Isla Tres

I had to edit the musica, changed from Hawaiian to Latin.

The condo complex, a photo of me and some boats, The Iguana, a wonderful brunch at the Mango Cafe, and finally, sunset from the condo pool. We ended everyday right here, or on the beach just past the pool. Tough, huh?

Mexico was a different adventure from Hawai'i, but just as rewarding. I improved my Spanish skills, enjoyed daily fresh guac, and never found tamales. Let us know if you'd like more info on Isla and the Nautibeach Condo (that's http://www.nautibeach.com/ and pronounced Naughty Beach, but it wasn't).

Isla Dos

Air temps reached a high of 85-88 degrees and I'd estimate the water temps at about 82. Very nice all the time. More amazing colors. The water was crystal in places and the sandbars extended out probably 50 yards from the shore in places. Teresa on our balcony, a sidestreet in downtown Isla, then two more pics of the beach in front of the condo (www.nautibeach.com)

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

For our 10th Anniversary, Teresa and I went to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. We made it out just as the swine flu panic started setting in! We had no idea until we got to the airport, so our week on the island was carefree and a great getaway. Recommmended to us by some friends who live on the island part of the year, we decided to meet our friends Adam and Sharie down there. Isla Mujeres is about 5 miles off the coast from Cancun, but light years apart in lifestyle and pace. Cancun is party central and mostly American. Isla is a more slowpaced, traditional Mexican fishing village.

The first shot is of the Sunset Grill, the restaurant at the complex we stayed at. We ate here several times, mostly because it was convienient, but it was also dang good. Next shot is of a lone sombrilla at sunset (of course those cervezas were already there), and another sunset shot at the beach in front of our condo. Other than one day of cruising the island in a golf cart, we never needed to venture more than a 15 minute walk from our condo. The 4th shot is the view from our balcony, and finally the last shot of a fishing boat just offshore. Yes, those are really the colors!

Another Oahu Day p2

Mac closeup. A great shot of Mom and Dad on famous Waikiki with Diamond Head in the background. Mac and I in the same place. A view from the restaurant we ate at our last evening (the Shorebird....it's a big broiler and buffet, but the price is good, food is very good, and view is great...recommended). This should finish up the Hawai'i pics finally. We head out to Mexico tonight, so I'll post those pics when we return.

Another Oahu Day p1

Oops....somehow missed a whole day of pics from Hawai'i. Our last day.....Dad and I hiked Diamond Head and had a great view of Waikiki and Honolulu. Another excellent day of weather, but I was real concerned about Dad making it up that hill. You'll have to ask him if the view was worth it! The pic of Dad is with Koko Head/Crater in the background. Mom and her Tiki Guard. I love palms, and often take too many pics of palms.

Mac's 8th Birthday

Happy Birthday, big man. Can't believe you're 8!

Mac Hoops Star

Yeah, he's a bit taller than the other kids.

Oahu Departure

Our 4th trip to Hawai'i, but first to Oahu. If you only make one trip to Hawaii and just want to have fun and relax and getaway, go to Maui. If you only make one trip to Hawaii and want to see all the Hawaiian "stuff", I guess you'd have to go to Oahu, cause that's where all the sights are. Waikiki is where like 95% of the hotel rooms are, so you're sort of stuck there. There's by far worse places to be "stuck", but although we anticipate many returns to Hawai'i (it's so easy from Portland), we've likely made our first and last visit to the island of Oahu......unless I have to go to another conference. Then I guess I'll just get stuck.

Oahu Part Eight

This was both the best day and the most challenging day of the trip. We went to Hanauma Bay in the morning to snorkel. Had a fast food lunch, then decided to drive around the southeast point of Oahu. Came upon this beach, Sandy Beach, and decided we had to go in. Mom and Dad posing in the first pic. Me in the 2nd. If you look closely you can see the rental car key in my right pocket. This was just before I went in the water. And promptly lost the key in the pounding surf because I was so excited to get in the water I left.....it........in my............pocket. As you can see from the 3rd photo the shorebreak was poundin, and I was in the water for about an hour, so by the time I realized I didn't have the key, it was buried under 10 feet of sand.......somewhere. I was instantly agitated cause we'd have to wait about 90 min for someone to bring a replacement key....until I realized we were stranded on one of the most beautiful and fun beaches in the world. 4th pic is actually a skimboarder doing some cool moves. 5th is Kalia. This was the best weather day of the trip. Air 82, water 78, and sunny all day.

Oahu Part Seven

Mom and Dad at Sunset Beach, North Shore. The waves were good, but not great....still too rough for me. We had a few cloudy days as well...no rain, but not quite enough sunshine. Teresa and "the guy from Lost". I have no idea what his real name, but, like, he's famous on TV. Mac at Waimea Bay, North Shore. Boogieboarder and surfer, both Waimea.

Oahu Six, more PCC

Finally, the night ends with a live show and the grand finale of most luaus and entertainment in Polynesia: the Samoan Fire Knife Dance. Again, all my photos on this blog are untouched, no Photoshop, what you see is what I took.

Oahu Five PCC

We spent all day Monday Jan 26 at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Despite it being an obligatory tourist stop on Oahu, it does not disappoint. Well worth the time and dollars spent. First stop was the village of Samoa where we learned all about fire, coconuts, and Teresa even got chosen to try coconut water. New Zealand, Fiji, Marquesas, Hawaii, Tonga, Tahiti were all represented as well, hence the sign. They have a canoe pageant, and shown are the canoes representing Hawaii and Tonga.

Oahu Part Four

Papa and Mc enjoying a smoothie (not shave ice, that was about 10 minutes later). Nama and KT, same place. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Kalia's Hawai'i Birthday Cake! She turned 6 while we were there, although she wasn't quite convinced of the difference between being in Hawai'i ON her birthday and going to Hawai'i FOR her birthday. 'Salright.