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.

Vacation

We will be gone for a few days. A hui hou kakou. (Until we meet again.)

Palaina and Kiliki

Portland Lighthouse Cruise

Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor Sand Bar

Cadillac Mountain View

Bar Harbor, Maine Vacation 2011

Wednesday the 14th after work I came home a grabbed my bags and Needles and we headed to Indianapolis to the Microtel and did the park, sleep and fly for our vacation. We went to Kazablanka for our supper and I had the Kuesadilla and Needles had the BLT. We returned to our room and prepared for our travel day.

Day One: Thursday at 5:45 am we had a shuttle to the airport to get checked in and begin our trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. We arrived and went through the customary security checks. We sat and waited for our flight to board. The flight was uneventful as you would hope to happen on your flight. Our first lay over was Reagan International Airport and because we weren't familiar with the layout led us to have to go through security again to arrive at the other concourse to get to our next flight. We again had an uneventful flight to our destination and quickly picked up our bags and made it to the rental car counter for our reserved car. They gave us a brand new Nissan Altima with about 200 miles on the thing. We grabbed the fob, no keys and was on the road and heading North on Highway 1. We had planned to make a few stops on the way to Bar Harbor but we were pressed for time. We stopped for lunch at Wicked Good Captain's Fresh Idea Restaurant in Waldoboro, Maine. Needles tried to have a Salmon Salad but they were out of salmon which kinda detracted from the visit so she went with a Grilled Chicken Breast Salad. I had their Lobster Roll. The meals were good and we set back on the road. Our next stop was Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Maine. We entered the park and roamed the grounds before again making our way northward to our final destination. We arrived a Bar Harbor and The Saltair Inn at around 6pm and met our Innkeepers Matt and Kristi. Matt showed us around and showed us to our room. The Cottage room was just the right size with an average size bathroom. The neat thing about the room was the spa tub with disco lights. It had a button that would turn on the light in the tub. Every time you pushed the button the lights would change color and then the final push would make the colors shift through all of them. We settled in just long enough to put some of our things away and head out for supper. Our hungry stomachs lead us to The Thirsty Whale. Needles had the Whale Salad with Salmon. I had the Blacked Haddock Fish and Chips. The meals were good and after looking around at a few shops we ended up in Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium. We both had a double scoop on a waffle cone and went on to the B&B. We turned in early because we had to be up before breakfast for our whale watching trip with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company.

Day Two: Friday when we showed up for our cruise we were told that the cruise was cancelled due to rough seas. We rescheduled for the 1pm trip and headed back toward the Inn. On our way back, we ventured out on the sand bar that only comes out twice a day when the tide is out. It was very interesting to see all the shells and rocks on the bar. The seagulls were picking up mussels and dropping them from several feet up on the rocks to break open their shells for a meal. Sometime the shells were dropped so close that it sounded like light bulbs being broken all around. We went back to the Inn to grab the car and headed to Thunder hole in Acadia National Park. After a short visit there and then headed back into town for our 1pm whale watch. We called to confirm and were told things were a go, we arrived to see tons of people in line waiting to board the boat. At the last second the trip was called off yet again due to rough seas. We heard that this was the third day in a row they called the trip off. We were a bit disappointed but this is why I scheduled the trip early in our vacation. We again rescheduled for Sunday since we had a Nature Cruise aboard the Acadia with the same company on Saturday and was told since it stays in the Harbor it shouldn't be cancelled. We had lunch at Geddy's with Needles having the Fish and Chips and I had the Crab Meat Roll. We also walked the shore path along the edge of Bar Harbor that ended up taking us to a path that led to Main Street and Mount Desert Ice Cream where again we both picked up a couple of cones from the Ice Cream Shop that served a couple of scoops to President Barrack Obama just a few months ago. That evening we went to Rosalie's Pizza and Needles and I both had the Pepperoni and Cheese Calzone. They were very good and filling. We walked back down town and went through a few more shops before returning back to the Inn.

Day Three: Saturday morning we were able to have breakfast at the Inn. We had a Quiche and Herb Potatoes which was very good. We then made our way back downtown for our Nature Tour. We headed around the north coast of Bar Harbor and was told about the history and stories of the island. The view of the coast was very beautiful and watching the waves crashing on the rock cliffs was mesmerizing. We made it to Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park and made the turn to Egg Rock Lighthouse. We got close enough to see a few gray seals bobbing around in the surf. We went by several other islands on our return trip back to the harbor. We learned about lobster fishing and also saw a bald eagle in a tree near the edge of one of the islands. We also learned about some of the families that call some of these private islands home. When we got back from our trip we went to West Street Cafe. Needles had the Salmon and I had the Crabcakes. This was my favorite seafood meal in Bar Harbor. It was served with a horseradish sauce with totally made the dish. After the meal we grabbed the car and headed back out to Acadia and to Otter Point. Just setting and watching the water was relaxing and peaceful. We ventured deeper into the park making our way up Cadillac Mountain which is the first point that sunlight touches in North America every morning for three months of the year. The view from Cadillac was amazing and you could see almost the whole island from that spot. After a bit of a drive we ended up at South West Harbor and Bass Harbor Lighthouse. We headed back to Bar Harbor and that night we had a craving for Chinese food so we walked to the only Chinese place in Bar Harbor, China Joy. Needles had the Chicken and Vegetables and I had the General Tso's. This was probably some of the best General Tso's I have had in a while. We returned to the Inn with our bellies full and satisfied.

