Greetings from Beautiful British Columbia...

Sunday, February 28. Rain in Maui, clear in Vancouver.

We arrived home safely in Vancouver, touching down at 2.21 am after a record setting flight from Maui of 4 hours and 48 minutes.

As you may know, we had an extra day because of a Tsunami that never showed and a mechanical issue with an airplane. No long story this time, I am beyond that at this stage.

Needless to say we were not expecting daughter Jeanette and oldest granddaughter Annette to meet us at the gate at that time of the morning, but they did, bless them. They even had hot tea and scones in the van for us.

By 4.30 am Ian and Judy were in bed, and Fellette and I fussed about a bit before soon hitting the hay.

This may be close to the end of this adventure, thanks for joining us and I enjoyed your comments folks.

I will post the occasional picture of the house we are building on this site.

Adios Amigos!

Doug

Annette and Fellette at 3.00 am.

Jeanette and Fellette.

Meanwhile Back Home...

GOLD FOR CANADA MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM!!!

In Maui, still...

25 is a lovely number...

Sunday February 28. Cloudy, light rain.

Tsunami Chronology February 27, 2009

5.00 am Received a phone call from Dennis [resort manager], advising of a tsunami warning for the Islands. Sirens would go off in one hour, suggested we try and get off earlier if possible. Reiterated that we are at a safe level at Maui Hill.

5.02 am. I awoke Ian and Judy and informed them.

5.03 Brief conference in pajamas and nighties.

5.04 Phoned Graham who is in Maui and advised of the situation.

5.05 Went on-line to try to contact West-Jet and U-drive outfit. West Jet advised to leave a callback number. Which I did.

5.10 We decided to pack our bags and be ready to go to higher ground, the airport or whatever.

5.12 We turned on all three TVs to different stations to gather info.

5.12 Phoned Wally and advised of the situation and asked him to try and get whatever info he could.

5.30 Wally phoned and advised that Seattle to Maui flight had been cancelled.

6.00 I went to front desk and secured our condo for another night, in case.

Continuing: Trying to get info.

7.15 Fellette decided to fix a beach umbrella to pass the time.

7.30 Decided to cook breakfast.

8.00 Lovely bacon and eggs on the deck

8.30 on

Cleaned up and communicated with various people and websites to try and determine what is happening.

9.00 Doug is getting a cold and needs Dayquil to travel. Plus we need bread for lunch. So I go to get the supplies. All shops along South Kihei road are shut. Off to Safeway up the hill. The parking lot is full, so is the store.

9.15 I get a phone call while in Safeway from Fellette at Maui Hill that South Kihei Road will be shut at 10.00. We need that road to get out.

We initiate plan K. That is to load our bags in the car and park it on a road at the top so we can walk to it and get to the airport if we need to.


We load in a hurry and take off via South Kihei Road to higher ground, just as the fire department is shutting the road.

Around this time we get the word that the water will be shut off here shortly. So, we fill everything we can. Toilets, we get one flush.

10.30. We get word that West Jet intends to fly at around 5.30. We are hopeful that everything will work out for us today.

Several communications with brother Graham regarding flights and status report.

Also heard from Wally regarding friends trying to get to Hawaii, with a delayed flight.

From then on we sat and watched TV as the drama decreased.

11.25 Tsunami was supposed to be at the Island of Hawaii, but failed to appear.

11.45 Still no Tsunami. Getting hungry.

11.50 It now appears that the Tsunami may just give Maui a real good day for surfing.

12.02 The weather people are now indicating that 'we are experiencing a Tsunami in Hawaii' as minuscule as it may be.

12.10 We believe 'it' is over, cooking lunch and hope that the roads are open to the airport that is still operating.

12.15 I walk down to the road and see that some cars are moving so I walk up and retrieve our car and bring it to the condo.

12.30 We check out of Maui Hill and make our way to the upper road and to the airport.

Approximately 1.00. We are at the airport in very light traffic. We off load our luggage finding a snorkel and fins amongst it that should have been left in the condo. Fellette repacks on the sidewalk.

