Two more days, first four family members arrive…Interior photos of the house…

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This sign is in our driveway. One must park carefully to avoid coconut hitting the roof of the rental cars and, more importantly, one’s head which could be dangerous.

As soon as we’re done posting for today, we’ll be on our way to Hilo to grocery shop for the arrival of the first four family members arriving on Saturday, son TJ,  significant other Sarah, and two grandsons, Jayden, 9 and Nik, 14.

The living room looking down from the loft level. There are two sofas and plenty of chairs.

To ease the dining situation with the remainder of the family coming on the 20th and 21st, we decided to ask each family to make a list of frequently used food items for all meals. They all complied and each family’s preferences are considerably different.

The large kitchen table can seat eight by adding two more chairs.  Most meals will be buffet style.

In two weeks before the others arrive, we’ll make the two-hour drive to Kona to the Costco store to purchase another round for TJ’s family and for the remaining two families.

The sliding door and window in the master bedroom overlooking the roaring surf.

Since we no longer have a printer and with my illegible handwriting the only way I could figure out how to take this long lists with me to the grocery store was to use the grocery app on my phone, Grocery Tracker, which you can download here for free on your smartphone.

The house is a tri-level with this master bedroom on the upper level.

With every item we usually purchase for ourselves already in the app, I named each of TJ’s family’s items like this;  TJ Grated Cheddar, TJ Cheese Puffs. This way the list for TJ’s family would be together under all the TJs in alphabetical order. 

The king-sized bed in the loft bedroom.

Soon, I’ll add the other items under the names of our other grown kids; Tammy, Greg, Richard each specific to their own requests. Then, by carrying my phone, I have access to each family’s grocery list at any given time when we’re out and about. Easy. Otherwise, this could get very confusing.  

Making meals will also be easy. Each family will make their own breakfasts and lunches with all their preferred foods on hand and will have the option of joining Tom and me in dinner each night. Or, if they prefer, they can make their own dinner as well. They only need to tell us in the morning if they’ll be joining us.

Another view of the living room.
With many activities planned, some further away, some will join us and others will not. We aren’t concerned at all with this plan. It will all work out as it always did when they came to visit in our old lives.
It’s been cloudy these past few days, raining off and on, so we’ve stayed busy organizing things in the house, handling financial matters and accounting, taking videos of the huge surf, walking in the neighborhood taking more photos we’ll share tomorrow and enjoying our surroundings.

Yesterday, we had an unexpected surprise when daughter Tammy, significant other Tracy, and grandson Vincent, 8, had a beautiful Hawaiian Christmas bouquet delivered to the house. See the photo below. These should last through the holidays since many flowers native to Hawaii if properly care for, can last for days.

Although we’d told our kids, no gifts since we have no room for anything, Tammy, Tracy, and Vincent didn’t listen. As usual. These Hawaiian flowers are much more beautiful in person. On this rainy and cloudy day, they don’t appear as lovely as they actually are.

Our lovely property owner Liv also left us a beautiful bouquet. We are definitely well equipped with flowers for the holidays especially with only a little shelf and table space in this house.

With our first load of laundry going in the washer in the garage, the bed made, the kitchen cleaned, I’m chomping at the bit to get out after the wash is done. Tom, of course, is always content to lounge and listen to his radio shows and play with his computer, neither of which he’ll do much once the kids arrive.

There’s a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. As you can see, we don’t have much in the way of hanging clothes.

I will continue to post each day while our family is here including on Tom’s birthday on the 23rd, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day with many new photos of our daily lives, our meals, the lava flow which we’ll visit as soon as the viewing area opens in a few days, and our visits to many of the other local point of interest on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

For online security reasons, I prefer to keep photos of the young ones to a minimum. Plus, it’s easy to tire of seeing photos of other people’s grandkids. Right?

May your day be filled with pleasant surprises.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, December 4, 2013:

On our second full day in the bush, two moms and seven babies (one mom and baby not shown in this photo) became regular visitors to our house in Marloth Park. The moms would stare me down asking for pellets, for which I couldn’t ever resist providing. The moms would let the babies eat first. They were so sweet, I fell in love with the warthogs as those of our reader know from our three months in Marloth Park, beginning one year ago. Please click here for details as I wrote, “Morning doesn’t come soon enough.”  So true.

Lava is on the move again, faster this time…Closer this time…Check out the year ago photo below! One of our favorites!

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Yesterday morning we took this video of the waves in our “backyard” in Pahoa, on the Big Island.

This morning’s news announced that the lava flow from Mount Kilauea has escalated in speed advancing toward the strip mall where we shopped on Monday afternoon.

Apparently, the gas station owner at that strip mall will be selling off the gas at discount prices so that he can drain his storage tanks to fill them with water to avoid explosions when the lava arrives.  

