Feb.11, 2016
Another day to go over to Puuhonua National Park. Only myself, and Jean and Kim are going. Adrienne is staying back at number 24, KKSRC to try some writing. Jean wants to snorkel at 2-step beach. This is just outside the regular National Park. There are many swimmers and snorkelers there in what I seem to believe some native Hawaii people as well.
I go walking around a bit to see the sites. The sacred site which is called Puuhonua O Honaunau has plenty of history to tell. The Ali'i were the leaders and they had very extra priviledges. They had heiau built for ceremonial purposes. The practice of kapu meant the regular Hawaiians were to obey a strict code. ( A type of religious oligarchy.)
Lunch was a picnic lunch looking over the ocean. We had seen dolphins swimming here 3 years ago but it was not to be this time.
Feb.12, Friday.......New Beach?
First walk was again at 7am. The usual over to the surfing beach and back. Oh yes, I now remember the beach by name Kahaluu Beach famous for snorkelling. In fact this is called the Keahou Kahaluu corridor just above Keahou Bay.
Walk number two I decide at 10am to scoot over to a neighbouring beach south of our digs. It turns out it was only 20 minutes one way. The walk takes you by a golf course and the roadway is set between two large resorts. And officially the beach I am going to is called a private beach. Therefore it is not on all the guide books. Nevertheless access to the waterfront cannot be denied. Individuals are parked all over the place to go into the water. But it is not too busy.
I only convince Jean and Kim to try the new swimming beach. I find it pretty easy. The water is a bit shallow but snorkelling is very easy going. Jean did not like it.
Pool at about 3pm. Adrienne cooks a great dinner with all vegies in the fridge. And leftover chicken, calamari and half of a jar of mango-orange salsa. Good combinations. The wine is a Alamos Malbec.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Friday, February 12, 2016
February 10 and 11....Recovering from Snorkelling
February 10.....after Captain Cook and Wednesday is a market day
Yes, Adrienne and I are going to take it easy today. The Captain Cook memorial snorkelling took some energy out of me for sure.
What I forget in writing the blog for Feb.9th was that we saw two whales on our snorkelling trip as well. The captain was a little surprised and stopped the boat and these whales went very close to our boat and all the other kayaks and swimmers around us. Then, just about the same time, some schools of dolphins entered the area. probably curious about what these crazy humans are up to.
When we all reached consciousness about 10 or 10:30am we thought about heading to a small market at the Sheraton Hotel not too far away. Not all markets allow crafts and food to go in one market. So Adrienne and Jean took the opportunity to buy some nice jewelry and some nice tops.
A very unbusy day which is okay but the women got the goods. They had to go back to the market the second time after lunch to pick up their jewelry and Adrienne bought one more necklace very in the local style of putting something nice together.
Pool at 3pm....I think I did not even go this time. Too tired.
February 11.......still recovering and dinner at Keei Café
I do not think I have missed a morning walk. So again at 7am or thereabouts I head always in the direction of Kahaluu Beach (the snorkel place). Sometimes I take the road direction back and forth and sometimes I start on the beach area and work through the deserted property next door and take the road back. Often I get to see the early morning surfer nuts.
All day, just about, Adrienne and I do nothing but sit around. That's okay. The main activity is pool at 3pm or so. Very refreshing.
Our reservation is at Keei Café about 8 km. from our unit. We arrive early. No problem. I order the appetizer of 5 Egg Plant Rolls. Shared with Adrienne and Jean they are delicious.
Kim and I order the Catch of the Day (Ahai). Adrienne and Jean order the duck confit dinner. All is well. And we all order mango cobbler.
And the view of the sun setting is also pretty good. The bottle of wine is from Norton Winery in Argentina and yes it is a malbec.
Yes, Adrienne and I are going to take it easy today. The Captain Cook memorial snorkelling took some energy out of me for sure.
