2009-March 3: McBryde/Allerton office garden, Hyatt

Today started off with clouds and rain showers again. But it was done by the time we had Ken's cooked breakfast and were ready to head out.

First stop---Walmart. Had to get a couple cards and a few pictures printed.

With cards writen out, we were off to the post office.

Then off to Gaylord's plantation. We thought of going on the train ride, but the last train had already left. So we wandered around the shops awhile.

Then we headed south again. This time to the free garden in front of the visitor's center at the McBryde/Allerton Gardens. I wanted to do the Allerton garden tour, but couldn't see paying $45/person for it! But I was able to spend quite some time wandering around the free gardens.

This little guy was enjoying the garden's, too.

So was this gal.

And this guy.

I have no idea what these are, but they're beautiful, too.

I guess where there's beautiful flowers, there's a few big creepy spiders, too.

I always love checking out the colorful bougainvillia across from the Spouting Horn.

It was actually rather humid while wandering around the gardens today. I think it's the first time we even sweated while we've been here this trip.

By the time we were done wandering around the gardens, it was almost 4:30, so we decided not to go snorkeling today. Instead we headed to the beach by Shipwreck Rock and watched the surfers and body boarders.

There was lots of entertainment there tonight.

Even some young at heart surfers.

Since we were in the area and have heard so much about the lighting ceremony at the Hyatt, we headed there about 6.

Koloagirl from the tripadvisor Kauai forum is the lighting ceremony mc,

so I went up and had a nice conversation with her after that ceremony and the wonderful sounds of 2 singers. Then the keikis came up to dance. They are from a hula school and were so cute---ranging in age from 4-13.

The ceremony was over about 8 and we headed back to the East side. We stopped for dinner at Oki Diner in Lihue and had a really good dinner---mahi mahi / garlic butter sauce for me and tempura shrimp for Ken. Prices were very reasonable and only 1 other person was there while we were there. We have eatten there before and had really good meals then, too, so I'm surprised they don't have more business.

That's it another day in paradise.

2009-March 2: the bird whisperer, poipu; lawai

It started out mostly cloudy here on the east side. Even had some pretty heavy rain. But it was short lived and blue skies peaked through. I spent the morning trying to figure out the new points based Wyndham system we just bought into. After talking to the Wyndham reservation specialist in Princeville, I think I have it figured out. I was thinking seriously about rescinding again.

We left the condo about noon. Our first stop was a really neat little fabric and quilt shop just north of Walmart. They have a lot of impressive handmade stuff and beautiful fabrics. We even bought Ken's mom a handmade bean bag type chicken. She likes to call herself the Head Cluck.

Then we continued on to Poipu. I find it fascinating that there is so much cactus growing wild down south!

The winds were back, but the surf at Poipu was only 1-3 feet again, so we did some snorkeling.This snowflake eel was at the rocks nearest the beach.

a lizard fish

There are quite a few wrasses around Kauai, such as this ornamental wrasses. Some other kinds have a pink back ground, some are bright blue.

Back on the beach, we made friends with some birds.

I wonder if kids on Kauai ask for baby chicks at Easter, too?!

Here Ken found a new way to get Cheetos crumbs off his fingers.

Sure hate to get spiked by this guy!

We decided to head over to Lawai beach for sunset. It turned out to be another dud of a sunset. Lots of clear sky, but I guess the patches of clouds were too thick to take on color.

After sunset, we headed back to the condo---didn't want to miss House or Medium. Appears House wasn't on, but Medium is. So dinner was the left over pasta and sandwiches.

That takes care of our Monday.

3-1-09 new Wyndham owners

2009-March 1: new Wyndham owners, Tunnels

Today we headed north again. We had agreed to go to the Wyndham presentation at Bali Hai in Princeville. We went last year and bought in , then recended the next day. But we figured it was worth the $150 and discount on the Smith's luau so we said we'ld go again. This time the offer was about half what the best deal they could give us last year was. Since our resort, Pahio Kauai Beach Villas, has Wyndham as their management now, they were offering to convert all our weeks into Wyndham included in the deal. After asking a bunch of questions about things i didn't like about the program last year, they made it sound like something we might actually find useful. So, 5 hours later, we left as new owners again! I'll have to study the paperwork, again, and make sure it's what it sounds like. If it works out anything like Worldmark, I'll be very happy with it. Just going to take a little time learning how to work this new system---and as a VIP Platinum level member! (as of 2017, we're still very pleased with our Wyndham ownership.  I'm sure a lot of that has to do with our Platinum VIP level!  Most of our stays are for half the points and with free upgrades.)(As of 2022, we're still happy with our membership, but they've realized their mistake in making us Platinum and kicked us down to Gold.  Still working all the kinks out with this new developement)

Since we got out of the the presentation so late, we spent a few hours at the Bali Hai pool.

Ken even played with the dolphins there.

We ended up at Kee beach to catch the sunset --- along with a few friends..... This little guy is a favorite bird of mine (Hawaiian cardinal).

These guys are just a part of Kauai!

a Coconut disguised as Ken!

The sunset was actually pretty much a dud---despite what these pictures show (aided by cheating and using the white balance feature on my camera set to shade to warm it up).