1.10 to 1.45 Ian and Doug return the rental car. Chaos reigns in that area as all arrivals form about 8.00 am to now have been held in a holding area with their new cars while people like us trying to return cars from 8.00 am till now have been unable to get to the airport.

2.00 Ian and I walk to the West Jet check-in counter and meet with the girls. Slick check in.

2.10 to 2.30 through security. Many, many people have missed their planes or have tight time lines and the grumbling is intense.

2.30 to 3.00 we have coffee and a biscuit.

3.35 We are at our designated gate for the 5.30 flight out.

4.45 The West Jet from Vancouver arrives

5.25 We are told to prepare for boarding.

5.26 We are told there is a 'mechanical problem' and will get a report in 30 minutes.

6.00 The captain addresses us and advises that a small motor that is used to generate power to start the engines will not start and mechanics are working on it.

6.15 The captain announces that we will be issued food vouchers.

6.20 Till Lord knows when the food vouchers are handed out in the most inefficient and time-consuming way. It took longer to get a food voucher than it did to check in.

7.00 We have our voucher and are sitting at a 12-foot long surfboard amongst hundreds of other stranded and frustrated passengers. The meal: The Bennett's split a hot dog; Fellette and I split a hamburger. We had seven-up for beverage and I also had two wines. One was just not doing it for me.

Around 8.00 we were advised that we would be flying tomorrow at 5.00 pm. West Jet would put us up in hotels if they could find about 100 hotel rooms.

I phoned Dennis at Maui Hill and asked if he could put us up for the night. He said yes, however our unit was now occupied. [That was the only good thing that happened today, some income, maybe.]

8.15 we went to the baggage claim area and claimed our baggage. Yep, you read it right.

8.30 We joined the queue for taxis out front of the terminal.

8.55 We arrived at Maui Hill and checked in. We were in an upper floor unit and lugging the cases up 23 steps reminded us of why we bought a lower floor unit.

9.15 Some had coffee, I had water and to bed.

Did I tell you that I have a cold and am drugged on Dayquil and Nightquil, and my nose is running like Niagara?


I will end this with two different finishing paragraphs. You determine which is the better.

1. In spite of all the uncertainty today and the inconveniences that we had to endure, we are so thankful that the Tsunami did not affect us other than some minor inconveniences. Also that the motor issue was while we were on the ground and not in the air. The real victims are in Chile. We have had an absolutely wonderful time the last two months and are on the way to our homes, where we will see our loved ones and resume what many consider an idyllic life.

2. I cannot believe that we are going through this Airport Crap again. We had a nightmare getting to England two months ago because of snow and now we are going through the same crap again because of a Tsunami that never happened and a bloody little generator that is making the six-hour flight home from Maui into yet another Marathon Airport Adventure.

Your choice for the last paragraph.

Medal Count...

Saturday February 27. Beautiful and clear, great day for a Tsunami...

24 is the number as of early this afternoon.

Tsunami Warning here, drat!...

Saturday, February 27. This was to be our FLY DAY.

We were awakened at 5.00 am by a phone call from the resort manager. He advised there had been an earthquake in Chile. The tsunami is due to hit the islands around 11.15 am today. The sirens are to go off at 6.00 am.

We are now packed, the car loaded with luggage and sitting trying to get info regarding our departure. Our flight was/is due to leave at 3.00 pm today.

Time will tell, in the meantime we are sitting in our condo that is in a safe area awaiting flight info.

We have the condo for another night if we need to. The adventure continues. We are in no danger, just some disruption getting home.

Last blog while travelling...

Our little encampment on the beach at Kam III

Ian really got into it and decided to go nude!

Fellette can do this for hours, swimming out to deep water once in a while to get rid of excess sand.

Ian determined to get the right wave.

Judy surveying the scene before us, soon to be a memory.

Friday, February 26, lovely day, haze has gone.

This is one of those days where I have mixed emotions. Happy to be going home and sad to be leaving here.

