2019 Hawaii

Another year, another celebration. PHinishedD prompted another trip to visit Riley in his next next new habitat. Destination is definitely a plus to being scuba dive instructor.  When I called to wish Grandma a happy Mother’s Day and mentioned I was going to Hawaii she, of course, wanted to join. Not long after, hearing about the pending adventure, Cool Uncle Steve decided he might as well come along for a few days too.

The trip started with me trapped at the airport because I could not pick up the rental car due to my expired driver’s license… Classic MJ. The small Kauai airport is almost completely outside with no bar or restaurant on the public side of security. So, I waited outside. For hours. In the rain. Welcome to Kauai. Grandma finally arrived and saved the day with her not-expired driver’s license.

This trip was sedate. Grandma and I got up super early to drink mimosas, eat fresh Hawaiian white pineapple, and assorted baked goods while we watched the WNT win the world cup. INCREDIBLE! We spent July 4th at an outside concert on the Barking Sands Beach at the Pacific Missile Range Navy Base. Great food, music, and fun. We got rear-ended on the way home. Not fun. We had some car issues… and may have had four different convertibles in the week we were there. It was all part of the adventure.

Riley’s friends came to dinner, we took a few runs to Costco, and at least one trip to the farmer’s market. We drove through the Waimea Canyon first just me and Grandma and then again with Riley and Steve squished in the back of the Mustang convertible. Both times guided by the incredible Shaka Guide audio app. We found a fabulous restaurant with a beautiful view in Kapa’a we visited twice. Books were read, sunsets enjoyed, and lots, and lots, of conversations. A perfect, post-doc tropical paradise rejuvenating respite.

- Marguerethe