THE NOT SO PLEASANT ADVENTURES OF UNITED FLIGHTS

Sunday July 28, 2013





You sit outside and wait for your plane to taxi in. None of this stuff behind glass windows in HI. You definitely can hear when your flight arrives.




The coast along the Big Island near Kona.




Maui from the air when leaving Kona.

The sunshine was beautiful as we left the lovely Big Island of Hawaii. As we were getting organized, we received a United update on our phones that our flight from Kona would be delayed and instead of departing at 12:15 PM it would be closer to 1:37 PM. It turned out to be around 2 when we took off. For some reason it seemed passengers were not stowing their items very quickly and blocking the aisles. The flight attendants made numerous announcements, more than normal to remind folks. This delay was going to make it awfully tight for our connection in LA to Orlando. We were in 1st class and Walt was sent to the non First class bathroom by a flight attendant. We thought that maybe they were broken or something but I tried and there wasn't an issue. We did land and taxied forever to get to the gate, but that wasn't the problem. The folks in LA could not get the jetway to work. It took 10 to 15 minutes to finally get it functioning. We were told that a gate agent would be there to assist us and that was not to be. We found a customer service person enroute to our gate and he said not to worry since the plane just landed. He must have been smoking something. Of course our gate was way down the other wing, so when we did get there, they said they were not able to hold the flight any longer. The doors had just been closed. :-(



We trotted over to the United Club to get it straightened out. While we were on our way there, Brian called and figured we did not make our flight and suggested we get together with him yet this evening. That sounded like a good idea, since we haven't seen Brian since April. Needless to say United booked us on flights out yet this evening and that dashed those plans. We go through Chicago, but that is ok at least we will get in on Monday morning or about noonish actually.


Monday July 29, 2013

We got on the flight to Chicago and the service was pretty lousy. We know it was a late evening flight but once beverages were distributed, they didn't come back and collect any garbage until we were ready to land, and even then they flew down the aisle and missed lots of items that folks had wanted to discard. That plane looked awfully messy when it landed.

Then we got into the terminal and noticed that another flight for Orlando was boarding. We swiftly walked into the nearest United Club and tried to check it out. The gal at the desk said there was no way we could make that flight over in the C terminal. We checked our original flight and saw it was also in C so headed that way anyway. As we were in the tunnel almost to C we heard them paging someone for Orlando at gate C 16 so we sped ahead to see if maybe we could get on that flight. We did. The gals at the gate quickly and efficiently got us seats for our 2 hour leg to Orlando. The flight crew on the Chicago flight was very good and attentive to the passengers' needs. We got in only 3 hours later than our original nonstop flight would have gotten us there. We had to work for it though. We actually got in at 9 AM which wasn't too bad. Tired yes, but home.

This wasn't a particularly good way to end a nice relaxing vacation. We definitely got our aerobic exercise in today. The United that we recently experienced is not like the smooth propaganda video you see during takeoff. They need to make flying fun again rather than a stressful adventure.

Sorry about this lengthy blog, but I needed to let some steam off.



This is how we felt after our lengthy journey. (This is the Duane Hanson sculpture in the A terminal of the Orlando airport.)

OUR LAST FULL DAY ON THE BIG ISLAND

Saturday July 27, 2013

This is our last full day here on the Big Island. We started out with our favorite "healthy" breakfast of coconut turnovers and delicious Kona coffee.

There is a "Christmas in July" market going on here from 7:30 AM until about 7:00 PM. We walked around and did some looking but no shopping. There always seems to be a lot of jewelry and little knick knacks, which we don't need.

We drove north again today to the Puako Petroglyphs Park. It is near the Holoholokai beach area. (That was a mouthful). The path started out nice and paved and then went to large gray stones to rough footing. The trees and path resembled the trail that the Prince sliced through to get to Sleeping Beauty. It was fairly dark and gnarled even in the daylight. We got to the petroglyphs or etchings in the lava after about 20 minutes or so. They were ok but not as nice as the ones up near the volcano. These were harder to photograph due to distance and the angle. It was a decent hike and all so not a total waste.








