5 Weeks in Kauai Trip Report - Part 1
 

Aloha! We've returned from paradise and it was even better than we remembered from our last trip to Kauai 20 years ago! This trip was amazing, not just because it was Kauai, but because I retired the week before so for the first time ever, I took a FIVE WEEK vacation! It was wonderful!

And a big mahalo to all of you who helped me plan and patiently answered all my questions. You're the best!

I'm not quite sure how to do a trip report covering 5 weeks without boring ya'll silly! So instead of a detailed report, I'm going to break it down into sections -- lodging, dining, beaches, and activities. Then if you have questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

Lodging:
Week 1 - we stayed in a private home in the Ha'ena area. It is owned by a couple from our hometown who put it up for a charity auction each year and we had the good fortune to have the winning bid! It was wonderful - a lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath, wrap around covered deck, beach & mountain views, one house in from the beach and beautiful, lush landscaping. We felt like we were in the middle of the jungle! Very cool! And very secluded. It's on a private road, steps to Makua (Tunnels) Beach, near Ha'ena Point. Uncrowded beach, lots of shells, stunning sunrises & sunsets, good snorkeling. It was a great experience and we'll definitely go back to this house!

Weeks 2 & 3: The Cliffs Resort, Princeville. We chose the Cliffs primarily for their tennis courts! I know, I know...we can play tennis at home but we love it and it's a priority. The courts did not disappoint, very nice and well maintained. The pool was tiny and crowded. The unit was nice enough. Recently remodeled, 1 bedroom, 2 bath with ocean views. This was a huge change from the Ha'ena house but we liked Princeville very much. If we return to Princeville, we would stay at the Hanalei Bay Resort...good resturant and bar, nice tennis courts and beach access and spectacular views.

Weeks 4 & 5: Poipu Sands #212 (part of Poipu Kai Resort). For these two weeks, my husband returned home & my college roommate joined me as part of our joint retirement celebration. First trip to Hawaii for her so I chose the sunny side (although we had great weather on the north shore). This was a great unit, located right next door to the Grand Hyatt with Shipwreck Beach views. This unit has been recently remodeled and it's very, very nice and clean and comfortable. The owner was very accessible and helpful and really went the extra mile. For example, an hour after we arrived, he called to make sure everything was ok. He sent us candy and he for delivery of the Garden Isle newspaper as well as high speed internet service. Nice touches. We like this place a lot. The grounds were beautifully landscaped and well maintained; the pool was clean and it was just a nice area, good vibes there. And it was very nice being a sort walk to the Hyatt for cocktails/pupus and meals and the spa there. I highly recommend this condo if you're interested in the Poipu area. You can see it at www.vrbo.com/44038

Next up, dining and sunset cocktail locations!

Excellent!

Please post the following breakdowns right here and not listed separately.

I can barely make it home after 3 weeks!!! how does it feel after FIVE?!?!? ;)

Wow -- 5 weeks! Impressive :) Congrats on retiring, what an exciting time for you! People in our families razz us for taking 2 weeks of vacation time! We are headed to Hawaii for our 3rd time next week, but it's our 1st time to Kauai, so I can't wait to read the rest of your TR.

Kal - coming home after 5 weeks was VERY hard! To get on the plane, I had to promise myself we'd return next year.

Beachgirl86 - since you're leaving next week, I'll try to hurry and get this trip report done so it might be of some use to you.

Dining
This is going to be hard because I think we ate at every single restaurant ever recommended on this forum! Maybe not all but it seems like it! Instead of commenting on each one, I'm going to mention our favorites, the places we recommend.

On the North Shore, our very favorites were Postcards, Bali Hi, and Sabellas. We had incredible meals and very good service at each. We also had good meals at Hanalei Dolphin, Polynesian Cafe, Zelos, Cafe Hanalei. If you like to cook, try the fish market behind the Hanalei Dolphin. The restaurants were great about sharing recipes so we had some great meals in too!

On the South Shore, our favorites were Roys and Tidepools. Also had good meals at the Beach House, Keoki's, and Gaylords.

The only place we ate on the East Shore was Duke's Barefoot Bar for lunch. Good fish sandwich, beachside, fun people watching spot.

