Our Trip to Kurt and Jane’s

On Thursday, the Fletcher family loaded in to the van and ventured to the Hilo side of the island to visit Kurt and Jane (my sister’s in-laws). A couple of years ago, they decided to give up the hustle and bustle of the Seattle area and transitioned to a new way of life in the tropics. They sold their house and purchased a 10-acre parcel of land in Laupahoehoe—about 25 miles North of Hilo. It was a magnificent, 90-minute drive through back country Hawaii and we observed parts of the island that tourists don’t traditionally see; a great experience.

On our way, we stopped for lunch at Tex Drive-In; a favorite of the locals. Tex is known for its home-cooked BBQ and its famous malasadas; traditional, island-style doughnuts covered in sugar (plain or filled with the goop of your choice). We purchased a mixed dozen and our entire ohana enjoyed them for breakfast on Friday.



When we arrived at the Arthur/Corbin Plantation, we were greeted at the gate by Kurt, Jane and their dog Hanna (and Hanna’s black lab friend from next door). We were given a tour of the barn, the house (which is under construction) and their beautiful, expansive property.




Until the house is completed, Kurt and Jane are living in an apartment above the barn. Just look at the view they awake to every morning (that's the Pacific Ocean if you couldn't tell).



In a relatively short time on the island, they have planted 130 coffee trees, 40 lychee fruit trees and various other plants such as banana, lemon, and lime. We learned about the island and a bit about growing coffee. The kids also spent some time on the tractor and the mower and they couldn’t have been happier.



Though our visit with Kurt and Jane was entirely too brief, it was so good to see them and experience the new, island life they are creating for themselves. What a beautiful place to begin this new phase of their lives. As we waved and drove away, the kids asked if we could come back tomorrow. To that, I responded “some day kids, some day.”