What I forget in writing the blog for Feb.9th was that we saw two whales on our snorkelling trip as well. The captain was a little surprised and stopped the boat and these whales went very close to our boat and all the other kayaks and swimmers around us. Then, just about the same time, some schools of dolphins entered the area. probably curious about what these crazy humans are up to.
When we all reached consciousness about 10 or 10:30am we thought about heading to a small market at the Sheraton Hotel not too far away. Not all markets allow crafts and food to go in one market. So Adrienne and Jean took the opportunity to buy some nice jewelry and some nice tops.
A very unbusy day which is okay but the women got the goods. They had to go back to the market the second time after lunch to pick up their jewelry and Adrienne bought one more necklace very in the local style of putting something nice together.
Pool at 3pm....I think I did not even go this time. Too tired.
February 11.......still recovering and dinner at Keei Café
I do not think I have missed a morning walk. So again at 7am or thereabouts I head always in the direction of Kahaluu Beach (the snorkel place). Sometimes I take the road direction back and forth and sometimes I start on the beach area and work through the deserted property next door and take the road back. Often I get to see the early morning surfer nuts.
All day, just about, Adrienne and I do nothing but sit around. That's okay. The main activity is pool at 3pm or so. Very refreshing.
Our reservation is at Keei Café about 8 km. from our unit. We arrive early. No problem. I order the appetizer of 5 Egg Plant Rolls. Shared with Adrienne and Jean they are delicious.
Kim and I order the Catch of the Day (Ahai). Adrienne and Jean order the duck confit dinner. All is well. And we all order mango cobbler.
And the view of the sun setting is also pretty good. The bottle of wine is from Norton Winery in Argentina and yes it is a malbec.
Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Feb.6 and Feb.7, 8 , 9 and we go to Captain Cook's
Feb. 6 it must be Saturday.
Oh yes, I think I finally remember this day. Trying to do a "daily blog" every 4 days is not so easy.
On Saturdays there is a farmer's market in our favourite Keauhou Centre Shopping area. There are mostly coffee vendors but also fruit vendors. You can imagine Hawaiians picking fruit in their own back yard and some families having a small fruit farming business. The girls select some very interesting locals. The spiked yellow fruit is called a dragon fruit, I believe. The other beige brown fruit I do not know but it tasted could when we had dessert.
Now I recall that 3 of us finally played a bit of tennis. The courts here are "soft and spongey". It is easy on the feet so you have to see how the ball bounces a bit differently.
Feb. 7..This is Super Bowl Sunday
Football does not play a big part in island life. Most here at Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club would rather do anything but watch pro football. I am allowed to watch a little. The sound is off which is my preference as well. Not that one could watch the whole stupid game. I watched some of the first half. Went to the pool with everyone. The pool is always so refreshing. And back to watch the final quarter. A good defensive (?) Super Bowl. The better defense won, I guess.
This is the famous fish + macadamia nuts recipe evening. A steelhead fish of suitable dimension for 4 hungry people was already purchased a while ago at Costco. Adrienne adapted an internet recipe for the macadamia-panko crust. Butter, lime juice and other secret ingredients were also part of gourmet fish menu. Salad is the vegie complement and pineapple is for dessert.
Feb. 8 going to the dolphin beach
The National Park below the town of Captain Cook is a historic Hawaiian area. Very large fish enclosures were constructed many years ago. The documentation at the site also pleads that this was a place of peace and refuge. Some archeological findings are reported. Wood statuary is shown as a continuation of Hawaii's past and present.
Of course, we went to the further, by 400meters, dolphin beach. Called that by myself because we saw so many dolphins dancing 3 years ago. The real name for this National Park is a long Hawaiian one which I have to look up all the time. Still we had a picnic lunch by the Pacific Ocean, on a beautiful day, having a very lovely time.
I'll have to check with a map of Big Island if I ever wish to connect the exact locations with the exact Hawaiian names. At least I know Mauna Kea from Mauna Loa this time.
