Picture Link

Here are the pictures so far for our trip up until Sydney.  They are not organized in this link.   I will do a Sydney upload later once i have them organized.

http://gs66.photobucket.com/groups/h245/AAI0YQV658/

Wellington and Beyond

Wellington was the very next day.  The capital of New Zealand was a small but bustling business and commercial port.  The downtown is much like most urban office zones.  When we got off the ship we headed straight for the "Papa" which is the national museum.  It is a natural, historical and cultural museum, free to the public and quite spectacular.  

I think we all agreed that the natural history of New Zealand was the best part of the museum.  they had the large dioramas of animals (extinct and still around) much like how the British Columbia Museum displays its natural history  (Victoria).  The Maori cultural part was disappointing but then again we got a good idea on that with our stop at the Bay of Islands.

We still liked the museum and it was so impressive considering its size, the breadth of its collection and that it was free.  you got to love countries who set transportation, healthcare and education as priorities for their nations security.  though i must say they are obsessed with bio-security as we are with terrorism.  (bio-security meaning not letting any foreign foods, dirt, seeds, natural products, etc into the country).  I cant tell you how many comfort foods we have lost.  all understandable though since their economy (industry and commodity) is super reliant on agriculture.

Next we went pub crawling.  it was a little difficult navigating Wellington once past the waterfront.  there are a lot of crisscross streets.  But people were very helpful.  Though imagine three guys trying to navigate an unknown city by foot all refusing to ask for directions. Fortunately we all had our moments of "oh the heck with it!" and asked (we took turns).  We found this great irish pub, The Black Harp.  It was so authentic down to the tables, booths, bar, decorations, pianos, and woodwork.  even the bathrooms.  the food was a little odd a mix of pub favorites with a little bit  of twist.  we ran into one of the passengers we like there and he was eating the daily special which was a pint of guiness and six oysters.  we did not have that.  what we had was good though. 

After the pub crawl and trying a few of the local beers, we went to find an internet kiosk and public phone.  again a little difficult but we found one in the local library after asking three people.  We camped there for two hours getting much needed calls and online reservations completed (for our continuing trip).  Then we headed back to the boat to relax.

The next day was  a sea day and the second to last day on the ship.  It was full with last minute preparations (like packing) and finalizing things (like bills) and tipping crew members who had been extra wonderful.  We exchanged contact info with people (and crew) we made friends with and hung out with and did those last minute things you do on a cruise.  it took a whole day (since we were on for 30+ days).  

The next day we got off the boat fairly early (disembarkation ticket was of first 6 called).  We took a taxi straight to the airport in Aukland.  We hung out there having lunch and making calls, and booking more things for the extended trip to Cairns.  Once on the flight it was fairly nice.  None of us had flown on Quantas and we all really liked it.  Very amiable, efficient, clean.  It was a three hour flight and we still got dinner.  It wasnt great but it was fine and it tided us over until we got to Sydney.  

My first impression with Sydney was the shear size of he city it sprawled forever and its harbor area is amazing.  but more on that later.  They have 4 million people (out of 21 million in the country, living in and around Sydney) and their mass transit system moves people so efficiently.  I think their mass transit is the best i have seen so far.  it's so impressive in the types, effectiveness, etc.  but more on that later.  

Rotorua and Rafting

The next day we woke up and drove to where the river rafting place was just past Rotorua.  It was about one hour out of town.  When we arrived we were delayed as there was a whole busload of young adults arriving to go too.  In all there were four rafts (8 in a boat) on the trip.  The river wasnt wide but it was moving a good speed and yet nothing close to our trip in Whistler.

The guides were all great and the group of kids were very nice.  In addition to the rafters there were about 6 who were going down the river on nothing more than wake boards.  their gear (ours was similar to what we had for the Waitomo caves only add a lifejacket) were a little more substantial for body protection.  

Our guide was a little more seasoned than the rest but a load of fun.  Our guides name was Lee too.  I was in the front position, Forrest behind me and Dana next to him.  My partner was a kid who rowed from Oxford.  It wasnt until in the river did he and the rest of us realize that didnt prepare him for river rafting.   He frustrated not only me but Dana and that side of the raft (they took their cadence from him).  Nevertheless we still had a blast, all of us with big grins at the end of every rapid.  

After four smaller rapids we went down the 7 meter high falls.   You will see in the pictures the boat completely submerges underwater at the bottom of the falls and then spits us out.  We lost one person but he was fine (not one of us three).  It was great fun. After that our guide took us down a rapid backwards surprising us.  the whole experience was great fun and the guides were all very skilled.

