In 1866, the influential daily newspaper, The Sacramento Union, sent Mark Twain on assignment to live in the Hawaiian Islands for four months. He wrote a letter for publication each week and was paid $20 for each submission. Letters detailing adventures and mis-adventures made him famous. Surfing, swimming naked with Native Hawaiian women, and riding horseback to the summit of Kilauea watching it erupt, generated great interest in the beautiful islands.
Twain spent part of his time in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island where I am staying for nearly four weeks. Based on the below excerpt from one of his letters, I think he enjoyed his time here as much as I am.
Part of my time was with my ten-year-old granddaughter, Jenna. She spent a week swimming in the surf, watching tropical fish, exploring with me, her parents and maternal aunt, –and writing.
Jenna is a writer, a very good writer. Since returning home, she has sent me additional chapters to edit. She is a good typist, very quick with Word skills and uses dramatic action verbs. I am biased, but, she is terrific and today, turns ELEVEN!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNA!
Author Betty Kuffel, MD 
It is really enjoyable and impressive to see what young people know today. Spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren has shown me this, too. But, then I might be biased also. Good to see your notes Betty. Enjoy your alone time. I’m sure you do. I think of you often.
All four of my children and most of my 10 grandchildren and 5 of my eight greats were all here the week after the 4th of July. We spent a week out at Four Seasons Resort on the mouth of the Mississippi where it enters Lake Winnebigoshish ~ The first time my 4 have been here together since Jimmy’s funeral 14 years ago. What a great time we had!
Your old Cass Lake friend, Karen : )