The End is Near

I am sitting at Starbucks in Kihei enjoying one last cup of coffee here on the islands.  Lori found room in one of her bags and is at ABC to buy last minute gifts.  We have had a wonderful time here on Maui and even though my attention span wains after a couple days, I have no desire to go back to the wind and rain.  I try to make the best of it by dreaming of our next trip.  We will most certainly be back in the not so near future as retirement looms and finances will dictate our travels.

With the Falls back in the hood, we were back to being tour guides.  We learned the pool reopened and all was good.   On Friday, we took a drive around the top of the island and headed for Lahaina for lunch.  Lorens sister is here and wanted to meet up with friends and family for lunch.  We went to Bubba Gumps and had a great time.  We had driven the top loop coming out above Kannapali.  Gwen was told about an area called Dragons tooth and we finally located the beach area near a swanky resort.  Very upper crust people in this area.  Just as we got to the beach, a rain shower shower came through cutting our stay short.. After lunch, it was a race to see how many shops we could go in and look at the same stuff.  We regrouped and with tired eyes, we headed back to our condo.  We all decided on pizza and had seen a Pizza Hut in town.  Of course the GPS could not locate it and as we drove around, we could not locate it.  We gave up and went to Round table.  It turned out to be a very good decision as they had a good salad bar and excellent pizza.  Back to the condo and we all layed around.

Lori and I were asked to go with Jeff and Monica to Warren and Annebelles Magic show in Lahaina on Saturday night Magic Show.  Loren and Gwen were goofing off celebrating Gwens Birthday and we left them the car keys.  Jeff and Monica picked us up and we were off for what promised to be a fun evening.  As soon as we got there, we were seated in a parlor style area and served great finger foods and drinks.  Soon it was off to the theater and a very funny and entertaining.  We laughed so much, it hurt at times.  If you go to the island, this is a must do event.  Click on the link above for more information.  We headed back and learned Loren took Gwen out for a nice dinner at The Outback.  It good to see the kids spread their wings and wander away from the nest!

Sunday morning was a mixed bag as Lori and I were sad to see our friends go. They were here for 7 days and today was go home day for them.  We had some great times and enjoyed playing tour guides.  It was nice to at least see them off with a smile in their now tanned faces! 

We stopped for coffee and lunch and headed back to just hang out.  It was quiet in the condo that night and seemed not right that they had to leave us so soon.

Monday met us with warm temps and low winds.  The news was warning us that ash clouds from Indonesia were drifting through and to be careful.  We could see the haze as the day went on, but felt no problems from the drifting ash.  I got a hair up my butt and felt I needed to go snorkeling.  We rented gear, made a lunch and headed for Makena Beach landing.  Once there, I spent a few hours snorkeling and was told there were turtles off the shore several hundred yards away from our beach.  I could see it and make the trek across the lagoon.  I had to be careful as I spotted a Greenpeace boat monitoring my every movement.  I felt as though if I got close to shore, they would try to prevent me from beaching myself!  I made it to this wonderful reef and saw tons of fish, but no turtles.  I was pretty tired and went to the beach and walked back down the road to Lori.  We ended the day in the pool and a late dinner.

Tuesday morning, I remembered Candi from work tell us about the Gazebo cafe up near Kannapali.  We made the drive and were treated to wonderful food and scenery.  We went down to the lava flow and found seevral tidal pools, teaming with life.  In one, a lady pointed out she had seen a eel but it went under a rock.  About this time as if posing for photo ops, it came out and cooperated for several pics.  Then we heard what we have been waiting for all trip.  A turtles sighting, just around the corner!.  It was reported that several large sea turtles were in the area and we could see them.  It was quite a hike on the lava, but soon we were treated to a wonderful show of turtle swimming with  swimmers and snorkelers.  We stayed for quite a while and finally worked our way south to the condo.  It was Lori's birthday and I needed to find a nice place to have a romantic dinnr on the beach.  I checked the internet and found Sorento's on the Beach.  I made a reservation and after a beautiful sunset, we headed to Wailea for dinner.  It was a five star location with great food and wine.  Everything was perfect with the light breeze, a good wine and a moonlit ocean to ponder.  As we left, I needed to use the bathroom.  I headed into a very posh and clean room.  As I washed my hands, I was amazed to see they had these little Italian candies in a dish near the sink.  I thought, why not and tried one.  I blew soap bubbles till 3 am.