After the river trip we stopped at a geothermal park and walked  the trails.  the park was pretty amazing.   The ground bubbled, popped and hissed.  One pit was full of clay mud and it spit and bubbled at least 6 meters all over the surface.  The whole area smelled of sulphur but you got used to it.  The sites of fizzing streams and steaming deep holes was so unique and impressive.  it was a nice stop on the way back to the ship.  

From there it took us three hours through very hilly, winding roads and land as the south of the North Island is very rural and agricultural rich.  Pretty country and the Kiwis are very welcoming and amicable.   We arrived on time in Napier.  They were waiting for us and we were able to drop the car at the pier.  The last thing we had waiting for us was that we had been checked out of the ship when we got to the gangway.  Fortunately it is a small ship and the Captain was standing there and we got it all settled.  our cabin hadnt been given away or anything scary like that.  it was more of a data thing.  they got us all checked in and everything ended up being fine.

Needless to say we were tired after a busy two days.  We had fun though and we got to see a great deal of NZ.

Trip Pictures

Photobucket Album

Of Caves, Eels, Glow Worms and geysers

 Toranga

Sorry for the delay in writing we have been really busy since making New Zealand.  We arrived around 8 am October 20 and disembarked shortly after our arrival.  Our hired car was waiting for us right outside the disembarkation platform.  We had prearranged with the boat to get off over night to be able to see a part of the island we would otherwise not be able to and to also do some excursions.  

Our first stop was to be Waitoma on the other side of the island (West) two hours away from where the boat docked in Toranga.  It was a pleasant drive.  Forrest took to driving on the opposite side of the road quickly as usual.  

Once there we arrived just in time for the tour.  It was the the three of us plus one other American (girl) and an English girl.  We got all our kit on which consisted of helmets, wet suits, climing harnesses, etc.  Our two guides drove us up to the "jumping off" place.  Once there they taught us how to absail.  We practiced on a more friendly incline first (how to control descent speed etc).  Once the guides felt we were ready they set us up ready enter the cave.

One of the guides went in first and we watched.  The hole to the cave was about 3 meters by 2 meters in a craggy fissure in the ground.  It was a rocky opening.  About six meters above that was a descent platform where we dangled over the hole to begin a one hundred fifty foot descent into the darkness absailing the whole way.  When i was in position (i went first) i looked up at the guide asking when he wanted me to go he playfully kicked my feet away from the side and i descended in.  (you have good control over the speed).  Below the other guide had the emergency line to make taut should any of us lose control of the descent.  I bounced off the wall all the way down with my feet, hopping all the way as i descended at a comfortable speed.  It was really cool.  

Once we all got inside the cavern we hooked up to another line and ziplined down to the next level.  The cave itself was deep and the rock itself had been carved by the underground hydrology of leaking water from the surface and an underground river.  It looked as if the sides of the cavern and ceiling had melted away as if it were candle wax.  Once we were a few meters from above the river level we grabbed inner tubes and one by one jumped into the river.  

We floated for a distance in the underground system until we hit a high concentration of glow worms.  The worms themselves are larvae that secret long threads that are sticky.  The lights are chemical reactions that are carried by the thread like fiber optic.  in the dark the clusters of glow worms look like constellations in the sky.  it is quite incredible.  The underground cave system was even more cool.  We put the tubes back then traversed the cave system.  It was not a place for the claustrophobic.  we squeezed through some tight places some where our faces were no more than two inches from the surface of the water and nothing but rock above us.  

The whole time the guide had been teasing us about eels in the water.  Well it turns out there were.  He took us to a shallow area where one particular eel made his home.  He was about 4 ft long.  Afterwards we climbed out of the caves up through three waterfalls.  it was like rock climbing through a wall and carpet of water.

We all had an incredible time and the guides were fun and very skilled.  We were all glad we did it.  The two girls we were with were a lot of fun too.  They were fearless and self-sufficient which made it enjoyable.

Afterwards we made our way to Rotorua.  A provincial town in the middle of the island (about two hours from Waitomo on a South Easterly direction).  Rotorua is known to be amidst a wealth of geothermal activity.  there are spas and thermal pools, etc much like Harrison Hot Springs only more like yellowstone.   Forrest and Dana went to a thermal pool resort to enjoy the natural springs.  the town was quaint but had the smell of sulphur constantly in the air.  we got a hotel room there which was quite amazing.  it was huge.  we stayed the night to continue our adventure the next morning in Rotorua.

To be continued...

