The Painted Church near Kona 

 Puako on the Big Island

 The northern tip of the Big Island of Hawaii

 Sunset on the beach in Kona

T

On the beach in Kona

Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island

Kona

 Maui - Island of Lanai

Snorkel Trip in Maui

25th Wedding Anniversary Trip to Hawaii

Our 25^th Wedding Anniversary Trip ~ A bit early!.....

The 20^th was our day to start 'the trip'. We closed everything up at the motorhome and left around 2pm. We made a quick stop at the flea market to pickup the sunshade drop for the motorhome and then headed to Coachella. We arrived at Spotlight 29 Casino around 530p. We had a happy hour glass of wine and then a slice of pizza for dinner. From there it was standing in line for 40 minutes for the doors to open for the free Elton John Tribute concert. It was excellent. We were in the third row so we had a great view of his piano playing which was awesome. His name of Kenny Metcalf and the Early Years Band. He played for over an hour and a half. We then drove to Danny's where we overnighted.

On the 21^st Dixie did a little cleaning at Danny's condo and then we realized somehow Mike's flipflops got left behind. We had a breakfast at Micky D's and then found some flipflops at Marshall’s. We then headed to Riverside to Aunt Marge's. We had a nice afternoon and evening visiting.

We started our long day on the 22^nd attending church with Marge and then she drove us to meet up with Doug. We all had lunch a Marie Calendar’s in Buena Park. We left there around 1230p for the Courtyard Marriott in El Segundo where we were to park the pickup while we are gone. Well we ran into a bit of a snaffo as they said we had a reservation for our overnight on the 30^th , they did NOT have any parking. They advised they didn't have park and fly agreement with Hotels.com/Expedia and also their parking was closed for that package deal. After much to do and phone calls, the manager agreed to let us park there. We caught the 2p shuttle to the airport and got checked in and through security in record time – about 15 minutes. We spent a little time in the United Club prior to our 440pm flight. We got exit row seats all together which gave use plenty of leg room...first would have been better but it was not to be!!! We arrived in Maui at 720p. It took awhile to get our bags and to the rental car place. We arrived at the World Mark Condo around 9pm. We visited with Fran and Camilla before we pooped out around 11pm. We took a sleeping pill to overcome the jetlag/time change.

The 23^rd we went for a walk and ended up at the place Camilla is renting for the month. We walked back via the ocean side. We packed up our beach stuff and headed out around noon. We made sandwiches and made a stop at the ABC Store and we were off. We drove south and took in the scenery. We stopped at a beach south of Waila...we think it as Po'olenalena Beach. We had our lunch and spent the afternoon there. We were in the water riding the waves in when a big wave came over the top of us...Dixie's glasses and visor came off. We thought the glasses were long gone...we saw them on the beach after one wave but couldn't get to them in time. We all searched and luckily another man on the beach located them on the ocean floor. Very thankful for that. On the way back to the hotel we drove into the Four Season's Hotel complex...Fran's Nephew, Tim works at Spado's, a restaurant there. We then went to the grocery store and bought hamburger for dinner. We made a great meal back at the condo. Groceries and eating out is quite 'spendy' here!

The 24^th....Doug and Fran left shortly after 7am for their Helicopter ride to view Haleakala/Hana. They had a wonderful time. We went for a walk as the Helo ride was not in our budget. We drove to Lahinia in the afternoon and a bit further north on the island. We made a a few stops to view some scenery. We had a happy hour drink in Lahina overlooking the water. It was a bit windy. From there Doug/Fran dropped us off at the theater to see the 'Ulalena' show. It was a great show of the Hawaiian History. Thanks Doug & Fran for the tickets for our Anniversary. After the show we went to a great Chinese restaurant called Fu Lin.

The 25^th we started our day out early. We had to be at the Lahina pier at 715a (a 45 minutes drive from the condo). We went on a snorkel tour to the Island of Lanai with 'Captain Steve's'. Our captain was Jonathan and his mate was Mika. We saw some whales on the way over. It was windy and the weather was iffy so they had a hard time finding a good snorkeling spot. We went quite a ways around the island. We made two snorkel stops and also had lunch on the boat. It was a good snorkel...saw lots of fish. The trip back was more than rough. We all got soaked. The weather was a bit dicy so we had to take the long way back...however, we did see several whales. One calf slapped his tale several times for us! We were pretty beat after that ride so we headed back to the condo in Kehie.

The 26^th was travel day. We left Maui on the 1203p flight which was about a ½ hour late. We didn't think we were going to get seats but at the last minute they had some no-shows. We arrived in Kona around 1p. We got our rental car (got an upgrade from a full size to a Ford Explorer) and were off to the condo...this World Mark room looks just like the other one! Bonnie (Fran's sister came over) to visit. We went to the store and bought snacks – that was dinner!

