I think Alan and Sue were inspired to take us with them to Hawaii. They asked us when they first planned this trip and we declined. We knew that the Brinkerhoffs were also going since Cole and Alan were going to attend a Pharmacy Conference and so we didn't feel to bad. We just felt like things are too tight right now and we wouldn't be able to swing it. Well a few months ago we went out to dinner with the Winters and they asked us again if we would consider going. Alan told us that he already had us a condo and so he was hoping we'd take them up on the offer. We have sky miles and so the trip looked more affordable to us. I appreciate the Winters for inviting us......they are some of the few people that invite us before we can invite them.....that is nice every once in awhile. This trip was very needed for us. Larry has been so stressed with work and church and we have both needed away time. I could have stayed longer.....like forever.....but the time we had was great! The Winters and Brinkerhoffs took good care of us and I appreciate them for it.
We got to Hawaii a day after the others and everything was planned and ready for us. We got pampered! Our first day there we toured the whole Island. We visited the Parker Farm which is pretty awesome. It's neat seeing how nice some lived even on a ranch back in the day. One little cabin off of the big house was completely covered in Koa Wood. It smelled good and was absolutely beautiful inside. We own a vase made of Koa wood.
For lunch we went down a very steep and windy road. I think Lori was a little nervous but I loved it. I would have enjoyed going faster even. (you can tell where we are in our lives....Lori still has little ones....mine would survive just fine w/o me....I really hope that's not true)
At the bottom of the windy road it was gorgeous. Trees and ocean and river all around. I had to get a few pics and all at different angels so see the beauty. Oh how I enjoyed all the beauty and our wonderful friends.
We found a nice long log that we all fit on and enjoyed a wonderful lunch that Lori and Sue had prepared. It was so relaxing.
We also visited some waterfalls. I love seeing the waterfalls and they are every where. It rained a little but the rain felt good. My hair doesn't like the rain or humidity but other than that it was welcomed. The rain helps keep the temp good. It was pretty nice the whole time we were there. No complaining from this mouth.
It was fun seeing the whole Island. One side is tropical and gorgeous and the other is pretty much pure lava.
Every morning we had time to get going slowly because Cole and Alan were at their conference. Larry and I usually took a walk and would watch surfers. We enjoyed the quiet mornings. On Wednesday we had a tour of the Maunakea Observatory scheduled. It was an all day thing. While the guys were at their class Larry & "his" girls went shopping. (Larry doesn't enjoy shopping) I enjoy looking but seldom buy anything...Larry comes out ahead. When we met up with Cole and Alan we went and got some lunch....kind of a mistake because a few hours later we were being fed on the tour.
On the tour everyone got lasagna and a brownie. I only had a bite of my lasagna to taste it but was still too full from lunch. I saved my brownie though and enjoyed it the next morning. ;)
The observatory was neat.....looking down through the clouds while waiting for the sunset. The guides were really hoping for the clouds to clear but I liked how they looked and the sunset was still beautiful.
We are all so glad they provided warm coats and gloves....it's a bit chilly 14 thousand ft above sea level. (just saying) When I took our picture we noticed the reflective tape....adds so much to the picture. haha ;)
After the sun had set we climbed back in the van and went down the mountain just a little. Telescopes were set up and we learned a little about the stars and some constellations. I enjoyed the things we heard....our little guide did a great job at presenting her information. I really enjoyed looking through the telescopes and seeing the stars and my favorite was the moon. It was a neat thing to do and I'm glad that Alan had heard about it and suggested it to everyone.
The next two days after the classes we kayaked. I quite enjoy kayaking and had to really help out both days. I usually sit back and relax a little while Larry paddles us around but both days were a little breezy and I needed to help the whole time. I didn't mind though and didn't feel tired or sore which made me wonder if I really was helping since the others were all mentioning their discomfort. It felt good to me and I enjoyed both days. The first day of kayaking was Thursday and we went across the ocean to a Turtle Reserve. I didn't get my camera out because Larry and I didn't open our dry pack. (I'm hoping to get some pictures from Sue and Lori) We snorkeled a little there but it really wasn't good. So visiting there was the best. There were plenty of turtles to look at also.
On Friday we climbed back on the kayaks and again crossed the ocean to the Island of Captain Cook. We really just kayaked to the monument and stayed in the water. We snorkeled here and it was wonderful. Our best snorkeling ever was our first time to Hawaii on Maui and this was just as marvelous. I really enjoy good snorkeling.....this was good. My face hurt when I took the mask off. I had an imprint of it on my face because I finally got it to seal properly. We were really hoping to see spinner dolphins but we didn't. Sue and Alan have seen them every other time they have been there. I won't lie....I was a little disappointed.
Our condo was right by the Ocean and it could be seen from the balcony. The middle of the rooms had little waterfalls and lots of pretty vegetation.
Our last day was spent on beach that Sue and Alan had found when they first got to the Island. We went there while Cole and Lori went for an Airplane ride. The road to the beach (park) was really bumpy but worth the drive. The water was nice and there were great waves with lots of people surfing. It was like catching 3 waves because each wave swelled up a few times. Lots better than the ones we watched by the condo. (they were behind Larry in the picture of him watching the turtles)
We were glad we saw some turtles. At first there was just one sunning and then another one came up out of the water and sunned too. The larger one (which came second) had a cuter head and reminded me of the turtles off of "Finding Nemo". It was quite enjoyable just watching them. The little one was more aggressive and even got the bigger one to move out of it's way.
On the big Island you will see "graffiti" along the roads. However the graffiti there is white rocks spelling out names and sayings on the lava. It's everywhere and this place had it too. Alan had just told Larry that it would be cool if he wrote "Larry ♥ Dawn" and at that moment Larry came across the "I Love You" which was good enough for us! Alan took a little time and wrote AW ♥ SUE....he wrote it with white sand! (ahhh)
I am grateful that we were able to go again and spend time together. I have always cherished the time I have with Larry but even more so the older we get. It's priceless to me and very needed. I don't think I will ever get enough. I sure do love Larry. I appreciate all my kids for taking care of themselves and each other so that we can. I absolutely love my family more than words could ever express!