Just a Few Pictures to Tease You Until We Get More Up

Bay of Islands

We arrived in the Bay of Islands and it is beautiful.  Yay!  we finally made it to New Zealand.  The Bay of Islands is the site of the first permanent English Settlement.  The Maori had contact with many other nations and Empires before then but those attempts had tried to subjugate the population on arrival.  On every attempt the Maori had pushed them out.  

The British were different in that their settlements started out with missionaries.  The Maori tell the story that because spiritualism was an important part of who they were that they were impressed by the fact that the British sent their spiritual leaders as the first to settle.  They were the reason that England was able to get a strong foothold right from the start.  Eventually that early relationship changed but ironically as the economic and military aspects of British colonization started, the missionary community encouraged the Maori to develop a constitution and a document declaring their independence.    It was these documents, because of how international law is written, that gave the Maori's protections under the crown.  

It is interesting because the Maori are telling a story that is based on partnership.  Like all stories that partnership broke down many times but it is fascinating to know that the Waitangi Treaty establishd by the Crown for the colonists and the Maori people (to establish a means to trade and own land) had been created not out of conflict but was the first such colonial treaty (and i think the only one) to have not been sought to end conflict but to prevent it.  Yes there were, as in all Imperial stories, breakdowns but to hear it spoken from the Maori guides it was on both sides.  As the Maori chiefs used the colonists to give them vital supplies in exchange for weapons.  Weapons they could use against their blood enemies (the other Maori tribes on the Island).

Anyway the Bay of Islands has the oldest and well preserved settlements in addition to the spot in 1840 where Maori chiefs from all over the North Island and the British colonial delegation came to sign the Waitangi Treaty.  It is considered the treaty that created today's modern nation of New Zealand.  One where at least in theory in the beginning and then in reality many years later that both Maori and British Colonists had equal rights to the land, it helped establish a means of trade of the land between the two groups, etc.  (Yes complications occurred but the interesting thing is the Maori who tell the story do not focus on that).  Its a cultural thing where they look forward instead of into the past.

Another interesting trivia piece.  New Zealand was the first modern nation to grant suffrage to women.  It is thought that it is in most part because of the high status that Maori women play in their culture.

As for the Bay of Islands itself it is so beautiful.  We expected it to be subtropical in nature and it was to some degree but for the most part it looked like a cross between Ireland, the Oregon Coast, Wales, Cornwall and the San Juans.  It was more than quaint and the people were very friendly.  we had a very good day.

The French Connection -- or French Polynesia

Vanuatu and New Caledonia

We arrived in Vanuatu and it literally poured with rain just as we were cleared to disembark.  When I say pour I mean it.  The rain came down in sheets for a good thirty minutes at least.  No one was getting off of the ship because of it.  We decided to go for it and so ventured out with our rain jackets. We were completely drenched in very warm rain within 3 seconds.  It was raining that hard.

 

Once out we grabbed a cab and went into town.  We walked through the market and one of the first things we noticed was that the Vanuatuan people were VERY shy and culturally passive.  Whether this was based on cultural norms or legalistic means wasn’t clear but in the market we were not pulled in and if we walked up and asked a question they were almost pained to be talked to.  The town had both French citizens and also native Vanuatuans who are culturally Melanesian.  The market was fascinating in the types of food and how they were displayed for sale.

 

After the market we went to go see the town itself.  We stopped at a French bakery for a drink and pastries.  We walked the rest of the town which was a little more colonial in look and feel, but still fascinating.  We had our first encounter where the American dollar was not the preferred form of currency.  We tried to pay with our dollars and instead we had to get local currency as it was either that or New Zealand dollars.   After the town we found out from some other passengers that there was an unofficial water taxi back to the ship and so we took that as it gave a good tour of the harbor.

 

The weather improved in time for our excursion which was a snorkel expedition to Paradise Beach.  We were taken by wooden sail boat to the place and then anchored off the beach.  Those who wanted to drop into the deep water and snorkel to the coral area did so at that point.  The rest were ferried by skiffs to the beach to then snorkel back to the coral area.  Obviously we jumped into the water.  It was quite spectacular, the reef.  There were dozens of types of fish, sea snakes, and other types of animals, including a purple starfish.  There were two poles with food bags where we could grab the food and have the fish eat right out of our hands.  The fish were very tame.  Afterwards some of the crew, who were very friendly and fun, took us on a tour of the beach area.  We saw hermit crabs the size of fists and small lizards climbing all over the trees. 