Oh, my. We’ve yet to see the lava since it’s illegal to go into the area where it’s flowing. A viewing area is being set up at the Pahoa Transfer Station that will soon be open to the public for viewing. As soon as that is available we’ll all be heading that way to take photos to share here. This is a phenomenon one most likely would never have the opportunity to see in a lifetime. 

The backside of the first house, where we’re now living, on the coast in Pahoa.

Now that we’re in the first house, we’re surprisingly less anxious about the lava flow than we were from afar.  If we have to leave when our family arrives, we’ll figure it all out. All that matters is the safety and well-being of our family and the citizens of the area.

At this point, the lava is several miles away. At its current rate of flow at 1200 feet per day considering how many miles we are from the current flow, it could conceivably reach the ocean where we are located in about 30 days. 

In 30 days, most of our family members will be on their way back to the mainland, leaving only two remaining, our daughter-in-law, and one granddaughter staying until January 9th. If there is a risk, we’ll certainly send them home earlier than planned and find other accommodations for Tom and me.

Of course, the rate of the flow could change at any time and all of our calculations would be a moot point. We’ll continue to watch the local news for daily updates.

The waves are amazing whether the tide is high or low, although high tide certainly adds to the excitement.

However, we can’t speculate any further than that which we know at this point. We choose not to worry or fuss over this. More so, we’re fascinated with this amazing fact of nature over which no one has control.

As for the house, we’re content. With screens on the windows, we have everything wide open for the amazing ocean breezes.  Last night, we slept with the window open for the first time in so long I can’t recall. It was so cool that we left the fan off and cuddled up under the comforter. There’s no AC in the house.

Yesterday, at high tide at 11:48 am, we spent considerable time outside in the rear yard of the house watching and taking videos of the huge waves. Neither of us had ever seen anything like it. With the windows open, we can feel the ocean spray while inside the house when standing near the windows.

The wear and tear on houses this close to the sea and surf is unreal. The house is well maintained but obvious signs of the destructive nature of the salty sea air are everywhere especially on the exterior of the house especially where there are any metal or wood surfaces.

On the inside of the house, the curtain rods, shower rods, faucets, and some window handles show signs of corrosion due to the salty air and spray. We’re sure this s a major concern for owners of properties in such close proximity to the ocean all over the world.

After the steps collapsed under our feet on our anniversary in Belize on March 7, 2013, during which we were injured, we hesitated to step out onto the lanai in the upper-level master bedroom. Click here for that story and photos we posted on March 9, 2013.

This morning I slept until 7:45 after awakening several times during the night while getting used to the sounds of the sea. This was what I saw the moment I stepped out of bed.

The lanai upstairs seems very sturdy but then again, so did the steps in Belize. We’ll proceed with caution and also advise our family members to do the same.

In the interim, we’re mesmerized by the roaring sea out the door. The roaring sound of the surf is almost earsplitting and we’re loving every moment. The house is relatively shaded by coconut and palm trees but there’s a perfect spot in the yard where we were able to languish in our usual hour in the warming sun.

As we lounged yesterday, we had a clear view of the house next door to which Tom and I will move on December 20th in a mere 17 days and then moving back to this house again on January 3rd when the contract on the second house ends as most of the family departs. Thus, we have to pack three more times (including the day we leave this island). 

Tomorrow, at last, we’ll post interior photos of the house. We have been a bit sidetracked with Mother Nature’s antics. She’s quite a gal, isn’t she?

                                            Photo from one year ago today, December 3, 2013:

Okee Dokee, our lovely driver and friend with whom we’re still in touch regularly, took this photo of us with a giraffe behind us on the road near our new home, of the day we arrived in Marloth Park. The wonder of it all continues to amaze us to this day. I can’t wait to return! For details, please click here.

Aloha, Hawai’i! We’re settled in…What a view out the window!…Car rental wheeling and dealing…A fun photo from one year ago today…

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Tom was checking out the views, up close and personal.

Although yesterday’s flight was only 37 minutes long, traveling from Maui to the Big Island was still an all-day affair.

As usual, worried-old-man-mine, we arrived way too early at the Maui airport having no less than two hours of waiting time for the short flight. We left Maalaea Beach at 10:30 am, dropped off the rental car, and sat in chairs reading our books on our phones. 

The colors of the water is nothing like we’ve ever seen.

My android phone battery died in no time so I took out the broken screen unlocked phone and entertained myself reading unfinished books from long ago; dry, scientific stuff, that once I got started worked out well as I got into it.

Finally, we were situated in our seats for the short flight that literally went up and then back down. While onboard I busied myself writing the following.