It was really pleasant sitting on the beach waiting for sunset, though. The wind had completely died down. In fact, the surf looked really nice within the reef. I think I would have been snorkeling there and maybe Tunnels if we hadn't spent so much time buying more timeshares!

With sunset over, we headed back to the east side and to dinner at Kauai Pasta. I had heard a lot of great things about it, but we had never eaten there. The food was really quite good. I had the sampler plate of pesto, alfredo, and marinara---they were good. Ken's chicken parmesan was good, too.

Now, on to check out the Wyndham literature.

On a really sad note----my friend who was suppose to take the WAikiki trip last week lost her husband to cancer last night. I'm glad he's no longer in pain, but I know first hand how tough it is to watch someone you love be destroyed by such an unforgiving disease.

2009-Feb. 28: Lawai, Maha'ulepu beach

A sad day today----Angie and Josh had to leave and head back to St. Louis. But they did have all day here before their plane left at 11:50pm. So, once they checked out of their place, they headed over here. After a bit of reorganizing here, we headed off to the south side again.


First on the agenda was lunch. We headed for Brennecke's restuarant. Lunch was good, service was bit slow, but it was crowded. Here Angie's enjoying her pina collada and using the little umbrella as a hair ornament.

Then we were on our way to Lawai beach. We stopped at the little cove before Lawai to see the monk seal resting there. Definately not one of the younger smaller ones we saw there a couple days ago.

The wind was still howling all day. Temps still in the low 70's, but the wind kept things on the cool side. That didn't stop Angie and me from snorkeling at Lawai, though. The water was still very comfortable temperature-wise and the surf was only about 1 ft today.
Here's a cute little file fish. No, the picture is not upside down, the fish is!---barred filefish

Here's a large redlip parrotfish. You can hear them munching on the coral from quite a distance. There is a whole school of these guys here at Lawai. I've seen them the past couple years.

a puffer fish

 a peacock grouper

After snorkeling we tried to rest on the beach and enjoy the sun and read a bit. That's when a disturbed lady came by yelling at everyone on the beach for staring at a seal there. The area was roped off and the monk partol volunteer was there talking to the onlookers, but that didn't keep her from yelling at everyone that the rope doesn't matter and everyone should get back another 75 feet or so. At that rate, we would have been in the restuarant! That led to a rather disappointing end to the "kids'" beach excursions. We had enough and left.

Then we drove by Gillian's beach to see if it was warm enough for sunning at. It was too windy

so we headed back to the condo.

Dinner was another take out pizza from Brick Oven. This time we shared one large pizza. That was the right amount for 4 people. The kids rested up for their long journey home and watched tv. At about 9:45, we headed off to the airport to drop them off.
I stayed and visited with them until they went through security, then tried to call my husband to pick me up. Unfortunately, I had just replaced my phone and not all my saved numbers got transferred---his was one that was lost. After waiting about 15 minutes, I figured he was probably at the cell phone waiting area. So I hoofed it on over there the long way in case he drove by. He was there. At least it was a pleasant evening weatherwise.

Back at the condo, we flight tracked their flight until they were long gone. Finally hit the sack about 1am.

2009-Feb. 26: No Hoku and Smith's Luau

Today we decided to stick around the east side.

Angie called about 11:30 to see if we wanted to join them for lunch. We, of course, accepted and decided we should go to Scotty's. Lunch was very good and the service was excellent. In the past, the food had been great, but service was always a bit slow. It was a nice surprise to see that improved. But the real treat there was when Angie pulled gifts out of her purse for Ken and me as thank you gifts for taking them to Kauai. They got Ken and calendar and a book of photos showing the history of Kauai. Then they pulled out a Na Hoku bag out for me. I was shocked and excited. I've bragged about that store quite a few times. She even knew the piece I was wanting now---a Bird of Paradise pendant.

That's what they got me! That was a really nice surprise! (This was also why they wanted to drive themselves south the other day. I thought it was just so they could enjoy their convertible rental some more.)


We spent the afternoon lounging around the pool of the Kauai Coast Resort. It was a pleasant change of pace and we still got some time in the water---just not the ocean.


By 4:30 we were on our way to the Smith's luau. We thought we were going to miss it this time. We tried to reserve space for Fri. last Tues and we were told it was sold out. So we were put on a waitlist. They called Thurs and offered us 2 seats. We needed 4 seats so had to refuse. Fortunately they called back Thurs. afternoon and said all 4 seat came available. This was Ken's and my 4th trip to Smith's. I love the setting. It's a beautiful large garden setting and they even give you a trolley ride through the garden if you arrive early enough.

We love walking around the huge garden.

The building where dinner is served is large and open. I think the fresh air and lack of food were getting to Angie and Josh here!

The food!!!! We all thought it was fantastic---from the kalua pork, the teriyaki steak, chicken, salad, tropical salad dressings, veggies, breads, coconut cake and jello, .... . Even the Mai Tais are Ono!

The show after the meal is in a covered amphitheatre.   The short walk there is very picturesque.

Although the dancers may be young and of all sizes and cuteness, we found that to be a big part of the charm of the performance. It was refreshing seeing young folks with such enthusiasm and smiles recreating parts of their heritage.

The show was over around 9:30 and we were on our way to our condos to call it another night.