Fish boy strikes again

Ryan did not skip a beat as we returned from vacation.  He has been out on his john boat in the Banana river, and last night caught his second red fish of the season.  Some good  father and son times on the boat.

Hiking to Makapu'u Point

Blowhole

Couple at the Point

Aunty Tracy made earring for Rachel from the pearls she harvested from oysters

Hikers summit the Point

Dylan gives Preston a view

Monkeying around at Maili Point

Free ride

Our last visit to the Outrigger Canoe club

3 ready to Boogie

Great friends in da tree

A tandem ride runs aground

Rockin' brah

Rachel takes a tropical pose

"I miss Hawaii"

“I I Miss Hawaii”

It’s been a week since we left Oahu, and last night, this is the sentiment stated by our “sentiment stater”, Dylan.  A view shared by all.

We have settled into our usual summer bustle, but out thoughts return frequently and fondly to the wonderful, quality vacation we shared in Hawaii for two weeks. 

Sadly, we left last Thursday evening for the all nighter from HNL-SFO.  Even on the way to the airport, we shared a most humorous, and  memorable moment with Jed.  Somehow, the conversation had turned to CB radio, and Jed and I were explaining the CB craze of the 70’s.  No CB in CZ, so Rebecca listened intently.  Passing Waikiki on the H1 making our way to the airport, Jed pulls up the 70s song “Convoy” by C.W. McCall to illustrate the citizen’s band phenomenon.  While simultaneously, turning down the volume to the radio, C.W. McCall interrupts KPOI, 105.9  FM, Hawaiian rock station, “the rock you live on” (a double entendre), and the Honda Pilot is filled with the CB radio voice stating, “Ah, breaker one-nine, this here's the Rubber Duck”  Rebecca sang along as we all laughed at the lyrics, so apparently the trucker’s song had made it way to the Canal Zone in days gone by.  I stated that I could probably live another 40 years without ever hearing that song again, but the Citizens Band lesson was complete.

At the airport, we said our sad goodbyes to our gracious host, and I scurried off to claim a jumpseat back to the mainland.

My thoughts drifted back to the perfect day which ended our perfect vacation, and the much needed leisurely recuperation which we enjoyed.  That day was spent relaxing on the beach at Magic Island beach.  We reclined in beach chairs by the water’s edge as the 3 Pletcher kids and 3 Comerford kids made their final swim together, playing in the protected lagoon.  Another beautiful day, watching the surfers at the outer reef at Ala Moana, and the SUPers paddling by, a true moment in paradise.

At the airport, we were afforded the luxury of travelling light, since we had FedEx’ed most of our clothes and snorkeling gear home.  That proved to be a much more affordable and convenient option than the less than economical baggage fees charged by United.  Having one roller, carry-on bag lends itself much more suitably to standby travel as well.

Passing through airport security, the pilot in front of me was an old squadron mate from Pensacola who was flying to LAX.  I attempted to catch that flight, since the flight to SFO, that the family was booked on looked tight.  However, LAX did not work out, so I scrambled back to the SFO gate, and groveled my way into the 777 cockpit.

Rebecca texted me prior to pushback, once onboard, that they liked the 767 better than the 777 due to the inflight entertainment system installed.  My inflight entertainment was the cockpit crew as we conversed for the 5 hour flight from Honolulu back to the States.  No sleep for me, but I was offered a crew meal, by the most hospitable pilots via the purser.  Nice. 

That flight was delayed in Honolulu, awaiting connecting passengers from Guam, so it delayed our arrival in SFO.  That acted to compress our timeline quite a bit, and we missed our planned non-revenue flight by mere moments, as we took the inter-terminal shuttle from United to Southwest, only to watch our flight pushing back from the gate. 

Tired, but undaunted, we tried for a couple of other flights, and were able to get on a flight to Las Vegas, which  we intended to connect to Orlando on.  A bit of unusual circumstances at the operations podium there, but our flight crew from SFO-LAS demonstrated the true hospitality of Southwest Airlines as we wedged our carry on baggage into every conceivable crevice, being the last to board.  Again, in Vegas, our Orlando flight was full, so the Operations Agent sent us running to a flight through Nashville to arrive home.  We again, sprinted off through the airport, with ukuleles bouncing in the bags behind us.

We made it home late, but happy, after travelling for nearly 20 hours, with a most wonderful Hawaiian experience as this year’s vacation.    A memorable time, that even a week later, has us all exclaiming, “I miss Hawaii!”

Best Wave EVER

We were awake to surf again at 0500, less apprehensive about the swell size, since it was still large.  Off to Maili Point again, and out into the line up by 0630.  I patiently waited, and watched many other surfers score some big waves and drops.  Finally, I took off on a wave that would be the best ride I have had in 32 years of surfing.  It was big, hollow, and fast.  I actually shouted for joy as I rode the beast with a 12 foot vertical wall of water to the end.  I can leave Hawaii completely satisfied that I surfed a true Hawaiian South swell. 