Day Four: Sunday, we started the morning off with breakfast at the Inn. Baked Pairs and Herb Scrambled Eggs with Bree and Chicken Sausage. After the meal we were energized to set out on our day after a brief walk along the sand bar we made our way to our whale watch trip. We boarded the AtlantiCat and set off some 20ish miles off shore to an area they call the ballfield. This area is where the ocean depth drops off and is where plankton seem to be and also the whales. We spotted a few harbor porpoise on the way out to the area and before long we we had a mother and her calf near the boat. The calf put on quite a show with its flipper and tail flapping and also a few breeches. The front and left side of the boat seemed to get the better show and of course we were on the right side so what we saw was amazing but somewhat limited as compared to some of the others. After spending a lot of the time with the mother (Victim)and calf we also happened upon a group of four adults (Sword, Spoon, Atlas and Anchor) that promptly split into two groups of two. I think we saw anywhere from six to ten whales total. When we got back to shore we went to Stewman's for lunch. Needles had the salmon with asparagus and I had The Pier House Catch. This was another spot that the POTUS had stopped in. We then returned to Acadia and stopped in a Schooner head overlook and to the sea cave. For supper we went to Poor Boy's Gourmet where Needles had the Salmon and I had the Lobster Poor Boy. Not my favorite meal. On the way back to the Inn we stopped a CJ's Big Dipper Ice Cream.

Day Five: Monday, French Toast for breakfast at the Inn and we were free from any scheduled activities so we hiked across the sand bar to the summit of Bar Island and then spent the day at Acadia. We decided to park the car a Otter Point and walk the Ocean Path to Sandy Beach 3 miles away. The scenic view and awesome overlooks was amazing along the way. When we got to Sandy Beach we walked back to Thunder Hole and await the hour that activity seems to be at its peak. Unfortunately it seems that activity is really at its peak in Jan. and Feb. We returned to our car and back to the Inn and went to Testa's for supper. Needles had the Salmon Salad and I had the Maine Lobster Newburgh. After some last minute souvenir shopping the sun was going down so Needles made hot chocolate and we enjoyed the warm mugs while setting in the Adirondack chairs in the back yard watching the fading light of the sun.

Day Six: Tuesday, Blueberry Pancakes with Sausage and Biscuits was on the breakfast menu. This was our last morning in Bar Harbor and we packed up our things and headed back to Portland. We had plans of stopping in at a few places along the way.

We stopped at several lighthouses. Grindle Point, Indian Head, Rockland Breakwater and Marshall Point to name a few and also the LL Bean flag store in Freeport, Maine. We had to get the rental car back by 5 pm so we made it there with about 20 minutes to spare. We called the shuttle to pick us up and take us the the Holiday Inn by the Bay. After checking in we decided to eat in the Lounge and grabbed a couple of Angus Burgers with a side of fries. We retired to the room and prepared for a busy day with a freezing cold dip in the hotel pool.

Day Seven: Wednesday was to be very busy and the last day of our vacation. We started the morning off with watching the sun come up in Portland Harbor and then searching for breakfast. Since Portland seems to be a sleepy town we ended up at a Dunkin Donuts as it was the only thing open at that hour. We made our way to Long Wharf were the Portland Discovery is that runs the Land and Sea Tour we had scheduled. We boarded our Trolley and headed out for the Land part of the tour. We were told some of the history of Portland and some of the historical events that had happened. We also got to see some very nice homes and made a trip out to Portland Head Lighthouse where we ran into an artist and author that was at Nubble Lighthouse the last time we were in Maine. I kicked myself for not purchasing a print from him then, so in the short time we had left at the stop Needles purchased a print for me. This made the land trip very special and I never thought I would get a second chance at meeting with the artist and purchasing a print . The Artists name is Bill Thompson and he sells the customized prints and books to raise money for upkeep and restoration of the lighthouses. After the land part of the trip we got aboard the Islander for the sea portion of the tour. We sailed by several lighthouses, scenic coastlines and some of the island communities in Portland Harbor. We again learned a little about lobster fishing andthe history of the fortifications in the harbor during wartime in the past and more recently World War 2. When we got back to land we quickly looked for something to eat and settled on Andy's Old Port Pub. Needles had the Fish and Chips and I had the Lobster Melt. After our lunch we hiked up the hill past Shipyard Brewery to the Portland Observatory. We joined a tour already in progress to try to fit several things into the remainder of our last day in Portland. It was interesting to hear the history of the Observatory and the restoration process. We spent a little time at the observation deck and then headed down and walked down Commerce Street to a few yarn and fiber shops to scratch Needles itch. We then proceeded toward Henry Wadsworth Longfellows home. We went to the Cryptozoology Museum before calling it a day and stopping only to take a few pictures of the Victorian Mansion on way back to the Hotel. When we got to the room we decided to go out for supper and just a bock way was the Dogfish Bar & Grill. Needles had the Grilled Turkey Cobb Salad and I had the Seafood Sliders. Let me say they were AWESOME. By far the best meal I had for the trip. I guess they saved the best for last.

Day Eight: Thursday, travel day and back toward home. We left out of the Hotel at 5:30am to catch our shuttle back to the Portland Airport. We flew to Philadelphia Airport and changed planes to get to Indianapolis. We picked up our bag and headed to the shuttle pickup area and back to the car. On our way home we stopped at Wendy's for a burger and chicken nuggets. We had to do a quick grocery stop before we could finally make it home. The cats were glad to see us although a bit skiddish and meowy. Lets just say the duel litter boxes was very well used in our absents. We had a great time and one of these days we will be going back to Maine. It's just the way life should be.