Thursday, January 12, 2012

January 12th - Hilo, Hawaii

It was cloudy when we docked in Hilo this morning (pretty typical since they
get more annual rain than any other US city).

My helicopter flight was booked for the morning – so I was a little
concerned – but by the time we got to
the airport and had our safety briefing there were only a few clouds in the
sky.

My tour was with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters – I had flown with them before in
Maui and Kauai. Our pilot, James, was a retired military pilot. He said this
was a piece of cake compared to Vietnam. He finds it much more pleasant
flying around looking at scenery, meeting friendly tourists and not getting
shot at. It was an amazing way to view the volcanic activity and lava flows.
One thing that I got to see that I had missed on my previous visits to this
island – The Thompson B & B. This was the only structure to escape
destruction (I am sure the name Thompson had something to do with it). It is
a 3 ½ mile hike in from the nearest road. Guests who want to visit have to
charter a helicopter to get in and out from the B & B. It was also
interesting to see small strips of roads that were somehow missed by the
lava flow. Pu'u O'o first erupted in 1986 and by 1992 had destroyed 200+
homes and added 300 acres to the island. Out of all this has come a benefit
– they have drilled 6000 feet to produce energy and it provides 20% of the
electric power for this island.

Our pilot was a wealth of information about the agriculture and economy of
the island – the best part – no test! One thing I could have done without
knowing is that just ONE macadamia nut has 90 calories. I will never be able
to eat another one.

Our ship left Hilo at 5:30 this evening and will be traveling South for over
1000 miles before we see land again. I am looking forward to some relaxing
days in the sun.

January 11th - Lahaina, Maui

Another great day in the sunshine (it snowed again in Denver and the temps
are reported to be in the teens).

I took an early tender ashore and spent the morning shopping and walking
around in Lahaina before it got too warm.

Then I boarded the America II. In 1987, this vessel was an America's Cup
Contender at Fremantle, Australia, beating everyone except for the Stars and
Stripes. These boats are sole purpose built and retired after one season.
This particular boat was saved from the graveyard as it was first used as a
training boat, then was painted red and used in a sailing movie called Wind.
After that it was retrofitted to be used here in Maui as a tourist
attraction. It is my favorite - I have sailed on it dozens of times - I
can't come here without my sailing fix. I first got addicted to this sport
in the 90s when I was fortunate enough to sail on a pacer yacht in Auckland,
New Zealand. The afternoon sail was more about sailing and we did not see
very many whales. On the sunset sail we saw numerous whales in addition to
sailing. It was great.

Then it was back to the ship to get cleaned up for dinner and listen to a
lovely string quartet. It was a good day.

Our ship left port this evening at 11PM and we are due to arrive in Hilo,
Hawaii in the morning at 8AM.

Looking forward to another day of adventure.