San Francisco Jet Lag

Thursday, July 5th our flight was delayed and we didn't arrive in San Francisco until 2 a.m., Hawaiian time it was 11 p.m. By the time we got to the hotel and bed it was 4 a.m., so Friday was a jet lag day. Still getting those 30th anniversary boosts, another upgrade to a beautiful room and a bottle of champaign with some goodies! We shopped at my favorite store, Nordstrom's and walked around the Union Square area where we are staying. The weather is much cooler than Hawaii; we wore light jackets today. The highlight of the visit was going to the Starlight Room at the top of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. When you could see past the fog, there was a beautiful night view of San Fran. We danced our hoofies off to a great "Motown" nine piece band with three female singers ("Supremes") . Great memories of the old disco dancing days and we stayed out until 1:30 a.m.!

Saturday we went to Fisherman's Wharf and, of course, had to get some Ghirardelli chocolate. We got our exercise walking the hills on the way back to the hotel. Met my cousin Barb and her husband, Dwight for dinner on our last night of vacation.

Now it's back to reality; work and bills! We miss our children, family, friends, and pets. We hope you enjoyed reading about our excellent adventures and this blog serves as a great memory of our 30th anniversary vacation for us, too. Pictures to be posted in the near future!

Travel Day to California

Thursday, July 5th, good-bye beautiful Hawaii. We had a delicious Italian brunch at Arancino di Mare at the Marriott Resort this morning and took one last walk along the Waikiki Beach. Although very crowded, we loved this island because of the diversity in terrain and there are so many things to do. We look forward to another visit to Honolulu someday to visit the places recommended to us that we didn't have time to see. Off to San Francisco to help us ease back into the six hour change in time zones.

O'ahu's North Shore

We had a memorable July 4th driving the Pali Highway to the historic lookout and observation area, and continuing on to Kailua. We drove past Kane'ohe Bay up to the North Shore with the Pacific Ocean on our right passing many beautiful beaches, state parks, and shrimp shacks. We were disappointed that the Polynesian Cultural Center wasn't open yet, we started out very early this morning. We were hoping to see the most famous surf break in the world, the Banzai Pipeline, but there were no waves today. In the historic town of Hale'iwa we ate at Kua Aina known for their great hamburgers and Matesumato's, known for shaved ice in many flavors. Yummy! Our final destination was the farthest NW corner of O'ahu known as Ka'ena Point, where the paved road ends and only four wheel drive vehicles can continue. We walked in and saw just a few people. Very warm and windy. Our last stop was the Dole Plantation where I had some pineapple ice cream. Our last evening in Honolulu was spent at the Paradise Cove Lu'au. The scenery included another unbelievable sunset. They put on quite a show and Ange fell in love with the beautiful hula girls wearing only two coconut shells and grass skirts. We have a picture to prove it! Someday, I'll get the pictures on this blog.

First US Capitol Walk

Tuesday, July 3rd we took the historic downtown Honolulu and Capitol 10K walk passing government buildings, Iolani Palace, Chinatown, war memorials and the Aloha Tower on the waterfront. We passed the oldest Catholic Cathedral in the US (built in 1843), one of the most unusual state capitol buildings with an open design, and the only true royal palace in the US, the last official residence of the kings and queens who ruled Hawaii. We've now completed the first of the US Capitol walks, thanks to Uncle Doug and Aunt Jackie! We couldn't have done it without you. The locals are so friendly and very helpful with directions. On our way to dinner, Ange asked a bus driver for directions and she said "hop on, I'll take you there" even though her shift was over and she wouldn't let us pay! Located on the beach at the Colony Surf, Michel's was another of the "Fodor's Choice" restaurants with an open air view of the ocean, another beautiful sunset and excellent French cuisine. The view and food are well worth the visit even though pricey.

It's our 30th Anniversary!

Monday, July 2nd - Doesn't seem possible that 30 years ago we were cutting a Cheesy Eddie's wedding cheese cake at the Avon Inn! The anniversary excuse is still working with free drinks, or dessert, or an upgrade to an ocean view room. We promise to stop when we leave Hawaii! Today we visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. We were there by 7:30 a.m. and just as Fodor's told us, the lines were very long. Quite a moving experience, especially since I was born when my Dad was in the Navy. We noticed there were two "Reynolds" listed on the wall of casualties (my maiden name). We also met an 86 year old survivor, Sterling Cole, he is as sharp as a tack, and he signed our brochure. We also toured the Battleship Missouri or "Mighty Mo" as she is known. This is the ship where the treaty was signed at the end of WWII and she last served in the Gulf War.

Then we drove to the base of Diamond Head and hiked the trail to the top. Portions of the trail had steep stairways and a tunnel. From the trail head to the summit of Diamond Head crater is 560 feet one way. The elevation was 761 feet and what a view of Honolulu from this point! Quite a long day since after dinner we shopped until 11 p.m. Great 30th anniversary memories!

Honolulu Arrival

Aloha! We are staying on the Diamond Head side of the famous Waikiki Beach where the waves are bigger, and there are many more surfers. People walk down the streets with their surf boards everywhere! Japanese is the prevalent nationality with all menus in English and Japanese, and just like Starbucks, there is a Japanese sushi place on every corner. Quite different from Maui, crowded with tourists, designer shops that stay open until 11 p.m. and a rain shower each day resulting in beautiful rainbows. The people are very friendly and helpful. We sure are enjoying the sun, and the warm evenings.

Parasailing in Paradise

On our last morning in Maui we took off and landed on a boat with the Hard Rock Cafe parachute behind us! This was a first for both of us. We went up 800 feet together and the birds eye view of Maui was amazing. It was actually easy and so much fun! The captain of the boat was from Pittsford and graduated from Mendon two years before Kelley! What a small world. The staff at our hotel had an Aloha good-bye ceremony giving each of us a kukui lei as a remembrance of our stay. They were big on Hawaiian culture, hosting daily events and music with a hula show each night. Our special Maui memories will be cherished for a lifetime. Off to Oahu!