Vacation Cider

Needles and I broke out the vacation cider we picked up in Alto Pass, IL. at Rendlemans Orchard.  Good stuff.

Panoramic Views

Garden of the Gods

Southern IL. Vacation

Needles and I rented a cabin just North of Jonesboro, IL. We timed the rental so that we could be there in the peak of fall foliage season and I don't think we could have timed it better. We headed South on Thursday and made our way to Garden of the Gods. We walked up the path to the over look and was amazed by the colors that dotted the hillside before us. The blue-gray rock outcroppings jutting out from around the blazes of orange, red and yellow was a site to behold. We hopped around from rock to rock like billy goats and savored the views that each angle and point of view offered. We wandered down the path and back to the car to continue our adventures. When we arrived in Anna, IL. we we both starved so a quick stop by Sonic to refill our bellies and then on to our cabin. We arrived around 3:30pm and found the cabin to be nice a cozy. We settled in and before long we had our first dip in the hot tub. Later on I grilled a few pork burgers on the grill for supper.

 

 

Friday morning we awoke to a cloudy and gloomy day. We decided this would be a great day to make the trip to Sikeston, MO. and to Lambert's. Needles and I weren't quit hungry yet so a quick stop at the outlet mall were we happened on an item or two to purchase. We finally made to Lambert's and found ourselves waiting in a bit of a line even for 1:30pm. Shortly after setting down and drinks delivered in the customary large thermal mugs we were snacking on fried okra when we made our order. Needles went with the roast beef and I the meat loaf. They were both very good and filling. We were entertained with the usual show of rolls being thrown all over the dining area. Needles and I even managed to have a few thrown in our direction. After we ate our fill we headed back but before we got to our cabin we made a stop at the local grocery store for a few items. Another late evening dip in the hot tub a few snacks and The Woman in Black and we were warm in our cabin the the woods.

   

Saturday morning after breakfast found us heading in a different direction. Our destination was Metropolis,IL. Home of Superman and also Fort Massac Encampment. After quick stop by the Superman statue and then on to the Fort.

 

 

 

Fort Massac was having their annual encampment with period reenactments and period wares and food. It was fun to get to do this again since our local park gave up Old Settlers Days.

The day was cool and overcast and since we got an early start on the day we ended up going to Giant City Park. The weather warmed during our travels so we walked a few of the trails at the park.

 

 

 After a couple hours we were starting to get hungry so we decided on to the Root Beer Saloon for supper in Alto Pass, IL.

 

 

Needles had the salmon and I had the crayfish and shrimp boil and we both had the signature root beer in a chilled mug. The environment was interesting and eclectic. A multitude of taxidermied animals were all over the walls and ceiling. Old rifles, antique signage and a mummy with gold sarcophagus pretty much rounded off the decor. The food was very good and with the little bit of daylight we had left, we made our way to Bald Knob Cross. On our way to the cross we happened through Vulture Fest in Macanda, IL.

 

 

When we arrived we found a one hundred and eleven foot cross structure that has been standing for several decades in the middle of a several acre clearing and can be seen for miles around. With the light fading my the second we headed back to our cabin for our usual evening ritual of hot tub, snacks and a movie before bed.

 

Sunday morning after breakfast we thought we would make our way to Trail of Tears State Park to hike some of the trails. After a quick stop by the park information cabin we weren't much more educated on where anything was other than poorly copied map of a trail. We decided to head back to the sign that stated hiking trails and ended up driving on a one way road back into the camping area for miles and ended up on the other side of the park. After that we decided we had enough of Trail of Tears and decided to go back up toward Alto Pass. We stumbled upon an Rendleman's Orchard and made a stop to see what they had. One of the previous renters made a mention in the guest book about a Raspberry Cider that was made by this orchard and Needles wanted to try it out, so we were happy to stumble upon the place.