Time to wrap up for now.  Lori just got here from shopping and we have a logistical problem to fix.  Aloha from Maui!

Footnote:

We made it home safe and cold from the crummy weather.  Time to get back to reality and dream of our next adventure..Aloha and Mahalo from Maui

A Quick Slide Show of Our Trip

A Little Rain must Fall

Alot has happened since our last blog.  We were up at 0400 and had Gwen and loren to the airport by 5 am.  We headed back to Kihei and went immediately to Starbucks (ya, I know, what a stretch!)  After a leisurely cup of Joe, we were now awake and looking to have breakfast.  I noticed at the park across the street, it looked like a walk way by the water.  We headed over to Kameole park and found a great water walk that turned out to be about a half mile long.  We ended up at our favorite breakfast cafe, the Kihei Cafe.  They make a great breakfast that is fairly reasonable.

While picking our teeth, we decided to head to a state park named Iao Valley and walk the trails.  We were warned that this is rain forest and it is wet alot of the time.  As we entered the park, the bright sun made for a magnificent view of the peaks and hills surrounding the valley.  we spent a few hours hiking and climbing around.  Lots of pictures and a very nice out of the way wonder.

We headed back to the north end of Sugar Beach and walked along the boardwalk (are seeing a pattern here?)  After walking the boardwalk, we went on the beach and walk all the way back to the car.  It was lunch time and back to another beach for  a picnic.  We headed back to the condo and later walked around by the jetty.  The wind was coming up pretty good and we could see several wind surfers out front.  We were wading in the protected area and as I got near the rocks, the water began to boil!  It scared the crap out of me.  A school of fish were there and I must have scared them off.  My heart was pounding and all I could think of was PIRANHA!  I regrouped and checked my shorts in time to see a couple boarders in trouble.  One was blown way off course and managed to get to the beach south of us.  Lori and I guided a couple of their friends in to where he was.  He was tired but okay.  Another got knocked off his board by the wind and before he could retrieve it, it was gone.  The wind pulled him to shore and we kept an eye on his board as long as we could, but it was gone.  The guy went a mile or so down the beach but to no avail.

Lori talked me into going to an Italian restaurant in Kihei called Antonio's.  She enjoyed her meal so much she talked three couples walking by into having dinner there.  I walked off in disgust! 

We traded text messages with Jeff and Monica (Myers) all afternoon and ended up at their condo for drinks.  We had a good time, but the day was long and we headed back for needed rest.

This morning after breakfast, Lori decides we need to walk to get coffee. A storm has arrived and although dry, we have been blessed with 40 mph winds.  We have a choice...Starbucks #1 is 1.2 miles away and #2 is 2.4.  Monica had talked Lori into believing this would be a nice easy walk and we could make the return trip via the beach. Wow, I thought out loud that this sounded almost as much fun as taking a pair of pliars and pulling my toenails out!  To Loris credit, she listened as I explained my concerns about this trip and after she assimilated all the info, we walked to #2!

OK, not a bad walk so far, but as we get to the first light and shopping center, a Jeep pulls up and the driver starts calling me names.  I look over and it is Bill Larass and his wife.  Bill is a prosecutor and is also here on vacation.  He told me that as they drove past us, he thought it was me and called work to find out it was me on Maui.  We talked a bit and the march continued.  We made it for coffee and sat for awhile.  It was getting to be lunch time and we decided to head back and drive to a place for salads.  Again Lori asked for my input and walked off.  We walked down a back street and saw orange trees, Coconut Palms and various flowers in bloom.  It was nice.  We then headed out on the beach for the final 1.5 mile trek to the Condo.  Problem one arises...we are now walking into a 40 mph headwind in soft sand!  My legs are burning and the sand stings as it flies past us.  I think to my self as I try to keep up with "the guard" Lori.  As time passed, I began to have delusions from the heat and wind. Dehydration was setting in and I soon felt I was on a forced death march, not all that different than the Bataan death march in the Phillipines.  With a determined gait, Lori 'marched' on and was leaving my large profile behind as the wind took it's toll. 