That memory will always be with me, and was especially so today.  Following the surf session we hit the swap meet at Aloha stadium for souvenirs and gifts. 

As our vacation is winding down, we went to a very nice restaurant with our wonderful hosts, Jed and Tracy.  It has been a fantastic 2 weeks, having checked off all of our to do items in Hawaii.

I got a kick out of a fellow surfer getting out of the water after the morning surf session.  The bruddas use a slang greeting, Howzit?  As in: Hows it Going?  Spoken with a true Hawaiian accent.  As I climbed out of the reef area this morning, that surfer was ready to paddle out, and asked. "How Was?"  Too funny.

Big Wave Day

A South swell hit Hawaii today, propelled from the Ross Shelf down by Antarctica.  We had been anticipating the swell for some time.  In fact, the anticipation had led to some anxiety of the wave size.

We awoke at 0430 and Jed, Dylan, Mason and I drove to Maili point which is just short of Makaha.  The coast leading up to Maili was flat, but as soon as we glimpsed the Point, we saw the swell.  It funny, Hawaiians always exaggerate the wave size down, and I think it is because they are used to such great surf.  What we evidenced was the best conditions we ever get from the best hurricane swell, but no big deal to our local hosts.  We parked at their friend's house, and paddled out with, mostly, SUPers who were scoring some big bombs.  The outside sets were 10 feet faces, and pretty beefy, so a challenge to get in to.  I was riding a gun so that helped.  I got one notable hold under on a duck dive, and one notable thrashing after a giant drop, that actually ripped off my Road ID, never to be found.  It was held on with some pretty heavy duty velcro.  Overall, Dylan and Mason caught the most waves as Jed and I were waiting on the outside for the bombs.

After we got back to Kahala, we planned on touring the Bishop Museum, however, after we loaded up the car, and made our way there, we were disappointed to find it closed.  Plan B was the Outrigger Club.  Absolutely relaxing on the beach, with lunch and drinks available at the exclusive club, as the kids played for hours in the building surf.  It was so chill just to sit in the shade of the trees on the beach, watching the outer reef riders of SUPs, surfboards, and outriggers bomb the waves.

It was Taco Tuesday again, so we hit Wahoo's again, followed by a unique Taiwanese desert restaurant called Frost City.  They had a type of shave ice which was more like shave ice cream, having the consistency of freshly fallen snow, light and tasty.  Very cool, literally! 

It is sad winding down our vacation, and we have another epic dawn patrol surf session planned for tomorrow, followed by more Honolulu fun!!!!

Just got back from a family dinner with our hosts, the Comerfords, and our total of 5 kids.  It is so nice to spend time together.  We just hit another local spot, called the Big City Diner.  I finally broke down and had the Loco Moco,  hamburger covered with an egg, served over a bed of fried rice.  It did not have the heart healthy little heart inscribed next to the dish on the menu.

We were able to sleep in a bit this morning before going to hike Makapu u Point.  Such beautiful views of the Windward shore of Oahu, and the blue waters spanning every shade of blue.  Preston hitched another free ride on the shoulders of Dylan on the ascent, and Uncle Pletch on the descent.

It was a good time for all the kids to be together, and we enjoyed lunch at Teddy's (Bigger Burgers), then Bubbys for mochi ice cream.  Mochi has become a favorite, it is a Japanese rice dough, that the ice cream is surrounded in.  So, the kids say we were at lunch at Titties and Boobies.  Their quote, not mine.  Teenage thing, you know.

The kids went to see Star Trek movie and I got a chance to chill out at the Comerford compound with Jed, reminiscing about old times, specifically when we were heroes in the Navy.

Night was capped off at the Big City Diner.


Anxiously awaiting the big South swell which should hit tomorrow.  I am wondering if it will actually be too big/  Either way, we are up and out at 5 to surf the West shore.  Jed has us all outfitted with big guns for the event.  Dylan and Mason are joining us as well.

Hanging with Makaha royalty

Me with Brian Keaulana

A captive audience, with Brian Keaulana (middle hat) and Dane Kealoha (right hat)

Beach Day at Makaha

Today was another beach day.  We went to mass early at Star of the Sea, and were given aloha leis as visitors.  Today the mass was predominantly in English, after our Chinese experience last week.  We loaded up the two SUVs with SUPs and headed over to Kaena Point then to Makaha.  Tracy is friends with Brian Kealauna, the famous lifeguard, so we set up our beach activities in the shadow of his lifeguard stand.  The day was spent on SUPs and SUPsquatch, a giant SUP for 9 people produced by C4.  The highlight was the snorkeling at the turtle cleaning station off Makaha point.

SUP fun at Makaha

Stand up paddling and SUPsquatching at Makaha.  All C4 products from Tracy's company.

Turtle Watching at Makaha

Right off the Makaha Beach we paddled the Supsquatch and found a sea turtle cleaning station, where they come for fish to remove particles from their shells and skin.