 

We enjoyed Vanuatu and came to find the people very warm once they got used to you.  Our next stop was Ile de Pins, which is part of New Caledonia.  It was the first time a cruise ship had stopped there.  Usually only a passenger ferry goes there regularly from the main islands of New Caledonia.  This was by far our favorite stop.  The name means Island of Pine Trees.  And it is well named.  For the first time in the tropics we saw pine trees.  They are tall and thin and contrast against the more tropical plants in the area.  We tendered from the ship and were welcomed at the dock by native dancers and given flowered hats and wreaths.  From there we did a bit of shopping at a local artisan commune and then rented bikes to ride into the main town which was four miles away.  The whole island has no more than 2,600 people.  There are French but the vast majority of islanders are the native peoples.  We rode into town which was spread out.  Its buildings were set amongst lush plants on large plots of land.  We found an ATM (as only the local currency was used) and went to the local store only to find that it wasn’t opening until much later.  The owner happened to be working in her yard and saw us (noticed we were foreigners) and ran to open the store.  We were desperate for a cold drink as it was a very warm day, much to hot to be riding the hills on bikes.   Everywhere we were greeted with a healthy “Bonjour” and the people were friendly while also going about their daily business.

 

After town we rode to the old Penal Colony ruins.  It was much overgrown and the land had been reclaimed as pasture but the buildings still stood with the barred windows and doors slowly rusting and rotting.  Exhausted we rode back to the beach area and relaxed and swam.  The marine life was rich here too.  The sand the finest we have encountered yet.  It dried and fell off your feet and water shoes immediately after getting out of the water.

 

We had too much sun there which we suffered the next day but we had enjoyed the quaintness of the island and the sincere friendliness of the inhabitants.

 

The port city of Noumea also in New Caledonia was our last stop in the French Polynesian Islands.  It was a very busy city with a vibrant port.  Colonial in nature but bustling.  It was very French and a good number of the city’s inhabitants were expatriates.  Friendly and helpful in every way we had a great time here. Everyone was very laid back and everyone spoke French. We rented two scooters and a “fun car” to get around town. We decided to have a full day free of ship food.  We ate at a local breakfast spot just across from the beach where we enjoyed crepes.  The owner wondered if we had a recipe for spicy hot wings as he had tried some from a visitor from the states and that person had refused to share the recipe. We had a few ideas of how to do it and he was very thankful.  The food was great.  Afterwards we took a ferry ride out to “the best snorkeling in New Caledonia” to see if it lived up to its name.  it was a resort built on a small island just off the beach from the main island.  We caught up with some crew members and enjoyed the sun, the beach and the good snorkeling.  It WAS pretty spectacular.  We ate a big lunch and then continued back to the main island.  We decided that we would try out the local French bakeries as they looked like the real deal.  They were.  We bought out the store and hauled it all back to the ship.

 

At night we heard there was a market on Thursdays (when we were there) and so proceeded to it to see what it was about.  It was the biggest gathering of locales in the large park at the center of the city.  There was not a lot but it was interesting to see the city pull together as one community.  Later we walked to the waterfront (where the small boats harbored) to find a place to eat.  We were told by locales that is where the nightlife was.  We found a large restaurant/ bar and sat down. Like france it did not serve dinner until after 7.  So we had a drink and then waited for the evening meal to start being served.  We had a great waitress but the other person waiting our table, the waiter was a little rude and assumed none of us could speak French.  It was all over not finishing a fish.  It had been served continental style bones and head mostly intact, the scales cleaned off and pan fried with little or no coating.  I was not as hungry as I thought and didn’t bother to turn the fish over to eat the other side.  It was quite evident from my plate (since I had not finished the potatoes or vegetables) that I had not appetite.  The waiter made a slight comment about me not having eaten the other side in French to the waitress while laughing.  I called him on it which he immediately played ignorant with English and aloof.  The waitress was embarrassed.  I would have pressed on but Forrest reminded me that it is a big faux pas to not finish your plate among the French.

 

Afterwards we enjoyed a nice stroll back to catch one of the last shuttles into the ship terminal.  We loved French Polynesia.  Apart from one waiter, everyone was friendly and happy and laid back.  Each of the islands had their own flavor and each had a unique feel. 

 

Next stop the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.

