early early mornings.
Is it something to do with getting older do you think, perhaps we have more stored memories and it becomes easier to access them. Certainly, I find that memories come more easily these days. But I certainly don't miss the early morning starts when I was working!
ReplyDeleteI love the early morning feeling. My hubby likes the nighttime feeling. Funny how differently we each experience the hours of the day. Good for you (and Art) for getting out there! :-)
ReplyDeleteglad you are walking with your hubby. I'm exercising inside to a walking video-Walk Away the Pounds now that it's before freezing outside...brr!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are actually doing the Aloha Fun Walk again? Well, good for you, Kay. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteYup! Art signed me up right away.
DeleteOh my! What a time for a walk. I'd be afraid around here. The wolf is about, as are the coyotes! But you go, girl!
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish that you had that energy back though?
ReplyDeleteNo kidding!
DeleteGood for you, Kay! I walk at least a little two or three times a day thanks to Sam Schnauzer who needs to heed natures call!! It would be easy to just let the day slip by without going out if it wasn't for him reminding me that I don't want wet spots on the carpet!!
ReplyDeleteThere's a lesson here. If I don't walk in the morning, I don't walk. Good for you getting out in the rain. Of course the rain in Hawaii is more pleasant, I think. Dianne
ReplyDeleteOn weekdays, we get up at 5 to feed the animals before work. It is still and quiet; the roosters are barely stirring; the neighbors' lights are out; there's a feeling of alone-ness. But . . . the cats, dogs and horses eagerly await their morning meals!
ReplyDeleteWow! Every morning? That's amazing! I'm not really a morning person.
DeleteAnd I bet your early mornings are warm. It's been 29 degrees here in the morning. No walking.
ReplyDeleteMuch warmer than 29 degrees, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteOh, what a wonderful entry. Magic. I too love those early hours.
ReplyDeleteWe were watching the golf match from Hawaii and it took us back to all the great memories from our holidays in Hawaii. One of them was going to Dole Pineapple. As a tourist you sometimes forget the hard work it takes to get those pineapples to the table. Early morning walks are the best!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you're skiing down the street! I'm not a morning person, but mustered a walk in the fake Kansas sun this afternoon. Go easy! DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteI love the walking poles when going up hills. It's supposed to burn more calories too.
DeleteFor me, it was cleaning offices before dawn. Yes, a special time. Fine isn't it to look back on those days and know how the story develops. What would 50+ me SAY to 14 y/o janitor me?
ReplyDeleteHave always thought Art an exemplary human and husband. But I'm glad mine doesn't 'push' me (however gently) into a marathon!
Warm Aloha to you both, and to Mom
from 'town-side'
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° >
Isn't it amazing when a memory comes flooding back.....brought on by the unexpected!!
ReplyDelete12 hour pineapple shifts? Sounds rough
ReplyDeleteIn winter we tend to stay up watching TV and then reading until midnight, since the mornings are so dark, so I would not be joining you for a 4:30 walk. I have been enjoying my walks in the cold sunshine this week, a real treat for us here in Seattle.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about a simple thing triggering an old memory that just makes one feel good. For me it might be a smell or the way the sky looks.
Happy walking, Kay!
I love mornings and do most of my desk work in the mornings. When I come home from work, I barely have the energy to hop on the internet and check emails. I don't think I was always this tired, must be getting old. Because of my short day, I don't get much done in a day and the days go by faster lol
ReplyDeleteL...w
12 hours wow. I am a morning person too although I am not sure I would feel very safe going out walking at that time. I remember staying in a hotel in Honalulu once and was woken by all these people talking and the sound of running. I was terrified for a moment until I looked out the window and saw that it was a Marathon. I swear it seemed like they were all running in the dark. Good luck with the training - everyone needs an Art in their lives to keep them on the straight and narrow. Good luck with it all.
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