Olivine - The Adventures of Hercule Peridot

Yes, it’s me, Adamas Bontemps; gemologist, world traveler, and dedicated student of the art and science of deduction.

Peridot and I had returned home from Florence a few weeks earlier. I was back to my early morning activities; chronicling our travels, and practicing guitar. Out the corner of my eye, a FaceTime notification appeared on my computer screen.

I clicked “accept” and an image of that familiar turquoise door materialized, [Incoming video from 1740 Tsavorite Lane]. It was Peridot.

Magically, as the door opened Peridot popped onto my computer screen. He was impeccably dressed; a fine silk vest, and dashing purple necktie. His lean, congenial, smiling face radiating from my screen.

Olivine Crystal in Matrix

“Bontemps, this blog that you insist on posting has stirred my curiosity, and sentiments of my deceased, loving, wife, Olivine.”

“How do you mean?” I asked.

“I’m thinking we need some time away from the case, say, a little vacation. Some time to relax, and reminisce.

He pulled a leather bound book from his library, flipped it open, and read the following; “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” - John Muir

With his yellowish green eyes looking up in an Angelic state he whispered, “You see Adamas to live a balanced life one must take time to just “Be”.

Peridot always reminded me that the science of deduction included time to experience nature.

“Bien, what are you proposing?”

“Hawaii, my boy. The big Island. This year, would have been our our 30th anniversary. Olivine and I visited the Island of Hawaii, on our honey moon years ago - a very special place.”

I immediately Googled Hawaii, “This is incroyable.”

“Did you know one can travel through ten of the world’s 14 different climate zones on Hawaii ranging from Wet Tropical to Polar Tundra.”

Says here, “A result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. The big island is nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined.”

Peridot calmly held up his hand to stop me from rambling. “To be specific, Adamas, we will explore Green Sand Beach, the Hawaiian name Papakolea.”

He took a sip of his coffee, dabbed his mustache with a napkin, cleared his throat and began;

“A truly magnificent place, the green sand gets it’s color from tiny olivine crystals (commonly known as Peridot) created from eruptions to a dormant volcano. Nestled in Mahana Bay, one of only two green sand beaches in the world. In fact, green sand beach itself is within what was once a cinder cone. Three sides of the cone are still present, with the ocean coming in from what would have been the eastern edge.”

“Sounds exciting. I said.”

“I’ve hired a guide to escort us to Papakolea.”

“Pack your bags, my boy, we leave tomorrow.”

To be continued . . .

(Stories in chronological order, click here.)

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