Finally Found Hana

After another early morning I decided to give Hana another try.  I am glad I did.  This time I had a map in hand and headed down the right road (making the correct turn makes all the difference).  As I started out I noticed tons of cars parked on the side of the road, it was a Hana Relay Race.  There were tons of teams dressed in hilarious running outfits, ie Runaway Bride, Beer Run. My first stop was at the side of cliff to watch the surfers and eat my morning yogurt.  I made all the right stops for the beautiful photo ops.  The road reminded me a lot of Kaui.  After a couple hours, (it takes 15 minutes just to go 5 miles) I made it to the end and was rewarded with a beautiful beach with black sand.  I took a swim and hiked around looking at the lava tubes and caves.  After taking a couple dips in the ocean I headed back down.  On the way down I stopped at Mama's Fish House which I read a lot about in the guide books.  I was a little intimidated at first when I saw that they had free valet parking.  By the name of the place I envisioned a casual place where I ate fried fish in baskets.  This was super fancy, I sat at the bar and ordered an delicious appetizer and salad.  When I got the bill I noticed I was over charged, so I pointed it out to the bar tender.  They were very apologetic and comped my beer, YEAH!  After lunch I lounged on the gorgeous beach by the restaurant and then headed back to my room. What a long day, after taking a shower and eating a granola bar I was tired and asleep by 8:30 again.  

Round and Round in Maui

On my first full day in Maui I woke up at 4:30 am (darn time change).  I took that the time to plan out my day.  I used some of 1 free hour of internet service to figure out the "Road to Hana" I alway heard so much about.  I wrote down the direction and all the mile marker stops the site recommended.  By 6 am I was ready to go.  I headed out all excited, starting on 30.  I was looking for a turn off to 380.  After a while the road got trecherous, curvy and with one lane bridges.  Just like I had read about.  But, I was still on 30.  The views were gorgeous, but none of the mile markers made sense.  After a couple hours things started to look familiar again.  WTF, I had just gone in a big circle around the coast of West Maui.  By this time is was 9:30 and I was starving!  I stopped at Aloha Mixed Plate for breakfast and decided to just have a beach day!  Went to Ka'annapali beach by Whalers Village (Black Rock) and lazed around reading.  At about 3, it started raining so I took that as a sign to head in and take a shower.  Once I was cleaned up I went to Front Street in downtown Lahaina and browsed around the shops.  Picked up some food to go and ate on my patio (lanai) watching the sun set.  The perfect end to the almost perfect day....  Next time I will bring a map!

Technically Challenged or Cheapskate??

After finally getting all the pictures I had taken on my first day downloaded to the ipad, I logged on ready to post about my adventures.  However, I couldn't find the right link to get the pictures uploaded on the blog.  I only had an hour of free internet service, after that they charge $10 a day.  Frustrated I gave up!  The resort has 2 computers available at guest relations to use the internet.  So, I frugalled out and decided to post sans pictures for FREE!  I know that blog posts with out pictures are boring, but I can edit the posts when I get home and insert the pictures.  Technically challenged or cheapskate?  You decide.....

Arriving in Style

I finally made it to Maui!  I upgraded my flight to first class, which was amazing!  The flight began with a mimosa.  During the flight watched a movie while sipping on Pinot grigio.  After lunch enjoyed a coffee with kahlua.  Then took a nap, before it was time for arrival.  Once I arrived I got my car and headed to my hotel.  It has been a few years since I was in Maui, but once I started driving to Kaanapali everything felt familiar again.  It was a little strange to be here without my boys.  Once I got settled, headed straight to the beach!

Week-End with Mom

My Mom came for a visit recently.  It was great to see her and catch up on things.  We enjoyed a week-end full of activities.  Dinner, shopping, movies....it was like a little mini vacation at home with my Mom.  Check out some pics from the week-end!

Let's Catch Up

Sorry I've been missing for a while......  Hmm what are some top reasons I have disappeared lately?

1.  I could have escaped reality and moved to a secluded tropical island (dream come true...).

2.  I could have gotten chained to my desk at work unable to escape until all of my spreadsheets are done (nightmare....).

3.  I could have been kidnapped my aliens.

4.  I could have gotten trapped out in the backyard forced to survive on my pitiful garden and lounge by the pool.

Luckily (or sadly) none of the above happened.  I have just been super busy with life.  Don't you just hate it when life gets in the way....   However,  have made time to eat healthy and do yoga.   As of today only 26 days and counting to surf camp!

Me in 26 days.....

Surf Camp in Hawaii

I am officially freaking out!  I have only 51 days until I leave for Surf Camp...Woo Hoo, but Yikes!  I visited Hawaii for the first time in 2004 and immediately had a connection.  I love the ocean, but there was just something magical about the ocean in Hawaii.  Maybe it was because I had finally made it to Hawaii and YES, it lived up to every one of my expectation.  I have been back 3 times since then and each time I look out at the waves with longing...I want to ride those waves.  However, our visits have been a family affair.  How much can I really accomplish by taking a 2 hour surf lesson?  Their goal is to get you up on the board, not actually teach you want to do so you can go out on your own.  I need commit to the goal, live it every day, submerge myself in it.  Well, I am finally going to get that chance, an entire week by myself at a women's only surf camp.  Now, with only 51 days, am I ready?  I just have a little over 6 weeks to get ready.  I must now focus all my energy in the next 6 weeks to getting ready.  Yesterday, I spent 2 hours at the gym where my hubby gave me an intense workout with weights.  Ouch, I am feeling it today.  I am going to keep it going with a healthy focus on diet and getting in shape!  So far today I have been good.  Lunch was leftovers from last night, salmon, rice and peas, plus a banana.  Going to yoga tonight after work.  That is my downfall I get so busy at work I miss the yoga class or I am just too tired to go.  New strategy, I packed my yoga clothes so I can change in the bathroom and go straight from work....

Keeping my eye on the prize!