Kauai 2010

A rainbow off the Napali Coast while whalewatching. Choppy waves took their toll on the passengers; just ask for the "Aloha bucket," we were told, but it was beautiful, and I saw lots of whales.

We woke up the first morning to a tsunami siren, but Princeville is 200 ft above sea level, so people were calm. We waited 'til 11:05 - tsunami's time of arrival - right after the pool bar opened at 11.

After answering concerned friends via text and email, I tested my underwater camera - loads of fun, btw.

M & J took to surfing lessons..so we went to Hanalei Bay for the real thing...

Michael is addicted, I'm afraid.

We're determined to avoid the only-thing-that-is-important-is-having-fun bohemianism that seems to ooze off the board-sports subculture. Am I mistaken, or did that vibe come across among some of the recent Olympians, as well?
The bay was beautiful, and Carolyn and college friend, Beth, recalled South Pacific, which was filmed there. We took in a live performance of the musical - community theater level - surrounded by busloads of touring retirees with M & J sitting on the floor way up front. When asked to name his favorite thing of the vacation, Michael answers, "South Pacific."

Capt Paul took the boys snorkeling though and everyone loved him and his activities.
Michael stayed up at the tip of the catamaran the entire 4 hours, screaming with glee with each rocking bump, licking the ocean salt off his hands.

Shave Ice was a daily ritual, although this stand's fare was not up to snuff, in my opinion. Hard to find authentic Japanese-style, Hawaiian shave ice; ie extremely finely shaved with azuki beans at the bottom!

Pepperdine's spring break was early, so we pulled M & J out of school. The term is racing along, with graduation ahead, May 2.