Today we’re having lunch at the Mauna Kea Resort before heading over to Hapuna Beach for some fun in the surf. Lunch is always great at the Mauna Lani, but it’s nice to do something different. The waves are great for body surfing, but I wish I had my boogie board from back home. It sure is nice not wearing a wetsuit for a change.
Today is a very big day. Gabe the fisherman is finally going out on the ocean with me for his first sport fishing charter. We’re aiming to catch some very big fish, so we’re hoping our luck delivers. We’ve got a full day charter lined up on theLepika as we head south looking for the fish. Gabe gets in a little rest time while the big rods wait patiently. ...
Today we’re headed over to the Hilton Waikoloa Village to check it out. The shops are a good place to stop for lunch and a visit with Santa. They have nicer fleet of matching bikes than back at the Mauna Lani. There’s no shortage of waterfalls and statues at the hotel. It was fun watching the dolphins for a while. hen we walked around the paths amidst the crazy crowds. Monica was dying to take a million creeper photos. ...
After another spinning class, it’s time to explore the lava caves along this cool walking path at the Mauna Lani. Fancy running into Charlotte out for a run! Charlotte and Monica continue their exploration out to the point. Today we’re headed south to check out the volcanoes. There are a few funny sights along the way, but overall it’s just a really long drive in dreary weather. ...
Morning in Hawaii starts with koi, flowers, and an awesome buffet. I get in a spinning class to make up for all the eating and lack of cycling, though I do enjoy touring around on the hotel’s cruisers with the kids. This afternoon I’m heading up to the top of Mauna Kea to visit the observatories and get in a little observing on slightly smaller scopes just below the summit. It’s a crazy long drive to the top at over 13,000 feet, and the upper parts are all gravel. I didn’t see any invisible cows, but I knew Monica would love this sign. I thought the very unique Silver Sword plant was quite interesting. It only grows around the visitor center and higher elevations. I also got my first view of Mauna Loa here above the clouds. ...
It’s been way too many years since the family has been to Hawaii, so we’ve made a last minute decision to go for a week right before Christmas. Sitting for over five hours on a plane is a piece of cake when you’re heading to a place like the Big Island. Paradise has been waiting for us here at the Mauna Lani hotel. Birds, flowers, and a lovely fruit place are waiting as well. ...
Charlotte, Gordon, and I decided it was about time we went to see the annual Santa Cruz Lighted Boat Parade down at the harbor this year. We bundled ourselves up, grabbed a little food, and camped out on a bench to enjoy the show. I headed out to the end of one of the docks to get some photos. They didn’t come out great, but I do like the colors. The highlights had to be the hula dancers on the outrigger, and the kayaks. It was also pretty funny when the end of our dock started to sink with all the people crowded on the end. ...
A big thanks to Valri and her family for hosting the big turkey event this year. Not many photos this year, but the usual crew stuffed themselves silly once again. It’s always fun to see all the cousins get together. Nick joined us from Cal Poly, Chris from Chico, and Charlie had a break from his Navy duties. And did I mention that I love my awesome wife.
Charlotte and Gordon continue their trip south after spending the night in Cambria with a stop at Hearst Castle in San Simeon. It’s a great day and an awesome tour. The interior is ridiculously elegant. The Christmas decorations add quite the touch. I wouldn’t mind this pool in my backyard.
Charlotte is heading down to San Luis Obispo to bring Nick back home from Cal Poly for Thanksgiving. This time she’s heading south down the Big Sur coast with her dad. The view always blows you away. A nice stop at Nepenthe for some coffee, while soaking in some of the soothing statues and views. A beautiful sunset ends the day in Cambria for our intrepid travelers. Tomorrow it’s down to San Simeon and then picking up Nick. ...