Yesterday's blog was sure a hit - 23 views! Today is our last day on Maui. We have to check out in 38 mins and then our plan is to go and meet up with one of Gwen's co-workers (James) who is also here on Maui in Kihei.
Today will most likely be another relaxing beach day. The sun is poking through the clouds every once in a while which should make for a day of sunburns knowing how the girls keep saying "um, I don't think I need sunscreen" to which Devin and I also reply "yes, we don't want to deal with the complaining afterwards".
Our flight leaves at 6:00 tonight and we get into Kaui at 6:45. From there we will probably just grab our bags and rental car and make our way to the hotel, Kauai Beach Resort.
Now, time to finish packing my bag. Until Kauai, so long.
Tuesday 29 January 2013
Monday 28 January 2013
The Road to Hana
Yesterday's drive went really well. We left at 8:15am and arrived back at our condo by 8:30pm - this included a stop for lunch in Hana at the Hana Ranch Restaurant and a stop in Lahaina at Outback Steakhouse for supper.
The drive is quite remarkable. The journey is only 75 miles (one way) but takes you 2.5 hrs to drive as most of the drive on the Hana highway is limited to 15-20 mph. There are over 600 "hairpin turns" and over 50 bridges that you cross - many of these bridges are one lane bridges and you have to yield to on coming traffic. My shoulders are pretty sore today from all of the two-handed driving. The drive would have been even better if we had a sports car or convertible - driving a minivan just didn't give the same awesomeness to the drive.
Along the way we made multiple stops at roadside waysides and state parks and saw many cool things:
Once in Hana, there really isn't much to do. After we ate lunch we walked the beach in Hana Bay and then headed back. This was expected as what we read was "the drive to Hana isn't about the destination but the journey".
Once back at the condo, I lied down on the bed and fell asleep - I must have been worn out from being so focused on the drive.
Today's itinerary: relaxing (possibly the beach) and the gals want to do some shopping... Devin and I have some beer to finish off today as we are leaving tomorrow evening for Kauai.
The drive is quite remarkable. The journey is only 75 miles (one way) but takes you 2.5 hrs to drive as most of the drive on the Hana highway is limited to 15-20 mph. There are over 600 "hairpin turns" and over 50 bridges that you cross - many of these bridges are one lane bridges and you have to yield to on coming traffic. My shoulders are pretty sore today from all of the two-handed driving. The drive would have been even better if we had a sports car or convertible - driving a minivan just didn't give the same awesomeness to the drive.
Along the way we made multiple stops at roadside waysides and state parks and saw many cool things:
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| Twin Falls |
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| Upper Falls at Twin Falls |
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| The girls swimming at the Upper Falls |
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| Da Boyz swimming at the Upper Falls |
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| Taking a shower (at the Upper Falls) |
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| One of the over 600 hairpin turns |
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| At Black Sand Beach looking towards the mountains and stream emptying into the Ocean |
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| A snail at Keanae Arboretum |
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| Two cars that didn't quite make that turn... |
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| A one-lane bridge |
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| Hana Bay |
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| Another one lane bride with a remarkable view |
Once back at the condo, I lied down on the bed and fell asleep - I must have been worn out from being so focused on the drive.
Today's itinerary: relaxing (possibly the beach) and the gals want to do some shopping... Devin and I have some beer to finish off today as we are leaving tomorrow evening for Kauai.
Saturday 26 January 2013
Maui Day 3
Today was a beach day. It started off with trying to sleep in but couldn't get past 8:30am. I actually thought I would have to get up at 6:30am when I couldn't fall back to sleep after 20 mins of trying.
Mel, Gwen and I went for a jog this morning. It is sure different jogging outside with warm, humid air and "topography" as Gwen calls it (Mel and I just prefer "elevation" or "hills"). I looked at the map and planned our route only to realize that the map didn't show that where I wanted to go was through gated condo complexes (complices?). So, I modified our route on the fly and we ended up doing roughly 2 miles, the exact distance I was hoping to try to achieve.
Afterwards, we went to the pool while Devin nursed his sore throat from all the sea-water he was drinking yesterday. His throat was so bad that he could barely talk this morning - Mel was kind of excited but that soon changed and now at 5:36pm he is back to normal with respect to talking ;)
We had lunch at the condo today. Nothing big, just eggs, hashbrowns, steak and pineapple. It was delish. Then, we all packed up for our afternoon on the beach.
