Jeff Lubeck

HOE WA’A Shines in Waimea

Hoe wa’a or Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling is a material part the Hawaiian islands and its people. I am lucky in that in my hometown, Waimea, Kauai, Hoe wa’a is part of everyday life. I get to observe it, first-hand, most days.

The Kilohana Canoe Club on Kauai is located where the Waimea River meets the Pacific Ocean. I live just a few houses west of the club on the river and on the ocean beach front. Kilohana Canoe Club is a non-profit organization that does many things that are beneficial to Waimea and its residents. In my opinion, involving kids of all ages in the discipline, is the best of what the Kilohana Canoe Club provides.

Last week, the 55th annual Prince Kuhio long distance outrigger canoe race hosted by the Kauai Outrigger Association took place. The 12 mile open ocean race is a big challenge. It covers the distance between Kalapaki Beach and Salt Pond Beach Park. The story in the Garden Island is located [here].

HOE WA’A WAIMEA 2025

Today the HOE WA’A Waimea 2025 event was held. Outrigger events of all types were held. The races are from the the Waimea River and the Waimea Public Fishing Pier to the breakwater of Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor and back.

The youngsters on their return to the finish of their 2 mile open ocean race.

The races are magnificent to watch. I decided to capture some images of the last race. It was of the youngster’s. These kids practice and train on the beach in front of my house. Linda, The Border Collies and I see them training throughout the year.

Open Ocean

The Open Ocean of Hawaii and the High Elevation Mountains of Idaho have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I utilize and celebrate them each and everyday in which I am present. I feel as if they are my front-yard and back-yard. However, both environments can be unforgiving and deadly. I always keep that in mind.

*** Jeff’s Thought’s and Worthless Trvia ***

I captured the images above using the Nikon Z9 camera and Nikon Z 400MM-560MM F2.8 Prime lens with Nikon 2X Telecoverter.

The subjects were 1/4 mile to 1 mile in the distance from the Waimea Fishing Pier.

While photographing, one of the teenagers that are part of the Kilohana Canoe Club, says hello to me. “I know you. You live in the green house next to the club with the lady named Linda and the two dogs Sage and Willow.” I half expected him to say “Aren’t you Kyle’s Dad? And what is your name?”

Orchids in a Blossoming Return

It is a pleasant surprise when something blossoming comes as promised. In this instance, the blossoming is the return of flowering orchids to the yard.

Over the years, I had contemplated the possibility of adding orchids to the backyard of the WaimeaBeachHouse. Our home is located on the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii in the United States of America. That means many things can grow year-round.

Sun, Salt-Air and Ocean Breeze

However, the house is situated on the southwestern side of the island and on the beach fronting the Pacific Ocean a few yards west of the Waimea River. The implication is salt air, and ocean breezes are a everyday thing in the front yard. These factors limit what plants and trees can thrive. The backyard is much more protected, and therefore more suitable for a greater variety of plants and trees.

About a year ago, I discussed the possibility of orchids with a staff member at a local nursery. She suggested I plant orchids in the crooks of the trunks and branches of my plumeria and shower trees in the back yard. The staff member told me how to do it. In short, I planted the orchids in the crooks, wrapped them in burlap string and watered with light mists. She said the plant’s roots would eventually attach to the trees and flower annually. The staff member instructed me to not prune or clip dead leaves or stems after the flowers dropped.

Initial Success

The orchids not only survived after the planting, but thrived.

The orchids are mentioned in a Post I published in April of last year. The Post is located [here].

Capturing a Kauai Spring Morning in Full Bloom

Eventually the flowers dropped and the stems and leaves looked to be on a death spiral. I followed the advice provided and remained vigilant.

The Blossoming Return

About a month ago the orchid plants began to grow new stems and new bulbs on existing stems (that had appeared to be dead). A couple of the orchids look to be on the verge of having more flowers than last year.

The moral of this story… follow the advice provided by someone who can demonstrate (first-hand) they have successfully executed what is being recommended.

The Big Apple Shines in January

The nickname of The Big Apple was placed upon New York City 100 years ago. I have visited New York City on 24 occasions. First in the early 1960’s and most recently in January and February of 2025.

The visits have encompassed all seasons, and the ups and downs experienced by New York and me and my life. Birthday celebrations, garbage strikes, sporting events, conventions, business deals, job offers, 911, and celebrating a Tony Award for Best Musical with your friends has been part of it.

I think I like The Big Apple most in January. The city is less crowded yet vibrant. The days are mostly cool and clear.

On this trip, Linda and I are staying at our friends Ema and Jonathan’s apartment. It is located on Columbus Circle overlooking Central Park in Manhattan. For us, the location is Ground Zero Grotto. Because Linda and I are daily hikers/walkers of 4-12 miles, almost all of Manhattan is accessible by foot. The implication is a trip in/to/from Central Park, a Broadway Musical, and dinner in Lower Manhattan (on foot) the same day is part of the agenda.

Ema and Jonathan’s apartment is elegant with its clean lines and simplicity. While uncluttered, their home offers touches revealing a successful family with two kids that are lovers of dogs.

Central Park is a haven for me. While cool for visits, I would find NYC a hard place to live. However, Central Park could materially mitigate the downside.

Big Apple Central Park In Winter

The Highline

New York City is many things. One thing it does fairly well, is deliver on big ideas.

The Highline is an elevated linear park in NYC. It is 1.4 miles in length. The Highline is a greenway that was once part of the New York Central Railroad. What a story! The story is best told [here] and [here].

Big Apple Fictional Film Locations

I have a thing for movies, and fictional locations set in the film. Two of my very favorite locations (not necessarily the films) are in Manhattan.

Three Days of the Condor (1975) is a Thriller starring Robert Redford and Faye Dunaway. The film is based on the novel Six Days of the Condor. The American Literary Historical Society building is a CIA cover operation. In real life, it is a building located at 55 East 77th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA. Here is the building on my trip in 2025. Both the buildings’ exterior and interior are used in the film.

How to Murder Your Wife (1965) is a comedy satire/farce starring Jack Lemon and Virna Lisa. The film is set in Manhattan. The principle location in the film is main character Stanley Ford’s Townhome. In real life, it is a building located at 174 E. 75th st New York City, New York, USA. Here is the building on my trip in 2025. Both the buildings’ exterior and interior are used in the film.

*** Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia ***

Two-hundred and Seventy degree views of Manhattan from the 47th floor of your friend’s place are compelling to say the least.

Any place that has bowls to feed and water dogs, and a leash for them at the front door is a home for me.

The phrase “the shortest measure of time is that between a stop light turning green and a honk from a car behind another,” is best personified by New York City.

Central Park is a remarkable place. I think I have covered almost every inch of its trails and paths. I never tire, nor take for granted what its confines offer. The Central Park (now the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis) reservoir holds 1B gallons (US) of water. The movie (and novel) the Marathon Man make the running route around the reservoir seem long. However, it is only 1.5 miles in length.

Crossing Manhattan to get to LaGuardia or JFK remains a pain in the butt.