“As always, we’ve said our prayers for another safe passage. This flight, only 37 minutes long, still had a bit of turbulence that always makes me a little jittery.  However, in no time at all, we’ll be on the descent of this island-hopping shuttle type flight.

The craggy lava rocks along the shore in front of the house is mesmerizing.

It’s odd to think that this time arrived so quickly. Either that’s a result of old age or we’ve been having so much fun that the time has flown. Perhaps, in our case, it’s a combination of both.

It was a full two years ago that we booked this first house in Hawai’i and over one year ago that we booked the second house next door. I remember finalizing the details of the second house on the day we left for the safari in the Masai Mara in Kenya, including my high-level of excitement over both events along with butterflies in my stomach over flying in the little airplane.

I took this photo this morning at 7 am from the lanai off of our bedroom.

Now, 14 months later, I have little fear, if any, of flying in a little airplane after all we’ve seen and done in these past two-plus years.

Grateful? More than words can say. If we had to stop now, our lives have changed forever. In some ways, we’re still the people we were long ago, only more peaceful, less stress filled, less fearful, and more than anything, happier.”

Once we arrived at the Hilo Airport, we hurried to get our bags to walk them a few blocks to the Enterprise car rental counter. With one less bag, it was easier. No excess weight fees and the two of us can manage to wheel it all. 

It’s way too dangerous to swim off the shore.

I wheeled the new but heavy 23″ bag (50-pound weight) and Tom’s 30″ 50-pound bag. He wheeled the cart loaded with the duffel bag, the laptop bag, the pill bag, and my handbag and,  my 30″ bag also weighing 50 pounds. It was OK. It’s all manageable well into the future.

At the Enterprise counter, Tom sat with the luggage, while I worked on the rental car. We’d ordered a full-size car but it only had seats five. With TJ, Sarah, Nik, and Jayden arriving on Saturday, we’d never have been able to go out together with a full-sized car only holding five.

When we booked the car for the family gathering with two of our adult kids booking their own cars, we decided we’d figure it out. The trick was that TJ and family would be alone with us from December 6th until December 20th when the others begin to arrive. We’d end up with two full weeks with only room for five when there are six of us.

The waves were impressive.

In my mind, I’d never intended to take the full-sized car, instead, waiting until we arrived to see what we could do in person. We’d booked online for a great rate for 30 days although we needed the vehicle for six weeks.  Most car rentals car agencies won’t rent a vehicle beyond 30 days. 

We always have to return the car to extend the rental period for each additional period of 30 days or less, signing an entirely new contract. We’ve been able to get the same great online price as we originally booked. (Italy was the exception, resulting in charging us a higher rate for the remaining period).

The rep, Philip Mootmag, Branch Manager at Enterprise in Hilo not only agreed to carry the great price over to the final 15 days but negotiated a special rate for us or a seven-passenger minivan at only an additional $9.95 a day. Based on minivan rental prices, we were thrilled with the $1367 for the month. I’d budgeted $1800. We had great customer service and an excellent vehicle that we’ll all fit in comfortably.

Once on our way and with only a half-hour drive to the vacation home, we decided to stop at the Malama grocery store in the village of Pahoa, the renowned location of the lava flow, a 12-minute drive to the house. 

It appears that a neighboring house (to the left) is building on the property.

The store was comparable to the Nakumatt grocery store in Diani Beach Kenya; vegetables were touch-and-go, meat was pricey, and missing a few items we often purchase. Next time we shop we’ll head the 30 minutes back to Hilo for a larger supermarket. For a few items, here and there, Malama will do the trick. 

We purchased plenty of items to get us through for a few days. Before TJ’s family of four arrives on Saturday, we’ll have made the trip to Hilo to the Safeway store which if all like the one in Kihei, Maui, we’ll be thrilled.

Before the next round of family arrives, we’ll head to Costco in Kona, a two hour drive each way, and load up for the two weeks we’ll all be together. We’ll have to purchase a cooler while we’re there to store the perishables for the long drive back. 

We were settled in at the house loaded with groceries and luggage around 5 pm. We’d have arrived an hour earlier had we not run into major construction traffic on the road to Hilo.

Today and tomorrow, photos of the grounds and the interior of the house. Although this house isn’t nearly as well equipped as the condo in Maui, we’ll figure it all out as we always do. The views easily make up for the missing large mixing bowls and a decent iced tea pitcher.

We’re good. We’re very good.

                                           Photo from one year ago today, December 2, 2013:

This was our first visitor in Marloth Park, arriving 30 minutes after our arrival. Immediately, we fell in love with these playful and funny creatures, the warthog. For details from that date, please click here.

Aloha, Maui!…Maui expense totals…Six weeks in paradise…Now off for additional weeks paradise…Lava flow still holding…New photos…

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The bright sun creates a sparkling sea which we’ve cherished everyday that we’ve been in Maui. There’s only been one totally overcast and rainy day in the past six weeks, although its rained for short periods on many days to later become sunny.