The 27^th we took a drive south. We stopped on the roadside for a Huli Huli Chicken plate lunch...it was wonderful. Then we checked out the beaches. Next stop was a tour of the Greenwell Coffee Farm. It was very interesting and informative...we have never seen coffee trees before. We then went to a beach called Two Step near,........State Park. Doug/Fran dove and snorkeled here before. We had rented snorkel gear at Big Island Divers in the morning so we got in the water to snorkel. This spot has lots of colorful fish...Tang and Parrot fish were the coolest. Of course right after we got out of the water we say the dolphin fins! We met Bonnie & Michael (boyfriend) for dinner at Quinn's....we enjoyed some wonderful fish and seafood!

The 28^th we drove to the north point of the Big Island. We saw where Bonnie teaches and then to the end of the road where we were high up overlooking the ocean. It was beautiful site. From there we drove back over the mountain and returned via Wiama. All in all we put on over 200 miles. We went to Bonnie & Michael's that evening. We met two other couples and we all sat on the beach at their condo and watched to the sunset and enjoyed some drinks and snacks! It was a beautiful setting and a fun time!

The 29^th we all took advantage of Bonnie...We treated ourselves to a massage! It was wonderful. After all that we went to the Harbor House for a late lunch. We enjoyed some fresh fish! It was quite cloudy and it rained a bit. We had planned to snorkel again but decided against that due to the weather. We went to the pool/hotub instead. The rest of the day we packed. Dixie cut Michael and Bonnie's hair. Around 830p we decided we needed something else to eat so we made a run to McDonald's!

The 30^th was the day to leave the islands. We packed up and headed to breakfast – another trip to the Big Island Grill. There food is wonderful and local! From there we drove south and checked out a bit more of the island. We ended up at the car rental return just after noon. We got checked into at the airport for our 152p flight and went to the gate. The flight had 6-7 seats up until that point. Suddenly there were non. The agent said she may have one seat....we would take two but not just one. Well – we didn't get on and the next flight that wasn't until 834p was also full. It was time to make some decisions. There was a Lavaman Triathlon in Kona on Sunday and that may have been the cause for the flight fluctuation. Tue. the flight was also full so Dixie started checking other options. We found the flight out of Honolulu had 100 open seats. We then decided to purchase passes online on Hawaiian Airlines. We headed to that gate and got on the flight leaving at 311p.

Once in Honolulu we went to the United Club. Dixie had packed her card by mistake but we managed to all get in the club. It was a much better place to pass the 4-5 hr wait time. The flight was scheduled for 845p but was delayed for an hour due to Guam connections. We had a sandwich at Quiznos and went to the gate. The flight ended up not taking off until 11pm. So much for our $247 hotel in LA for Monday night.

March 31^st – we arrived in LA around 630am. Our bags were there as they traveled on the original flight from Kona. We arrived at the hotel at 715am. We checked into the room and slept for 3 hours. We checked out at noon and headed to Riverside to pick up our car. We stopped at the same Marie Calendar’s in Buena Park for lunch. We got to Aunt Marge's around 230p. We visited for a bit and then took off for Yuma. We arrived at the motorhome around 730p. It was a very long 2 days....but a very fun time in Hawaii!  

Elton John Tribute Concert at Spotlight 29 Casino in Coachella, CA

March 1-19, 2015... The 2^nd – We weren't able to bring the slide in once again, however we were able to push it in. We left Gila Bend for the Foothills of Yuma in the rain. The further west we got the more sun we saw. We stopped for lunch in the motorhome and arrived at George's lot around 130p. George's brother and wife (Keith & Judy) are staying in the park model and Doug & Fran are parked in the RV space. We were going to look for another lot to rent but when we got their Doug and George thought we could park on the lot as well. It took some time to figure out the electrical hookup. We ended up plugging in to a 110 plug for the time being. It's a bit crowded but we all fit.

That evening we met George's other brother, Harold & Helen as well as George's, girlfriend, Coralee. We all had happy hour together!

Over the next couple of days Doug put in a 30 amp hookup for us to use. The sewer hose will work with a few extensions. We share it with Doug/Fran. Mike caught a cold so was under the weather for several days the first week of March. Dixie worked on Medical Accounting charges and deposit.

Dixie, Doug & Fran met Bob Graff & Carol at Applebee's for lunch on the 6^th and then went to the Flea Market. We have had several dinner's together with the group.

On Saturday, the rest of the gang went on a motorcycle ride to Parker.

On the 8^th we went with Doug & Fran to shop a bit and then went to dinner at Da Boyzs Italian in old Yuma.

Dixie ordered a single burner Induction Cooktop from Jane & Jerry at the show – it arrived on Monday, the 9^th. We are now in search of a couple of pans that work with it.