We left with five different types of cider and a half peck of Ambrosia Apples. We tried to make a stop in Cobden at the Yellow Moon Cafe for supper but with it being closed we decided on a quick trip to the grocery store for a loaf of bread and back to the cabin for pork burgers. We finished off the evening in our usual fashion. The movies of the evening were Hollow Man 2 and Hide and Seek.



     Monday was our last morning at the cabin. Needles and I had breakfast and packed up to make our way home. Our travels home found use with a few detours but we ended up with lunch at Long John Silvers in Mt. Carmel. We arrived home just before 1pm and a few chores awaited our attention and  fuzzy person that needed a few rubs. Now we are back to our usual routine. It was nice to spend a few days off the grid and away from the same old grind.

Planning 2013 Vacation

     This friday Needles and I are going to a meeting for details on what could be our next "Big" vaction. Details will follow once we pull the trigger on what could be a very exciting adventure.
     We have a small get away planned in a couple of weeks that I hope promises to be a nice respite to the stress of everyday life and a get away for metal health reasons. I know we need one.

Tendering into Kona

Napali Coast Sail-by

Pearl Harbor

Whale Watching, Maui

Road to Hana

Kilauea Two Ways Tour

Waimea Canyon, Kauai 2012

Body Glove Snorkel, Kona 2012

Kilauea Volcano 2012

Diamond Head , Oahu 2012

Spouting Horn 2012

Smith's Family Luau 2012

Hawaiian Cruise 2012

Wednesday after work I came home and Needles and I packed up our kit and headed to Indianapolis to the  Microtel park and fly. We arrived late in the evening and after parking the car and delivering our luggage to the room we walked across the parking lot to Kazablanka for supper. Needles had a salmon salad and I had the grilled catfish. After our meal we returned to the room and anxiously awaited the next day and the beginning of our adventure.

Thursday ( Travel Day)

We awoke early and headed down for a continental breakfast and after over hearing the trucker school attendees at the next table tell a story with every other word being a colorful expletive, I knew we were in the company of class. Luckily our breakfast was quick and we were off to the airport. Check in and security checks went smooth and soon we were seated at the gate awaiting our flight. First leg was a 4 hour flight to Salt Lake City, Utah. The flight was uneventful and as we traveled west we began to see snow capped mountains and just before arriving we glided down moving over our destination and got a good look at The Great Salt Lake. When we arrived we had just under a 2 hour layover so we had lunch at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Diner. Almond encrusted chicken salad was on Needles plate and I had the BBQ chicken salad. Our food was good and after finishing we proceeded to or gate. When we got there the terminal was full with standing room only. Needles and I perched on the window seal and some people were even laying in the floor. After a short wait we were loading onto the plane for the flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. The flight was smooth and with the entertainment centers in the backs of the seats, it made it a lot more bearable. I watched In Time, an old episode of Destination Truth and a NatGeo episode on Hawaii Volcanoes. When we arrived at Honolulu we were greeted by the people who were with the travel company we booked through. We received our leis and hugged and after all of our group arrived we were escorted to  baggage to load our bags onto a cart. 

We proceeded to the bus and after a few stops, arrived at our hotel. The entrance was a portico, a open air design right up to the front desk. We made our way to our room after receiving our room keys and informed we were upgraded to a ocean view balcony. Upon opening the curtains we were greeted with this view of Waikiki Beach. After settling in we were a bit on the peckish side and decided to walk down the street to a place I had seen online. The place was called Blazin Steaks, it's decor had a lot to be desired but the food was very good. Needles had the garlic steak and I had the shrimp and steak combo. The place was next to a surfboard and beach gear rental place. While we sat outside there were several surfboards being checked back in. A little shopping an a walk to the beach rounded out the day.

