Boogie Boarding Grannies!

Yesterday we went to Hapuno Beach again, but this time we took a couple of accessories - ie:  boogie boards.  Below is a demonstration of how a couple of grannies do it best!  (even the injured granny gave it a go)  *iPad users can't see the video*

The guys had a good time too, but they weren't nearly as good at it so we've only got a few still photos of them to upload. 

     Here's Ken ridin' a big one in!

  Ted's gearing up to take the plunge....

... and both the guys are back in on shore again safe and sound.


So there you have it, another day of sun and surf on the Big Island!!!

Snorkeling

We went to Snorkel Bob's to rent equipment because we saw an ad for $9 /week.  Being the savvy shoppers we are we figured we'd each grab a set of snorkeling equipment and we'd be off.  Of course it's never quite that easy.  Once we entered, Bob advised us that they do indeed have a set you can rent for the week for $9 but that it's a rubber mask that doesn't seal well.  Okay, what's the next price point?  $25 for mid-range mask that seals better.  Okay, what's the next price point?  $35 for a mask with a good seal.  SOLD. 

 

The drive twenty miles south of Kona to the snorkeling bay was a beautiful stretch of road winding along beside the ocean.  Finally we arrived at the recommended destination.

 



 

 

Now I know why it's nicknamed Two Step - much easier!  There's two natural lava steps to go down when entering the water after you walk across the lava field to the ocean.

 

 

 

 

 

Ken, myself and Ted

 

 

 

The fish we saw were amazing, brilliant shades of yellow, some with stripes, dots, long blue snouts, and large turquoise and green parrot fish.There was also a turtle in a shallow area, quite oblivious to us.

 

 

 

 

Morning Coffee

 

 

 

I just made coffee and stepped out onto our lanai - what a place to enjoy the first cup of the day....

North Island Touring

This morning much discussion was had, several maps were read, and many internet sites were consulted - all in an attempt to figure out where to go today.  The end result was this:

 

 

 

Ken and Shirley walked out onto the rocks at the ocean's edge to see the pounding surf, my ankle's still not 100% so I figured I'd take the photos.

 



 

 

 

 

Then we got back in the Jeep and continued to head up Island, the landscape becoming much greener and lusher than outside the Waikoloa resort area.  Next stop was Pololu Valley lookout.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last portion of our adventure was away from the coast and we headed inland to where the Parker Ranch is located, approximately 140,000 acres.  As we headed up the highway the temperature dropped.  Once again the landscape changed and we saw donkeys, cactus and cattle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So that was our day, then we headed back down to the resort and warmer temperatures!

 

 

 



Hapuna Beach

Today we drove about fifteen minutes down the highway to Hapuna Beach, which has been reported to be one of the best on the Big Island.  I'd have to agree, the sand and turquoise water is beautiful. 

 

Ted and Ken heading out to catch a wave...

 

 

 

 

 

...and Ken's under!

 

 

A little relaxing in the sun,

 

 

 

...and then back to the villa for the evening. There's lots to see and do here, I'm glad we have time to check out the island's sights and activities. 

 

Tennis - by guest blogger Shirley

Above photo is a lovely shot of Ted enjoying his game of tennis.


Below is the outcome of Val's game of tennis - by guest blogger Shirley:

Here is our athlete friend Val!  She decided to join her lovely husband Ted in a game of tennis this morning.  As the game ensued, and two other tourists joined them; one from Romana and one from Los Angeles, Val used one of her special moves, and as you can see from the picture below the move was not so special and as Ted described she went down as if she was shot!  As Ken and I leisurely relax doing laundry and reading our books - the condo phone rings, its Ted calling 911 (Ken's ambulance jeep service).  Off Ken goes and rescues our friend.  Home she arrives and I her personal first aid attendant pours her a glass of wine (first things first) and then attends to her wounds.  No more special moves for Val.  Ted is worried about being her personal server for the rest of the trip-needless to say is enjoying every moment of it.

Found the parrot - in Kona, Hawaii

 

Well we found the parrot that we were looking for last November, but we had to come to Kona, Hawaii to do it.  It's a pretty bird, a scarlet macaw  actually - in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel.


We flew in last night and were picked up by our good friends Ken and Shirley.  It was a beautiful balmy night and we promptly drove into Kona for a late night snack and a couple of Longboards.

After a short night's sleep we got up to sunny skies, raspberry cinnamon rolls and Kona coffee, what a great way to start our three week holiday.  Then it was off to scope out the area and see what there is to do.  Lots!  We walked all around the Waikolea resort area here, it's just beautiful.

 

 

 

Today we went into town and picked up the basics at Costco etc to get us through the week, tomorrow it's time to get some action packed fun!