North Shore fun

Our North Shore outing included a nice visit to Waimea falls, where we hiked to the falls through a valley which was a botanical garden of tropical delight.  The kids swam in the pool at the base of the waterfall, and also out on the beach, jumped off a huge rock into the ocean. 

Dylan jumps

At the falls

Rachel jumped without hesitation

Cliff jumpers

Ryan jumping

Ryan again

Pipeline watching

A "locals only" breakfast spot

Loco Moco, a favorite

Loco moco delivered

Hopelessly tourist shot

Unusual Hawaiian sign

The secret spot for locals

North Shore Day

Flat conditions at Pipeline

Jack Johnson and daughter

Our day finished as it began, dining in the shadow of Diamond Head.  Breakfast was at the locally famous Diamond Head Cafe and Grill.  Tracy took us to this favorite spot, for another stop on their locals only tour!

The recommended meal was the pancakes which were fruit flavored: pancake with coconut syrup, blueberry, and banana were all choices.  Dylan, being the pioneer that he was opted for the REAL local favorite, named as such:  Loco Moco.  Fried rice, topped with a burger, topped by a fried egg, slathered in gravy.  He finished it with a smile, as his arteries attempted to slam shut in mid beat of his heart.

Loading up all the kids and families into two SUV's we headed past my old  (Navy) stomping grounds by Barber's Point, joining the H3 to the North shore.   We passed all the sugar cane fields, pineapple fields, and again cresting the center plains of Oahu, were excited to see the Pacific shores of the North shore.

As the traffic slowed for another pristine beach day, we found a couple of parking spots near our snorkeling destination of Shark's Cove.

Our recently purchased gear was put to good use, as we observed many of the local fish in the lava rock and coral bottom of the snorkeling paradise.  In addition to the tropical fish tank feel of the watery swim, we also saw 4 sea turtles swimming with us.  The first one was a green turtle, and the remaining 3 were hawksbills, very neat.

It was fun for us to go to the Pipeline, named for it's winter waves, however, it was flat in the summer.  Still a legendary spot, and a must see for a surfing family.

Even more exciting than seeing the Pipeline, was to see one of its famous riders.  We saw Jack Johnson and his family chilling on the beach in front of his house.  A celeb sighting of the famous surfer, musician, and movie producer.  As Dylan stated, "we observed him in his natural habitat"  We all hummed Bubbletoes, Better Together, and Banana Pancakes for the rest of the day.  Feeling like were pretty local at this point.

These activities comprised most of our day, and after the hour ride back to Waikiki area, we stopped at Teddy's "Bigger Burgers" for some more local fare.  Bigger Burgers for all, and we got them to go, to be consumed in "Operation Red Wings" park in the shadow of the great Diamondhead.

Another absolutely perfect day, and making our way home, we checked out Keiko's, the local surf spot to see that the South swell has started to turn on, and it should be really big Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  We are eager with anticipation. 

Morning Culture, Afternoon Beach

The kids woke up, and Aunty Tracy took them to the bakery to get malasadas, a fat Portugese donut that was covered in sugar.  They commented that those bombs could cause diabetes, but they issued nary a complaint, and ate every last particle, sugar and all.

We were faced with a bit of indecision, and for Rebecca a dilemma: no plan.  We had originally planned to go to the Big Island today, but circumstances and time constraints dictated otherwise.

Our plan was finally formulated to go to Kuoloa Ranch, then Kanehoe Bay for snorkeling.  The kids rallied for a “relaxation day” to sit around the house.  Vetoed by the Exectutive Branch of the family.

Kuoloa Ranch is on the windward side towards Turtle Bay.  We made the transit over Pali Pass, and went to the Ranch which was once the land that the Hawaiian Royalty used to train their warriors.

It is the site of many movie settings, and we took the Jungle tour.  In the gift shop, the kids bought ukuleles as souvenirs, and we set off for the jungle tour in a type of 4X4 that had a killer low gear, climbing us up steep inclines to see the spectacular views of the windward side, and the island of Molokai in the hazy distance.

We got a dose of Hawaiian history, as all of our acquaintances (and tour guides) are well briefed in the culture and history of their wonderful archipelago islands.

After an hour tour, we got back into the Pilot, and headed to K-bay.  I once again, apprehensively braved the military security gate, and we met Jed for a great family beach spot.

The spot was accessible through base housing, which Rebecca likened to a modern Canal Zone. The homes were directly on the ocean.  We picked a beautiful spot on a sandy part of a rock lined shore, which was wind protected, had snorkeling access into a calm lagoon, cliffs for the boys to climb on, and some trade wind surf down the way.  A truly perfect beach spot. 

It reflected the pattern our days have been conducted:  cultural activity in the morning, and beach activity in the afternoon.

Arriving back home in Kahala, Tracy had a great spaghetti dinner ready for us weary island travel adventurers!!!