These petroglyphs were somewhat near the Mauna Lani Resort and so we drove down a different road to get to the Preserved Fish Ponds. The paved path curved around and around lots of fish ponds of various sizes. We eventually wound our way to the ocean and a private resort beach area. It was really a very nice area where ponds, ocean, palm trees, sky and mountains were visible. The sky today in this area was a beautiful blue, which certainly enhanced the photographic qualities. There were also "No Fishing" signs but a couple of young kids had their poles in the water and seemed to be enjoying themselves. Hopefully, they don't have to put their hands in the water, since they contain eels which could bite.











Walt wanted to return to the Pu'ukohola Heiau (temple) again. There had been a road when we were here years ago that gave you a view of the temple from down near the beach. We double checked their mini museum and realized that the area expanded in the 1990s and at that time that road was removed. :-). Poor papa.




We checked out "Kings Shops" which were pretty exclusive. If you need a Rolex watch to match your Coach bag, then this is your place. The restaurants were all sit down with reservations. The "Queens Shops" next door, definitely were a contrast. The shops were pretty much what you would see in any other mall and they also had a Food Court.

Papa was craving an L & L and the closest one was 30 minutes or more away, back in the direction of our hotel. We did find the L & L and split the pork, moco loco ( beef, egg, gravy) 2 scoops rice and 1 scoop mac. salad. This was the mini which was pretty darn big. That should hold us until later tonight.

I guess we will figure out how to pack our stuff and then just sit on our lanai and enjoy the view with a sip or two of wine. We have to do what the Hawaiians do and "Hang Loose" until the stress of the TSA and security at
the airports hit us tomorrow.


The donkey signs are still on a section of highway. The wild donkeys would cross the highway early in the morning and again in the evening. The signs are up just in case a rogue donkey is still around.

A couple more signs that are of interest.












Every evening was somewhat cloudy, so a perfect sunset wasn't possible, but these are still quite beautiful.




ALOHA!

KONA AND A BIT SOUTH

Friday July 26, 2013

We had a hearty breakfast of turnovers (coconut) from the Sack N Save Bakery, one of the Foodland partners. They are delicious turnovers.

We ran a couple of errands and then eventually headed out to some of the shopping areas or farmers markets or just plain markets. They all seem to have the same stuff at the same prices so no need to shop around.

One Market area had a section about learning the Hawaiian Language. See the examples.








Later we drove south to the Greenwell Coffee to take a tour and try their selection of coffees. It was very informative. There is a 20 mile section around Kona that is excellent for growing coffee. They can not plant
too close to the ocean or to the mountain tops due to the temperature. They must have enough sunshine but not too hot during the afternoon and enough rainfall. That particular area gets early morning sun which is cooler and rain at 4 PM or so everyday. That makes a perfect combination for good Kona coffee.












We were able to catch a little of the sunset at a little after 7 PM, but the clouds have been quite heavy in the evening.






We later checked out the Wyland Gallery which had a special reception. He himself was there and painting as a demonstration. It was pretty neat to see him quickly paint something especially a non-sealife creature. We had our photo taken with him and have his signature. Pretty nice way to meet him.




He said he was using a cheap hardware brush that was about $1.


A lion rather than a dolphin.





His signature.

NORTH OF HILO AND BEYOND

Thursday July 25, 2013

We began our day with fresh banana bread at the Dolphin Bay Hotel. We then headed to various sites close to Hilo.

The first was the huge rock (Naha Stone) located in front of the library. This is the rock that Kamehameha lifted at the age of 14. According to legend, whoever could move it, would be king of all of the islands.




We drove to several different waterfalls, Rainbow Falls was the closest so it was first, then Pe'epe'e Falls and the Boiling Pots and Wai'ale Falls. These were just a short ways out of Hilo. It was early in the morning so no crowds to speak of. After a bit the falls all seem to look the same.





Next we went over to Lili'uokalani Gardens near Banyan Drive. That area is really picturesque and relaxing. We walked over to the nearby Coconut Island which is basically across a bridge from the gardens.


Then off to the Tsunami Museum for any updates and to remember how much destruction tsunamis have caused in the islands, especially in Hilo.

We had some fairly slow but scenic driving to Akaka Falls. This falls is fairly far off the road but it was well worth the drive. We wound our way along a path and steps while enjoying large tropical trees and plants. Very pretty.







Parker Ranch in the Waimea area was a nice stop to rejuvenate with lunch and window shopping. This stop sign lets you know you are in a different territory.


