Day at Sea - A Change of Itinerary

I did it again! I slept in until 9 AM. Very overcast, I was not too quick to get out of my cabin. As I stepped out onto the deck, I encountered Holly and Barry. I mentioned to Barry that that we must have turned into the wind because there was none last night under a ¾ moon. Barry noticed that the sun was off our starboard beam. This would indicate we were heading north instead of due south to Fanning Island. I confronted 3 crew members (2 of which were officers) with this revelation All denied, or at least were ignorant to the reality of the fact that we were now headed back to Hawaii.

Sure enough; minutes later, the Captain made the announcement that we were not going to Fanning Island due to a medical emergency. A man had suffered a heart attack and was in stable but serious condition. The U.S. Coast Guard helicopter will come to pick him up, but since the copter only has a range of 150 miles, (300 miles return) we are steaming at full speed (18 knots in a headwind) towards the Big Island. The Captain estimates we will be close enough to make the exchange between noon and 2 PM tomorrow. They will lower a basket to the bow right out our window. I asked the captain where we should watch. He said we could see well from our forward looking stateroom, but to hear and see the helicopter, the Sky Deck would be better, although there will be hundreds of people there.

The Captain said our itinerary has changed and we will be now going back to Maui, but to the other port of Kahului. (near K Mart) Also, we will now have the opportunity to sail past the active volcanic area on the Big Island and see molten red hot lava pouring into the sea at 10:30 PM on Monday on our way to Kona as previously planned on Tuesday.

Pete and Donna relax at the "swim up" bar on our day at sea

Everyone enjoyed an otherwise leisurely day data as we sailed back into the sunshine, inching ever closer to Hawaii. All this at the amazing fuel economy of 50 ft. per gallon, according to our Captain.

A lazy day at sea

John and Barry count up their shuffleboard scores.

I slept in until 9:00 AM. After a snack breakfast in the Sports Bar, we found the rest of the group up on the Sky Deck sun tanning/shuffleboard area. John and Barry had the energy to play some shuffleboard. The court, laid out on non slip resilient flooring was so slow. It was a real workout just getting your rock to the other end. That’s good in a way since it discouraged children (which there is a fair number) from trying to play. At around 1pm I was on a quest for lunch. The pool deck barbeque was well lined up and the Sports Bar was crowded so I grabbed a burger and took it outside to eat on my lap, on a lounger. Not my idea of a nice lunch but “we knew this ship would be different” as Holly says.

Can’t believe I went back to my room and fell asleep for three hours but the bed looked so fine and I must have been a little wiped, since we’ve had no days at sea until today. No days to catch up, to recover. It’s been twelve days of non-stop activity from sun-up to sun-down. But hey! That’s what it’s all about eh? Not doin’ bad for an old guy if I say so myself!

Wes Epae, Hawaiian funnyman, singing impersonator signs autographs.

At 7:15 we headed down for a show. It was a fine show indeed. Wes Epae a Hawaiian, comedian singing impersonator. Imitations of Tom Jones, Englebert, Johnny Mathis, Dean Martin and Don Ho. Then to The Trattoria for our Italian dinner that Cheryl reserved. A varied and tasty menu. Stuffed again. Mama Mia!

Kaui – Nawiliwili Harbor and Our PT Cruiser Convertibles

Our day in the PT Cruisers

I know you will probably not believe me when I say that the scenery continues to get better each day. I guess I should say that the scenery is so dramatically different that it continues to amaze with each new port visited. No two islands visited so far are the same. Because they are so different, each one seems better than the last, although I’m sure if you went in the reverse order, you’d say the same.

Today, Thrifty Car Rentals redeemed themselves. We picked up two PT Cruiser convertibles. We were shuttled promptly and the paperwork was completed at lightning speed. The cute little cars would prove to be worthy and capable of our marvelous, albeit short tour. The ship leaves at 5:00 PM today which means last call at 4:30.

No railings or barracades. One false step and you're a gonner!

We headed north up the west coast to Waimea Canyon. Unlike the volcanic cauldera of the Big Island, this volcanic canyon looked more like the Copper Canyon in Mexico because of the lush vegetation. Unlike the Copper Canyon, this one is far more accessible and I think just as beautiful. Pulling over at roadside turnouts you could stand at the edge of the cliff with no railing or sign whatsoever. Only thin air was separating you from certain death if you stumbled or fell over the edge. The drop of several thousand feet would give you time to consider your final and sudden stop at the bottom. But the view…

Holly, Barry, Cheryl and John in the other car continued to go north to the end of the highway, but we decided to head back since it looked like rain and I hate to run panicked or God forbid, miss the ship since the rental car shuttle ended at 4 PM.