The gang went on another ride, this time to Borrago Springs. We hung out and caught up on computer work. Things are coming together for the Hawaii trip. We got all of our days at the condo in Maui and Kona. Less than two weeks away.

On the 10^th Fran & Dixie went shopping in the afternoon. I found some pans for the induction cooktop at Marshall's – over course we had to buy a few other things as well.

The 11^th was a trip to Algadones, Mexico. Doug had a chipped tooth and we both had our teeth cleaned. We tried out Bob Graff's dentist, Dr. Alejandro Marques Reyes (928-366-5872). We had our fish/shrimp taco's from the street vendor and then had a beer and listened to Pepe. We bought some tile street numbers and a holder for the Turner house. The line was bit long but we made it through in just over a ½ hour.

The 12^th Doug & Fran went back to Algadones to get his crown put on. We made dinner for them, Keith/Judy and George/Coralee.

Friday the 13^th we went to the flea market in the afternoon and then to George & Coralee's for dinner. George has a wonderful house and patio area. We met a nice couple from Edmonton (Norm & Carol). Norm used to live in Shanavon and spent time in Turner in his early years.

Fran flew to Maui on the 14^th. She flew to Portland to meet up with Camilla and then to Maui.

Mike & I went back to the flea market on the 15^th with the intent of buying a sun shade to add to our awning. However they were out. They will order one and hopefully we can get it next Thru. Doug flew to Phoenix with John to pick up Angie.

The 16^th Dixie went back to Algadones with Doug. He lost a filling on Sunday. The dentist he went to last week was full so we got the name of George's dentist and went there. Dr. Erik Escobedo Cha was able to fill it and we were in and out in 20 minutes. Doug really liked this dentist so we will try it next time. (928-227-1048 escobedodental.com just in case I lose the card). We walked around a bit and then tried a new place across from the square for a shrimp salad. It is located upstairs and has patio dining overlooking the street. Leaving today was quick, just a short line at the gate.

Doug left for Danny's on the 17^th. He will overnight there and then go to Santa Ana to pick up Levi, Tyler and Shay on Thurs. They will spend 4 days with him going to Disneyland, California Adventure and Universal Studio's. There will be many first's for Shay...flying, seeing a big city, the beach, etc. Would have loved to be there.

Dixie worked on the 18^th to get everything caught up before our trip. It has been unseasonably hot this past week. We have been walking daily and rode Doug/Fran's bikes today.

The 19^th is packing day....at least putting it in the suitcase as it is pretty much all ready to go. It is cooler today.  Tomorrow is the start of our "25th Anniversary" trip to Hawaii!

Mike & Dixie out of Tucson on the way to Mt. Lemon

February 2015

February 2015.... We started the month out with a Super Bowl gathering at our place that Danny, Lexi, Doug & Fran attended! Fran made Chili and Dixie covered the appetizers. It was a good game, however the Seahawks lost! We enjoyed some fun time around the campfire. Lexi even sat out there with us and talked.

Monday we attempted to go to a movie “The Game Stands Tall” in Cathedral City but when we got there they advised the projector was broke (it was the dollar theater). Instead we shopped a bit and went back home.

Tues. Mike played water vollyball and Dixie sunned a bit at the pool.

Wed., the 4^th we went to Doug & Fran's for dinner and conversation over the campfire!

The 5^th was move day...122 miles to destination Ehrenberg, AZ – Arizona Oasis RV park. We got a site that wasn't too far from the river so we had a little view of it. We will only be here for 5 nights.

The 6^th Bob & Cheryl came from Quartzsite for happy hour and haircuts. We then went to the River Run Bar & Grill in Ehrenberg for Pizza.

The 7^th was a short drive to Blythe for groceries and a little shopping. We had lunch at Popeye's! In the afternoon we went to the pool.

Sunday Dixie went to the church service at the park. We took our chairs to the river in the afternoon and hung out. In the evening we went to the hot tub.

Monday Doug & Fran came in the afternoon and overnighted. We went to the river for a bit and then had a turkey dinner at our place.

Tues., the 10^th we headed for our next stop – Sundance 1 RV in Casa Grande. We caravaned – us in the lead, then Fran with their RV and Doug on the Harley! We stopped near Tonopah for fuel and a Subway. We took the route to Gila Bend and then over on I8 arriving around 3pm. Our sites that were suppose to be next to each other turned out to be at opposite ends of the park. So much for best laid plans. The park is nice – lots of park models with RV's interspersed. Glenn & Henrietta are also here.

11^{th -} We had happy hour with Glenn & Henrietta and then went to an Elvis impersonator show (Danny Vernon from the Seattle area). It was wonderful show – he looked and sounded a lot like Elvis.

