I really forgot how much I love this city...

Well after five months of mostly Hawaii, it’s about time for a change of scenery (…might sound hard to believe but it’s true). The Hawaii season is over and we are repositioning to Alaska for the summer. First port along the way: San Francisco….



Jack and I took a cruise of the bay in the afternoon. We got a close up look at the Golden Gate Bridge and Alkatraz. The bay was just as FREEZING as I remembered it, even though it was a beautiful spring day.




The Rock.
Hot soup for lunch to warm us up, along with yummy homemade bread.



Someone looks a little cranky
Crabs everywhere!

Week 2

Well, week two of Eliza's visit was just as fun and crazy as week one. In Oahu we got off the ship in Honolulu, rented a convertible and drove to the North Shore of the island, famous for surfing.
We had a great day cruising the beaches, hitting little yard sales and, of course, eating yummy food.
We stopped at picked these plumeria on the way. They smelled like Heaven.


Honolulu at dusk.

Back in Honolulu, we went shopping, then picked up Jack for dinner. We went to the Cheesecake Factory only to find out there was a two hour wait and we didn't have time. Jack somehow talked them into giving us the best table in the house with no wait! What a man I have!

Our waitress used the "hang loose" sign a bit excessively. It was funny.

Next day we wandered around Lahaina, on the island of Maui.



In late afternoon we went to a luau on a beautiful plantation. We took a tour of the grounds, then had dinner and the show.



The dancing was fantastic. Very impressive. They dragged Jack up on stage to dance twice and the audience loved him. Also very impressive. I say again, what a man I have... :)
Last port day, Kona. We went Snuba diving, which is the same as scooba, except your air tank sits on the surface of the water. Pretty amazing experience.


Two cute black fish with an angel fish in the middle.





Our last formal night together!
This was the Grand Buffet at midnight (after dinner!)


Last night of the cruise...
These are Jack's officers, who Eliza got to be pretty good friends with.











I was pretty sad to say bye to Eliza, but it was easier knowing I'll see her again soon, along with everyone else! It was also so nice for her and Jack to get to know each other, and for us to have such a fantastic vacation together......
so far my ETA home is June 17th... see you all soon!

At long last.....

ELIZA IS HERE!!! This post is going to be a lot of pictures and not much writing; hope you enjoy anyway. This is Week 1 only.

Eliza arrived with Jack and cried for about an hour after she got here, pretty much from the point in the shuttle when Jack told her, "Look, there's the ship." It was really fantastic, although a bit surreal to see her.
She relaxed for the first few sea days. We went to the Normandie one night for dinner... yum!


Post-Normandie.
In Hilo, the first port, Jack and I had boat drill and a meeting, so we sent Eliza on a walking tour to a volcano on the island. She said she loved the tour and learning about the volcano.
Where lava meets water.
Waterfall in Hilo.
Love this pic she took.
Port Day 2: Nawiliwili port, we went on a helicopter tour of Kauai. She said it was the most amazing thing she's ever done.





Na Pali Coast.




At the Marriott resort afterward.


We had lunch at Duke's (a restaurant on the beach) and then a little outdoor siesta :)
What a life....!








We just have to say, Hawaii doesn't feel quite complete without our other Hyland girl! Mommy we're missing you all the time, and wishing so much you could be here... next time.... sigh..

Anyway, that's it for now, but more to come from week 2 soon... Enjoy!