Problem #2 arises.  Sand has made it's way into every part of my body and the damage is quick and decisive.  I have sores on my feet and 'other' areas from sweat and salt air etc.  I am in so much pain, I think of walking into the water and ending the misery.  I am now hearing the song in my head "Edmund Fitzgerald' and especially the parts about the gales of November and then it goes to the part about saying farewell to the crew.  As I contemplate stepping out of line so the guard can put me down, we round the last corner and the most beautiful sight was ahead.  It was our Condo!  I struggled to make it to the door and headed in to get Advil and Neosporin. 

Problem #3.  I grabbed my Advil and as fate would have it, I dropped one on the floor.  I went down and now could not get up.  What does the wife do...certainly not help me, but grabs the camera and starts taking pictures.  God I love her so much.  What would I have done without her...oh, I know, not go for a death march!

I finally got up and we headed to Freds for a taco salad.  As we sat there, the tall one and Monica walk in and join us for lunch.  He tries to tell me they went to Big beach, but some of their sunburns didnt match the clothes they had on.  I suspect they went to a location that allowed for not so many clothes.

After a little shopping, we picked up Gwen and Loren at the airport,  We were filled with tales of their exploits and travels On Oahu.  Seems Loren visited a WWII era submarine that is on display at Pearl Harbor.  Seems he got stuck in a hatch and now the Sub has been 'altered'.   They scrap it later this week.  They were very excited to tell us of their travels and the fun they had.

Dinner and a quiet evening at the Condo.  Bad news today though as we found out the pool is now closed for the remainder of our stay for repairs.  Not what we signed up for, but what are you going to do.  Off to bed.  More from the road soon.

From Shopping to Luau's

Todays blog starts with a warning.  Do not mention Loren or my name if you are on the islands and choose to shop at the Kehei ABC store.  With the sun and all, I decided I needed a hat.  We went in and they were a little expensive.  As Lori was checking out, I told her to leave the tag on the hat and we would return it when we were leaving.  Apparently the clerk thought this was tacky and cut the tags off as Loren and I commented.  I then felt we were no longer welcome and happened to see the condom display.  I merely asked if she had any extra large and she told us to leave and she was working every day for the next five days.  I felt it necessary to advise her we were here for ten days...Lori didnt get a free gift for shopping there.

Okay, now for the fun stuff.  When we last blogged, we were getting ready for the Luau in Lahaina.  Off we headed for the other side of the island and the promise of a great time.  We got to the lot at about 445 and again was able to park in the front lot.  Soon we were in line and a Mai Tai in hand.  Soon I was sipping on Long Island Ice Teas and thinking about how much I enjoy this.  Soon I was being accused of saying things by Gwen when I know I didnt say anything about that particular subject.  Of course the other two backed her and i could tell it was bash Steve night.  Why me and why now?  I never cause problems with the possible exception of the store earlier in the day.  Just because I was a little buzzed, they took advantage of me and it was not pretty!

Soon the hula girls were dancing traditional Hawaiin dances as we enjoyed great food and did I mention, open bar?  We had a nice evening and a beautiful moonlit drive home.

Today, we woke up to clear skies and warm temps (go figure).  We headed for the volcano and drove the long winding road to the very top.  As we were about two miles from the end of the road, they have this visitor center.  We took several pictures and then Lori and Gwen get this stupid idea to climb this trail to the top of a lava cone.  It was 60 degrees but we were at 10000 feet high and the air was very thin.  I reluctantly tagged along waiting for an embolism and stroke on the ten minute rock climb.  We were rewarded by spectacular sights and views of the crater.  It was worth the hike and made for a very nice trip.