It’s hard to believe that our six weeks in Maui has come to a close. We’ve loved every moment of this laid back, stress free, easy lifestyle so typical of retirees in Hawaii.

All these photos shown today were taken on Sunday early afternoon.

Would we return to Maui? Definitely, someday. As we always say, “We have a lot of world left to see.” And, for the next many months we’ll continue to live reveling in the exquisite Hawaiian Islands until we’re off for our next foray outside the US to Australia and the South Pacific.

Hibiscus appear to bloom year-round in the islands.

Some have asked why we decided to spend four upcoming months on the island of Kauai beginning on January 15th after leaving the Big Island and the family gathering for the holidays. The answer for us was simple.

And yet a few new blooms magically appear in the tropical climate.

The cost of paying for airfare, two oceanfront neighboring houses, meals, and more, was seriously above and beyond our usual monthly budget. By staying put in one location for this extended period, we’ll have the opportunity to save money to recover a portion of these over-the-usual-budgetary costs. 

The shoreline from our condo’s beachfront.

With the rent for the four months in Kauai paid in full long ago, our only expenses will be car rental, groceries, and occasionally dining out and an occasional tour. We anticipate these monthly expenses will be under $2000 a month, considerably less than the budgeted $6000 a month. 

In four months, we’ll expect to recover $16,000, a drop in the bucket of the cost of the family gathering.  However, this difference will pay almost half for the upcoming cruises to Australia and the balances due on our rentals for the next upcoming two years! That’s the way to recover!

The blooming season in Hawaii has long since passed for many flowering plants and trees.

When we’re in Kauai beginning on January 15th, we’ll nickel and dime ourselves while still having a great time on the beautiful garden island. No complaining here.

Now, back to the Maui expenses (rounded off to the nearest dollar). 

Car rental /fuel                  $1,368
Condo rental                       5,789
Groceries                            1,581
Dining Out                             111
Tours & Misc.                         140

Total for 45 days                $8989
Cost per day                       $ 200

Within our average monthly budget although we’d budgeted an additional $1700 for food (dining out and preparing our own meals) which we never used.

We’re pleased to have magically ended up with our preferred monthly of $6000 (an amount we’re willing to pay for our travels) as we brace for the added expenses we’ll experience when our family members arrive, mainly for groceries. 

The bananas in the yard grow bigger each day, soon ready for picking.

With airfare paid for all but one of our kids, yet to decide on a date due to work, and the rents paid in full for both houses, our only additional expenses are for the car rental, groceries, and supplies for all and our personal expenses for tours we may choose to attend with our family members.

Tiki torches on the lawn by the shore.

As agreed with our kids they will pay for their own dining out, recreation, and tours. We decided that taking everyone out for dinner would be too costly at an average of $100 per person. Even McDonalds averages at a minimum of $15 per person based on costs in Hawaii. It’s just not worth it.

Mike, the condo manager, decorated this tree for the mailroom.

Thrilled with the end result in Maui, we’re ready to move on. Later today, we’ll be unpacked and have grocery shopped at the closest grocery store, a 15-minute drive to the village of Pahoa, the village where the lava stalled but took a house before doing so. Hopefully, it will stay “stalled” during our six upcoming weeks on the Big Island. As always, we shall see.

                                         Photo from one year ago today, December 2, 2013:

One year ago today, we were on our way to South Africa.  We wrote about the frustrating delays we experienced in those multiple flights. For details, here.

Final full day in Maui…Disappointing whale watching…

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The Maalaea Marina as we made our way out of the windy bay.

Boarding the boat that held 146 passengers was a lengthy process. Not only were we asked to arrive by 12:15 for a 1:00 pm sailing but after we’d checked in, we had to wait with the crowd for another half hour for our guide to “walk us” to the awaiting tri-hulled boat.

The view in front of us while we were seated on the boat. Our condo building was straight ahead.

VIP members of the Pacific Whale Foundation were allowed to board first which after making their donation, made sense to us. Luckily, we were next in line after that group able to pick preferred seating on the boat which surprisingly ended up with less than 101 passengers on the long holiday weekend.

We’d read numerous reviews on TripAdvisor.com on the Pacific Whale Foundation stating that passengers were disgruntled when they were “required” to have their photos taken. Long ago in our travels, we learned that no one can “make us” have our photo taken unless one has signed a contract agreeing to do so.

As our boat was heading out to sea another similar boat was returning.

Shoo them away! That’s what we’ve done in all of our travels and again yesterday when pressure was exercised for us to get in line for a photo before getting on the boat. We passed right by, shaking our heads and saying, “No thank you,” as we’ve done many times in the past.

