November 29th - Hilo, Hawaii

Back in the United States this morning - our first stop in Hawaii as we make
our way back to San Diego.

Woke up to a damp and grey day here in Hilo, but then the ship is on the wet
side of the island, so one should not really be that surprised.

The first stop this morning was to the airport for my helicopter ride/tour
with Safari Helicopters.

Our pilot (Gardner) took us to the Kilauea Volcanic System to view the
current activity. During my last flights here I saw the lava flowing into
the ocean and flew over the lava fields. This time the views were
dramatically different. After some thirty years the lava flow has changed
direction and is now heading across new lands toward a village. It was
amazing to witness the fires and destruction that is occurring. The
temperatures reach upwards of 2000 degrees and cool to about 1000 degrees
within twenty minutes time, resulting in a mass of steamy clouds. The flow
is not fast, but I am sure that is no consolation for the residents that are
in the path of the lava flows and will have to be evacuated as it creeps
closer to their homes and businesses.

Our tour was to also include a flyover of the waterfalls near Hilo, but
weather conditions did not permit. I was sorry to have missed this part of
the flight, but since many people had their flights cancelled due to the
weather conditions, I am happy we got off the ground.

Did a little sightseeing on our own before heading back to the ship -
everything was very wet - but also very lush and green.

November 24th - Apia, Samoa

The weather did not look promising as we sailed in to port this morning, but
after getting off the ship and heading out of town - we left the rain behind
us.

Our stop here today was to be short....so here is what we visited and saw.

Falefa Falls, La Mafa Pass, Fuipisa Falls, Sopo'aga Falls, Togitagiga Falls,
Sinalei Resort, Lupesina Treesort (luxury treehouse accommodations),
Papapapai-tai Falls, Robert Louis Stevenson House, Town Clock Tower, local
market and lots of critters, flowers and scenic stops along the way.

Managed to fit all of this in with the help of our wonderful driver and
guide "Junior".

We spent most of the day out of town, and it was evident that this was a
place of joy and happy people. They took care of their homes and villages,
no matter how small or meager, there was a real sense of pride and
community.

Supposedly this lush island was one of the inspirations for "South Pacific"
and one can easily see why. I think if you listened carefully enough, one
would hear the call of Bali Hai in the wind.

Everyone at our dining table has tried planning one tour or another and no
matter how perfect the plan and itinerary, there are so many things outside
of one's control that sometimes things just do not work out. Today, that was
not the case, in addition to a great plan, the stars were in alignment,
making for a GREAT DAY!

Looking forward to five sea days as we make our way to Hawaii - hard to
believe that this is day 64 of this journey.