Mar 2, 2013 - Sailing Adventure

Today we we had reservations to sail on the America's Cup 12 meter yacht, America 2. To say it was exhilarating, would be an understatement .. We started out motor sailing until we reached Black Rock Point on Kaanapali. We rounded the point, we got into the strong trade winds that have been blowing since we arrived. No longer in the lee of the mountains, we were now experiencing the full force of the wind. The boat handled well, having a double reef in the mainsail, and only a working jib. At times the deck was awash, the rail was in the...

Feb 28, 2013 - Road to Hana

We left the condo today about 7:30 to start our journey. Takes about an hour to get to the other side of the island..it's a beautiful drive along the coast. We thought we were going to be divorced during the first hour, 347 hairpin turns, and 53 one lane bridges. The road is so narrow in spots, that 2 cars can barely squeeze by each other. then you have locals that drive so fast around the curves, that their tires squeal..It got better after that.. LOL. We saw lots of beautiful waterfalls and scenery. The black sand beach was really cool....

Feb 27, 2013 - Laid Back Day

We managed to sleep in until 6:45 today! Headed out to the Cannery Mall looking for some new sandals. I blew out my flip flop yesterday, so I needed to find a new pair. Finally found some at Maui Dive Shop. Glad we stopped there. Not only did I get sandals, but also got some good snorkeling spots to check out. Stopped at Maui Brewing to try their beers. I really liked the Black Rock dark lager. Linda saw some whales today from the balcony. Relaxed by the pool, and then went into lahaina for dinner at Cheeseburgers in Paradise. Another...

Feb 24, 2013 - First Full Day on Maui

Got up this morning & had coffee on the lanai overlooking the beautiful grounds. We can see the ocean. Went to breakfast at the hotel next door. It was very good, while there we watched 2 whales jumping & playing. After breakfast we went into Lahaina to do some shopping & sightseeing ..stopped at Cheeseburgers in Paradise for a Mai tai and a Firerock beer. Then onto Fleetwoods owned by Mick Fleetwoods. He is usually there along with other musicians..Steven Tyler ..Sammy haggar. And others, but he's ready to go on tour and was off the...

Feb 6, 2013 - Slaters arrive today

Yesterday was the laziest day around here yet. Weather was also strange. We had some cloud, brilliant sunshine and rain at various times during the day. Spent most of the day at home. Read our books on the lanai most of the day. I did go into the water around 1:00 as I spotted a couple of turtles feeding about 3 feet off shore. I took the underwater camera and got some good pictures as I followed them around for 20 minutes or so. At 4:30 we decided to try a quick snorkel at Kapalua Bay. When we arrived, there was no one on the beach except...

Feb 4, 2013 - Whale Watch Day

We spent the entire day yesterday being lazy at home. Went in the water a few times and then sat by the ocean to dry off. Came up for meals and drink refills.....a very nice day. This morning we used my iPhone alarm for the first time. Didn't really need it as I was awake well before it went off at 6:30. We had a breakfast and then headed into Lahaina to board the whale watch boat, the Discovery. It was calmer today than most days but the sun was still going to be intense. The boat pulled out at 8:15 and wasn't full. We had great seats on...

Feb 2, 2013 - Snorkel Day

It is 7:00 am and looks like another clear sky. The winds were strong last night but seemed to have dies down a bit now. Time for breakfast and head off to Kapalua before it gets too windy.had a good snorkel this morning and even got a parking place close by. Water was clearer than previously so fish pictures were better but didn't run into any turtles today. After a shower at home we headed back out to the swap meet as the guy I met last week was to bring me some Norfolk Pine to bring home. Well he remembered me, B squared, but forgot the...

Feb 1, 2013 - Off to Kula

The sun came out yesterday and we decided to try the snorkeling out front of our place. Well it was still windy and the visibility was not great and neither were the fish. In fact there weren't any by the coral at all so we came in after a half hour and got some more reading done by the beach. Had a nice chat with Doug on Skype last night. He is in Orlando on a golfing excursion with his brother in law and 2 other guys for a week. Starting to enjoy the benefits of retirement and he looks good. Then talked to Janine and the kids on Skype as...

Jan 30, 2013 - Back to Sunshine

Weather finally came back today, clear blue sky and sunshine. Apparently that is the result of returning trade winds. Whatever the reason, it was welcome. We didn't do much today at all. Starting to feel like a resident. One of the pictures today was to show Darryl the beach out front as other times there hasn't been one because of different wave action. Today I happened to look out over the water and saw 2 whales bring their tails out of the water and bring them down with a huge splash. This in itself is nothing unusual except they did it...

Jan 29, 2013 - More rain

Another day of rain....yikes!! We were up early and it was still cloudy but we went for our morning walk. After breakfast I went "noodling" for a half hour . The waves were quite big so I got a good bobbing. It began to rain again about 10:00 when I was still in the water. The water was quite cloudy because of all the run off so snorkeling was out again today. It looked a little brighter in the south so we packed a lunch and headed for Kahalui. We went to th3e fabric wearhouse and Dianne picked up some fabric to bring home. We made a quick...

Jan 28, 2013 - Rain today

Got up this morning about 6:30 to the sound of rain.....something we haven't heard for awhile! It was really coming down. I went out onto the lanai and saw my first "red plume"! The rains come quickly down the mountain and come to the ocean through wide dry stream beds that we see on our walks. These channels normally have dry red soil in the bottom. The rain picks it up and when the water hits the ocean, it mixes and forms a beautiful red mushroom shaped plume in the water. The wave action eventually disperses the red silt. It looked cool....

Jan 25, 2013 - Black Rock

Another slow day....that seems a recurring theme. Up early every day though, 6:30 usually o put the coffee on. It is just starting to get light then and it is great sitting outside with a fresh cup as the sky brightens and you realize it is going to be another great day. When we were out for our walk today, we came across the local garbage truck. It looked just like the one Jack got for Xmas, hence the picture. The flower pictures are just ones blooming in people's yards along the roadway. The colors make for a pleasant walk. We went to...