Soon it was lunch and time for the famous Paia Fish Market and their fish Taco's  We stopped by the county beach after lunch and watched 25 foot waves hit the beach with hundreds of surfers looking for that perfect wave.  A little gang style fight right next to us made me a little uncomfortable, but felt pretty good no weapons were involved as most had bathing suits only.  It was broke up and I got out from behind Lori to again watch the surfers.  We ended the day with a beautiful sunset and a warning from the condo management.  Seems Loren grabbed a shell and tried to perform the traditional sunset calling to the fishermen or what ever the tradition is.  Seems his call was a little off and about twenty endangered dolphins intentionally beached themselves!

Dinner at Peggy Sues and back for a cool and restful evening.  We have to drop Gwen and Loren off at the airport at 0500 for their Oahu leg of their trip.  For some reason, Lori wants to go immediately to Little beach...

Back to Paradise

After months of planning, paying and waiting, the time has come.  Lori, me, Loren and Gwen have arrived in paradise, alos known as Maui.  Lori and I are here for 10 days as Loren and Gwen are here for 7.  On Wednesday morning, they fly to Oahu to be tourists on the island filled with history.

We both headed to Portland a day early to shop and just get away.  After sneeking out on the cats and making nice with Chad, we were off.  We needed to find a light coat for Lori in case it cooled in the evening.  Once we finally made it to Portland, we made a snap yet deliberate decision to buy a Netbook computer.  There was a best Buy right around the corner and it does everything we want it to do while on the road.  I wanted to add some RAM and remembered as we got to dinner, I had no tools.  I Mcgivered a clipper into a screwdiver and soon I was up and running.  Nice little HP unit with lots of battery.

We met up with the Falls at Joes Crab Shack and had a very good dinner.  We headed back to the room and soon were off to bed.  I have trouble sleeping in motel/hotel rooms and was up and ready to go by 0230. Lori got up at 5 and we headed to the airport and off by 0845.  It was a smooth flight and soon we were here.

Into the airport and as we dropped down by the main area, here was a beach bum and his wife holding up a  We received a lei greeting sign and a fruit basket!  We were surprised by Jeff (my boss) and Monica who got here on the 28th.  We visited for a few and headed to baggage claim and then to the rental car place.  Soon we had got in a very long line and felt it would take an hour or so to get a car.  I saw the quick check kiosk and within minutes, so quick it cost me extra for more time.  They told us they were running low on full size cars and had placed a few 'premium' cars in line.  We found a Mercury Marquis and loaded up the land yacht and headed for Kehei.  We got everything into the room and hung out most of the afternoon.  I drove the crew around a bit to get them used to the layout of the island and we later headed to our traditional 1st night dinner at Gator McGoons.  We tried to watch a movie, but soon went to bed and slept well for the night.

Day 2:
I made ham and pineapple omelets with our coffee  Today was a trip down to the lava fields and then end up the evening with a Luau in Lahina.  We drove down the coast and all enjoyed the great beaches and sights.  We found Big beach which is infamous for little beach right next door.  Once on the beach, we walked around and made it to the rock 'staircase over to little beach.  Loren was unable to make the hike as the path was pretty difficult to navigate on a bum knee.  We crossed over and the first thing we see is a female in the nude standing there watching us come down the path.  Soon there was skin everywhere.  Gwen 'told us' she wanted to check on Loren, but I suspect she got a little overwhelmed with the abundant display of male anatomy.  I made sure she got over the trail ok and turned back thinking she was standing right by me.  No, she was getting surfing tips from about five guys and commenting how the water must be warm today!  I was appalled by her actions the gratuitous nudity on the beach.  I was forced to walk all the way down the beach to get Lori to turn back.  She told me hot it was and was disrobing as I escorted her back to the other beach.  You think you know someone but wow! When we went to a few other beaches, she just moped around as everyone had bathing suits on. 

Soon it was time for lunch, goofing off around the condo and now its time to head to the Luau.  More from our travels soon.

Steve