Its hard to determine the severity of the winds from our photos.  Our eyes were focused on spotting whale blowhole spouts as we were instructed by the marine biologist on board as the easiest way to spot a whale.

The wind was blowing so hard, it almost knocked me over. We’d both worn our matching BugsAway bill hats, having to hold onto them during the entire period to keep them from flying away. 

We enjoyed sailing past the same road we’d taken to get to Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach.

The crisp white of the boat, the glaring sun, and the huge waves made watching the ocean for whales a bit challenging. Wearing the hat helped block some of the glare. Holding onto it was annoying. Even wearing my quality sunglasses, I needed the hat to allow me to see anything at all. We sat on the top deck of the boat, adding to the feel of the wind. 

As we took off, the captain explained that Maalaea Bay is the windiest harbor in the US and second windiest in the world and that yesterday was one of the windiest days they’d seen of late. Had we spotted any whales it would have been challenging to take a photo or a video when it was nearly impossible to stand up and maintain one’s balance.

The scenery in Maui is always beautiful.

After the first 30 minutes, I left Tom in the seats we’d originally picked to find a better vantage point, hoping I wouldn’t miss a shot. Although one whale spouted from its blowhole, I never saw it nor did many others. We waited in the area for it to reappear, only to move on 30 minutes later when it never surfaced again.

At the end of the event, all the passengers were offered another complimentary outing, good for one year, since we never really had a sighting, also due to the fact the two-hour boat ride was so uncomfortable in the high winds. We’ll have no way to use it when neither of the upcoming two islands has locations for the Pacific Whale Foundation.

After I’d move to the bow of the boat, I stood for another 30 minutes, holding on with one hand while the other held the camera in ready mode. On a few occasions, the boat lurched substantially. Luckily, I held on for dear life, using my left, not my bad right arm.

We’d have loved having photos of a whale to share today but, the scenery is all we have to offer.

After that, I found a decent spot to sit with a good view of the bow, ready for action. The only action I saw during the last hour was the lively conversation with a lovely tour guide I met who lives in the islands.  Exchanging business cards, we agreed to get in touch in the near future.

When the boat finally docked at the Maalaea Marina, I walked back to find Tom with a huge smile on his face, cheerful as ever, happy to see me.  He’d stayed in the same seat during the entire two hours, knowing I’d find him at the end. Based on the fact the captain never announced that anyone had fallen overboard, he never had a worry in the world.

In Maui, one minute the sky is blue, and moments later, the clouds roll in.

We weren’t as disappointed as we could have been had this been an actual “vacation” in the islands.  Whales will be surrounding us in many of our future locations and we’re certain that at some time in the future our whale watching aspirations will be fulfilled.

Today is packing day. Now that it takes less than a half-hour to pack everything we own, it causes no concern or stress for either of us. 

The reality finally hit us that we’re leaving Maui. Last night, as Tom peered out the open door to the lanai he said, “It’s hard to believe we’re actually in Hawaii. Then again, it’s always hard to believe wherever we maybe.” So true, my love. So true.

Tomorrow on travel day, we’ll post our total costs for the entire six weeks we spent in Maui, including a breakdown of rent and expenses. Please check back for details which will be posted at our usual time.

At the moment, Tom is watching the Minnesota Vikings football game on his computer and is happy as a clam.  That’s not to say that they’re winning!

Have a happy Sunday!

                                                Photo from one year ago today, November 30, 2013:
One year ago, it was a travel day from Diani Beach, Kenya to Marloth Park, South Africa, a long and laborious journey. As a result, no photos were posted on that date. But, soon as we arrived in Marloth Park, the fun began when we had visitors every day during our three months of living in the bush, having the time of our lives. For details of that travel day, please click here.

Whale watching day…Only hours away…Excitement is palpable…Two days until departure…Classic car hanging from a ceiling…

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Tall coconut palms often depict the tropical nature of islands throughout the world.

Last night I dreamed of whales breaching the water and being able to take perfect photos of the experience.  Today may prove to have been “in my dreams only” or, if we’re lucky, an exquisite reality. We shall see.

A fine view from our lanai of another perfect day in paradise.

In only a few hours, three as I write here now, we’ll make our way around the corner to the Maui Ocean Center, a mall with a handful of shops, none of which we ever visited in our six weeks here in Maalaea Beach.

Another magnificent view of the shoreline in Maui.

Having walked to the mall a few times, I’m familiar with the location where we’ll go to prepare to board the boat from the Pacific Whale Foundation for the excursion. We attempted to arrange an outing on a smaller boat, with the holiday weekend, it wasn’t possible, although we were willing to pay a premium to do so. 

We stopped in a local shop that used local essential oils in making soaps, balms, and bath products. With no room in our luggage, I walked out empty handed.