The sun was hot and the water was warm. We spent probably the better part of 2.5 hrs at the beach and then made our way back to the condo after the loads of whale watchers (many of them intoxicated) were loading onto the boats from shore and were surrounding us on the beach. I got so frustrated that I had to leave - yes, I know, just like my dad...
Now, we are just finishing up showering and getting ready to go to Lulu's in Lahina, about 10 mins away. Here I am all dressed up ready to go, sitting on the "lanai" (balcony) waiting for the girls to finish getting ready.
Tomorrow I think we are doing the drive to Hana - should be a full day event as the drive is about 3 hrs from our condo and will traverse about 50% of the island of Maui.
Mel, Gwen and I went for a jog this morning. It is sure different jogging outside with warm, humid air and "topography" as Gwen calls it (Mel and I just prefer "elevation" or "hills"). I looked at the map and planned our route only to realize that the map didn't show that where I wanted to go was through gated condo complexes (complices?). So, I modified our route on the fly and we ended up doing roughly 2 miles, the exact distance I was hoping to try to achieve.
Afterwards, we went to the pool while Devin nursed his sore throat from all the sea-water he was drinking yesterday. His throat was so bad that he could barely talk this morning - Mel was kind of excited but that soon changed and now at 5:36pm he is back to normal with respect to talking ;)
We had lunch at the condo today. Nothing big, just eggs, hashbrowns, steak and pineapple. It was delish. Then, we all packed up for our afternoon on the beach.
The sun was hot and the water was warm. We spent probably the better part of 2.5 hrs at the beach and then made our way back to the condo after the loads of whale watchers (many of them intoxicated) were loading onto the boats from shore and were surrounding us on the beach. I got so frustrated that I had to leave - yes, I know, just like my dad...
Now, we are just finishing up showering and getting ready to go to Lulu's in Lahina, about 10 mins away. Here I am all dressed up ready to go, sitting on the "lanai" (balcony) waiting for the girls to finish getting ready.
Tomorrow I think we are doing the drive to Hana - should be a full day event as the drive is about 3 hrs from our condo and will traverse about 50% of the island of Maui.
Thursday 24 January 2013
Maui Day 1 Photos
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| The glowing horizon and stars |
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| Haleakala Crater |
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| Gwen at the Crater |
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| First glimpse of the sun |
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| Sunshine and warmth |
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| My money shot today ;) |
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| Me at the Crater top |
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| The crew warming up |
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| Gwen on the Crater rim |
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| The salute |
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| The road on the way down |
Wednesday 23 January 2013
Made it to Maui
What a travel day. Today started out with a 4am wake up followed by a quick cab ride to the airport to start our adventure here.
Flights were pretty much on time. We made it into Vancouver by 9:45am only to have to walk through the entire airport and wait I the US security line for about 45 mins. This didn't allow us much time to grab a food. The last few times through Vancouver we grabbed breakfast at a restaurant in the terminal on the US side. This time the restaurant was closed for renovations so we had to do something else. Luckily Tims was open and so too was a Chinese food place so that we could grab lunch for our flight.
Vancouver to Maui was a 6 hrs flight. The first 4 hrs of the flight was somewhat turbulent so the beverage service was delayed. We watched a movie on Gwen's iPad and napped. Arrival was right on time at 2pm.
We to get our rental car and got a free upgrade to a minivan. Pretty good because it easily accommodates all of our bags and the 200$ worth of groceries that we bought.
It sounds like the plan will be to go to the Haleakala Mountain for sunrise. Early morning again with a scheduled 3am wakeup call - however this will be equivalent to a 7am wakeup back in the 204 area code. Friday will be our snorkelling outing at Molokini and Lanai. Other than that, don't have any definite plans.
The photos attached are of our condo and the view out the balcony.
Well, time to finish up my Kona Fire Rock (beer).
Flights were pretty much on time. We made it into Vancouver by 9:45am only to have to walk through the entire airport and wait I the US security line for about 45 mins. This didn't allow us much time to grab a food. The last few times through Vancouver we grabbed breakfast at a restaurant in the terminal on the US side. This time the restaurant was closed for renovations so we had to do something else. Luckily Tims was open and so too was a Chinese food place so that we could grab lunch for our flight.
Vancouver to Maui was a 6 hrs flight. The first 4 hrs of the flight was somewhat turbulent so the beverage service was delayed. We watched a movie on Gwen's iPad and napped. Arrival was right on time at 2pm.