Friday , Honolulu, Oahu (Day 1)

We awoke early for breakfast at the hotel and then picked up by a bus to be taken to Pearl Harbor. While waiting for bus we talked with a nice couple from Florida. There names were Bruce and Ellen and this was her first time to Hawaii but it was clear he had been here before. After talking with our new friends the bus arrived. We were entertained all the way by Uncle Mario, a Sicilian Hawaiian with a thickish Italian accent. He told us various facts about Hawaii and Pearl Harbor. When we arrived a the harbor we were to receive our tickets with our time. We got one of the latest times available so it meant we were to wait almost 3 hours before we could go to the USS Arizona Memorial. This wasn't a problem as there was several other things to see and fill up the time. We got tickets to go aboard the USS Bowfin which was a submarine built after the Pearl Harbor attack to avenge the Japanese attack.

It was all very interesting to see the small cramped areas that these men worked in during their service to this country. From what we could see it looked like engines, torpedoes and equipment took up 2/3rds of the sub and the rest was for cots, kitchen and crappers. It had to take a special kind of person to do this kind of service.

Survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack.

Seeing the memorial from a far was very moving. We sat and watched a 25 minute movie about that fateful day in Dec. over 70 years ago and some of the reasons behind the actions of that time. As we got closer to the memorial the air became heavy and thick. The chatter of the other people on the boat became a silence of respect and sadness for those who lost there lives and were still entombed on the site.

Mighty Missouri and Arizona Memorial.

Memorial wall, the names of the lost.

Part of the USS Arizona that is still visible in the harbor.

Tears of the Arizona.

Punch Bowl Cemetery

King Kameahmeah

After the tour we returned back to our hotel and Waikiki Beach. We walked along the surf and let the waves lap in over our feet and sometimes or shins and knees.

Waikiki Beach

Our feet in the surf.

Banyan Tree

View of Diamond Head from our Balcony.

Saturday, Honolulu, Oahu (Day 2)

Friday was pretty much getting ready for our cruise. We had an amazing breakfast in the hotel, set out our luggage for the porters to take down stairs and hung out on our balcony soaking in the sights and sounds of the beach. We had a couple of white pigeons that made their home on our balcony so we named them George and Gracie. We kept our balcony door open most of the time we were there and at one point one of the pigeons almost came into the room which would have been interesting. Around 10:30am we were to be in the hotel lobby to load up and head to the ship. When we got to the lobby we  chatted with our Florida friends we had made earlier and discussed our pending excursions.

Our cruise ship coming in on Saturday morning.

Sunday, Maui (Day3)

Our ship docked in Maui

While in Maui we had a couple of excursions planned, the first was the Road to Hana. The excursion would take several hours and take us down narrow and twisty roads that are sprinkled with bridges, steep cliffs and waterfalls. The road starts on the wet side of the island, through rain forests and ends on the dry side in almost dessert type surroundings. After a couple of pit stops to soak in the sights we finally made it to Hana where we stopped for lunch on a black sands beach. The weather was gloomy and overcast which made the waves crashing on the black beach that much more dramatic. After our lunch and a few pics we were back on the road  to our next stop.

Our first stop was one of the beaches on Maui.

One of the many bridges we crossed. A lot of them were dated around 1910 or 11.

Waterfall

The unusual rainfall the weeks before made it advantageous for waterfall viewing along the route.

Haleakala volcano, this is the volcano we drove completely around for most of the day.

A cinder cone on the coast which is a reminder that although Haleakala is dormant it is can and will awaken one day. While on our trip we stopped at a Ulupalakua Ranch and Winery where we got to sample three kinds of pineapple wines made in Maui, which was very good. We wandered down the road to the store and Needles and I picked up Haupia and Passion Fruit ice cream.

Monday, Maui (Day 4)


Our second excursion in Maui was a whale watch with Pacific Whale Organization out of Lahaina. We boarded a bus which took us by the coast and before we even go to Lahaina we were seeing whale activity in the harbor from the bus.

One very large banyan tree in Lahaina. This tree takes up most of a city block.

The central main trunk of the tree.

Lahaina Harbor.

A view from the whale watching boat back at some of the scenic views.

