Jan. 31, 2014 ---Finally!-snorkel Tunnels!


I'd been checking the surf report daily with no luck for snorkeling the north shore.  But today it was below advisory and with a wave height of 2-5' and good visibility.  So I was anxious to head north.  I don't think Ken was as anxious, but he went.  After eating up the last of our eggs and bacon (move day again tomorrow), we got ready and headed out for the maybe hour ride to Tunnels.  Didn't get there until after 11.  I was surprised to see the sun was shining and the beach probably had more sand on it since the 50' surge then it had before.

 

Jan. 30-Poipu and Salt Pond--


Today we woke up to another absolutely beautiful day!    It even warmed up nicely.  We tried to check the www.kauaiexplorer.com site for surf conditions, but it still wasn't updated by 11 am.  According to tv, it looked like tomorrow should be a good day to head north and actually get some snorkeling in---surge of only 3-4' (which for the north in a protected area like Tunnels, Kee, and Anini is often good).  Sat. we pack up and head to Princeville, so this might be our last day to head south.  So we did.  Probably spent 4 hours in the water between Poipu and Salt Pond.  Even the ride down to Poipu was beautiful!  Loved the clouds again today!

Jan. 29, 2014 --Another cloudy rainy day, so off to another garden:


Today we got up early to head over to the resort's owner coffee.  Heard, again, about the scheduled renovations for Kauai Beach Villas---for about the 12th year.  They are actually working on the outside of the oceanview units, but the insides are basically the same as it was when we bought in in 1996 (with the exception of pergo flooring put in the kitchens and bathrooms).  He said the carpeting and new kitchen/bathroom flooring has been purchased!  Then furniture is suppose to be replaced.  So next time we're here, maybe my pictures of KBV will look different!  I still love the location and layout of the condos, so I won't be too hysterical if nothing is done again.  Although if I have the oppurtunity to stay at Kauai Coast Resort again, I'll take it!

Anyway, I was sad to see that it was totally overcast this morning and raining off and on.  But rain on flowers always looks pretty, so I suggested we go to Na 'aina Kai sculpture garden today.  This is a very nice garden on Kauai that has a reciprocal program with our Missouri Botanical Gardens.  That is a fabulous garden in St. Louis, so I like to get a membership there and use it several times there and lots of other gardens.  This was actually our 3rd time to Na Aina Kai with the reciprocal membership.  They have several garden tours, but the free reciprocal one is the $35 1.5 hour guided walking tour.  Each time we've gone they've talked about different things and taken slightly different routes, so I still enjoy it.  It did rain a bit before we left the condo and again while we were waiting for the tour, but the sun did actually come out now and then.

Jan. 28, 2014 --Hubby's big birthday!


The old guy reached another landmark birthday today!  Now he's 62 and able to draw social security!  Yea!!!  I made him plan the day today.  Should make him do it more often.  It was another great day!  Even the weather was great again.  Nice to see lots of sun again.  It was quite windy---20-25mph out of the north with gusts of 40.    But it didn't stop us.
DH decided we should finally ride bikes on the East side bike/walk path.  We've talked about doing this for years.  We found a shop behind Ono Restuarant in Kapaa that rents them for $10 for 2 people for 1 hour or $15 for 2 hours.  My cruiser worked quite well.  I was surprised how well it did in the 25mph headwinds.  Ken had problems with his and ended up waiting by the pier 3 or 4 miles into the ride for me to get back from the end of the trail.  Here are a few pictures from the trail:

Jan. 27, 2014: clouds, cold, garden--


Woke up to more rain and clouds.  We piddled around the condo until about 11:30, then decided to head south in hopes of some sun and snorkeling.  Instead, we found more clouds and light drizzle.  But we still made a great day out of it.  First we stopped at The Stichery Store near Walmart.  For anyone interested in sewing, especially with Hawaiian prints, this is a great place to go.   We have lots of fabric stores in St. Louis, but none that carry Hawaiian prints!  They even encourage you to take pictures.

 So many choices!!!

  

Jan. 26, 2014 - Sunday--Lydgate and Meet and Greet at Ka Eo Kai:


We woke up today to total overcast and some sprinkles.  Dang!   So we debated on what to do.  First was breakfast in our condo.  Then we decided to go snorkel at Lydgate.  Figured it didn't matter if it was raining there.  On the way there, I saw a low rainbow practically hugging the ground.  I've never seen one that low.  This picture didn't catch it very well, but it sort of shows where it was.  I took this while we were moving so a tree got in the way!

By the time we got to Lydgate, there was quite a bit of blue skies peeking out.

Jan. 25-Sat.-move day, Moloaa beach-

Time to pack up and move to our  usual home on Kauai---Kauai Beach Villas.  So after packing up, I walked over to the Coconut Marketplace to see what changes have taken place there.  It looks like it would have been a great place to go for my rash guard and shorts!  Oh well!  It's a nice mall to have within walking distance.

When I was done checking out the Coconut Marketplace, it was time to check out of Kauai Coast Resort.  Again I got our time at Kauai Beach Villas for half the Wyndham points and 5 of the days I got us a free upgrade to a 2 bedroom from a 1 bedroom.  The other 2 days I paid the half price for a 2 bedroom so we don't have to change rooms.  Unfortunately no oceanviews were available.  Kauai Coast Resort is more updated including a much better mattress, has central ac, the resort is more compact, pool is heated!, plus it's location has a slight edge over Kauai Beach Villas.  On the other hand, our unit at KBV is quite a bit larger, does have ac in the bedrooms, location is secluded which sometimes is preferred, and it's just so familiar to us now.  Both are on the East side.  We've stayed at KBV 12 times now, so I won't include too many pictures of it.