Saturday

It is just before 9pm Friday here in Hawaii. In just a few hours Kailua-Kona, a sleepy little seacoast town will burst with excitement as another Ironman race takes place.

2,000 athletes will compete; some seasoned athletes and some just starting out. Among the runners this year, Sean Astin (Goonies and Lord of the Rings). Last year (or was it the year before) Gordon Ramsey was in the race.

There will be news people, volunteers, family, friends and so on filling town and some people will spread out along the course.

You can watch the race at http://ironman.com.

Me? I’ll stay home. Town will be a zoo with roads blocked off, people trying to get to the airport after a week here, people coming in for a week and not being able to easily get to the hotel or resort.

The vent brings in lots of money, causes lots of headaches but also allows the world to see the beauty and diversity of our island and state.