After all, we’re under budget for the stay in Maui by no less than $1500, mainly due to the estimated costs for dining out and grocery shopping. After a few feeble attempts at getting satisfactory meals in restaurants befitting my way of eating, we gave up, deciding cooking our own meals would be our best option during this short period in Maui.

Now, as we’ve used most of our food supplies and, after we mailed the big box to the Big Island yesterday for a meager cost of $18.55, arriving today to be left at the door for us, we’re down to bare bones in the way of food.

With lots of eggs, bacon, cheese, onion, and ingredients to make omelets, bacon, and coconut flour pancakes, we’ll happily have “breakfast” for dinner these next two nights until we depart on Monday morning for the short flight to Hawai’i, aka the Big Island.

A couple of times each week I walked across the lawn of the neighboring condo building to the local grocer, Tradewinds.

It’s confusing to call the Big Island, “Hawai’i” when all of the islands collectively are referred to as Hawaii. In the Hawaiian language with the excessive use of vowels and apostrophes, Hawai’i is spelled as indicated and is pronounced as “ha, vie, ee” as we often hear when speaking to residents and locals.

The owners of this small grocery store we friendly and helpful, ordering special items for me on several occasions. Their prices were comparable to most of the prices at the supermarket in Kihei.

This morning after posting here, we’ll go to the pool for our usual one-hour dose of Vitamin D to return indoors to get our shirts, shoes, two cameras, hats, sunglasses, and binoculars and, my phone with a copy of the tickets. 

The printer here in the condo wouldn’t work leaving us unable to print boarding passes, car rental confirmation, etc. instead, using digital copies as an alternative. 

Each day, the owners visited a local farm to pick up fresh produce.

Finally, many business entities are accepting digital copies of documents as opposed to the wasteful and cumbersome nature of using paper, especially for travelers with no access to a printer, such as us, since our printer died months ago.

Their shelves were lined with many popular food items. The store is always busy.

Today, we’re sharing an array of Maui photos we’d yet to share and tomorrow, we’ll be back with photos from our whale watching experience.

Recently, on Facebook, we’d seen photos of this car, a 1959 Cadillac convertible (woody) hanging from the ceiling at Hard Rock Café in Lahaina. On our return drive from Kaanapali Beach, we stopped to take a few photos of our own as shown.
Alternate view of the above photo at Hard Rock Café in Lahaina, Maui.

We hope all of our readers enjoy the remainder of their weekend doing exactly what they find most rewarding and meaningful. Isn’t that what “it’s” all about after all?

                                                Photo from one year ago, November 29, 2013:

As we prepared to leave Kenya, we posted a few of our favorite photos in the last few days. This lion was rested under this tree while mating. The female was across from him resting under another tree. We had the glorious opportunity to witness the mating process from less than 30 feet away. For details of this date, please click here.

Tomorrow’s upcoming adventure…Three days until departure…

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Out for a drive, we stopped to see this beach.

How excited we were to hear we had a confirmed reservation for a whale watching expedition for tomorrow (Saturday) at a 1:00 pm sailing. 

Maui has one beautiful beach after another.

We secured a reservation with help from our new friends, Marie and Terry at Maui Travel Partners, condo and event booking agents, whom we met last week at the Whalers Village Museum. With the busy holiday weekend, we were thrilled to secure a spot.

Many beaches are left in a natural state with vegetation growing along the shoreline.

If we don’t have the glorious opportunity to see whales, we’ll consider the fact that we had a pleasant boat ride in Maalaea Beach. The outing is arranged through the Pacific Whale Foundation, which has a location in this area, an organization devoted to the preservation of marine life as indicated below:

“Pacific Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1980 to save whales from extinction. Our mission is to protect our oceans through science and advocacy. We are an international organization, with ongoing research studies in Hawaii, Australia, and Ecuador, and are active participants in global efforts to address threats to whales and other marine life.”

The colors in these hills looks more like a painting than real life.

The foundation states there is a 97% likelihood that we’ll see whales. But, a little skepticism is in play based on the fact that the whales usually arrive in the islands in December which explains why we waited so long to book this event.

Perhaps, we’re a few days off or not. We shall see if “safari luck” prevails once again tomorrow afternoon.

The top of a mountain peeked through the clouds.
In a matter of minutes, the clouds began to disperse for a better view of the mountaintop. Notice the buildings at the top of the mountain.

This morning I’m off to the post office in Kihei to mail the package to the first house in Pahoa containing the excess food and supplies as a result of our zealous purchases at Costco in preparation for Hurricane Ana when we first arrived.

On the road to Kihei, we stopped at this park to walk along this wood walkway.
The walk on the wooden walkway.

