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!

Red Flag Warnings

Driving the Road to Hana was exhausting, so today is a relaxing day on the beach. The red flags are out due to the extreme danger of the waves and undertoe. This was my day to snorkel, but they wouldn't rent out any equipment today due to liability. So a nice nap under our beach cabana was just what I needed. Every day and evening we walk the path down to the end of our beach and back. Ange went shopping at Whaler's Village nearby while I relaxed.

We drove to Wailea, about 45 minutes away, to have dinner at Capishe? (understand?) another one of the "Fodor's Choice" restaurants. This place definitely lived up to the "best sunset view on the island" with our table located in private garden area, very intimate and romantic, not to mention excellent food and service. We really enjoy talking to our servers and finding out where they are from and how they end up living Maui. Each one tells us they love to surf, so working nights and surfing the ocean waves during the day seems to be the attraction. They love the "Red Flag" days, since the waves are much bigger! Not us, only ankle deep on those days!

The Road to Hana

No blog updates is because we're on Hawaiian time; don't worry, be happy, slow down, and we're on vacation!

We drove the 55 mile Road to Hana, a cliff-side road filled with twists, turns, curves and one lane bridges. This road leads to the lush green rain forest of Maui's windward side or the eastern shore. We saw beautiful scenery and made many stops at outlooks to see the ocean view, peninsulas and waterfalls. Our favorite stop was Waianapenapa State Park where we stopped to eat our lunch. This is home to one of Maui's only volcanic-sand beach, also called black sand. There were caves and ocean blowholes. A beautiful landscape of black sand, green beach vines and azure water. Several times a year the tide pools turn red due to the arrival of small shrimp. There were several burial sites as well. We also passed countless fruit and flower stands. We turned around due to the road changing to dirt, and only allowing four wheel drive vehicles. At the Seven Sacred Pools, a stream that cascades from one pool to the next down to the sea we headed back. The trip back was not very pleasant for me as I turned the color of Shrek due to the twists and turns, almost like riding an amusement park ride!

Aloha Hawaiian Time

Finally a day of relaxing on the beach! The azure ocean is warm and the beach is beautiful! We walked the entire length of the beach which has a paved path. At the end of the path is the Hyatt which has an amazing art collection from Thailand and China in their open air atrium. This is also the home of African penguins, pelicans and two beautiful swans. We stopped at Whalers Village on the way back which contains a whale museum and several upscale shops. We've selected some "Fodor's Choice" restaurants on Maui for dinner. The first was Sensei, a Japanese restaurant in North Maui that lived up to Fodor's recommendation, excellent fish and sushi! Hawaiian time means there is no time, just relaxing and living in the moment; hence this blog may or may not be kept up!

Sharks and Creatures of the Sea

Today we visited the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium. We saw unusual sharks, rays and many other tropical fish through a clear 54 foot acrylic tunnel. Ange considers this snorkeling since he didn't have to try to get a seal on his mask, and he got to see more variety of sea life this way! Highly recommend this as a place to visit in Maui. They also had the nicest gift shop we've seen in Maui. We had dinner at our second "Fodor's Choice" David Paul's Lahaina Grill, fabulous upscale dining. Nearby Lahaina is very historical and a visit to the famous banyan tree is a must.
Ange's brother Wally has a habit of using the excuse it's his anniversary whenever he's out with Cathy (usually it isn't even close). Nine times out of ten they believe him and he gets some kind of surprise. We decided since it really is our anniversary on July 2nd, we'll do the same. Wally, you're right! So far we've scored a bottle of champaign in our room upon arrival, a car rental upgrade and free dessert! This works and we'll keep you posted on the rest of the vacation!

E Kipa Mai = Welcome in Hawaiian

Tuesday, June 26th - Well, so far our flights have been on time and no luggage lost, that's good news compared to the latest United and Northwest news! Arrived in Maui after a 5+ hour flight. We are staying on the Ka'anapali Beach, known for great snorkeling. Lots of honeymooners just like us (30 years ago!) One couple from Toronto has been here three days with no luggage. It has been very windy, and the island is extremely dry. A brush fire has scorched 1,400 acres so far and closed the road to the Ka'anapali Beach area for a time. We have seen lots of smoke and parts of the mountain are black. Helicopters have been flying overhead transporting sea water to try douse the fire. Of course, the weather is just perfect, warm with an ocean breeze!

