We crossed the Pacific Ocean to visit the Hawaiian Islands & our friends on the Big Island (Karen & Bob Moles – hi guys!). The transit to Hawaii would break up an otherwise huge undertaking (voyage to New Zealand), and also provide a last stop for any spares & servicing that this intermediate journey would uncover. Our initial research suggested that Oahu would offer a great Base and entry point to the Hawaiian Islands.
OAHU updates 2015/Feb reunion 2015/May Jan-&-Em 2015/May
BIG ISLAND INFINITY / PENDANA Rendezvous 2015/Jul
We arrived Oahu, Ko Olina Marina on November 17th, 2014. Thanks again to our crew Ron Okada & Frank Balm (you know you guys were awesome, don’t you?!). On November 18th, we had guests arriving, flying in from Vancouver.
We spent the first day a-walkin’ & a-talkin’ around the Marina grounds. Jay and I have come to love Ko Olina.
A DAY ON THE BEACH
For purely medicinal purposes, refreshments were in order.
The next day, was my 50th Birthday. Awesome. I received many cards, gifts and messages of good will. Indeed, Jay and I are very lucky to be surrounded by such great people in our lives.
Such great times tend to gravitate around my Birthday. On November 19th, 2012, we received word from Transport Canada that ‘INFINITY’ had officially been registered to us. In 2013, we were fortunate to celebrate in La Paz, Mexico (with the Fubar), and now in 2014, we celebrate with family and great friends in Hawaii.
Next morning, time to shake the cobwebs off, and take the boat out for a burn along the western shore.
another day, we went for a car ride on the eastern side of the Island
Diamond Head (had to,,,) Diamond Head is one of those ‘gotta-do’ things in Oahu. It’s basically an old Volcano crater which was turned into a Miltary Strategic Point. Because of it’s uniqueness and the spectacular views it offers, it has become a bit of a tourist attraction. A walk for tourists which is a series of many steep stairs and has several lookout points across the island & coastline.
and back down to Waikiki
PEARL HARBOR We are all familiar with the history of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 by the Japanese, causing the beginning of World war two, but it was an emotional journey to visit the harbor where it all took place and see all the artifacts in the museums there. It personalized the tragedy and gave us a whole new understanding of the event.

I’ve got 50 hours in this gear. Its USN issue, Mark V equipment. Once you’re in the water, it’s quite comfortable.
On to our Luau. We chose the Polynesian Cultural Center for this and we were not disappointed. The show after the dinner was spectacular,,, really was.
Steve and Joanne have said their goodbyes, and Lynn & Steve remain for a few days more on the good ship INFINITY. This is a shot of our last night together,,, good times!
Updates:
Dec 26th, 2014 – I went back to work (Middle East again), and Julie flew to Vancouver for Christmas with the family.
Feb 15th, 2015 – Harley is back onboard INFINITY! Click on the link HERE to see how it all transpired.
Feb 28th, 2015 – INFINITY ∞ Haul-out. ON THE HARD
Once we recovered from Harley’s import into Honolulu, we got busy on INFINITY ∞ We had 5 days to make it happen, before I had to get back to work. After 2 1/2 years, it was great to get her out, and give her some attention.
May 1st, 2015
After a couple of months back at work, Julie and I were reunited once again, (perhaps for the 124th? time). I go earn the cruising chips and Julie stays onboard and tends to INFINITY’s every need – a job she excels at. Before our guests arrive, we immerse ourselves in the Hawaii we’ve grown to love. Here is what was happening locally.
Meet Kevin, Ko Olina’s local Puffer fish. He surfaces every few hours to try his luck. He’s rarely dissappointed. He’s often thrown some fresh fish from a local catch.
Another Charter boat brings home a prize. This Yellow fin was actually typical,,,(honestly). Kevin is going to be happy!
Occassionally, Julie and I would venture into Honolulu, visit West Marine and then go shopping,,, I fell instantly in love with this bad-boy – the 2015 INDIAN ‘SCOUT’