Feb. 9, 2016 Going to the Captain Cook snorkelling site
The day has finally arrived for our big snorkelling day. The company is called Sea Paradise. The boat is called Hokuhele. (Probably "good sailing"). In fact it is a smaller catamaran sailing vessel. The Captain id Dominique and the crew is Vickie. And they are very helpful. They gave Adrienne special assistance and made sure everyone was in their comfort level.
The boat was leaving about 8:30am and there was only 12 passengers. At least two or three individuals were expert snorkelers. Naturally they had their own fins, masks and special photography equipment. Also they had pretty good tans.
The Captain explained that another boat of about 80 people were getting off in a few minutes, so we had go get going at an eastern end and then head along the shore to the western, outer part of the corals. The masks and snorkels provided by the company were very adequate for me a newbie. The prescription lens was set at 4.5 was just about okay. A little bit of adjustment and I could go for about 50 to 60 minutes.
So much to see. The coral itself is so fascinating in itself and then to see schools of fishes everywhere. At our other local, smaller snorkelling beach there is not the plentitude of fishes here. So I saw more schooling fish than I have seen in a long time. Silver-coloured fish were schooling and I estimated about 100 to 120 of them. In the calm near coastal part of the corals.
So the first swim out was relaxed and trying to do most of the first pass-by before taking a break. The only difficulty one has snorkelling is that around the Captain Cook monument newbies did not look out were they were going. One ran right over me with a cheater floatation board. I was not deterred. Too many good sights to behold. Yes, I wish I had better photography equipment but Adrienne and I often times just want to be in the moment. Do not look back.
The Captain and crew took sail and said we were to be encouraged to try one more swim. They put up the sails and sailed around for 20 minutes to show off their vessel.
The last 25 minute swim just gave me and others a chance to see a little more. Maybe two kinds of trumpet fish. Tiny marlin fingerlings swimming near the surface. Seeing again the wonderful world that is just below the ocean's surface.
I am writing tis before we go to Kona Brewery for supper. It is a very famed pizza and brew restaurant. So it is quite a gala day for us.
Snorkelling near Captain's Cook monument is therefore in the books as one of the highlights of the trip. Is this our last Hawaiian adventure? Nobody knows.
Oh yes, I think I finally remember this day. Trying to do a "daily blog" every 4 days is not so easy.
On Saturdays there is a farmer's market in our favourite Keauhou Centre Shopping area. There are mostly coffee vendors but also fruit vendors. You can imagine Hawaiians picking fruit in their own back yard and some families having a small fruit farming business. The girls select some very interesting locals. The spiked yellow fruit is called a dragon fruit, I believe. The other beige brown fruit I do not know but it tasted could when we had dessert.
Now I recall that 3 of us finally played a bit of tennis. The courts here are "soft and spongey". It is easy on the feet so you have to see how the ball bounces a bit differently.
Feb. 7..This is Super Bowl Sunday
Football does not play a big part in island life. Most here at Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club would rather do anything but watch pro football. I am allowed to watch a little. The sound is off which is my preference as well. Not that one could watch the whole stupid game. I watched some of the first half. Went to the pool with everyone. The pool is always so refreshing. And back to watch the final quarter. A good defensive (?) Super Bowl. The better defense won, I guess.
This is the famous fish + macadamia nuts recipe evening. A steelhead fish of suitable dimension for 4 hungry people was already purchased a while ago at Costco. Adrienne adapted an internet recipe for the macadamia-panko crust. Butter, lime juice and other secret ingredients were also part of gourmet fish menu. Salad is the vegie complement and pineapple is for dessert.
Feb. 8 going to the dolphin beach
The National Park below the town of Captain Cook is a historic Hawaiian area. Very large fish enclosures were constructed many years ago. The documentation at the site also pleads that this was a place of peace and refuge. Some archeological findings are reported. Wood statuary is shown as a continuation of Hawaii's past and present.
Of course, we went to the further, by 400meters, dolphin beach. Called that by myself because we saw so many dolphins dancing 3 years ago. The real name for this National Park is a long Hawaiian one which I have to look up all the time. Still we had a picnic lunch by the Pacific Ocean, on a beautiful day, having a very lovely time.
