Thursday 4/9/09 11:45pm HST (3 hours earlier than PDT)
Speed: 18.6 kts, Temp: 69.3 degrees, Humidity 83.8%
21 degrees 32’ N 155 degrees 10’ W
Sailed 2735.1 nautical miles from LA
Sailed 105.3 miles from Lahaina, Maui
2147.8 to Ensenada,
Mexico
Seas: 4.0 – 7.5ft moderate, wind: Force 5 Breeze
Sea temp 75.2 degrees
We woke up this morning and were greeted by overcast
skies and thought for just a second that we had ported into Seattle! When we opened the sliding glass
door to the balcony the warm and very tropical weather reminded us that we had
reached Maui. The skies may be overcast, but
it was still very warm outside. The humidity was about 65% and the temperature
around 79 degrees. We did not have any formal excursions planned for Maui, more of a wander around the main downtown area and
have a relaxing day. After being tendered in, we did a bit of sightseeing while
walking around. Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian
Islands. Maui has more than 80
beaches and has more miles of swimmable beach than any other island, and due to
the volcanic activity the sands on the beaches range from white, gold, black,
green and garnet in color. We had ported in to Lahaina, a very popular resort
area. As we were walking, we saw one of the largest banyon trees, it takes up a
full city block. This type of tree sends out vines that when they reach the
ground take root and begin supporting the branch that it came from, enabling
the branch to continue to grow, some branches are over 40 feet in length and
still growing. This tree gives the local artists a place to display their home
made crafts and gives the locals a place to gather. We walked down Front Street which
runs next to the ocean, and made a stop at Kimos for lunch to fortify ourselves
for the rest of the day of sightseeing/shopping. There are lots of little
specialty type shops along the way, some specializing in scrimshaw carvings,
some in wood carvings, lots with clothing and some galleries of art work. Two galleries captured a few of us and we
spent some time in amazement at the work. Valdimir Kush (I think that’s right)
and Thomas Barbey were two that warranted a second look to ensure you saw
everything, not your typical art. Check them out. We noticed a few drops of rain,
then drizzle, and finally just plain old fashion rain began to come down. This
group trooped on while the other tourists ran for umbrellas and cover ups, but
not these hearty three from Washington (we did
have let Kathy put on her windbreaker, she is from California after all…), we trooped on while
getting just a wee bit soaked. Kim did some bargaining with one of the jewelry
stores, Marlene found a treasure or two, Kathy snatched up some items for some
good children that she knows (could that be Kato and Greg?). During the rain,
we made a stop in for a late afternoon snack at Moose McGillicutties (spelling
may not be right, but it sounds out right if you say it outloud). We watched
folks dart in and out of the rain on the street as we were sitting upstairs
with a window seat. It was time to talk about the trip so far, what our
favorite parts were and start thinking about the real world. We have enjoyed
being able to spend this much time together and know that it needs to be
treasured. It was time to make our way back to the pick up point and catch the
tender ship back to the Golden Princess. We had one more stop that had to be
made, we had to get Marlene her shave ice (kind of like a snow cone but made
with much finer ice, like snow). That feat was satisfactorily accomplished from
the looks of the smile on Marlene’s face. We caught our tender, Kathy got
dribbled on by water from the top deck, that caused a shriek of two from her
(ok, maybe three or four). The weather was still overcast and rainy, but we had
managed to have a great time off ship in spite of the rain. Dinner was a quick
run through the buffet, grabbed some fruit, cheese and crackers and took them
back to the room. A lot of walking up and down the waterfront street of Front Street (and
side streets), gave us promise of a good night’s sleep. The boat was a bit
bouncy (especially more so since our cabin is in the front of the ship, we are
under the bridge), and it’s always a bit more of a challenge to walk down long
hallways. We set our clocks forward one hour tonight, and are at sea tomorrow.
We have seen so many things, laughed and tried to remember so we can share them
with you, but I’m sure you’ll hear some that we may have not shared first hand
when we return, just remember there are always two sides to each story!!
Sounds like you are all having a ball. Though I wish I were with you, it has been great fun to live this trip vicariously through the four of you. How short did Marlene get her hair cut this time? I can only remember her last amazing hair adventure. All is well in Bend. Bear is playing his first official golf game today and we won the latest round of wedding mania with the caterers. Soak up that warm air for you will soon be back to 'real' weather. Love to you all. have a Bellini for me. Miller
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