12^th - Fran & Dixie went to a Yoga class and then we all drove into Mesa to the Camping World and another RV store where Doug bought a portable Ice Maker. We had a good lunch at the Mexican restaurant.

13^th – Fran & Dixie went to Walk Away the Pounds. We went to the hottub and had a fire at Doug/Frans

14^th – Shopping and dinner at Doug/Frans

15^th – Dixie went to church at the park. We went with Doug/Fran to Mt Lemon out of Tucson. We made a stop at the Biosphere but didn't have time to take the tour. We started going a back way to Mt Lemon thinking we could make it a circle trip but found out part of the way there the dirt road is closed until March. We headed to Tucson and made the drive up from there. It was a very curvy road but the scenery was beautiful. The saguaro cactus were plentiful right out of Tucson. There was even snow near the top. Once back to Tucson we made a stop at a Trader Joe's and then intended to go to a Mexican restaurant we had been to before – however the wait time was very long. We headed out of Tucson to find another one, however it wasn't so good. We put on over 250 miles for the day!

16^th – Went to the pool. Forgot that it was a holiday – lots of kids! We had Glenn/Henrietta & Doug/Fran for happy hour.

!7^th – Dinner at our place. Also gave Mike a haircut. Mike & Glenn worked on the Frig. Trouble shooting the outside fan which has never worked.

18^th – Doug replaced the thermostat in the Frig fan. Not an easy task but we now have a fan working for the first time --- almost 10 years later!

19^th – More yoga. Fran & Dixie went shopping. Doug's new phone came off his belt case while on a motorcycle ride on Florence Blvd...ooops someone ran over it. We met him at the Verizon store where they ordered him a new one. We had dinner @ Doug/Frans.

20^th Dixie gave Henrietta and haricut and we stayed for happy hour.

21^st. We drove to Maricopa to the Ak-Chin Casino to check it out for an overnight stay. Nice casino and grounds!

22^nd. Dixie went to church. We all met a classmate of Dixie's, Diane Granlund Brady in Chandler for lunch. We went to Rudy's Barb-b-cue and had a great meal and fun conversation. From there we made a stop to see the Total Wine & More store and then a stop at another Trader Joes......it may be our last one this year!

23^rd – Laundry & then packed up for our departure tomorrow. During our stay we did utilize the exercise room and the exercise classes a lot. The weather has been much cooler the past few days.

24^th – We departed from Sundance RV1 park at 10am. Got propane at Norris RV, made a stop at the Walmart near Maricopa and then drove to the Ak-Chin Casino. We overnighted in the parking lot. There is a huge movie theater there so we went to see “MacFarlene USA”. It was a great movie! When putting the bedroom slide out we found it didn't work. The sheer pin broke...again (happened in 2006 & 2010) We tried to replace it with the one we had but it didn't work. We called Doug and sent several pics but never could get it to work.

25^th – Tried working on the slide again but no luck. We left with the motorhome and fueled up at Fry's. We also made a stop at the Ace Hardware buying more pins. We arrived at the Phoenix Raceway Park for the Good Sam Rally around noon. We got set up in the parking lot – it was great to find out we had a 30 amp electrical hook up. Dixie will be working for a company called Always Shinny Wheels & RV selling stuff. Dixie & Henrietta went over to the tent which is in the infield of the track. We were real near by but we have to drive as there is only one entrance into the infield and it is on the other side. We went over the items for sale and checked it all out. Mike & Glenn looked at the slide problem and were able to get it out. We had happy hour at Glenn/Henrietta's.

26^th. The Rally tent opened at 10am today. We all took the tram there however it took over a half hour. In the future we will have one of the guys drive us there! It was a very busy first day of sales. It was fun, but tiring...not used to being on my feet all day! Mike & Glenn worked on the slide problem. They got it working but it broke again. This time the slide is stuck in the 'in' position.

27^th – Another busy day at work! Open from 9a-5p. Today they got the slide back out. We went to the night show – a Beattle tribute band. They were just ok!

28^th – Work hours today 9 to 5 again. Still pretty steady business. Learning lots about tire valve extenders, pressure gages, etc. Also pitching “Induction Cooktop” and a “Roadmate Dash Cam”. It rained some in the early evening. We went to the night show again, tonight’s act was a Neil Diamond tribute band. They were good, much better than the Beatles.

March 1^st – Last day of work 9 to 3 today. Henrietta and Glenn left on Friday after work so it is just the 3 of us today (Jane & Jerry Lihue – the owners). Mike came around 230p to help us pack up. By 4 we were finished and getting ready for the road. It was a good 4 days of work – lots of time on my feet but worth it (got some spending money for Hawaii). Heavy rain was in the forecast so we decided to leave today. We headed the 60 miles to Gila Bend where we overnighted at Augies Quail Run RV park.