Nov 16 2013 Rain is in the forecast

Sat Nov 16 I had a shitty sleep and I still feel like I drank a bottle of cheap rum.  The nausea from the previous evenings boating adventure combines with dehydration and I wake up with a headache, nausea and an overall feeling of crapiness.  Did I mention the banana pies were tastey?

We check out at 10:10 am so we have to be packed and ready to go.  We do a bag check and meet my parents downstairs and head off to Manu Lani to the traditional secret spot.  This is a quiet little snorkel spot my parents discovered and as long as we don't intrude on any lawn chairs, we're apparently allowed to sit in front of this hotel and enjoy the location unfettered.

 Karen mom and dad went for a swim while katey and I lay on beach towels.  We had lunch at the hotel beach front restaurant with an amazing view but mediocre food.  Went back to our Hilton Vacation Club and had a final shower in the courtesy room, said our good byes to the folks and headed of to Costco.  Wondered around and appreciated the incredible novelty of food available at a US Costco, then headed to the Lava Java in Kona for a final meal.  We sat on the patio and witnessed our last breathtaking sunset while feasting on Hawaiian ribs and nachos.

 Sadly we made our way to the Kona airport where we sat for 3 hrs waiting for our United flight home.  I write this sitting in my seat (26D) and are about to roll on the runway.  The warm Hawaii climate I've gotten used to has been replaced by cooled circulated air and in a few short hours I'll be back in Vancouver at 6:30 Sunday morning.  Rain is in the Forecast.

Nov 15 2013 Place of Refuge

Fri Nov 15 today katey and I went to the place of refuge which is a national park about 30 minutes south of Kona.  The historical significance of this park is the preservation of a tribal area that offers condemned men a chance to have their crimes absolved by a priest if they are able to outrun a team of warriors bent on slaughtering the guilty member.  No blood can be spilled on the sacred ground.

We also made a quick visit to the Painted Church.  There was a statue of Mary in the front yard overlooking a cemetery, kind of resembling the wooden statues ancient Hawaiians carved out to represent their made up Gods.

All mighty God, please help me understand why mankind is so full of shit. Amen.

In the evening we drove a stones throw past the airport and met up with Neptune Charlie's Manta Ray snorkel and company.  I was really excited to go on this night snorkel because A) I've never done a night dive. B) I've never seen a Manta Ray up close and C) I borrowed the camera mask my dad lent me so I could take videos and pictures of this underwater experience. 

The calm before the hurl

What a nice sun set...BLURP...

I don't feel so good

Fish eat throw-up

 Now, I did have a chance to take gravol, but I turned it down due to the nature of how this suppository was administered.  I figured I could withstand a night time frolic with these docile ocean gliders.  How wrong I was.  I was only comforted by the fact that I wasn't the only passenger who neglected to prepare for Poseidon's wrath. Neptune Charlie has a much smaller boat than Fair Winds and we found ourselves being rocked back and forth to the rhythmic nauseating pulse of the unsympathetic barf inducing ocean.  The barfing started early in the trip and this crack team on board the Neptune Charlie had the buckets handy.  My first barf was actually in the water as we were all clinging to a raft assuming our recently learned "Superman" Manta ray position.  The mask camera seemed to be working however the battery life was only about 30 minutes and the best action happened in the last 10 minutes of this 45 minute excursion.  After making our way back to the SS Neptune, I positioned myself on the back of the boat and continued to empty the contents of my stomach.  We were told to eat a lot at 3:00 PM since snorkeling demands much energy and they don't provide any food on board.  The added gorging just prior to our departure gave me ample stomach contents for a 3rd barf in the comforting yellow bucket.  I was nauseous for the next 24 hours, and even as I write this, sitting in the last security zone in the Kona airport, It makes me Ill just thinking about it. Ok here's a picture of a McDonald's banana pie.  Its real banana and deep fried, just the way mother nature intended.

Holy F&%$ this is good!

Nov 14 2013 Captain Cook

Thurs Nov 14 woke up at 6 am and it was pouring  rain.  Saw what we could of the sun rise and left promptly at 7:05 for my parents condo on Alii Dr.  Got into their rental and drove along Alii until we reached Fair Wind marina.  This is the second time going to Captain Cook memorial snorkelling.  The boat is a double decker large pontoon type.

  We had muffins and fresh coffee and juice for the short ride over to the Cook site, which was only about 20-30 minutes away.

I love my mom.

I felt incredibly loved. Thank you.

 We all hopped in the water and snorkelled for about an hour when BBQ burgers or dogs were served, complete with pasta salad and chips.  Basked in the sun and then took a final slide into the water.  Also jumped off the high board.

Headed back to parents condo, dropped them off and made a quick stop at Queens market to stock up on Big Island Coffee.  Sat by the pool for a bit and let katey soak her feet.  Parents coming over tonight so katey and Karen preparing dinner.  I sit and sip on freshly brewed Kona coffee.

Nov 13 2013 Beach Day

Wed Nov 13 had breakfast on the balcony and watched the sun rise, as usual.  We drove to Hapuna beach and spent an hour in the sand on our beach towels.  I swam for a bit, but decided to go back and hit the pool since we had nothing to read and no chairs.  Catherine agreed immediately since she hates "doin nuthin".

Doin Nuthin

  I sat by the pool and Katey went to the Hilton to walk amongst the wealthier vacationers.  At noon I went back to the apartment and made myself a rye & sausage steak spinach sandwich.  When Katey came home I ate poke (raw tuna) and avocado.  Then took a nap.  If you don't care about any of this then please click the red X on the top right corner of your screen.

We headed for the Luau at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.  We did the same thing in 2012, but this time it was out doors.  Recognized the host and a few of the dancers.  Great show, great food and there was an open bar.  Up early tomorrow for snorkeling.

The hotel staff are very friendly in Hawaii.

I asked this guy for a Caucasian and he gave me a funny look.

That's dinner

I think mine's on the left..no right.

Nov 12 2013 Hawaii Style Cafe in Waimea

Tues Nov 12 drove up to Hawaii Style Cafe in Waimea for great diner breakfast. We shared the Korean chicken short rib breakfast with tuna macaroni and rice. Got a pancake on the side. Wasn't disappointed.  Everything tasted great.

Straight to my thighs.

Then took the 19 along the coast to Hilo.  We stopped at the What's Shakin farm restaurant to pick up some strawberry papaya.

 Next we stopped at the botanical garden we went to last year and walked amongst the exotic plants.   This place was ocean front and had nice views.

Its real purdy here.

We stopped at 2 ladies kitchen for some glutinous Mochi in Hilo. Tasty glutinous rice with strawberry in the middle.

Hey it tastes freakin good!

Then volcano national park and walked the Kilauea Iki trail that did a loop and crossed a crater.  By that time I didn't want to see any more lava or green plants and wanted to go back to Waikaloa for some beer and chips.

Piddles!

While driving back to Waikaloa from Volcano National Park the fog was pretty thick, but we suddenly burst through and we were presented with a breathtaking view of the edge of the world.