Day Two - Maui, A Gorgeous Island

What a day. We slept in a bit and so we’ve missed breakfast which is probably good for us because I think we’ve gained 40lbs. Moving off the ship was easy today. It was especially easy since we had parked the rental cars at an overnight parking spot. By 9:15 we were already on our way to the beach and what a lovely beach it was! It’s good we got there early because it became very, very warm. Pete and Donna and Wendy and I decided to leave this frying pan and do some serious touring up the volcanic mountain. A short stop at Wal-Mart delayed our start time until 2:00 PM . That’s too late to head up to the top of the volcano so we took the forbidden road back to Lahaina. It became very obvious why the rental car company threatens to cancel the contract for any adventurous soul who dares to transverse the mountainous shoreline road that is barely wide enough for one Ford car let alone attempting to pass another car coming in the other direction.

The radio antenna on our Ford divides this road. You can see there is no room for 2 cars.

On this trip, every single day reveals more dramatic and spectacular scenery than the day before. It is truly visual overload! The scenery although different than the day before on the road to Hanna was just as spectacular. Maybe even a little more so, knowing that we weren't supposed to be there.

Maui - Day One, Lahaina

We awoke to find our ship at anchor off the shore of the city of Lahaina on the island of Maui. We anchored about seven AM breakfast at 7:30. The sea was calm as we began the process of transferring a couple thousand people ashore. By 8:30 AM everyone that booked a shore excursion seemed to clear out and it was easy to get a tender over to shore. Our reservations with Thrifty car rental didn’t materialize, since we found out they don’t pick up from the Airport some 45 minutes away. Fortunately there were other rental car shuttle vans available so we rented two Ford five hundred’s with Hertz only 5 minutes away. After our treatment at Thrifty yesterday, they have fallen out of favour to say the least. Around eleven, we were under way. Our next stop was the big Kmart to buy supplies, so by noon we were finally on the road to Hanna. I had previously purchased the narrated tour of the road to Hana CD from eBay so that came in handy for the tour.

The winding road along the ocean shoreline through the volcanic mountains was truly spectacular. We stopped many times at scenic turnouts, at an arboretum and to buy hot fresh banana bread at a roadside stand. The surrounding vegetation was so lush because an annual rainfall of up to 40ft. The plants and vines had grown to mammoth size. It’s no wonder they use the area to film parts of Jurassic park.. The drive up took about three and a half hours but since we didn’t have to stop on the way back, we were able to make the return trip much quicker and we were back to Lahaina by the ship just before 7:00 PM.

We dined late, arriving at the Terrace Lounge at 9:00 PM . A very tasty the main course of rack of lamb and we were to bed by 11:00 PM.

Wow, A Real Live Volcano!

Our first impression yesterday at the sports bar buffet was not the best but the dining room last evening and this morning for breakfast was excellent. After a really nice breakfast in the beautiful a la carte Terrace dining room. We readied ourselves for our rental car driving tour from Hilo Airport.

We got off the boat around 9:30 and 11:00 were still standing in line waiting for the car. 100 or so people all waiting for one wicket at the rental agency. By 11:30 we were finally at the wicket. The last ones to get a car!

The wait was worth it. We drove up to the Volcano National Park and took the driving tour around the rim of the cauldron. So far this state has never ceased to amaze us. You can watch this stuff on TV but you can never appreciate the magnitude, power and rugged beauty of the volcano unless you are here. Because we waited so long for the rental car, our time was running out. Holly and Barry, Wendy and I went over to Rainbow Falls to finish our tour, but the other car, the Chrysler convertible, developed some sort of transmission problem and the others had to cut their trip short and head back to the ship. Barry drove us through old Hilo on the way to the ship. This town is very "Art Deco" and beautiful. The statue of King Kamehameha in the park was also very beautiful.

Dinner in the terrace lounge made up for a somewhat mediocre magic show. We all agreed that we preferred assigned seating over this “freestyle” stuff.

I must say that the food on board is excellent in the dining room. While the grilled New York looked more like oriental beef ½ inch thick, it was indeed very tasty. I don’t think any of the Polynesian or Philipino cooking staff ever saw a real New York! Anyway, they finally put us together and we exchanged stories and I laughed so hard I cried.

Snorkel in the Morning. Board the Ship In Afternoon

Today we got an early start Pete and Donna and Wendy and I drove over to Hanauma Bay this time we got there early enough that we could get a parking spot. After a brief orientation movie we took the shuttle down the hill to the beach . The snorkeling on the shallow reef was OK with a diversity of colorful fish but the reef itself was rather dead looking and I’m sure the hordes of tourists that come here every year has taken its toll. All the activity caused the water to become a little murky.

We drove to the lookout point at Diamond Head but we didn’t have time to ascend to the top since we had to check out of the hotel by noon. After returning the rental car we took a cab to the ship and met up with the others around one PM

This is the second last cruise for the Norwegian wind as it will be retired from service in April it is a quaint little ship, a little tired of looking and poorly laid out by today’s standards.

Touring the Beaches of the East Windward Side

Holly and Barry and John and Cheryl, Pete and Donna and Wendy and I, rented a car and we headed up the east coast. Gorgeous day and scenery. Unfortunately, at 10 am, Hanauma Bay was full, so on we went.

