Snorkeling photo

This is snorkeling...Hawaiian style

Snorkling

Today I thought I would let MrsBue sleep in. However, the best laid plans don't normally work out! The family next door have an infant who chose to be our alarm clock this morning with wailing and crying baby.

So, let's change plans and head to Hanauma Bay...let me just day Gorgeous!!!! Since the bay had been closed for 2 days due to the tidal surges from the Tsunami, we weren't sure today would be a go!!!

We arrived around 0730 and had our little Don't Touch the Reef brief and we were off for some snorkeling.

I wasn't sure how MrsBlue would do in this environment, but she's a real trooper. I couldn't talk her into going out past the reef break, but we saw some cool fish and plenty of them. The water was a little cool and MrsBlue was covered in goose bumps, so around 1000 we headed to shore for a little sun to warm up. It was a good choice since streams of people were arriving and churning up the water.

Now we're off to breakfast at Wailana Coffee House!

Surf Session #1

Early morning today...couldn't sleep with a new surfboard in my room calling me to the water. So I had to oblige!!! Got up for a DawnPatrol on the new board.

It was a little scary when the guy next to me is paddling out with a...HELMET on! What's up with that? Didn't know I needed protective equipment for this sport... It's not like snowboarding or race car driving!

However, I quickly got over this fear as I paddle out into the line up. Only thing was, I saw LOTs of REEF (read this a rocks). Not sure how to surf through this stuff...too used to beach breaks in Florida.

Well, soon after arriving in the line up, I catch my first wave. Wasn't sure what to expect with the feel of the new board...it's fast and loose. As a thruster longboard, I felt it was a little "racey", but I made it up for a shirt little ride. The ride wasn't the interesting part....it was the reef only 18 inches under the surface when I came off the board. Landed right on the lower part of my back hard on the rocks. OUCH! But of course I paddle back out into the line up and adjusted a little to the left where a few others guys were at.

The next wave was much better...rode it a while longer, but didn't fall off...

Let me tell you, knowing the reef is only a few inches away, adjusts your mental thinking on making the wave! For sure, you want to stay on top of the wave.

As I continued to reposition myself in the line up, I saw whales jumping out of the water a little further out to sea. WOW, what a site to see. Since MrsBlue was on surfer watch patrol this morning, I was hoping she saw the whales (something on her bucket list). I also, watched the sun come up out there in the line up...beautiful!

Well, time ran out for the session, so I wanted ONE more wave. No luck, so I paddled in. That's a little interesting as well. As you did in during paddling, my hands hit the reef...worried me a little with the fins of the board (would the drag, would I knock one of my glassed fins off on day one, what's the best way in, etc.) Were going through my mind.

What a way to start the day...surfing, whale watching and a sunrise! I think I could learn to like this place!!!!

DawnPatrol New Board

It's 0610 on Saturday morning and headed out for a dawn patrol...have the spouse awake (oops), but she's happy to be with me. I think she may come along to watch :)

First Hawaiian session on Day 3...

\m/
MiB

Taking the board home

Let the surfing begin

It has been a crazy time coming on this Hawaiian vacation.  

It all started with my bags taking an European vacation in Germany.  Still after 2 days, I have not clothes...

Then last night, we had the Tsunami Warning.  I stayed up until the waves arrived at the island...uneventful!  Good thing.  But really, the hourly giant voice updates kept getting in the way of sleep.

Now, today, went looking for a surfboard since the daily rate is $25...too costly.  I am now the proud owner of a  9'8" glassed on thruster!  All I need is wax and a leash, but tomorrow starts the surfing sessions...mornings should be good.

Got to love a wife who allows this!!!!

\m/

Day 1-- Hawaiii a day S

It's already been an adventure! Lost luggage, 4 rooms the first night and NOW...a Tsunami Watch.

Oh, the S is...
Surf
Sushi
Tsunami

Day 263 - Ready for R&R

In about 13 hours, I will be on a jet plane making my way to Hawaii.  It will take me 8,674 miles, if I went the short way (that would be East).  However, I'm going WEST for this trip and spending about 36+ hours flying and waiting for planes (I may be off on the calculation since it's all in one day).  But it will be a LONG flight!

MrsBlue is SOOOOOOO excited about this trip.  psssss   I AM too!  I can't wait to get to Hawaii and see MrsBlue.  This R&R will probably be the best vacation we have taken in a long time.  Much needed and wanted.  

I will also get to see 'lilBlue next week.  It will do my heart good to have the family together after spending so much time apart.  

Finally, I get to see the Pacific Ocean and check out the waves.  

Priorities after I arrive:
- HUG MrsBlue 
- Get a room (for sleeping)
- Take MrsBlue for a walk on the beach
- Check out the North Shore
- SURF!!!
 (yeah, surfing has taken a back seat, but don't kid yourself, I will get to it during the trip)

Day 260 - Great seeing Great People

It is once again the time for friends to visit my location.  Yes, we have all of the DVs in town that you can shake a stick at.  In fact, so many Chiefs running around, I can't see straight and all of them have an opinion on how I am doing...Got to LOVE 'em! 

Really, it's great having them in town for a few days to see how we live here.  I know many of them have some rotten living conditions and this is like Shangri La.  I do believe we have some great facilities and they are reminding me every 5 minutes.  Too bad they don't realize the IRON we place overhead on a daily basis...too much to count and more than any of them!  However, I'm okay with the "ribbing"!!!!  It keeps me honest!

The BEST event was yesterday when an old Commander I hadn't seen in a few years happened to be in town for the event as well.  I was totally taken off guard when he walked up to me in a crowd of Chiefs and gave me the BIGGEST hug to say hello!  I felt....HONORED since I have such a deep respect for this gentleman!  

Then tonight, we had a little social and "Rev" came over and said hello again.  It was good to catch up with him a little and hear how the family is doing.  In fact, it's nice to find out where the family will be while he is deployed...  You won't believe it, but he is relocating the family to Omaha Nebraska!!!!  A place they fell in love with while stationed there.  In fact, it looks like this could be their retirement location of the future!  

It made my heart jump for joy to have a LEADER like this one take the time to come over and talk!  Boy, I would love to work for him...any time, any place.  WOW!!!!!!  Real leaders are hard to come by, but this one is just that a REAL LEADER!!!!

Day 252 - Gettin' Ready

In less than two weeks, I will be surfing in HAWAII.  Can you believe this...my first REAL surf trip!  And MrsBlue bought my Birthday present, she was surely thinking about the trip...

So now I need to start packing for the trip.  Let me see...what to take!



- Surf T-shirts ✓ 
- Rash Guard ✓
- Flip Flops ✓
- Sun Tan Lotion ✓
- Surfboard soft car rack ✓

- Board shorts ✓
- Spring Suit (we'll see about taking this) ✓

I hope I'm not forgetting anything \m/