Fellette and I were up extra early to squeeze a snorkel swim in today. Fellette had a great snorkel but I ended up having a very long conversation with a woman who was the only person on the beach at 6.50 am. Her daughter was out snorkel ling alone, when Fellette went in and joined the search for exotic things in the early morning light.

The other swimmer is a veterinarian from Saskatchewan, vacationing with her mother. We were both anxious to see our snorkelers back on the beach. Eventually Fellette came in delighted to have seen a sea turtle as well as a ray and the usual array of colourful fish.

The vet soon came ashore absolutely shivering to death. She was having such a delightful time that she did not want to come ashore. Delighted, she came over and told of her observations: an eel, a couple of other exotic things that I cannot remember, but her main excitement was a white-tipped shark. Although originally frightened she was fascinated with the thing and lost track of time and her temperature.

We returned for a 'clean-out-the-fridge-breakfast'. We four were soon at it packing our bags. Sounds easy, but we have a considerable amount of personal goodies that we store in our lock-up here, that took till noon.

After lunch we went down to the beach and had a great time frolicking in the mild surf. Ian even went in. Judy looked a vision of loveliness in her flowing dress and sun hat.

We had made reservations for a sunset dinner at the Four Season Hotel at Wailea. We had a great table by the ocean side of the outdoor restaurant. The whales were active and the sunset was, as usual, spectacular.

During the meal, the Canada Slovakia game was on. I was kept up to date by Craig and Wally via BB. Rude as it was I could not have done otherwise. Great job Canada.

To bed and then up to fly on the great silver bird at 3.00 pm Saturday.

Does it get any better than this for the final night on a 51 day odyssey?

This is not a Maui blog today...

17 is a nice number.

Thursday, February 25. The winds are clearing the haze that has been here for a few days. A bit muggy.

We leave this tropical paradise in two days. Yep, you only have to put up with three more blogs from me this trip.

We sort of poked around today, after our early am swim. We had to get a few last minute things to tide us over the next two days, and in the process we had another run at the hotel area in Wailea as well as a tour of the hills above Kihei and Wailea.

I also had a chat with my sister today, two actually, and I promised to send her some pictures that we have taken of the place that she loves so much.

In the process of scouring my photos, I stumbled across an album of picture that are very sentimental to me. They span seven decades. I spent too much time looking at them and savouring the moments that they were taken. Oddly, at the time they did not seem significant, some I do not remember being taken, some I do. Those melancholy moments prompted me to think of the good times that I/we have had in our lifetime experiences.

So, if are reading the blog you have a choice of closing the blog window or read on. As I said, nothing to do with Maui, just the musings of a very sentimental guy who is a little anxious to be at home again.

In no particular order by the way!

Maybe 1938/1939, I was three or four. I am in my Dad's arms with Moe. [On this side next to the white pillar to the right of 'CO.

You will not believe this but I remember this photo being taken. It was a BCER Observation Car on a Sunday.

1996 when Moe, Craig and Fellette and I revisited the lowers regions of the Kilimanjaro walk.

Maybe 1966, at Horseshoe Bay. My family (prior to Wally), Moe and family, my mom and dad and brother Graham.

Maybe 1939, My Grandfather Robins, [of Brampton House fame] and Moe and I.

Maybe 1941, Moe and I and dog Penny.

Maybe 1958??? Seaforth Highlanders. [Doug third from right, centre row.]

With my sister and brother, maybe 1947? Notice the cool Argyle socks! I was in grade seven.

Maybe 1991 at the Farm with Wally, and Fellette and I. [1952 Jaguar XK 120, still have it.]

Looking at Wally I would say that was about September 1968. Jeanette seemed to like the feel of my whiskers.

Maybe 1983, Moe, Ralph, Fellette and I on board our first cruise together. Ralph and I each had bought a $99 tuxedo for the occasion. I still have mine, and Ralph's as well.