This shop name says it all.

THE VOLCANO

Wednesday July 24, 2013

We ate breakfast at the Kilauea Military Camp. It was only a couple of miles from the Volcano House. We were going to stay more than one evening but decided against it once we discovered some areas were closed due to VOG, a mixture of volcanic gases that inhibits breathing.










We drove the Crater Rim Road until we got to the Chain of Craters Road. Crater Rim Road is closed off for a fairly large section. We continued our drive until we had to park the car and walk the 3/4 mile to where the road is covered with lava. We hiked on the lava a bit and took photos of the 2 types of lava-a'a and pahoehoe. The first is chunky and rough and the second is smooth and ropy.



It was fairly cool and windy as we attempted to hike the lava.


We had to pose near the classic "Road Closed" sign.

Then onto the petroglyphs and then the crater walk. The petroglyphs had a number of holes dug and an umbilical card was put in each as a baby was born. It seems to be a symbol of long life. We sure saw a lot of little holes.







The crater walk did not have as many steam vents as usual but was still just as massive and eerie feeling while you were down there.







There has also been some issues with fumes etc. since the 2008 eruption that continues. The evening photo from yesterday indicates where some of the new eruptions are. We got a photo of that same spot but only that was during the daytime. It doesn't look like much but a football field could easily fit in it. It is also 3 miles away, which it doesn't seem that far away either.
This is the Halema'uma'u Crater where we viewed it at the Jaggar Museum.




We then drove onward to Kalapana or black sand beach that we had previously gone to with the family. This beach was a disappointment, since there wasn't much beach left. We remember you guys frolicking in the waves here before, but you would not have wanted to be near these waves. The palm trees that were planted are now bigger but it just is not the same. Also, it is another spot to watch a lava eruption up in the mountainside, so now it is a tourist area to park cars and view in the evening.








Next was the Lava Tree State Park. We walked around and saw some HUGE trees surrounding the lava residue trees. It was cleaned up a bit from past trips. We also noticed a sign of interest near the park.







We stopped at Mauna Loa plantation and factory and then onto Hilo Hattie's. Both were ok and not very busy. The area of Hilo looks pretty distressed. Lots of buildings closed or in relatively poor condition.

We stayed at the Dolphin Bay Hotel which is older but seems to be pretty nice. The small tree frogs (Coqui) in the Hilo area are going to be a pain tonight. They have been trying to kill them off with all kinds of chemicals and such with little success. They are very loud and shrill. We may need more than one drink tonight.

SOUTH TOWARDS THE VOLCANO

Tuesday July 23, 2013
We ran a couple of errands this morning before heading out to the volcano. We headed down to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau-the place of refuge. There were huge stone walls surrounding this area of royal grounds. Numerous carved figures also guard this refuge.








South Point was our next visit. We needed to go off of the road a considerable distance to get to it. It is now a paved road, which was nice. In some spots it is still single but at least you are not on a dirt trail where your tires mind the ruts. The wind blows very, very hard in this area. Definitely a bad hair area of the country. We got some fantastic photos of some gigantic waves that just boiled their way into shore. Hopefully they look as strong as they actually were.












"Broken Road" was also at South Point. Needless to say, the road was in awful condition and no longer driveable or very walkable.




It was getting later in the afternoon and we hadn't had lunch yet, so the Punaluu Bakery in Naalehu was the perfect spot to take a break. The only problem was that some cute but annoying birds seemed to think they could also participate. We ate and headed to the black sand beach.








This stupid bird is eyeing up what tidbits it wants to steal from some visitor, mainly us at the moment.
The black sand beach of Punalu'u was a neat site to see where the waves crashed in against the pristine black lava sand. We did not see any turtles today. This area tends to have turtles in the area. The sand also was not hot. It can be quite hot when the sun is beating down. Today with the cool rain, the sand was tepid.




"Need to get some of that lava out of my shoes"




Just a little wind blown from South Point.




The trees at South Point are pretty bent due to the very strong winds.
We finally got to The Volcano House where we will spendthrift the night. Parts of the crater rim road are closed due to fumes from the eruptions. That could limit our access to various areas of this national park. We shall see what happens tomorrow. Hopefully some of this clears up a bit.






We did see the glow from the Jaggar Museum. It showed up very nicely in the dark. Pretty neat.