Patrick O'Brian with Barry. I see some similiarity don't you?

At one beach near the “blowhole” we met Patrick O’Brian, 1974 pipeline centerfold in Surfing magazine when he was age 19. San Francisco born, he moved here when he was eight.. An “Irish Hawaiian” he said “A legend in his own living-room” We watched him.hang ten. “I still surf like a fourteen year old” he exclaimed. Hang loose dude!

Lunch, I had Kalua Pig, great pulled pork with big cut fries and salad for $6.50 ea.

On the Go in Honolulu

We started out by going to Pearl Harbor. I was amazed at how many Japanese people flocked to this site. Only a little baby could have not felt the extreme feeling of awe and the reverence of this most significant and emotional place . The visitor center and museum set the mood with a short movie before traveling to the site (by boat) of the sunken battleship Arizona. Standing on the monument you could see the ship below. Little blobs of bunker oil were still oozing from its compartments after 66 years.

Japanese baby on the boat back from the Arizona Memorial.

Using my trusty GPS we’ve managed to get back to the hotel at about 1:00 in the afternoon. Holly and Cheryl came with us in our car and John and Barry took the bus Pete and Donna stayed to go on the Missouri and tour the submarineWe went to get a hamburger at the international market and met the rest of the gang down at Waikiki beach.

A great time was had by all at Moose's.

The quest for the perfect restaurant is always a challenge and this evening was no exception. We walked around a lot of Waikiki and finally settled on Moose McGillicuddy’s.

An Amazing Place Indeed!

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Click on the pictures to enlarge.

What To See Next?

Look at that! Look at that! Look at that! Look at that!

We're Here ! Safe and Sound

Our “living room” sized cabin on the plane for $15 ea. Extra

Monday was typical travel weather. A veritable blizzard developing between London and Detroit - And just a day before spring! The driving was poor in places with blowing snow and low visibility, taking longer than normal. We had left early though (7am) so we had time to stop at a Dollarama in Windsor to buy snacks (the plane does not offer meals) Had a great flight to Honolulu. I booked the flight on Northwest which allows you to select your seats on line. I try to pick seats near the rear since most people like forward Seals so there is usually more selection at the tail. The seat layout on the 757 is abc def. I took 39 a and c. rightly figuring no-one would want to sit between us, Perfect! We had all three seats to ourselves from Detroit to San Francisco. Unfortunately, with only 45 minutes or so between flights, we didn’t see much of San Francisco. From Frisco to Honolulu I noticed on the weekend there were 3 seats in the exit row for an up charge of $15 ea. Again I booked a and c. What luck – again we had this huge” living room” sized space all to ourselves. And our nice flight attendant who seemed to give us special attention. The airlines are still recovering from several severe winter storms so they are still catching up. The Detroit to Frisco segment was delayed because we had to get de-iced for the Frisco to Honolulu leg was late getting in from Minnesota this put us in at 6:45 instead of 5:45 as scheduled but I guess its not too bad considering the distance. We’ve come. Sunny and 80 degrees is worth the trip which really wasn’t bad at all with our “first class seats” total travel time from our house to Honolulu 18hrs Combined with jet lag, and considering its 3 in the morning back home, its not hard to fall asleep.But first a rental car and Costco before bed. Wendy says "that's a first" - Shopping at Costco at 2:am. Went to bed at 3 am your time and woke up at 3 am Hawaii time. If you're confused, you ought to be here..Jet lag will hit us later.

Larger Luggage Will Fix The Problem

I don't have time to gain enough weight to get the suitcase closed so, off to Winner's for a bigger bag. For Wendy, this is always a big event. My theory is spend as little as possible because the baggage handlers will wreck it whether its $50 or $500. Two more days to Hawaii. Something a little larger than a car or van might be needed in Honolulu.

Be Careful What You Wish For - Before You Go On A Cruise!

Only 4 days to go! I'll try to post some pictures to this blog while I'm away.

A Great Time Was Had By All

Above, Doug shows off his sporty socks. Below: Doug and Laura, John and Linda

On Friday the 9th we drove up to Grand Bend to the Lambton Museum for a Gala artists' premiere showing of local art. The wine and snacks were as delicious as the visual art was stimulating. We met our good friends Doug and Laura (recently moved to the Bend) and John and Linda (who have lived there for years). I hardly got a chance to view the hundreds of works of art because I kept meeting people I knew. The evening began by an intro from our friend and local artist Barry Richman. As I was predictably heading for the wine table, I ran into Ken Jackson, an old friend I haven't spoke with for too many years. Old neighbours from London I haven't seen for years, and business aquaintances from my working days.

After the art exhibit, we drove up to the Coral Reef Motel and enjoyed libations and pub food.

Of course there was a lot of highly informational if not thoroughly factual discussion which continued on to nearly closing time. From there we went back to John and Linda's for nightcaps. Wendy and I stayed overnight before enjoying a fine breakfast and driving to our condo in Point Edward Saturday morning.