Further to my rant yesterday on being a Proud Canadian: If you have the time, listen to this six minute clip from Tom Brokaw. This clip was played on NBC worldwide just before the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver Olympics, explaining Canada to Americans.

Sent to me by another Proud Canadian.

The Beach Walk Thing...

Late night flag installation by Craig makes it 15 now.

Thursday, February 24. hazy but hot, hardly any winds.

This is the signage at the foot of our resort complex. It can also be the start and finish of a rather lengthy walk from here to the far end of the beach/hotel area about two good miles down the coast. We often do it, or segments of it as a great way to get exercise, see whales, walk off our excesses, catch a swim, rest in unashamed luxury in the over-the-top hotels and also as a bit of a ritual while here.

My sister loves it and so did her late husband and my very good friend Ralph. Ralph looked forward to the free coffee at one of the hotels, Moe liked the walk. That is when I first heard the term power-walking! She was the Queen of power-walking.

The views of the ocean and distant islands are outstanding and there is always an excuse to stop watching and look for whales.

Of course we have to contend with some joggers, power walkers and strollers along the way but everybody is in good spirits on the Beach Walk.

A 'quiet area' in one of the hotels. Full access from the beach, guest or not, all welcome.

This is at the end of the walk. We call it The Dairy Queen because some of its Arab-like tower tops look like soft ice cream cones. Built about 15 years ago.

Any port in a storm. It can be skin-burning hot along the walk, so this is how we cool off.

Part of the decor inside a hotel.

Meanwhile, if you care for a quick dip and happen to have your suit on, as Fellette and I did......

Near the Maui Hill end of the walk the pavement surrenders to sand and then the beach itself for the remainder of the walk home.

Yesterday we four walked a portion of it in the morning. During the Canada/Russian hockey game I had to get away from the TV. For some reason felt quite emotional about the game. With all the hype that has been going on about how Canada was going to sweep the games the pressure on the competitors was enormous.

Canada is a very small country and one in which I am extremely proud to live in. We do not make a lot of headlines in the world, we have a very small armed force, but are well respected for our compassion and understanding and just plain common sense. Our medical system is the butt of untold American jokes but it looks after those that cannot or will not look after themselves. To me that is the right thing to do. Somehow we are now on the world stage during the Olympics and the only thing that seems to count is 'winning'. The Americans would have Bragging Rights for the next four years and that is just too much to bear!

The hype that has gone on on the American networks about the US win over Canada in an earlier game was unreal. You would have thought they had discovered the secret to eternal life or something. Then to have a game against the Russians who were touted to be the real contenders was too much stress for me to take. So I went on a two hour Beach Walk and got the scores from Wally and Craig via my Blackberry!

I apologize in advance to my American friends who are lovely people.

There is more to life than hockey and the Olympics. But you would not think so on the TV!!!

"The Point of Saturation..."

And today we have 11!

Tuesday February 23. Cloudy but still lovely weather.

Apparently the Trade Winds have disappeared the last few days but are scheduled to return tomorrow. The Trade Winds are the reason Hawaii has such a wonderful climate. We missed them, and as a result the weather has been a bit uncertain and a sea haze has been hanging around.

Fellette and I were fully awake at 5.00 am, coffee on and computer at work.

After a coffee and an update from Wally on the gold medal standings, we were off for the short walk down to the beach for an early swim. Today the water was very flat-calm and the whales were singing. It is a wonderful experience to be able to be in their world and share there communications, a very special thing indeed.

Ian was feeling a bit better today and suggested that we have a run in to Lahaina, up the coast about 30 odd miles. This we did. Ian is interested in all things nautical and wanted to find out about the whaling history of Lahaina. The mission was to see the Whalers' Museum, which co-incidentally is at The Whalers Village, a very nice upscale shopping centre that pleased any shoppers in the group.

This is our trusty Gangsta' Dodge Magnum vehicle. [More flash than real goods.]
Just a pretty picture of what a Maui Shopping Mall looks like.

Among other things at the museum is this skeleton of a whale that beached and died in California many years ago.