SUNSET COCKTAILS
We always try to take in the sunset, preferably with a tasty, cold cocktail in hand! Our favorite sunset spots:

North Shore:
Hands down, Makua (Tunnels)Beach! Steps from our house, G&T in hand, company of our best friends, incredible view, typically the only people on the beach...priceless!

Bali Hi Restaurant and Happy Talk Bar at the Hanalei Bay Resort. Gorgeous, dramatic views and to-die-for coconut shrimp!

The Living Room at the Princeville Hotel - similar view but with a pianist! Nice

South Shore:
Beach House Restuarant. Beautiful plus they make a mean martini!

Sheraton Point - very nice view but crowded

Seaview Terrace at the Grand Hyatt. Not much of a sunset view but nice ocean view & great pupus plus live music --- beautiful Hawaiian music of the Leilani Rivera Band.

Miscellaneous Recos - JoJos in Waimea for Shave Ice and Banana Joes (near Kilauea for smoothies, fresh fruit & vegetables and a fresh pineapple salsa -- served it with fresh opa from the fish market!

Next up, BEACHES!

That does it....next year I was planning on going to Kaua'i for a month. Now it is going to have to be six weeks.
((D))8-)

jamalty - maybe I'll see you there! By the way, how do I view the smiley page?

Ok, on to BEACHES....
We went to so many beaches, it’s hard to remember them all but I’ll try to give you our take on the ones I do remember!

North Shore beaches:

Makua (Tunnels) Beach - spent a lot of time on this beach. See my comments under “sunset cocktails” This beach was always uncrowded, except by the public park and Tunnels Reef - lots of snorkelers up that way. But further south, where we were staying, there were never many people. Tons of sea shells & incredible “Bali Hi” view. Aside from snorkeling, we did not swim there.

Anini Beach - very narrow beach but pretty, uncrowded the day we were there and swimable.

Secret Beach - awesome, uncrowded, wide beach but a long hike down and a lung busting hike back up. No swimming the day we were there.

Ke’e – we were all a bit disappointed in Ke’e. We went early to hike the Kalalau Trail so we had no trouble with parking but after we hiked and snorkeled, it was packed. The snorkeling was only so-so and the beach was dirty. We didn’t return.

Lumahai Beach – beautiful but not swimable the day we were there. This is where they filmed Mitzi Gaynor “washing that man right out of her hair” in “South Pacific.”

Hanalei Bay Beach - what can I say….this beach is just incredibly beautiful! Very swimable, wide beach. And it was never crowded!

Princeville Beach – access through the hotel but other than that, good snorkeling and very swimable.

Kalihiwai Beach – very pretty little bay and nice beach. This too was very swimable.

East Shore beaches:

Lydgate State Park beach – this was a crowded beach but the perfect spot to teach my friend how to snorkel. Lots of fish too!

Ninini Beach by the Lihui Marriot – nice little beach, good swimming, lots of surfers and close to restaurants and shops.

South Shore beaches:

Gillin’s Beach, Kawailoa Bay and Ha’ula Beach -- we took the dirt road past the Hyatt to find some these beaches. For the most part, we were the only people there! They might have been swimable but we were content to sit and relax! They were all beautiful!

Shipwreck Beach – every morning for our 2 weeks in Poipu, we would take our coffee down to this beach (and very nice of the Hyatt to provide the swings!). There were always a lot of people swimming here in spite of all the posted warnings. The cliff to the south is Makawehi Point and people will hike up and jump!

Brennecke and Poipu beaches were both very crowded and not near as nice as what I remember from 20 years ago. I wonder if they were hit especially hard by Iniki?

Kiahuna/Sheraton beach – this was a fun beach. Crowded but fun, very swimable but strong enough waves to make it interesting! We stayed at Kiahuna 20 years ago and the beach was nice then too.

Lawai Beach – this is a tiny beach at the Beach House restaurant. Swimable, good snorkeling, very rocky. The day we were there, a Monk Seal had beached himself to rest. Authorities came shortly after to keep people away. We were told that there are only 1300 Monk Seals in the world and they are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act so it was incredible to see one up close.

Next up, activities/excursions and miscellaneous stuff. Let me know if you have any questions!