this WILL actually fit on INFINITY’s scooter mounts. Only for the love of the bike, I just couldn’t do it,,,
White Party at Ko Olina’s sea-side lawn area. It was around 9pm, and Julie and I had just finished our new Battery Bank installation. We took Harley for a walk and look what was happening on the grounds! It was crazy and magical at the same time. It sure looked like fun & everyone we spoke to was having a great time.
Reunion!
This was no ordinary reunion, this one was special as it marked the first time my Dad & his wife Joan, had been onboard INFINITY. We were fortunate to have my brother-in-law – Jean-Pierre Daspe, also join us. We spent a week lazing around Oahu, before heading off to KAUAI
OK, another night at the Golf Club. It’s local, it’s handy, and the views are easy on the eye.
JP, getting some water time in.
A day out to Manoa Falls
Well, it’s been a busy month, and you’ll see it’s about to get busier ; )
Two days after our arrival back to Ko Olina, (from KAUAI), my Dad and Joan departed Oahu, heading back to Canada. JP followed a few days later. That left 4 clear days for Julie and I to prepare INFINITY for Jan & Emily’s arrival.
Jan Lacock, and her daughter Emily, are our dear friends from North Vancouver who came out to visit us on May 21st, 2015.

Not too sure what she’s saying here,,but I’m not scared (well yeah, I may have managed a couple of beers by this time ; )
KAUAI

This was our first up-close view of the Island of KAUAI – entering Hanelei Bay early morning, May 8th, 2015
We met this wonderful woman, who happened past our boat (paddle-boarding) just after anchoring in Hanelei Bay. We invited her onboard for coffee and discussed many things local to the Island. (Horror of horror’s, Kelly – I’ve misplaced your details – I’m so sorry) In true Island spirit, she lent us her car for the weekend. Just incredible,,, Island people are so good.
With some wheels, we got touring around the Island to see what we could see.

apparently these falls were open to the public, until some Dude with a buck-or-two, bought the land and closed off the falls for pubic enjoyment.
Do you remember the film “The Descendants”? We recognised many places on the Island where different scenes were shot. It was kind of cool to associate these places we were going to, with the Clooney movie. We all liked the movie, and loved KAUAI.
A few days later, we had to pick up sticks, and head back to Oahu. The forecast was poor, and guess what? Bang-on this time : ( Bye-bye- KAUAI, I shall see you again sometime.

we stopped-over in Port Allen for the night, to get out of the weather. It was good to have some escorts bring us into the Harbor.
BIG ISLAND
KONA

the grounds around the Kona Hilton Waikoloa Beach Resort. Nice place! This was ‘registration morning’, the day before the event.
The day after registration, I ran my first Marathon. You can read about it here
We spent the next few days relaxing arond Kailua Bay.

stops me in my tracks whenever I see poeple looking at INFINITY. I always wonder what they’re thinking
HILO
Flying over Kilauea, we saw live lava flows
the flight over the island took us over some beautiful pools & waterfalls
Another day, we went hiking around the Volcanoes National Park
wandering through the Thurston Lava Tube, kind-of cool.
Views from the Thomas A Jagger Museum
INFINITY / PENDANA Rendezvous
When we learned that N62 Pendana was passing through Hawaii during their Pacific transit, we thought it would be cool to hook-up, and finally meet up with the Ellingford’s.
Two Ocean-crossing Thoroughbreds in Hawaii
Hawaii – the Rainbow State (you’re not kidding!)
Reflecting back, we ended up staying a couple of weeks in Hilo, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The anchorage was well protected, and access to the shore (by dinghy) was painless enough. The next two photos of Infinity were taken by James, from Pendana.
Well, time to head back to Oahu. This guy has to head back,,, to go to work. Is it really that time already?

–Heaven– a few moments spent reflecting on the last month, and our fortunate Journey so far. Deep, deep Gratitude.
Our transit back to Ko Olina was blissfully calm, and highly unusual for the Alenuihaha Channel.