I'll have to check with a map of Big Island if I ever wish to connect the exact locations with the exact Hawaiian names. At least I know Mauna Kea from Mauna Loa this time.
Feb. 9, 2016 Going to the Captain Cook snorkelling site
The day has finally arrived for our big snorkelling day. The company is called Sea Paradise. The boat is called Hokuhele. (Probably "good sailing"). In fact it is a smaller catamaran sailing vessel. The Captain id Dominique and the crew is Vickie. And they are very helpful. They gave Adrienne special assistance and made sure everyone was in their comfort level.
The boat was leaving about 8:30am and there was only 12 passengers. At least two or three individuals were expert snorkelers. Naturally they had their own fins, masks and special photography equipment. Also they had pretty good tans.
The Captain explained that another boat of about 80 people were getting off in a few minutes, so we had go get going at an eastern end and then head along the shore to the western, outer part of the corals. The masks and snorkels provided by the company were very adequate for me a newbie. The prescription lens was set at 4.5 was just about okay. A little bit of adjustment and I could go for about 50 to 60 minutes.
So much to see. The coral itself is so fascinating in itself and then to see schools of fishes everywhere. At our other local, smaller snorkelling beach there is not the plentitude of fishes here. So I saw more schooling fish than I have seen in a long time. Silver-coloured fish were schooling and I estimated about 100 to 120 of them. In the calm near coastal part of the corals.
So the first swim out was relaxed and trying to do most of the first pass-by before taking a break. The only difficulty one has snorkelling is that around the Captain Cook monument newbies did not look out were they were going. One ran right over me with a cheater floatation board. I was not deterred. Too many good sights to behold. Yes, I wish I had better photography equipment but Adrienne and I often times just want to be in the moment. Do not look back.
The Captain and crew took sail and said we were to be encouraged to try one more swim. They put up the sails and sailed around for 20 minutes to show off their vessel.
The last 25 minute swim just gave me and others a chance to see a little more. Maybe two kinds of trumpet fish. Tiny marlin fingerlings swimming near the surface. Seeing again the wonderful world that is just below the ocean's surface.
I am writing tis before we go to Kona Brewery for supper. It is a very famed pizza and brew restaurant. So it is quite a gala day for us.
Snorkelling near Captain's Cook monument is therefore in the books as one of the highlights of the trip. Is this our last Hawaiian adventure? Nobody knows.
Friday, February 05, 2016
Febryary 3,2016....Jean's Birthday AND Feb. 4 and Feb.5.
Still in Keauhou Kona Surf and Racquet Club
Since we have all four been at this location before on Big Island it is a question of priorities and getting to places everyone wants to go.
The plan today is to go to the North part of Hawaii. Places like Kahala and Hawi and that magnificent valley we overlook when we get to the highway dead end. A good day for it also. Very clear. Hale-akala on Maui is very visible. Along the way back from the dead end we stop in to as many side roads towards the ocean as we can. Spenser Beach looks good for future swimming.
Of course, we stop for picnic lunch along the way back. It is one of the best places to spot whales. They were breaching farther out but they were very visible. Many guidebooks say this is the optimum place for whale watching.
Briefly we look in on high class resorts such as Mauna Lani.We do not see much since we would have to park and walk around the hotel.
The dinner is at Sammy Choy's. This restaurant is high up from KKSRC. The view is excellent for looking at the sunset. Kim and I have the Three Fish Dinner. Jean and Adrienne have the excellent rack of lamb. Adrienne and Jean and I have a calamari appetizer.
Pretty good day.
Thursday Feb.4th Where does the time go(?)
Okay Adrienne and I finally go for a snorkelling spell. Leaving about 10:30am was pretty good timing. The high tide mark was supposed to be around 12:30. This way the main currents are still coming into the secluded bay.