Great trip report, Daydreamin!! I recall you making plans on Fodors...now the trip has come and gone. Your vivid descriptions make me miss Kauai!!
Congrats on your winning bid for the No. Shore house. How lucky is THAT!!??
What a shame about Ke'e. I alwasy loved it there, and it was not in that condition two yrs ago. Wonder what happened??
Daydreamin, hope it's ok to add this to a fellow Fodorite:
Beachgirl 86, if you see this--have a wonderful trip!!

daydreamin, just the fix I need. When you started planning this trip, I thought you were just daydreamin!! Thanks so much for sharing your time and experiences with us.

((r))

smileys- http://www.fodors.com/forums/smileys/ ((*))

daydreamin,

I remember when you were planning this trip, and I thought I was jealous then. =:) I'm neon green with envy now!=:)

Great report! Keep it coming.

BTW we brought our tennis gear also, and the Hanalei Bay Resort had nice courts that we walked by every day. Somehow we never could get motivated enough to play tennis (or golf). Maybe if we had stayed five weeks....... :)

Ddreamin',
I remember the first trip over. Mrs Kal was a bit misty eyed in the airport. I asked her what was wrong. She said she got the feeling we'd never be back.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Why we continue to return to that Hellhole of the Pacific is beyond us!

Great TR. Waiting for activities. We may actually DO some this trip! :))

Thanks for adding to your TR! It's great -- I can't wait!

CaliNurse: Thanks for the well wishes. I promise my own TR when we return!

Great report. Bookmarking for 2007. I hope!

daydreamin' - thanks for the report! We'll be there starting Monday for 3 weeks so can't wait! :) (Actually 1/2 on Kauai and 1/2 on Maui.) Had a question - I read somewhere that there might be renovations at Princeville Resort? Did you see anything? Love the Living Room((D))so hope that is okay since we are bring my never-been BIN and wife and want them to see it in its glory.:D

Muchos mahalos daydreamin! Your favorites are my favorites!

-Bill

daydreamin - I was wondering about your trip and hoping for a report...and here you are. Fabulous, absolutely fabulous. Mahalo!
((S))((*))

cruisin tiger - I didn't see any construction at the Princeville Hotel and definitely none in The Library. We went there one Sunday night for sunset cocktails and had the pleasure of watching a hula demo and narrative about it's history.

Kal - the nice thing about returning to the same place (or going for 5 weeks for that matter) is that you don't feel compelled to do a lot, other than relax!

Bill - ah....the whole place is my favorite! ((r))

iceeu2 and lvk and Calinurse - I remember and appreciate how helpful ya'll were in my planning effort! It's hard to imagine it's come and gone already!

jed - thanks for the smileys! ((h)) Activities/Excursions

On to activities and excursions! The best activity, the one that comes to mind everytime I think of Kauai, is sitting on a beach, relaxing, not having to be anywhere at a given time. As the weeks went on and we continued to decompress, we spent more and more time on the beaches, reading, napping, swimming -- basically total relaxation! There’s just something wonderful about waking up from a quick nap on a beach that’s so beautiful it defies description....ahhhhh!

But having said that, I do have some other things to recommend!

Na Pali Coast Cruise - highly recommend this! We were very pleased with the Kauai Sea Tours (kauaisetours.com) out of the small boat harbor in Waimea. We were not on the Lucky Lady but a smaller boat which worked out well because with the smaller boat, the captain was able to maneuver it into some awesome sea caves! Wow! I can’t even begin to describe them! We saw spinner dolphins, turtles and yet another Monk Seal! The cruise went all the way to Ke’e and back. The snorkeling was good & it was fun to snorkel from a boat. We took the 4 hour cruise which actually took over 5 hours! Calm seas and a nice crew. Very fun time! (But the theme song from “Gilligans Island" (3 hour cruise) is still running through my mind!)

Hiking – we love to hike and Kauai has hikes for every level! I didn’t care for the first leg of the Kalalau Trail and turned back before we got to Hanakapiai Beach. It was just too slippery that day and I had visions of a sprained ankle on day 3 of this long awaited trip to paradise. But our guys loved it and made it to the beach. I bought a book on hiking Kauai and we discovered so many great hikes. If you like to hike, I suggest you get a good book and then just start exploring!

A side note on hiking – my husband and I hiked in our new Keens (Newport H20 model) and loved them! They’re good for walking beaches too. Love these shoes!

