5th day of our vacation

5th day of our vacation - 12-20-15

Sunday, December 20th, 2015

11.45 a.m. Gregg was practicing with the selfie-stick with the door open to the balcony. A pretty white dove flew into our room with such a flurry of wings, he startled me.

He walked around like he was very familiar with the place, then walked out and we were able to close the door behind him.

Good job too as three of his friends turned up. No photos of him inside, I was too busy trying to coax him out.

We left the hotel late today and ate an equally late breakfast in a pancake shop. They were good but not as good as this memory of ones we had with our son, and it was more of a nostalgia thing really. He was only five years old and loved those original pecan pancakes but the place, within walking distance of our hotel, was no longer there. We still have those lovely memories though, of all the excitement he had over even the littlest things on that holiday, and through his eyes Gregg and I had an even more marvelous time. We talked about those days on this trip.

We went to the Wahiawa Botanical Garden. Another lush and tropical mini Paradise. We have been very lucky with the weather. It has rained some but not until we have gotten back into the car. The same with the wind. And it always seems to stay at 81 degrees.

If you click on the link to the garden above, you will read that this is a 27 acre park once owned by sugar farmers who donated the land for public use. In 1957 it was designated a garden and you can read what types of plants were planted here at the website.

We also went for a drive up to the Ualakaa Overlook, where you can get the greatest view of Diamond Head and the skyline of Honolulu, and surrounding area.

It was a lovely ride up a steep and winding road, and there is no heavy hiking. We saw great views with a lot of stormy looking clouds. It was interesting to see the rain falling out at sea. We have seen rainbows every day, but not here today.

Dinner that night was at our little eatery half way down to the beach from our hotel. We shared a plate of fried chicken and I also ordered the half papaya Mary recommended. It was delicious and as she had said, the sweetest I have ever eaten. It was served with a section of lime, which was to be squeezed over the papaya. I have never thought of that before but it gave it a delicious little zip to the overall taste, and something that I will try back home.

Our walk through the hotel gardens is always enjoyable. In the evening not only are the paths lit up well, but there are fairy lights everywhere. So pretty with the added beauty of the lush vegetation and tropical flowers. The intoxicating fragrances from the flowers are incredible.

We are now back in our hotel room and Gregg decided to do some laundry. Whenever we travel he always insists on doing the laundry, especially if it is late at night. One of the laundry rooms is on the same floor.

I am enjoying the rest and looking forward to another day of sightseeing tomorrow. I massage my sore foot and realize the sneakers that I decided to travel in, and wear every day, were a great idea. My heel isn't quite as sore wearing them. Gregg also says I am not limping as much. Climbing up Diamond Head tomorrow? I wish! Maybe on the next trip? We always have to have a goal to aspire to.

Five more facts about Hawaii

1) From east to west Hawaii is the largest state in the United States.

2) More than 100 world-renowned beaches ring Honolulu.

3) The world's largest wind generator is on the island of Oahu. The windmill has two blades 400 feet long on the top of a tower 20 stories high.

4) Hawaii is nicknamed the Aloha state, because the word 'Aloha' is the most commonly used word in the Hawaiian language. Based on the context Aloha can mean hello, welcome, love, best wishes, or even goodbye.

5) The Big Island (Hawaii Island) is getting bigger by about 42 acres each year, because of the continuous erruptions of the Kilauea volcano. It has been errupting for 32 years.

If you missed the previous posts and would like to read them, you can click on the links below.

Part 1