What a delight to be as one with the ocean. Snorkelling is so relaxing that you simply go with the flow. Stop whenever you see interesting fishes and corals. The Keauhou Bay has many shallow channels where fish like to hunt around for tidbits of sustenance.
But the whole under the sea experience is so wonderful. A completely different world just below the water line. I was thinking the other day of whales breaching to see what was in our airy world and this time we snorkelers are entering the whale world.
Quite a workout as well. Since we wish to see as much as possible we probably swim around for about one hour and a half while taking some rests.
Back at the "house" we have a quick lunch before heading for the resort pool. This is can afternoon event we enjoy because it so laid back. Swim around or do nothing while enjoying life in the slow lane.
Adrienne's turn to do dinner. Rice-a-Roni with all the extras: broccoli, shrimp, calamari, tomatoes and onions and so on. Everything is good. Served with a Lindeman's Cab Sauvignon. A bowl of pineapple for dessert. Wow.
Friday Feb. 5th.....Going to Spenser Beach
Since we spotted this area 2 days ago we thought this would be a good day for trying it. The surf was predicted as calm on this side of Hawaii and indeed it was calm at Spenser.
Not many people at the beach? Clearly on weekends there will be a steady influx of families and friends. We noticed only 5% of the parking spaces taken up. Very few people in the water. Most visitors just sitting back in the sunshine or in the shade.
The Spenser Beach also includes a perfect spot for having a lunch. It is in the covered community building where the rest and change rooms are. Also, it is easy to look out from this building to the rocks and sea shore below. Adrienne and Jean and Kim were seen spotting different fishes going in and near the tide channels.
Lunch was on our own today. I had only the two salami flat bread sandwiches and it hit the spot. The people we ran into were all having a good time on a beautiful day such as this. A day to write home about.
Adrienne was in the water for about an hour and a half. Way past my 40 minute max.(?) However, just before coming out of the water she stepped on a sea urchin. A lady with a water board helped get the urchin spins out of her toes. That was number one. At home we would have to look up on the google what to do.
Epson salts and vinegar was the chosen recommendation. Even at the pharmacy, the person said Epson salts alone was the best treatment. Okay, Adrienne soak away in your extremely hot water bath of Epson salts. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball.
Still we are very positive. Many adventures. Many adventures to come.
Since we have all four been at this location before on Big Island it is a question of priorities and getting to places everyone wants to go.
The plan today is to go to the North part of Hawaii. Places like Kahala and Hawi and that magnificent valley we overlook when we get to the highway dead end. A good day for it also. Very clear. Hale-akala on Maui is very visible. Along the way back from the dead end we stop in to as many side roads towards the ocean as we can. Spenser Beach looks good for future swimming.
Of course, we stop for picnic lunch along the way back. It is one of the best places to spot whales. They were breaching farther out but they were very visible. Many guidebooks say this is the optimum place for whale watching.
Briefly we look in on high class resorts such as Mauna Lani.We do not see much since we would have to park and walk around the hotel.
The dinner is at Sammy Choy's. This restaurant is high up from KKSRC. The view is excellent for looking at the sunset. Kim and I have the Three Fish Dinner. Jean and Adrienne have the excellent rack of lamb. Adrienne and Jean and I have a calamari appetizer.
Pretty good day.
Thursday Feb.4th Where does the time go(?)
Okay Adrienne and I finally go for a snorkelling spell. Leaving about 10:30am was pretty good timing. The high tide mark was supposed to be around 12:30. This way the main currents are still coming into the secluded bay.
What a delight to be as one with the ocean. Snorkelling is so relaxing that you simply go with the flow. Stop whenever you see interesting fishes and corals. The Keauhou Bay has many shallow channels where fish like to hunt around for tidbits of sustenance.
But the whole under the sea experience is so wonderful. A completely different world just below the water line. I was thinking the other day of whales breaching to see what was in our airy world and this time we snorkelers are entering the whale world.
Quite a workout as well. Since we wish to see as much as possible we probably swim around for about one hour and a half while taking some rests.