We got to see several whales almost right away. A competition pod were the first we came upon. This is several males competing for the favors of a single female. The males beat and bang on each other while chasing after the female. It was very interesting to see that many whales in a small area. I think there were anywhere from 5 to 7 males chasing the female.

This picture is a collage of several pictures showing the progression of a humpback whale calf breech.

Tuesday, Hawaii, Hilo (Day5)

Our excursions in Hilo was of course involved Kilauea volcano. We first had a helicopter tour by the main crater with several passes by the more active Pu'u O'o crater with it's lava lake and breakouts down the Pali toward the ocean. 

Kilauea Volcano.

Lava breakouts and cones close to the crater.

Pu'u O'o crater.

Closer to the crater.

Closer.

Looking down into the crater you can see a faint re ring showing the edges of the lava lake and the red lava splatter on the left.

This is called a skylight, where the ground has broken away over the top of a lava tube.

A view of the coast from the helicopter. This is where the lava usually enters the ocean but hasn't showed as much activity since the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan over a year ago.

This ship docked in Hilo from the helicopter.

Our second excursion was a walk out on the old lava fields and see an old lava tube. We also stopped at Lava Tree State Park.

Wednesday, Hawaii, Kona (Day 6)

This stop was for two things snorkeling and coffee. We had to tender in as the dock isn't a deep water port and had to drop anchor off shore. After tendering in we boarded the Body Glove catamaran and headed down to the coast about 45 min. to a nice little area they had picked out for our snorkel adventure. When we stopped we were informed that how the boat would moor to the area was with underwater moorings. The mooring are aesthetically pleasing but also better for the reef than dropping anchor. The moorings were financed by Gerry Garcia of The Grateful Dead. Apparently he was an avid scuba diver and set up a concert and benefit to finance the moorings. 

These people were snubaing. A mix of snorkle and scuba diving.

Various fish.

White spotted puffer fish.

Sea turtle.

Spinner dolphin

After our snorkel trip we arrived back at the dock, changed cloths and walked on into town to see what type of shops they had. We stumbled upon a farmer's market which made Needles almost giddy with delight. The fresh fruit was on display and she was in sure enjoyment mode. She picked up a bag of pineapple chunks and a basket of strawberries.They were easily the best strawberries I have had in probably a couple years. We ventured back to the shops and started visiting the coffees shops. We visited 3 shops and made purchases at all three. We always try to pick up some coffee while we are there to bring home and enjoy after our vacation. The Kona coffee doesn't disappoint.

Thursday, Kauai, Nawiliwili (Day 7)

We sailed into Kauai and past the Nawiliwili Lighthouse.

The port was very industrial and not very interesting except for an old sugarcane processing plant that has been shut down across the way. Our excursions in Kauai was to see Waimea Canyon by land and by helicopter. Our first trip was by bus with a nice Hawaiian gentleman named Clarence. He had a very dead pan humor about him that was very entertaining throughout or trip. He drove us up the winding roads to the lookout.

Waimea Canyon

We stopped at a local gift shop.

Niihau shell leis.

Some of these leis are worth thousands of dollars.

The driver explained that since a couple of devastating typhoon swept past the island in the early 80's and again in the early 90's the locals chicken coops were destroyed. The chickens now run wild and since they seem to help with bugs they just let them be.

The hole shoots water 20 to 30 feet into the air with just about every wave.

That nice we were going to a luau. We got all dolled up in Needles Aloha dress and a vanilla blossom in her hair and I wore my aloha shirt and we were off to the event,

When we got to the place we were greeted and given shell leis and stepped onto a tram to take us around the area and explain some of the trees and flowers. The grounds were thick with peacocks, doves, geese and other animals. The property was very well groomed with interesting plantings, with several ponds and scenic areas.

Red Hibiscus.