12KM Coronado Walk

Monday, June 25 our last day in San Diego, we walked 7.2 miles on the island of Coronodo. The walk took us past the famous Hotel del Coronado, a 2KM stretch long the beach, and through the village. The flowers, trees and landscaping were picture perfect, and this was a great way to see new parts of Coronado we hadn't seen on a previous visit. This walk is listed as one of the top ten of the American Volkssport Assosciation (www.ava.org) Later, we went back to Balboa Park to see the cactus and rose gardens, unfortunately the art museum was closed that day, although I visited this museum on my last visit to San Diego.

We had dinner at Point Loma Seafoods, a local fish market, for a great fish fry. We tried see the sun set at the Point Loma Lighthouse, but the road closes at 5 p.m. Great visit in San Diego!

Technical Difficulties

Sorry for the lapse in vacation updates! Even vacations are busy and internet access is becoming more of a challenge. Here's where I left off.

June 24th we had a delicious Sunday brunch with the family. One thing we do at these reunions is eat, and my cousins could open a restaurant with the feast they put on for all of us. Thanks Matt, Kathy and Amy for your wonderful hospitality! Aunt Marguerite had quite the 75th birthday celebration filled with family, friends and good memories.

In the afternoon we played a great round of golf at The Farms as guests of Mary and John, friends who are big Boston Red Sox fans and have lived in San Diego for ten years. What a beautiful golf course and the weather was perfect. After golf, we stopped at The Poseidon on the beach in Del Mar for a drink and then back to their home for dinner. Thanks Mary and John for a great day and we hope to see you in August at Sandy Pond!

Volksmarching = Walking

Volkssports evolved from events in Germany and the term means a sport of the people. Volksmarching is a walking sport for health, recreation, fellowship and fun. The American Volkssport Association (AVA) was created in 1978 and there are over 750 AVA clubs nationwide with yearly events and over three million participants. (www.ava.org) You walk at your own pace, usually 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and most finish in about two hours. The local AVA club is called The San Diego County Rockhoppers.

Saturday morning, June 23rd was overcast and cool, perfect weather for the San Diego Downtown/Waterfront 10K walk. Our expert volksporters guides were my Uncle Doug and Aunt Jackie from Albany, who have participated in about 350+ 10K walks. Six of us began on the San Diego waterfront to the east end of the airport runway with jets flying over our heads! We climbed a steep hill into beautiful Balboa Park with Spanish-Renaissance style architecture and gardens. Home to 15 major museums, the Park commemorated two expositions; the 1915-16 Panama California Exposition for the opening of the Panama Canal and the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition, held to boost the local economy during the depression.

We walked around Petco Park, the Padres baseball stadium built about two years ago. The Boston Red Sox were in town all weekend and Red Sox fans were out in full force. We were told fans fly from Boston just to get seats since Fenway Park is sold out for the season. On to the Gaslamp Quarter, up over the Convention Center, through Seaport Village, past the USS Midway Museum, the cruise ship docks, past the Star of India sailing ship and back to our starting point.

All that walking worked up quite an appetite for the authentic Mexican fiesta at my cousin Matt's home in the afternoon. Yummy, best Mexican I've ever eaten, complete with margaritas. Ole!

The feeding frenzy continued that evening at a great seafood restaurant with Ron and Julie, friends of Ange's brother, Wally. Ron was originally from Rochester and has lived in San Diego since graduation.

The great thing about San Diego is the weather: mornings and evenings are cool, great for sleeping, and the days are warm and sunny with a cool breeze. The bad thing is the traffic!

San Diego Arrival

Safe arrival in San Diego on Friday, June 22nd. Warm and sunny here, the same weather we left in Rochester! Wondering why we take vacations to sunny destinations when the summers in New York are so beautiful? Friday evening we met family from Arizona, North and South Carolina, Michigan, New York, Washington and our host state California. This is our sixth family reunion beginning with my Dad's 70th birthday in July of 1998. This year, Happy 75th Birthday to Aunt Marguerite!

Our Excellent Adventure Vacation Blog

Welcome family and friends to our first Piccone Blog. Colleen and Ange won't be sending snail mail postcards while on our summer vacation in California and Hawaii, instead you can read all about our adventures in real time. Enjoy!

Thank you Judy, my faithful leader at Naz, for inspiring this blog!