We decided that even if the cost to mail the package is $50, it will be worth doing so. In estimating the cost of its contents, I calculated a total of $125, certainly worth the effort. 

Breathtaking shoreline.

Now, I’m rushing to complete today’s post including more new photos, drive to the post office with the package and return for another fabulous day.

We stopped to investigate what appears to be a Chinese cemetery.

The weather is perfect, the doors (with screens) are wide open welcoming the cooling breeze, and we’re content as we can be knowing that every single day of life matters and is as fulfilling as we choose to make it.

A headstone with two stones left as a token of love, by a visitor.

We hope our family and friends in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Happy day to all.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, November 28, 2013:

One year ago today, as we wound down the time in Kenya, we anticipated the ferry that was necessary to take in order to get to the airport located on the island of Mombasa. For details from that day’s story, please click here.

Happy Thanksgiving to our family and friends in the US…Happy day to our friends all over the world…More new photos…

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In Maui its not unusual for clouds to suddenly roll in along the mountains.

Every Thanksgiving Day of my adult life except for the past three years of living in the “world” I’d dash out of bed early in the morning, hurriedly shower and dress to begin the day and the process of making the big Thanksgiving Day dinner, having made the eight to ten pumpkin pies the previous day.

Entrance to the beautiful beach in Kaanapali.

The time would quickly pass, as I multi-tasked making one familiar dish after another, enjoying every moment as I jammed our multiple refrigerators with one pan of yet-to-be-cooked dishes in preparation of later in the days’ appearance of family members, or not.

In later years, three of four of our grown kids and their families (living in the area) often spent the holidays at the “other side” or had begun to develop their own traditions, and Tom and I were alone, a not uncommon scenario for families of divorce and multiple and varying family lifestyles.

A view of the sea and cloud as we walked the boardwalk in Kaanapali Beach.

Those last years in Minnesota, whether we were alone on holidays or together with family and friends, Tom and I made the day festive about the varied dishes, fabulous smells wafting through the air and, thankful for our lives filled with abundance in many ways.

Today, not unlike this third Thanksgiving in a row, I awoke this morning, hurriedly showered and dressed, and turned on the hot water for my tea. There’s no food to cook when yesterday I roasted two chickens and vegetables that we’ll happily reheat tonight, adding a salad and fresh cooked green beans, prepared in a matter of minutes, not hours.

Along the boardwalk at Kaanapali Beach.

Do I miss the preparations of years past? Not, at all. I often ask myself how I seemingly happily spent so much of my time cooking, cleaning, and preparing meals in my old life when now, the simplicity of the way we eat takes little time mostly spent in washing, chopping, and dicing vegetables for side dishes and salad.

Kiosks appeared every few hundred feet offering various ocean activities.

Of course, we miss the playful and meaningful interactions with family during get-togethers That fact will never change, soon to be revived in a matter of weeks on the Big Island. But the work, we don’t miss at all. 

Restaurants line the boardwalk at Kaanapali beach.

As time has marched on, we’ve come more to the realization that it never was about the food, the beautifully decorated house and the endless gifts under the tree, the 18 decorated Easter baskets carefully arranged on the massive dining room table or, the bunny rabbit cake, although each of these aspects and many more added to the traditions and festivities.

Whether it’s the ocean or the mountains, Maui is breathtaking in every direction.

In time, those traditions will be but a distant memory for all of us, as new traditions are born, each bespeaking this time in life, for us, for them, and for generations to come.

Skeleton of a humpback whale at the Whalers Village.

Soon, as we anticipate their arrival, we wrap our brains around simple time spent together, sharing stories, playing games, gazing out at the sea all the while embracing these special moments, that in themselves, become the new traditions of another place and time.

The boardwalk is cluttered with accouterment appealing to the tourist population.

So, today, we’ll happily enjoy our “leftovers” put together in a matter of minutes for another fine meal, on yet another fine day, knowing that what we have today is all we want and what the future soon brings when we’re all together again, is all we’ll need.

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate today. And, happy day to all.

                                              Photo from one year ago today, November 27, 2013:
In error, yesterday I accidentally posted a photo from this date one year ago. As a result, there will be no year ago photo for today. 

WiFi issues resolves…Here’s today’s post from Monday’s visit to Kaanapali Beach…Many new photos…

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The entrance to the popular Whalers Village shops an attraction for many travelers to the area.
As the holiday tourists arrive in Maui we thought we’d better get to Kaanapali Beach before it became unbearably crowded over the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. Yesterday morning, we took off for what proved to be an enriching day.
The mountains in Maui on the way to Kaanapali Beach almost don’t look real.

Kaanapali Beach is one of the most popular tourist areas in Maui with hotels lining the gorgeous beach, one after another, from the poshest and expensive hotels and condos to the more moderately priced vacation rentals in some of the older condo/hotel complexes. 