Tennis – well, this is our thing and we’re addicted! When we were in Ha’ena, we played at the Princeville courts. Huge disappointment – dirty courts and the shelters between the courts were filthy, covered in bird droppings. Ugh. The two courts at the Cliff Resort were very, very nice and well maintained. We met some nice folks and had a lot of fun mixed doubles. I didn’t play tennis while on the south shore but 20 years ago, we played at the Kiahuna courts and they are still very nice.

Spa – the Anara Spa at the Grand Hyatt in Poipu is wonderful!!! It’s not cheap but you’re on vacation and by gosh, you deserve it!!

Waimea Canyon – this was awesome! We had seen it 20 years ago from a helicopter but seeing it up close was very cool too. If you go to the top, the last mile of the road is closed. We hiked it, about a mile, and were rewarded with an awesome Na Pali coast view. If it is fogged in, wait five minutes for the clouds to clear off – you won’t be disappointed!

Deep Sea Fishing - - I didn’t do this but my husband did, a charter out of Hanalei. They had a great day which would have been greater if they had only landed that yellow fin tuna they had on line!

Luau – we went to the luau at the Hyatt. I know everyone likes the Smith Family luau but by week 5, I had become quite lazy and it was much easier to walk a minute to the Hyatt than drive into Kapa’a! The luau was moved inside because of rain and it was good entertainment and the food was very good too!

Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, near Kilauea. We did the stroll and ride tour here and it is just amazing. Hundreds of acres of tropical gardens, a formal garden, a desert garden, a children’s garden and throughout all of them, wonderful sculptures. We also saw two adolescent Albatross here!

Polo Match – the Kauai Polo Club’s season opener was on July 2 so we went and had a great time! The field is situated makau on Anini Beach Road, across from a county park. Pulled the car right up to the field and had a great time tailgating with other tourists as well as locals. Very friendly and very fun!

Henry Kapono Concert at the Hyatt was great! He had some amazing opening acts too!

I am going to add another section to this TR -- general observations and suggestions. I'll try to do that soon since beachgirl86 leaves next week for Kauai, that lucky gir!

Mahalo kamahinaohoku! I think it's getting too long but I'm almost done! ((r))

It's not too long, daydreamin. I'm enjoying it.

Kal, falling of a bar stool at the Sand Bar is not an activity.

((D))8-)

Terrific report, daydreamin - we have to wait until mid-September and only going for one week (sob).

How were the botanical gardens? We went to the Limahuli a few years ago which was nice, but I am concerned about how much walking is involved due to bad back. Have been interested in viewing these gardens.

d'dreamin',
I threw out my Teva's and spit on my Chacos when I got my Keen's!. I hope to have a pair of these for bar lounging this trip over: http://tinyurl.com/ks8to

I'll still be able to open my Kona Fire Rock with my feet!

I don't think we even hiked last trip!
TOTAL relaxation, good grub and great friends.

jammer, it is if you do it enuff! 8-)
The long hikes back up can be considered aerobic. ((B))

Bookmarking big time for our trip in Sept. Thanks for taking the time to post which is another way of saying I'm glad to see you're putting retirement to good use! Dave

Thank you all so much!

jamaltay...let's rethink this! Kal falling off a bar stool could be VERY entertaining, don't you think?? And considered an "activity?"

Kal...you threw out your Teva's and spit on your Chacos???" I Love It!!! My husband suggested we send you and Mrs. Kal (that Saint!) our 2 WalMart beach chairs....the 2 inche jobs, impossible to fall out of (but sadly, VERY hard to get OUT of!)...but at least you won't drown!

jamie99, the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, near Kilauea were really wonderful, well worth a few hours! The 3 hour stroll & ride consisted mainly of riding a 6/8 seater thing...very little strolling. And they're flexible...if you don't want to walk, don't! But it was an impressive place and I do recommend it.

dcd...retirement is the best!!!

More to come...but tomorrow!

daydreamin, mind asking your husband which charter he used for deep sea fishing? I know that is something my dh would enjoy, just don't know who to use.

Is the house you stayed in via your auction win listed for rent?

This is a grand trip report.

Aloha ((r))i'2

Mahalo, icee2!

I sent the owners an email (they're there now) and then did a google search and guess what! I found this link for the Ha'ena house: http://www.napaliprop.com/cryer.html I see that it's already booked into June 2007! Thank you for asking because I see we can get the house much more reasonably than what we paid at the auction! Oh well, it was for a good cause!! If you decide to rent it, please let me know how you like it! We loved being in the Ha'ena area.

