It was amazing while we were there. We rented three houses, which turned out to be quite modern (two of them sold while we were there for a combined total of $1.5 million) and spacious. Our days were spent in and out of the pool, cooking in the large kitchen, and exploring the island with its mountains, valleys and beaches.
The promise of the Smith Family Luau later in our trip had us stopping at all the thrift stores in search of muumuus for everyone. Cooking for a large group meant many visits to local groceries and farmer’s markets. Curiosity took us down dead-end roads, up mountain highways and onto “forbidden “ beaches. We even went to Barking Sands, the Navy’s Pacific Missile Range Facility, for their beach and a nice lunch.
The time was not without interesting turns of events. There was a six-hour delay for mechanical trouble before leaving Seattle, but Hawaiian Airlines was very accommodating with luncheon vouchers and flight credits. We met a wonderful young gentleman while waiting who said he had a 96-year-old mother who would love to have us all for dinner. We took him up on it and spent an evening at their home on Baby Beach. Not everyone would invite 14 strangers for dinner. It is the aloha spirit.
Some of us took a helicopter ride over the island to really see it all. We did a boat ride on the Wailua River up to the Fern Grotto, where we were rewarded with the Hawaiian Wedding Song and then back to the luau grounds for food and entertainment with the Smith family. At the end of our adventures, we did a
“tubing†float trip down the sugar cane canals. All in all, there were many adventures to talk about when we got home, and we are already making plans for Maui next year. Be sure to let us know if you want to be included in that planning.
June takes us to Harrison Hot Springs, which will be next month’s column. There is also a small group traveling to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills.
In July, we are staying around home but still will be on the move to the Aviation Musuem, Diablo Dam and a mystery trip.
August brings Leavenworth for a two-night stay to see “Sound of Music,†“Joseph†and “Footloose.†You must sign up early for that trip to make sure that there are enough theater tickets.
September has an Alaska cruise, as well as an exciting trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
And don’t forget Cuba in December. Reservations are filling fast.
For reservations and further information, call me at 253-927-8207 or e-mail to linda.finch@gmail.com.