The tale of two Samoas

We were not sure what to expect in either Samoa. Wednesday we arrived in Pago Pago. Everything was lush and tropical. We walked through town, which did not take long. It was evident it was a different world (for example, in the town’s only bank, it looked like the DMV. You had to take a number and wait, fortunately, we only needed an ATM). Everyone was surprisingly friendly, and everyone would honk and wave! About noon, we headed for Tisa’s Barefoot Bar, located about 20 minutes out of town. It was a bar built out of materials found on the beach, with laid back staff south pacific style. Lee and Dana wanted a tattoo, so they talked to the Tisa to see if she knew which island was a good place to get it. Tisa soon had the island’s master tattoo artist at the bar and Lee and Dana got tattoo right in the middle of the bar, with a crowd watching. The tattoo master, Wilson, did a fantastic job and talked about the fact tattoos originated in Samoa. Tisa brought out her guitar and serenaded the boys as they got their tattoos. Lee and Dana discovered the local beer. We capped off the night with a Samoa feast we reserved ahead of time. I have to admit, most south pacific food I have had previously has not impressed me, but wow, this was good eating The preparation took over eight hours, with rocks heated in the fire and then layers of food and banana leaves to lock in the moisture. We had lamb (the best), chicken, prawns, squid, turkey, breadfruit, all sorts of bananas, fish stew in coconut milks, taro leaves in coconut milk, all eaten with your hands. He granddaughters then put on a dance show for us. The food was wonderful! It was an incredible way to cap off the day. Tisa’s bar is amazing as Tisa. She is calm, loving and so indescribable. If you ever stop in American Samoa, this is the place.

Thursday was Samoa, or commonly known as Western Samoa. We had high hopes after American Samoa. It did not take us long to find that the joys of this island must be harder to reach. Our day started with 100 cab drivers all in a line, each in turn asking if we needed a cab. The road out of the port was tight and one ongoing cab driver used his mirror to literally push Lee out of the way (I was horrified). We decided soon after to only cross following a local. The city was hot and muggy and tourists were definite prey. We visited the Apia’s main market and it was fascinating, with tropical fruits all laid out and all sorts of food, all sitting next to giant tubs of hair gel (must be the humidity J). We soon headed back to the ship. Once back onboard, the thrusters came on and a tug soon appeared to keep the ship against the pier due to strong currents and wind. Hats off to the captain and crew, it was a tight harbor and we had to do a 360 to get out later that day.

Last night we passed the international date line, so it is Saturday here as of this posting. We just got a warning of a dengue fever outbreak in Fiji, so we were all issued mosquito repellant. For all I have heard of Fiji, this will probably not be the way to see it. We are visiting Suva, the capital. It is the only spot in Fiji they tell you not to visit. It is also Sunday, so most shops will be closed. We have signed up for a rain forest walk with the ship (it would have been good to hear about the dengue fever before), but it should be a lovely trip none the less.

I am off to lounge by the pool. We miss everyone and take care!

Crossing the Equator – or Hazing at Sea

At 10 am October 6, 2008 we crossed the Equator.  Apparently there is a rite that is performed on crew members of ships who have never crossed the Equator before.  A Rite of Passage per se. 

 

On board our ship it was very theatrical and held on the pool deck at the aft of the boat.  The crew members are put on trial before crew members acting as Neptune and his wife.  There is a crew member who acts as the judge and the jury are made up of the senior officers of the ship. 

 

Essentially the “guilty crew members” or “initiates”  also known as “Pollywogs”  are led out by other crew members who act as pirates.  They hold the prisoners in chains.  The Pollywogs are led out in front of Neptune by their departments and then are accused by the judge of whatever crimes.  After the crimes are declared Neptune orders them cleansed.  This involves kissing the carcass of a rotting fish and then being covered in all sorts of disgusting, slimy and messy materials.   After this Neptune asks the jury to determine if they “sink” or “swim.”  If they choose “sink” they are forced onto a plank to jump into the back pool (salt water).  If they are given mercy then they walk away (messy of course)

 

It was real good fun and a great way to start the day.  But more importantly we’ve crossed the equator and are in the southern hemisphere now and only one day left  before we reach American Samoa on Wednesday.  

Crossing The Equator

Hey everyone,

            Yesterday we crossed the equator. It has been hot and humid, with lots of clouds. We are all ready for some land after five days at sea. We have been mostly lounging by the pool. Life is tough. The ship is pretty quiet at night, so tend to have it for ourselves. The internet service has been really spotty, so if did not hear from us for a few days, it is not because we do not love you. We will arrive in Pago Pago, American Samoa tomorrow at 8am until Midnight, so it should be a good day to get our land legs back. After that we head to Apia, Samoa and the off to Fiji later this week. After Apia, we cross the international date line, so instead of being behind you, we will be a day ahead of you.