As the sunlight faded we wander the grounds until time to pull the hog from the pit. We were welcomed by our host and after a ceremonial conch shell blowing they started to remove the earth from top of the pit. After a few minutes the hog was unearthed and the smell of pork was moving through the crowd wetting our appetites for the feast awaiting us. There were entertainers on a stage that sang to keep us engaged while the crowd made their way through the food line. Also the bar was open and people were taking advantage of that.

After we ate we were taken to a outdoor stage where they were going to put on a show for us telling about the various cultures that came to the islands in the past and made Hawaii what it is today.

Samoan Fire Knife Dance.

The show was very well done and interesting in the various styles of dancing. After the show we were returned to the ship close to 10pm. We thought we might try to make a  show in the theater but it started at 9:30pm so we decided just to head back to our room.

Friday, Kauai (Day 8)


This was our last full day of our cruise and after we pulled up anchor, we headed out and up the Napali Coast for a very scenic sail by. We first passed the coast on the port side and then turned a headed back they way we came and toward Honolulu, Oahu.

Napaili Coast.

As we sailed away a rainbow came into view and it was a very fitting goodbye as we had seen a lot of rainbows on  our travels of the Hawaiian Islands and one with a beautiful backdrop as the Napali Coast seemed like the last gift the island could give us.

While we were on the cruise we didn't get to see very many sunsets. We were either on the wrong side of the ship or the wrong side of the island or the cloud cover was so thick on the horizon it just didn't have a nice show. The last evening as we made our way to Honolulu we were treated to a nice sunset.

Saturday, Back in Honolulu, Oahu (Day 9)

Our last night was spent in the Hawaiian Monarch. The hotel was located near the canal. We dropped off our luggage and wandered around until our room was ready. We were going to try and get to Diamond Head but a parade made shuttles and buses difficult to catch until it was over. Our plans were delayed until later in the day. After walking down to the Mall area we made our way back to the bus stop and finally caught a bus to Diamond Head. After jumping off there we hiked through the tunnel entrance and made our way up the path. The path is narrow and rocky which is great for turning an ankle if your aren't careful. We made our way step by step taking the occasional break. When we got to what was almost the end we went through a 200ft long tunnel and then was greeted by quite a few stairs. We finally made it the top and the view did not disappoint. 

    

Diamond Head Entrance.

The view across the crater from the top.

Diamond Head Lighthouse.

We spent about 30 minutes at the top and then made our way back down the trail. Not to mention that the going was a lot easier on the way down. When we got back to the parking lot there was a Hawaiian shaved ice truck there so we both got our reward/treat and sat on a bench and enjoyed. We finally made it back in to town and to our room. We asked the desk clerk for a Chinese Food place that  was close and has been a ritual of our trips. We walked across the canal and to an upstairs restaurant. I think we were a little under dressed for this place and without reservations we waited about 15 minutes to be seated. I had the Szechaun shrimp and Needles had chicken and vegetables. Since we had been in Hawaii we both we acclimating to the time difference the whole time we were there. We finally acclimated the last 2 days we were there and now it was time to go back. I didn't sleep very well the last night which is customary for me. 

Sunday, Oahu (Day 10)

We got up the last morning of our time in Hawaii and wandered down to the local ABC store for breakfast. I had a turkey wrap and POG ( passion fruit, orange juice and guava) and Needles had a mixed fruit cup with a POG. We finished up some last minute shopping and headed back to the hotel to await our shuttle back to the airport and home. Our flight was to leave 1pm Honolulu time and arrive in L.A. at 9:30pm L.A. time. We then had a short layover and was to be back in Indianapolis around 6am Monday morning. I was so sleep deprived I asked Needles to drive home from Indy. When we got back into town we had to do a quick grocery shopping stop and then finally home. We noticed all along the way home, how much the trees had leaved out while we were gone. The dogwoods and red buds were in full bloom. It was a nice welcome home except for the grass that was mostly weeds and ankle tall that needed to be mowed. We had a great time and were very thankful to be home sweet home.