Back on Maui

There is no training report today but a short account of the round-about-trip to Hawaii. We were up at 3:00 am with the goal of arriving at the airport in Seattle about two hours before our flight, scheduled to leave at 6:30. We were in security about 5:45 and thankfully went through without incident, however we did witness several passengers getting the pat down aka the sexual violation. This is particularly acrimonious if you are not inclined towards the same gender. I was kind of embarrassed just to watch, a bit of voyeurism. We did board at 6:00 but waited unknowingly because the First Officer had called in sick and we waited for a replacement. Finally the new crewman arrives and we take off about 25 minutes late. Did I say round-about? That is correct, this flight was winging toward San Diego and Cabo, no directs out of SeaTac this morning to Maui. The flight was uneventful but arrived about the time our connection was scheduled to depart. There were eight of us so thankfully they held the flight. We hopped off one and jumped onto the next without taking a breath. Boy am I glad I went to the bathroom before we landed.

The San Diego to Kahului flight was completely full. No problem though but a long flight, about 6 hours. There were many families, particularly large ones with tiny tots to teens. the energy in the plane was shall we say not restful. By the time we got to Maui we had flown nearly nine hours. Tired but happy to arrive we sought out our rental car which turned out to be a mini van. Then to Costco for a few supplies and on to Kaanapali.

We stopped at the West Maui Bike Shop in Lahaina. I wanted to rent a road bike for a few days. It wasn't cheap but I have to say a great find. I wanted a 58 and they were all out. Sadly I was ready to try again tomorrow and the owner said to one of the minions "Bring up that 58 Specialized." At that the young man from the back produces a brand new Specialized Comp Roubaix, full carbon to which he affixed my pedals. It was way more bike than I expected but very nice. The picture doesn't do it justice but I'll have more later. I rode for about 15 minutes just to get the hang of the Sram sifters and then it was dark. Can't wait until tomorrow.

We had checked in at the Papakea in Honokawai, a little north of Kaanapali. Unloaded our gear, took a breath and then headed out to get some food. By now it was 6:00 pm HST, and we were running low on energy. Went to the local market and bought a few items then over to the Honokawai Okazua for some awesome takeout: Mahimahi fish and chips and Lemon caper Ono, and believe me they were both mighty fine.

Well that's the story for today. Planning a ride in the morning, then off to the old family plot in Waikapu to visit my interred relatives as well as friends Avery and Mary owners of the Makani Olu Ranch. Then hopefully a swim or run in the afternoon.

Today the winds were light, some showers off and on and temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. The Maui Invitational NCAA basketball tournament is all this week so the island is filled with lots of people for that.

Looking forward to a great day tomorrow. Hope your's is awesome as well. A hui hou, see you on the road.