Kit and Carol on the Road

My plane home was set to leave at 11pm on Friday night. While we were sitting around waiting I got a text that the plane was delayed 4 plus hours and would leave at 3:30am but I had to be there by 2:30am when the TSA closed. So decided on a nap. Then I got a text that the flight was cancelled and I had to call for new reservation. So I got switched to Hawaiian Airlines Seattle via Honolulu leaving at 10:30am Saturday and arriving SEATAC at 9:50 pm,. Had to change my shuttle as well. At least got some sleep and a shower and breakfast. Got to airport nervously early and had to wait a long time.

On the half hour flight to Honolulu I was not only in first class but in row 1. Had a very cute baby for a neighbor (with his dad). Had plenty of time which was good as seemed 500 miles to the next gate and then had to go back as there was no nearby food. (Found pizza). So I did not have so long to wait for Seattle plane. Even though I was in a middle seat in the middle it seemed just a roomy as my pay lots extra seat on the Alaskan plane. Far prefer the planes with the 2-4-2 configuration and two aisles. And everyone in the main cabin got free food (a sandwich type thing) and a free rum drink. Plus we had screens. I could watch the painfully slow progress of the plane across the ocean.

Arrived late in Seattle—just about the time my shuttle was to leave. I had to race to the train from the far south gate the the train to baggage claim (the farthest one of course) and to the bathroom and to the far away elevator to the 3rd floor and frantically look for the shuttle kiosk. They were still waiting for me though I had alas not had my phone on. It was only 45 minutes home as I was first off. Got home just before midnight.


Carol Harma--from my iPad

Thursday night Milli and I had a "farewell dinner" at this upscale steak and seafood place called The Beach House. (we had steak). Friday night we had dinner at a lower key place that served Sushi and Thai food at a nearby mall.

Yesterday we went to the beach and I didn't get any photos worth saving. Milli sat and took a lot of ocean waved. I tried beach walks but it's not easy any more. At least we didn't get rained on. Every morning I walk to the beach. Today it was follow this lovely path the the sea. Watched kids playing in the surf.

It's hard to find tours that don't involve a lot of walking. So we went on the Rum tour where the only walking was down a boardwalk to the "tasting room". It was a fun tour and we were all very happy at the end. Lots of fruit trees —fruits not in season. But no more sugar cane on Kauai or anywhere in Hawaii.

Morning walks to the beach and afternoon hot tub and pool. Not much going on. Last night we went for pizza and this afternoon we are going on a "rum" tour at the Plantation.

We had a very late lunch so was late afternoon before we got to the beach. Though it had been fine all day a rain shower hit just as we were heading to the beach. Luckily I had my blue rain poncho. Just when I had it dried out and taken off the deluge came and I had to struggle to put it on again. Then we had to wade across muddy puddles to get to the car.

Long drive up to the top. Clear skies for the most and VERY windy

These turtles are resting on Poipu beach. I couldn't do a closeup with my phone in the bright sun. Shortly after I took this photo a rain shower came and I had to struggle into my rain poncho. Milli had come to pick me up and her car was not far away.

My feet are killing me but made the short walk to the beach. A nice couple took my photo.

The wind is blowing crazy and I am sitting here on the lanai in Poipu. At least it is not currently raining though rain is in the forecast nearly every day. No. plans yet.

In the good old days of flying you got headphones to plug into your arm rest for music to drown out the plane noise. Now you can't even lean your seat back. In the good old days there were movies come down from the ceiling or later in your seat back. Now if you want entertainment you have to bring your own. In the good old days there you got real food on the plane. So it goes.

Carol Harma--from my iPad

Backwards from my usual experience getting to the gate was actually the easiest part. I had my own private shuttle door to door. Hardly any people at airport and luckily the young people all tried to help me get my luggage tags. The line to turn luggage in was longer than security line. Both went pretty quick. I had to take the train to my gate but I knew about that. Got some tacos at 4. Waited.

The plane trip was just plain LONG. 6 hours of sitting. A little turbulence but not unexpected. Finally we landed in Kauai and my bag came and Milli was waiting and it was the middle of the night my time.

Carol Harma--from my iPad

"Leaving on a jet plane..."

Dear blog,
I had totally forgotten you until reminded by my sister. Travel seems to have largely slipped from our lives. Though I am at home for the winter, Kit has gone to Tucson for winter bicycling —and has sold our "cottage" (ie park model) there, so an era is at an end. Meanwhile I am getting ready to travel to Kauai next Wednesday. So I shall reawaken this travel blog for a few weeks at least.


Carol Harma--from my iPad