Regarding the deep sea fishing day, our guys decided the day before to go out so all the charters were booked. Buy someone hooked them up with a fisherman who took them out for the day. They had a great time but I think a professional charter would have been better. Sorry, can't help much on that!

I really apologize for the length of this TR! I can’t seem to stop writing!

Here’s a few other things that might be helpful to those of you traveling to Kauai soon or are starting to plan a trip --

Reference material – highly recommend the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, Franko’s Dive Map of Kaua and Kauai Trails (by Kathy Morey).. The map is more than just a dive map and provides lots of detail for the north, south and east shores. I purchased all three on amazon.com

Car rental – I’m a frequent Delta flyer and in a monthly newsletter or on their website, can’t remember which, they offered a promotion for Dollar rentals. It sounded good so we used it for both car rentals (we had to rent in two segments because any rental over 30 days requires a lease). When we turned in the first car and got the second at the same rate, the rental agent couldn’t believe what a deal we got! So it does pay to check into those promotions!

The website for the Poipu Sands condo I gave in my lodging segment (http://www.vrbo.com/44038) hasn’t been updated since the remodel. The older pictures still look nice but the remodel included granite counter tops in kitchen and bath and bamboo floor in master.

Foodland discount card – as many of you know and/or have read on this site, the Princeville Foodland prices are sky high but I followed the advise of many of you and signed up for the discount card. We saved hundreds and hundreds of dollars with this card!

Internet Service – dial up service at Hawaiian.net for about $10 a week. Slow, yes but at least connected to home. I have two numbers for it: 808-240-1664 or 808-212-0200 Just an option for those looking to stay in touch with home.

Well, this is the end of my Trip Report! I just want to say Mahalo once again to all for your help when I was planning this trip and to those of you planning your own, I hope this is of some help. For any of you in the early stages of planning and trying to decide between Kauai and the other Hawaiian islands, I just want to say that Kauai is something wonderful. I’ve been to all the islands and for me, Kauai is magical. The aloha spirit is very much alive there and the scenery is drop dead gorgeous. But more than that, I think it’s just very special and unique; especially the north shore, the laid back Hanalei vibes, the one lane bridges and slow pace of Ha’ena. And I better stop there before the K9ers have me barred from this sight!!

Aloha and Mahalo! And I’ll be checking back in to answer questions!
((R)) ((L)) ~:> ((F)) ((D)) >:D<

mahalo daydreamin,

your trip report was a marvelous read...seems like your retirement is off to a great start 8-)

daydreamin?
"something wonderful", "dropdead gorgeous", "laid back vibe", "special and unique", "aloha spirit is alive and well"? Are you sure you were on Kaua'i? Maui maybe, but Kaua'i?

Best wishes to you and your new life in retirement!

-Bill

Hi daydreamin,

Loved your report! We will be on Kauai the second week of September and it was great to hear your raves.

We love to hike. Any specific ones you did that you would suggest as don't misses?

Thanks and congrats on retiring. We hope to do it in two years.

Sueoz

Bill...I just knew you would be the first to jump on all those superlatives!! But what can I say, you know it's all true!! ((r)) You didn't go this year? I seem to recall that maybe you & Martin were going to the Carinbean?? Have you posted a TR? I think that may be our next tropical trip and would really like to know how you liked it.

bluefan....Mahalo! Yes, retirement is off to a great start! Coming back to reality, after paradise, is a bit of a challenge though! O:)

sueoz...it's hard to recommend hikes, not knowing your age, shape you're in and preferences. For example, we're retired and in pretty good shape for our age, but you may be young and in really good shape and be completely bored with our hikes! Having said that, I can tell you that we really enjoyed some beautiful hikes in the Waimea Canyon area, in Kokee State Park. And there's an easy but very beautiful hike out of Kapa'a -- just take hwy 580 to the end, at the arboritum. Cross the river, drive up an incline to the trailhead. I believe this trail eventually connects to the Powerline Trail out of Hanalei but we didn't go that far. I think it's best to either buy a Kauai hiking book or search online. Whatever hikes you do, I know you'll enjoy the beauty of the area! And please post a Trip Report for those of us stuck back on the mainland! Have a great time!! >:D<

Hi dd,

I'm so predictable. No?

