It's a Schmall World!

I don’t think I posted anything yesterday. We didn’t actually do much, but it was still exhausting. We woke to more chickens and a couple of Austrians at the top of the Waimea Canyon overlook. Very cold up there (No Leo, of course you won’t need your winter coat. We’re going to Hawaii!), so after a few pics and a bit of chit chat, we were on our way. We celebrated Leo’s birthday with his free Starbucks and a couple of pricy (but cute!) mugs.  After changing clothes and washing up at nearby beach, we headed to Port Allen for a “four-hour sea tour... which took 5 1/2 hours. Pro tip: if you’re unsure if you will get seasick on an ocean-going boat, opt for the two-hour tour instead. The staff were friendly, we saw a sea turtle (I saw it, Leo missed it), lots of dolphins, and a couple of whales. Thankfully I wasn’t very sick, just didn’t feel that great, and really wasn’t up to enjoying the provided dinner or endless mai tais. By the time the sun set over the ocean (which tr...

Woke to the sound of roosters... lots of them. Kauai may easily have more roosters than people. It was tough to appreciate the cock-a-doodle-doing (lol, Leo and I are each writing our morning posts. I told him he has to use “crowing”, as cock-a-doodle” is already taken), but I did appreciate the quiet sunrise over the ocean. Quiet, as Leo snoozed until just after the sun peeked above the horizon. We are parked by the Pacific in Kapaa, with just an occasional other car in the lot with us, along with an undisturbing drive by from the police a couple of times. This spot gets bonus points, as there is a coffee shop a block away.  As a side note. In spite of the cold temperature (I was freezing with my jacket and jeans ), this couple drove up and took their baby out to splash in the waves. Clad only on a shirt and diaper, baby seemed to love it!

Writing this as we’re parked by the beach, in the dark with waves crashing against the volcanic rocks, not far in front of us. Exactly where we napped and snacked on fresh poke a few hours ago. This time we’re prepared with a “light” dinner we picked up from Safeway. A bit more fresh poke, macadamia nuts, cheese, coconut macaroons, leftover mochi, mango juice, bread and sausage. When we were here earlier, napping, we were awakened by a helicopter hovering over a gathering nearby. We noticed large amounts of something being tossed from the aircraft, and got out of the car to investigate. Chatting with the couple parked next to us, we discovered it was, apparently, part of a funeral celebration. What was being tossed was large quantities of local flowers, which, by the end of this ceremony, were sprinkled across the beach and eagerly chased by the children splashing in the shallow waters.

Leo put together an itinerary with a long list of “to dos” while we’re in Kauai. Actually, they’re more like “nice to dos”, as it’s unlikely we’ll do everything listed. But that’s part of the fun. We research and dream and make lists for our trips. It’s exciting to consider the possibilities. Once traveling, however, reality sets in and there are delays and surprises, but that’s okay too, as these can lead to unique experiences and memories. Right now we’re at McCarren Airport in Las Vegas. Our flight was originally scheduled to depart at 6:30... now delayed until 10:30. We could have stayed home for four more hours, but decided it would be more prudent to arrive early. This gives us a chance to begin our vacation now. Dinner out! (There are some decent choices here), and maybe a relaxing beer or wine before we board.

Planning a trip is almost as exciting as going on one. Sort of - I don't think I'd ever want to just plan and never actually go. I work next to the Las Vegas airport. Every workday I get off the 215 at the airport exit, drive under the terminal signs with the lists of domestic and international airlines, and get off just before the road disappears under the runway. Every workday I park my car, get out, and watch the planes. As they land, full of passengers ready to hand-deliver cash to the many casinos, I wonder where they're all coming from... what's it like? who are they? why Vegas? Every workday I look longingly at the jets taking off, wanting to be on them... seat upright, tray table stowed... let's go. Next week we'll be in Kauai. Perhaps on a beach, or on a boat, or driving through the lush forests. What we likely won't be doing is lounging at a resort, sipping cocktails while getting a pedicure. Traveling with Leo is always more excit...