There are many more hotels along the coast in Kaanapali Beach than are shown in this photo.

Hotels, restaurants, shops, and sports adventure huts and kiosks line the boardwalk attempting to lure takers and shoppers of their variety of offerings. In all, it was a feast for the eyes, not unlike the boardwalks of many major oceanfront vacation locations.

With a straight shot on Highway 30, we had no doubt we’d easily find Kaanapali Beach and Whalers Village.

As we perused the row of hotels and shops, we weren’t surprised by the cost of dining at the numerous restaurants nor the cost of products and services. Although prices were high, they certainly weren’t any higher than that which we’ve observed in other popular holiday destinations throughout the world thus far in our travels.

The Kaanapali Golf Course is close to Whalers Village.

Upon arrival in the popular Whaler’s Village shopping and dining complex, we parked in the ramp noting the parking fees at $6 an hour. Knowing we’d most likely stay for several hours, we flinched at the thought of paying $18 to $24 for parking.

One of the first shops we spotted was “Jessica’s Gems.”

Upon entering the Whalers Village Museum we were surprised to discover that by paying the $3 each for entrance in the famous humpback whale museum, we’d receive a free parking pass to present upon exiting the lot. For a total of $6, we wandered through the interesting museum watched a movie about humpback whales, and received the parking pass.

This old whaling boat was on display in Whalers Village.

Also, we conversed with the lovely managers from Minnesota, Marie, and Terry (small world). Terry had lived in Minneapolis as had Tom when growing up. Oddly, they knew some of the same people. It was delightful sharing stories with them about their passion for Hawaii. I drooled over Terry’s profoundly beautiful photography on display and for sale in the museum’s gift shop.

Koa wood is commonly used in creating interesting decorative items in Hawaii.  Click this link for more information on various woods used in Hawaii.

Marie, his wife, and I chatted about letting go of “stuff” in order to change one’s life to a less stress-inducing lifestyle. They arrange tours, events, and condo rentals in Maui. To reach them, click here.

This large Koa wood bowl was particularly interested as we wandered about this expensive shop.

After touring the gorgeous mall, boardwalk, and various sites in the area we were back on our way to Maalaea Beach, thrilled we’d made the effort to get out as our time in Maui rapidly withers away.

These handcrafted lacquered lamps caught my eye for their quality design.

With only six days until we depart Maui next Monday, we’re beginning to make preparations for our arrival on the Big Island which includes:

1.  Pack all of our clothing and belongings scattered about the condo.
2.  Ship a box of leftover supplies to the new house.
3.  Make the comprehensive grocery lists for each family from their list of preferred foods they provided (upon my request) to have on hand when they begin to arrive beginning on December 6th.
4.  Organize and arrange all of our receipts and expenses from our time in Maui which we’ll report in the next few days.

A decorative Hawaiian cape.

This departure list is considerably easier than many we’ve had in the past. Throwing in time to clean the condo, cook our remaining meals, and finish any last-minute laundry, we’ll be good to go on Monday morning. 

These Koa wood hats and caps were priced from $36 for visors to $48 for the full hats.

We both laugh at how much better we’re getting at this part which now is relatively stress-free when we no longer have to suck the air out of the no-longer-needed space Bags. 

Standing at the third-floor railing before entering the museum, we spotted a display at a distance, of a humpback whale skeleton, an attraction many check out when visiting Whalers Village. Tomorrow, we’ll share close up photos of the skeleton.

We further lightened our load when we left the small vacuum in Honolulu at the condo for future use for other renters, tossing the remaining Space Bags.

By turning around from the second-floor railing, the ocean views were breathtaking from Whalers Village.

Thanksgiving will be simple for us with two large chickens, vegetables to roast, and salad to make, leaving us with a few days of leftovers. As always, we’ve carefully monitored our remaining perishable food to ensure we use it before departing Maui.

There were numerous “chain stores” in the mall and also many locally-owned unique boutique type shops. We actually entered several shops to revel in the local merchandise, most of which was very expensive.

We’ll continue to post photos from Whalers Village, the museum, and Kaanapali Beach over the next few days as we wind down the treasured time we’ve spent on the tropical island of Maui, a new favorite on our list of places to visit.

                                          Photo from one year ago today, November 25, 2013:

One year ago, as we continued to wind down the three months we spent in Kenya, we shared some of our photos. For details from that date, please click here.

Sightseeing yesterday…WiFi issues today…

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We have a post ready to upload from yesterday’s sightseeing in Kaanapali Beach. Unfortunately, there’s some issue with the internet preventing the upload of any photos.

Most likely this issue will resolve over the next few hours. Please check back later today for this new post with photos. Sorry for the inconvenience. We’ll be back later today.