We to get our rental car and got a free upgrade to a minivan. Pretty good because it easily accommodates all of our bags and the 200$ worth of groceries that we bought.
It sounds like the plan will be to go to the Haleakala Mountain for sunrise. Early morning again with a scheduled 3am wakeup call - however this will be equivalent to a 7am wakeup back in the 204 area code. Friday will be our snorkelling outing at Molokini and Lanai. Other than that, don't have any definite plans.
The photos attached are of our condo and the view out the balcony.
Well, time to finish up my Kona Fire Rock (beer).
Sunday 20 January 2013
Two more days!
What a busy weekend.
Things started off yesterday with a trip to Costco and to the gym, all completed before noon. Then, I proceeded to do laundry, host a party to watch the Jets game all while talking to Gwen. She only complained a little about it being too loud so I told everyone to "BE QUIET!".
I watched a little bit of the Toronto-Montreal game but really wasn't in the mood to watch either team play in their exhibition season style. So, instead I popped in a movie (Wayne's World 2) and had a 30 min nap. Afterwards, I talked to Gwen again (once I was able to wake her up from her nap - "wake me up in an hour and a half" she said; 2 hrs later I finally was able to wake her up from sending multiple text messages... next time, Gwen, turn on your ringer).
Today was supposed to start at 9:30 with an inspection. Instead, the inspection was at 11:30 but this was ok, I was able to get lots of work done before (and after). More laundry, washed my car, made friends with the other TDI owner (Richard), packed and did more work.
Now, time to try to wind down and get ready for 1.5 busy days of work. Only half a day on Tuesday as I'm trying to fly back at 4pm so I can be home by 8pm, pack and get ready for HAWAII! Otherwise, flights are out at 8 or 9pm with arrival in Winnipeg at midnight.
My schedule for the week is pretty packed - tomorrow has one inspection and 3 performance reviews plus other meetings. Then, hockey at 10pm. Tuesday has one inspection and 2 performance reviews - all of which need to be completed before 2:30 so I can be at the airport for 3pm, check my suitcase, get through security and fly home.
Here's to hoping everything goes well tomorrow and Tuesday!
Things started off yesterday with a trip to Costco and to the gym, all completed before noon. Then, I proceeded to do laundry, host a party to watch the Jets game all while talking to Gwen. She only complained a little about it being too loud so I told everyone to "BE QUIET!".
I watched a little bit of the Toronto-Montreal game but really wasn't in the mood to watch either team play in their exhibition season style. So, instead I popped in a movie (Wayne's World 2) and had a 30 min nap. Afterwards, I talked to Gwen again (once I was able to wake her up from her nap - "wake me up in an hour and a half" she said; 2 hrs later I finally was able to wake her up from sending multiple text messages... next time, Gwen, turn on your ringer).
Today was supposed to start at 9:30 with an inspection. Instead, the inspection was at 11:30 but this was ok, I was able to get lots of work done before (and after). More laundry, washed my car, made friends with the other TDI owner (Richard), packed and did more work.
Now, time to try to wind down and get ready for 1.5 busy days of work. Only half a day on Tuesday as I'm trying to fly back at 4pm so I can be home by 8pm, pack and get ready for HAWAII! Otherwise, flights are out at 8 or 9pm with arrival in Winnipeg at midnight.
My schedule for the week is pretty packed - tomorrow has one inspection and 3 performance reviews plus other meetings. Then, hockey at 10pm. Tuesday has one inspection and 2 performance reviews - all of which need to be completed before 2:30 so I can be at the airport for 3pm, check my suitcase, get through security and fly home.
Here's to hoping everything goes well tomorrow and Tuesday!
Saturday 19 January 2013
Wednesday 16 January 2013
Tucson Pictures
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| Titan Missile Museum - silo doors |
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| Command Central |
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| The gangway to the missile silo is isolated by springs |
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| Titan II Missile Inside the Silo |
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| View looking down |
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| This was their security system - a laser beam is painted across each side of the silo shield doors. If the beam is broken Security would travel to the site from the Air Force base in Tucson. |
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| These massive cement blocks will not allow the silo doors to open more than half-way; a nuclear disarmament requirement |
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| Inside the Canyon |
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| Down by the water at the top of the Canyon |
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| Starting my 3.7 mile hike down |
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| The Adam Salute |
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| Cactus |
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| For Gwen |
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| This cliff face is 40 stories tall |
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| This just looks like a face |
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| At the bottom of the canyon |
Dans montreal
Well, I'm back. Travels were good, everything was on time. The flight from Cleveland to Montreal was pretty empty which was ok. Plus we had a wicked tail wind and we arrived 20 mins ahead of schedule. Good thing too because customs and the taxi lines were long. It took me 15 mins to get through customs and then another 20 mins to get a cab.
