FINALLY MADE IT TO HAWAII!!!
Amazing landscape, culture and FOOD! Did I mention the water is pretty nice 😉
Had a long flight into San Fran, however it was crazy to think that I was only half-way at that point! Hawaii is quite far out into the vast Pacific than I once realized, but even more amazing that it is a state that is so far off the mainland. I pondered about the Hawaii Warriors NCAA Football team, and how jet-lagged they (or visiting teams) must be when they travel back and forth… On the way out here from San Fran, I guessed the half-way point (there was an on-flight contest) at 12:27PM, however someone guessed 12:27:15, and was off by 3-seconds!! Close! The flight attendant offered to buy me a beer, but I thought that wouldn’t be good at this time (not until after the swim!!)
Waikiki Beach has been great thus far, and everyone here is very nice! Church today was at 6AM, however I missed the beginning after I couldn’t find a parking spot, so I just went to the 8AM service. It was so beautiful to worship right on the water, and even better was the chorus and the guitar solos at mass. Everyone clapped along with the tunes, as was in great mood!
Got some good news from Jeff Kozlovich that the weather and water (so far) is looking good for a Friday attempt! I will keep everyone posted after I hear from him again tomorrow, as he will have a better idea then…
Swam at Waikiki Beach last night, in the shadow of Diamond Head, and with Vince up at the North Shore and Waimea Bay – home to the largest waves in the world, and the life-guard stand of the famous Hawaiian, Eddie Aikau. I was very excited to be able to swim where Eddie life guarded, and know that this was one of the most dangerous areas in the world to be a lifeguard, however he did it in splendid fashion, and saved thousands of lives! Truly an amazing Hawaiian, and so sad that he perished so young, yet so beautiful as to the noble cause! I recommend checking out his story…
Ate lunch at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore, and got in some snorkeling (I could never use those masks, so I just did the goggles and flippers) with Vince, then went on an awesome journey up and over the mountains overlooking Waimea Bay and got a panoramic view of the Pacific – one of the most perfect views I have seen in a long time! Traveled back to Waikiki, and off for some dinner with Dad! Have a great night, and as always, THANK YOU for your support!!