Back at the "house" we have a quick lunch before heading for the resort pool. This is can afternoon event we enjoy because it so laid back. Swim around or do nothing while enjoying life in the slow lane.
Adrienne's turn to do dinner. Rice-a-Roni with all the extras: broccoli, shrimp, calamari, tomatoes and onions and so on. Everything is good. Served with a Lindeman's Cab Sauvignon. A bowl of pineapple for dessert. Wow.
Friday Feb. 5th.....Going to Spenser Beach
Since we spotted this area 2 days ago we thought this would be a good day for trying it. The surf was predicted as calm on this side of Hawaii and indeed it was calm at Spenser.
Not many people at the beach? Clearly on weekends there will be a steady influx of families and friends. We noticed only 5% of the parking spaces taken up. Very few people in the water. Most visitors just sitting back in the sunshine or in the shade.
The Spenser Beach also includes a perfect spot for having a lunch. It is in the covered community building where the rest and change rooms are. Also, it is easy to look out from this building to the rocks and sea shore below. Adrienne and Jean and Kim were seen spotting different fishes going in and near the tide channels.
Lunch was on our own today. I had only the two salami flat bread sandwiches and it hit the spot. The people we ran into were all having a good time on a beautiful day such as this. A day to write home about.
Adrienne was in the water for about an hour and a half. Way past my 40 minute max.(?) However, just before coming out of the water she stepped on a sea urchin. A lady with a water board helped get the urchin spins out of her toes. That was number one. At home we would have to look up on the google what to do.
Epson salts and vinegar was the chosen recommendation. Even at the pharmacy, the person said Epson salts alone was the best treatment. Okay, Adrienne soak away in your extremely hot water bath of Epson salts. Sometimes life throws you a curve ball.
Still we are very positive. Many adventures. Many adventures to come.
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
February 2......2016 at Keauhou Kona Surf and Raquet Club
A very relaxing day for Adrienne and myself. Jean and Kim go out to the snorkeling beach. Since they walk over it must take them the better part of the morning.
For myself, I took an early morning walk to the beach and back around 7am. And then a second walk to the grocery store to get a broccoli and snow peas for tonight's dinner.
Adrienne and Jean and I go for swimming in the pool at about 3pm.
For myself, I took an early morning walk to the beach and back around 7am. And then a second walk to the grocery store to get a broccoli and snow peas for tonight's dinner.
Adrienne and Jean and I go for swimming in the pool at about 3pm.
Monday, February 01, 2016
January 30, 31, Feb.1...Going to Kailua-Kona
January 30th continued.
The four of us thought we were going to Hawaii today. The flight was first set for 5:35pm and we went to the airport early after having a Dim Sum brunch.
At first they delayed to 6:20pm and then to 7:00pm AND we knew this meant trouble. If a plane does not get off the ground a new flight crew might have to be engaged. But the plane had no idea of taking off regardless. So all almost passengers were either sent home or with vouchers to nearby hotels. Nobody was particularly happy but nobody wanted to fly with a deficiency in the air.
Our hotel was Hotel Sandman about 15 minutes away from the airport. It was still a bit early (8:30pm) so that we could still enjoy a meal at CHAP Restaurant at the Hotel. Crab cakes and huge salad for Adrienne. Lovely herbal soup and ravioli for me.
Hopefully the next day would be better for flying.
January 31st
The wake-up call was for 5:00am. And it was right on time. Adrienne and I had to scramble to get awakened and off to a taxi for the airport. Making the airport in record time at about 5:33am we thought we would have enough time. The Air Canada people were a little bit slow with the wheel chair assistance. Finally they arrived and it meant quickly getting through security and then through customs. The flight departure was changed from 8am to 8:20am.
I indulged in the biggest cinnamon bun one can imagine. Most of us anxious passengers were eager to get to our Hawaii destination. Free food and beverages offered on the flight.