I hope to upload some photos tonight of my hike through Sabino Canyon. I probably walked 6 mile while there. I only got lost once. When i started my hike down the canyon (3.7 miles) I thought I should probably hydrate. I pulled out my bottle of water only to find out that it was sparkling water - good choice... Not. It sprayed on my hands on my camera but luckily not too much (and no sugar).
What else of interest... Found out yesterday that one of our family friends was in Tucson, too little too late - didn't get a chance to meet up for dinner or a drink. Oh well, we will just have to wait until sugar point opens up for the summer.
Well I need to stop looking at my phone, getting car sick a little.
Check for photos tonight.
I hope to upload some photos tonight of my hike through Sabino Canyon. I probably walked 6 mile while there. I only got lost once. When i started my hike down the canyon (3.7 miles) I thought I should probably hydrate. I pulled out my bottle of water only to find out that it was sparkling water - good choice... Not. It sprayed on my hands on my camera but luckily not too much (and no sugar).
What else of interest... Found out yesterday that one of our family friends was in Tucson, too little too late - didn't get a chance to meet up for dinner or a drink. Oh well, we will just have to wait until sugar point opens up for the summer.
Well I need to stop looking at my phone, getting car sick a little.
Check for photos tonight.
Monday 14 January 2013
Saturday 12 January 2013
Traveling
Blog
12:28 PM
Made it to Newark airport in New Jersey. Got in on time at 11:45 and have 2 hrs to kill until the next flight. Walked around a bit but there is only so much you can/want to do in an airport... I checked out some of the shops and almost bought Gwen a resent but remembered my travelling gift philosophy - only buy something from somewhere I have spent the night. Sorry babe, no Garden State magnet...
Grabbed some pasta salad for lunch but not overly hungry yet after my two eggs and bacon breakfast 3 hrs ago in Montreal. I'm delaying my eating for as long as I can as I don't plan on eating until I get to Tucson in 9 hrs. I'll probably grab a snack in Houston. What I could really go for a snack is:
- crackers
- cheese
- pickles
- celery
- hummus
Weird craving I know.
Well "Bon appetit"!
Arrived in Houston at 4:28 PM. Taxiing to the gate. Good flight had two naps and watched a movie (Premium Rush). Can't wait to stretch my legs for a bit.
8:14pm
All checked in at the Four points Sheraton hotel right beside the airport - literally, can't get any closer. It's too bad I can't drive through the airport to bombardier it would be much faster than driving all the way around.
Flights were good and no troubles with my ears. I'm hungry, time to eat.
Photos are of Newark airport, my pasta salad lunch and the scenery here in Tucson so far.
12:28 PM
Made it to Newark airport in New Jersey. Got in on time at 11:45 and have 2 hrs to kill until the next flight. Walked around a bit but there is only so much you can/want to do in an airport... I checked out some of the shops and almost bought Gwen a resent but remembered my travelling gift philosophy - only buy something from somewhere I have spent the night. Sorry babe, no Garden State magnet...
Grabbed some pasta salad for lunch but not overly hungry yet after my two eggs and bacon breakfast 3 hrs ago in Montreal. I'm delaying my eating for as long as I can as I don't plan on eating until I get to Tucson in 9 hrs. I'll probably grab a snack in Houston. What I could really go for a snack is:
- crackers
- cheese
- pickles
- celery
- hummus
Weird craving I know.
Well "Bon appetit"!
Arrived in Houston at 4:28 PM. Taxiing to the gate. Good flight had two naps and watched a movie (Premium Rush). Can't wait to stretch my legs for a bit.
8:14pm
All checked in at the Four points Sheraton hotel right beside the airport - literally, can't get any closer. It's too bad I can't drive through the airport to bombardier it would be much faster than driving all the way around.
Flights were good and no troubles with my ears. I'm hungry, time to eat.
Photos are of Newark airport, my pasta salad lunch and the scenery here in Tucson so far.
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