The Great Pumpkin Patch Debacle.

If you follow the KAMA Facebook page regularly, then you will have noted there was a bit of confusion as to when the Kohala Mountain Farm Pumpkin Patch was going to be open this season.  Last year was my first year going, and I seem to remember it being open multiple weekends, beginning at least a few weekends before Halloween. Then again, my memory has seriously declined since having children, and it's a miracle simply to remember their names.  I ran across a flyer stating the Patch'd be open October 22-23rd, and dutifully posted it. "That can't be right," I thought, and a bit later searched some more, and found another flyer posting an October 9th commencement. "Much better, and this weekend too!" thought I, and set a date to attend with the whole family.

As we neared Waimea, the sky was looking rather foreboding, and I braced myself mentally, determined to have fun in a wet, muddy patch. Driving up Kohala Mountain Road, I geared up to cheer up my son, who'd no doubt be grumpy about the weather and reluctant to tread around in the rain.  So, here I am, totally pumped, watching cars pass by, thinking, "they've already got their pumpkins!" counting down the mile markers until the pumpkin patch.

Finally, I see dots of orange, gleeful. Then.  Then I notice I didn't see any people. Or cars parked. Crap. And then the sign.

Really?

No time for disappointment, folks!  Straight on to Kapaau for a picnic in the park. We'll just try again when it's actually open.  Here are three telling photos from last year...

My son with his two friends searching for a fine, or rather, decent specimen.
POINT: Don't go too late. We were stragglers last year and there wasn't much left.
This  photo reinforces my memory the patch was open more than one weekend last year.

This photo was not posted due to it's brilliant composition.
POINT: See my daughter's "Kona" attire?
Shorts & Crocs do NOT allow for great pumpkin patch frolicking.
Diva had me carrying her 90% of the time.
Now examine the smart lady behind her. Jeans, jacket, and you can bet closed toes shoes.
Layers, people, it's mountain country! 

There are some great staging areas for photos.
Again not posted for it's award winning quality.
POINT: It's windy. And there's dirt.
Wind + Dirt = Particles in Eyes ≠ Great Photo.

As you can plainly see, last year was a great learning experience and simply a dry run for this year's visit to the Kohala Mountain Farm Pumpkin Patch. Do you think they have evening hours for a chance to see The Great Pumpkin?

Oh yes, I apologize most sincerely if there was anyone besides me who took the drive up merely to be disappointed. POINT: Phone first.