Kailua-Kona is the name of the city we are heading to. The name Kona is easiest for people to remember. Also with the famous Kona coffee.
So Big Island time is 2:30pm when we are getting our big car rental. A huge SUV because we have much luggage to carry with us.
Adrienne and Jean and Kim are doing the big Costco shopping. The store is on the way to our residence anyway so it does not beg for a separate trip. I sit outside watching the various characters who are the shoppers at this Costco.
First meal at Keauhou Kona Surf and Tennis Resort is lamb chops and scrumptious salad. The wine is a Malbec.
February 1st
Adrienne and I are awakened at 6:00am because an alarm device had not been changed. A complicated enough "modernistic" unit that I wanted to throw in the ocean. It does not easily related to previous waking-up devices.
My first early walk at 7am. The day is just beginning. The full sunlight cannot appear for a while because we are on the west side of Hawaii and it takes the sun a while to climb over Mauna Kea. It is the dry side of the island and the sunsets from our ocean locations can be breath taking.
I help Adrienne and Jean get to the WPA big grocery store for more shopping. Still they have to get more things at Long's Drugs. This is a gigantic all-purpose pharmacy but mainly other things.
A quick lunch and everyone is going poolside. The refreshing waters are good for everybody. Some of the pool goers seem like they live here semi-permanently.
Hope to settle even more into our new digs.
The four of us thought we were going to Hawaii today. The flight was first set for 5:35pm and we went to the airport early after having a Dim Sum brunch.
At first they delayed to 6:20pm and then to 7:00pm AND we knew this meant trouble. If a plane does not get off the ground a new flight crew might have to be engaged. But the plane had no idea of taking off regardless. So all almost passengers were either sent home or with vouchers to nearby hotels. Nobody was particularly happy but nobody wanted to fly with a deficiency in the air.
Our hotel was Hotel Sandman about 15 minutes away from the airport. It was still a bit early (8:30pm) so that we could still enjoy a meal at CHAP Restaurant at the Hotel. Crab cakes and huge salad for Adrienne. Lovely herbal soup and ravioli for me.
Hopefully the next day would be better for flying.
January 31st
The wake-up call was for 5:00am. And it was right on time. Adrienne and I had to scramble to get awakened and off to a taxi for the airport. Making the airport in record time at about 5:33am we thought we would have enough time. The Air Canada people were a little bit slow with the wheel chair assistance. Finally they arrived and it meant quickly getting through security and then through customs. The flight departure was changed from 8am to 8:20am.
I indulged in the biggest cinnamon bun one can imagine. Most of us anxious passengers were eager to get to our Hawaii destination. Free food and beverages offered on the flight.
Kailua-Kona is the name of the city we are heading to. The name Kona is easiest for people to remember. Also with the famous Kona coffee.
So Big Island time is 2:30pm when we are getting our big car rental. A huge SUV because we have much luggage to carry with us.
Adrienne and Jean and Kim are doing the big Costco shopping. The store is on the way to our residence anyway so it does not beg for a separate trip. I sit outside watching the various characters who are the shoppers at this Costco.
First meal at Keauhou Kona Surf and Tennis Resort is lamb chops and scrumptious salad. The wine is a Malbec.
February 1st
Adrienne and I are awakened at 6:00am because an alarm device had not been changed. A complicated enough "modernistic" unit that I wanted to throw in the ocean. It does not easily related to previous waking-up devices.
My first early walk at 7am. The day is just beginning. The full sunlight cannot appear for a while because we are on the west side of Hawaii and it takes the sun a while to climb over Mauna Kea. It is the dry side of the island and the sunsets from our ocean locations can be breath taking.
I help Adrienne and Jean get to the WPA big grocery store for more shopping. Still they have to get more things at Long's Drugs. This is a gigantic all-purpose pharmacy but mainly other things.
A quick lunch and everyone is going poolside. The refreshing waters are good for everybody. Some of the pool goers seem like they live here semi-permanently.
Hope to settle even more into our new digs.
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