On the way back we were treated to a real life display by several whales off the coast. None in sight right here though.

While at Whaler's Village we bumped into brother Graham and Maureen [Left pair] with friends. Small world.

Wally kept us, [me] abreast of the Canada vs Germany hockey game via my Blackberry. Glad we won that one, now about tomorrow's game against those nasty Ruskies...!!!!!

No dinner today, none of us were hungry for some reason. We only had a late light lunch. After a brief discussion on the matter, Ian suggested that we had finally reached that illusive 'Point of Saturation'. We all agreed, 48 days of travelling will do that to you!

An update on that comment on cameras yesterday...

I told you that I was still learning. Further investigation proved that those pictures are stored in a 'built-in-memory' on my camera. To prove this I removed my memory stick and they are still there. I am not sure if they went there automatically or through my error. Still learning.

Still learning about cameras...

And then there were 10!

* * * * *

Monday, February 22. Typical Kihei day, sun, sun, some cloud, then sun.

Tuesday was a quiet day for us. Ian has a very bad cold and is laying low. Except... in the morning Ian and Judy took a cab to the Grand Hotel in Wailea and had a nice walkabout and sampled their ice-cream while there. [He must be on the mend.]

Fellette and I had left earlier and had gone snorkeling at one of Fellette's favourite spots, down at Ulua beach. She missed a snorkeling companion as I stayed ashore and watched for sharks and Tsunamis and caught up on phone messages.

THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ANYBODY WITH A DIGITAL CAMERA: Read carefully.

Yesterday, when we were at the beach I took a few shots that I later downloaded. Now please understand that when I travel with my computer, I download from my camera each day and then reformat my memory card in the camera so that each day I start with an empty card. Or so I thought.

Below are some of the 22 pictures that I downloaded yesterday afternoon...

Napoleon's Tomb in Paris, photo taken August 2009.

.

Ian and Doug on Eurostar from England to France, photo taken August 2009.

Fellette on Tahitian Princess, docking in Iceland, photo taken July 2009.

Friend Andy and carpenter at the build, photo taken, November [?] 2009.

Beach at Kihei, photo taken yesterday, February 22, 2010.

Now, my explanation of what I think happened:

When I originally took those pictures, my camera was NOT set on automatic. The dial on my Panasonic DMC-TZ5, had accidentally been turned to some queer setting that I have never knowingly used. But when I downloaded to my computer the dial was set to 'automatic'.

It would appear that my memory card that I thought was blank, has been holding those images tucked away in some corner of it's memory waiting for me to download it while the camera dial is in the position that the photo was taken in. Do you understand that?

Possibly you may have some choice photos tucked away in YOUR camera waiting to see the light of day!

Oddly enough, some of those pictures, now that I see them, I remember taking them, and missed them when I downloaded them. Particularly Napoleon's Tomb, I had to borrow some of Ian's when I did my Album for that trip.

1001 ways to cut a pineapple...

Another yet to go on...

Sunday February 21. Beautiful sunny day.

There zillions of ways to cut up a pineapple for eating. This is one that I use, it is quick and easy, for me.

Do not ask me how to tell if a pineapple is ripe. If it smells sweet and is not soft on the bottom and without soft spots on the side, it's good for me.

You need a big heavy duty sharp knife, a bowl and a cutting board, plus clean hands.

I twist the top off.

I then cut the top and bottom off, into good pineapple, no hard stuff left on.

I then cut in half.

I then cut in quarters.

I then cut into 1/8's.

Next cut off the pithy core, in a strip.

I then cut to the husk in desired bite size.

Like so!

Next cut off the husk, as close as you can without the black bits, women don't like them!

Presto, Magico!

There is a tremendous amount of waste in a pineapple so be prepared for that. Keep in a covered bowl in the fridge.

By the way, it is not a bad idea to have a glass of water after eating pineapple, they are acidic and can sometimes make your mouth and gums sensitive. The water neutralizes the acid.

And now you know, if you didn't already!