            Yesterday we crossed the equator. They took all the ships crew who have not crossed the equator before and paraded them in front of King Neptune (who was the piano bar guy, who somehow ended up looking 300 pound Elton John trying to look like King Neptune. It was great.

            Take care and we will give you an update after the two Samoas.  

Hawaii -- Three Days (Oahu, Hawaii, Maui)

We arrived in the tropics finally.  Our first port, Honolulu, was on Tuesday the 29^th.   We got off the boat and rented a car to drive part of the island. We took the Pali highway to see the historic battle from the outlook.  It was a spectacular view of that part of the island.  The southeast side of the island is where we drove and it was a nice drive. 

 

We ended up on a beach for two hours on a quiet end of Waikiki.  There was  a lovely lagoon where a few locals were relaxing.  It wasn’t too crazy just a nice relaxing day to swim and lay on the beach.

 

Afterwards we went shopping and then took the car in and went to eat at Don Hos by the harbor.  I had a platter of Hawaiian food where I had the BEST pulled pork and had a VERY fresh poki poki.  I have had nothing like it.  The fish is so good here.

 

The next day we arrived in Hilo, Hawaii.  Our plans for that day was to go and visit the volcanoes, Kilauea Caldera to be precise.  Forrest was so excited he was beside himself. The volcano and the sheer dimensions were breathtaking.  The fact we were so close was pretty cool too. We drove up and around and did a few short hikes.  The day was warm as was the volcano.  We went and walked the lava tubes and then found a short walk through the area of jungle that had been scorched on one side of the trail and virtually untouched on the other.  I don’t need to tell you how eerie it felt, the sheer contrast.  But amidst it all life pushed through and carried on as new plants sprung forth out of the lava rock or trees that miraculously survived were lone islands in the porous, hard and harsh terrain. 

 

You could feel the turbulence beneath your feet and the buildings had a constant shaking going on.  All around there was an energy that pervaded everything through the air, the ground the water.  Of all three islands we visited it was the one that felt the most alive and vibrant, as if you were visiting Nature’s home itself.  It was a struggle at first because of all of it, but by the end of the day I enjoyed the island and had a great respect for it.  To say it had effected all of us was an understatement.

 

The next day was Lahaina and the island of Maui.   By far the favorite of all of ours.  We rented a jeep, took the top down and began the drive on the Road to Hana.  Everyone told us it would be impossible or a push to get to the Seven Pools on the opposite end of the island but we must have had a lucky day.  Though the road was winding and curvy along steep cliffs and two way roads at best one and three-quarters wide we made it there in an hour and a half.  We enjoyed swimming and jumping into the pools (after literally climbing to the higher one where no one else was) and swimming and playing under waterfalls.  It was a rejuvenating place for us all.  We had the running water, the deep pools, the warmth of the water and the  six pools down where the sea met the stream the waves crashing into the coast.  There was such good energy here.  We had a great time and we sunned on the rocks near the pools.  Afterwards we climbed to an outcropping and one at a time we jumped from the high rock into the pool below (20 ft down).  The first of us was passed our stuff and took pictures of the other two.  IT took some courage (there were out cropping of rock out of sight just below the cliff but the area of the pond we were jumping into was the deepest.  Jumping from that far not one of us ever touched bottom.  Those pools were deep.  We had been watching others when we first arrived and so knew where we needed to jump and how far we needed to push away from the rock at the top to clear the crags below.

 

Forrest seemed to do really well.  The warmth and the tropical breeze and the sheer relaxing beautiful scenery of the pools were very therapeutic for all of us but I could tell it did a world of good for him.  The fact he felt well enough to pull himself up to the pool with his hands and how long he stayed in the water and the sun smiling away was evidence enough.

 

The ride back was enjoyable and Forrest seemed to really enjoy the jeep.  We were all a little more red from the experience but because it was a good day, none of us minded.  When we got back we turned the car in and then walked to the waterfront and ate at Nikos where I had some more Poki Poki.  I am going to be spoiled by the fish here.  I love that it is soaked in sesame seed oil too. 

 

To let everyone know please email or post to this Blog we love to hear from you and look forward to any and all messages telling us how you are doing.  We are keeping this blog not to create envy but to keep connected.  Our way of creating virtual Ohana. 

 

Also,  I know I keep promising pictures and as soon as we hit Samoa in five days I should have the pictures in a place to upload.  There really haven’t been any great to share until Hawaii. 

 

Much love and Mahalo to all of you for keeping up with our adventures.   Samoa is promising to be a very cool port.