Wednesday, September 10, 2008

In a land called Hanalei

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea

And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,

Little jackie paper loved that rascal puff,

And brought him strings and sealing wax and other fancy stuff.



oh Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea

And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee,

Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea

And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called honah lee...................


Some say Peter Yarrow (from the group Peter, Paul, and Mary had something completely different in mind when he co-penned "Puff the Magic Dragon." Peter claims the song is just a sentimental song about the loss of childhood and nothing else. (follow this link -click here for more of this story)


I'm not sure what they had in mind but I'm told that the fictitious land of "honah lee" was actually the town of Hanalei, Kauai - known at one time for it's significant hippie population and affinity for "Weed."



I've kayaked the Hanalei river several times and enjoyed the experience and scenery as well as the town so when I stopped at the overlook on the way to the North Shore I was pleased to see how clear it was. Clearer than I've seen on my last few visits. A perfect photo opportunity.......















So regardless of your interpretation of the song and lyrics, I hope you can enjoy the sheer beauty of the valley. It's a lovely place. The village is also quaint and warm.


And for those of you who spent too much of your youth smoking "uhmmmm" ..... I'm also leaving you with some Peter, Paul and Mary so that you can reminisce and long for those careless and reckless days!




27 comments:

Heather Dugan Creative / Footsteps said...

That song still makes me cry!! I felt bad for the dragon when I was a kid. Now I'm more into the whole "kid growing up to fast" angle. Sniff. Good tears, though...
It would be worse if Jackie Paper were thirty-two years old and still playing with a dragon in a cave at mom and dad's, I guess...

Speedcat Hollydale said...

I always though that they were in a land called Gallilee ... wrong guy I guess.

Peter, Paul, and Jesus?

Peter, Paul, and Mary Jane??

Ohh shoot, I better quit before I get myself in trouble here.


On to the meet and greet of the post ....

Another batch of amazing photo's my friend. If only I had wings.

Peter, Paul, and Bette Middler??


OK, I will stop there.



I think :-)





Peter, Paul, and Puffinstuff???


Ha haaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!

Jane Turley said...

Peter, Paul and Bette Midler??! Heavens above where did you drag that one up from Speedy???

I used to strum Puff the Magic Dragon on my guitar Mr I. I was marginally better on the guitar than I was the recorder. Either way that career in music didn't quite work out....

Ps.. Speedy; Good luck with the hearing aid.

Speedcat Hollydale said...

Thanks Mary-Jane Turley!!!!


Peter, Paul, Mary, and Jane Turley

Olga, the Traveling Bra said...

I LOVE that song!!! I think every kids learns it on the guitar - I know I did too!

intrepidideas said...

On a sentimental note, .... Yeah, there's something touching about children growing up and leaving their innocence behind. (I'll join you (Heather) in the good sniffles) But the idea of a 32 year old kid hanging around the house is less appealing. :)

intrepidideas said...

Speedy, In a land called Gallilee.... You've been singing in the church choir again haven't you?

intrepidideas said...

Olga, and Miss Jayne... You two should get together and form a band. You two on lead guitar and Speedy at vocals... We might have something there. I'll line you up with some big gigs in Hollywood. What do you think?

Speedcat Hollydale said...

I'm In !!!!!!!!!!

Jane Turley said...

I don't want to worry you but when I was an aspiring thespian back in my teens I used to have singing lessons.... and the teacher's dog used to sit outside the door and howl....

I'm not kidding!! However, if you can get a big contract Mr I, I am prepared to mime the background vocals....I have no pride!

PS Do Olga and I have to wear matching bras??

intrepidideas said...

Don't worry Miss Jayne... We've got you covered. Just stand there and look pretty. Not sure about the the Bra thing, I guess I'll leave that to you and Olga to work out.... Wait a second - Speedy says "Bras are optional."

Jane Turley said...

Oh does he now?? For a moment I thought it was you!! Oh you men are all the same...

I'm thinking of a little black lacy number... and that's just what's Speedy's wearing...

Jane Turley said...

Oh blimey my grammar was bad there... see what happens when you got me thinking about Speedy looking hot and fruity!

intrepidideas said...

Snicker... Snicker. Okay, it was me! You just can't trust your band manager - Can You? So what's the second number on the playlist?

Jane Turley said...

Have you heard of "Little Boxes"? it was a favourite..

"Little boxes on the hillside,
Little boxes made of ticky tacky..."

Hmm.. on second thoughts... It's not that good and we might end up being incarcerated...

How about Streets of London?? An all time strumming classic!!

intrepidideas said...

Haven't heard of "Little Boxes" but don't be surprised. Instead of Streets Of London,

How about Streets of Laredo?

Better yet, How about Streets of Hollydale?

It's a hit already!

Speedcat Hollydale said...

Hot and fruity???

I will wear my loin cloth ... if Olga an Jane wear matching halters.

That's where the line is drawn in the sand. I would like to request my own trailer though. Olga is all yackity yack, yackity this and yackity that

intrepidideas said...

Sounds like a plan. I'll have the attorneys draw up the contract. You get your own trailer for sure. With a private putting green in the back. I'll have to put something special together for Jane and Olga. Perhaps a special video room for Jane stocked with the full collection of Pierce Brosnan movies.... How's that for starters? Any ideas for Olga?

Jane Turley said...

Mmmm... my own room with Pierce! Mr I, you can be my band manager any day!

intrepidideas said...

If the Band is happy, I'm happy!

You'll sing better!

Heather Dugan Creative / Footsteps said...

Looks like I'm too late to be IN the band (had no power the past two days), but this sounds like a concert I wouldn't want to miss!

MickisMorsels said...

That song still makes me cry too. But then again, a lot of things do. You said it was clearer than usual for pics that day. Is there usually an autumn mist? Fascinating.

intrepidideas said...

Foosteps... It's never too late for you. Say the word and you're in! Percussion or Vocals? Your choice. We know from listening in on your blog that you've got great pipes... I mean vocals! :)

intrepidideas said...

Miki, thanks for the visit and the comment. I wouldn't call it an autumn mist but the valley is frequently cloudy and foggy. The North Shore gets quite a bit of moisture and sometimes it collects as clouds or haze making it difficult to find great photo opportunities. I felt like I was lucky... :)

Heather Dugan Creative / Footsteps said...

OK. I'm in. Singin' with a smile. No trailer necessary; just a couple of bottles of water (please?)...

Anonymous said...

I remember how proud I was when I was little, and had learned all of the words to that song. I loooooved that song! So melancholic. The pictures are great....really lush and beautiful.

intrepidideas said...

Okay Footsteps... You're in. With the water. We're still working on your special benefit package. Running track? Special gym with a personal trainer? Hmmmn....