You're right. Martin and I went to St. John in the USVI this past June/July and hated it almost as much as we do Kaua'i. Here is the link to my trip report and pics.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34831075

It looks like we are going to try to squeeze a week or ten days of Kaua'i in next summer, who knows though, I might just fall in love with Maui before then.

-Bill

Bill....

Maui....:o

Et tu?

dd,

Yep, it's true. I'2 is lobbying to get me thrown out of the Klub because I'm going to be unfaithful to her, Kal doesn't speak to me anymore, and makai won't return my phone calls! Worst of all, they want me to return my decoder ring. Oh, the pain. ((U))

-Bill

dd, I think this is the very best hh trip report I have read in a very long time. Maybe it's because you were there for so loooooooong!! Did you eat at the new place on the north shore where Charo's used to be? Don't remember the name of it.

Now, dd, you have earned a seat on the board of the K9's since someone we all used to know and love has not only defected, but I can't see where he has paid his dues.

Mr. bbq, if you will go ahead and send ME your fee of $10,169 right now, your membership can be reinstated once your cash is in my pocketbook. And, you can keep your silly stinkin ring.

Seriously, daydreamin, this is a magnificent report and thanks again for sharing! Btw, how did your Atlanta weekend go? Congratulations on your retirement. You certainly started it off with a bang!

Bill....your St. John's TR was awesome!! And what great pictures! It's incredibly beautiful there too, isn't it!

icee2....on the board?? Wow! That probably REQUIRES a trip to Kauai every year, right?? ;) Do I get a decoder ring too?

Thank you so much for your comments about my TR. It felt too long so I sure appreciate the feedback!

Where was the old Charos? We ate out so much, we probably did eat there but I'm not sure.

Our Atlanta weekend didn't happen. All the hotels ya'll recommended were booked solid that weekend. Turns out it was the same weekend as the NCAA men's basketball tournament there so we went to Charleston instead! We still hope to get to Atlanta one of these years though!

A few more trips over you'll realize your mistake and see Kauai for the true #ellhole it is. ~:> ~:>

Welcome to the Klub. I'd offer you imaqs de-coder ring but we know where he's probably been wearing it. 8-|

The old Charo's is up in Haena next door to Hanalei Colony. New restaurant in there. Don't know if it's still open tho.
Auntie M??

I'2,

Oh. So, it's really all about you getting your stinking money so you can go on a shopping spree when you're on the BIG ISLAND? My heart continues to break.

Thanks dd. I needed some positive reinforcement this morning.

-bill

DDreamin:
Based on your favorable comments, I've been in touch with the owner of the Poipu Sands condo regarding a potential stay next summer. Was the lack of A/C a problem for you at all?
I usually stay on the east or north side of the island. Have visited Poipu in March and May and found it pretty HOT. I know that the quality of ceiling fans and layout of condo for airflow can make a big difference. What are your thoughts? This trip would be for Grandma (me) and well-behaved 12 year old grandson. Good choice?

Kal....I'll pass on the decoder ring then B-)

Bill...K9 for life, right??

icee2....we didn't eat at the old Charos. We stopped there for lunch one day but they weren't open for lunch. It's a beautiful spot though. Can it be true, icee2?? The Big Island?!?! :-o

Barbara5353...what a fun trip with your grandson! The lack of AC was not a problem at all. As I recall, the unit doesn't get direct sun. Plus there are two windows in the bedroom, a big one in the dining area, all screened with the slats you can keep open for nice ventilation. There's a slider w/screen to the lanai too, although we locked that up at night. And there's two ceiling fans, one in the living room and one in the bedroom. There were actually a couple of nights we got chilly! The tradewinds were blowing very strong our first week there then down to 5-10 mph the second week. And even the second week, we were very comfortable. If you decide on 212, I hope you like it as much as we did! It's situated well for your grandson too....near the pool. ((R))

dd, dd, dd........haven't you heard? Our billyboy is headed to Maui really soon. And, I don't blame you for passing on the ring. That's why we let him keep it....even tho I still have not received his K9 dues.

So, do you remember what the name of the restaurant is that you stopped and they were closed for lunch? Is it a Mediterranean restaurant or am I imagining things.......again.

dd, there must be something you have forgotten to tell us about your trip. I really do need another fix.

and, what the little darlin, bbq, failed to tell you is.........out of 17 nights....only 4 will be on the Big Island. Bless his heart, he's ageing.

((r))i'2