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.
Steve & Lynn McEneany were first to arrive. (Julie’s sister)
next in, best friends Steve and Joanne Young
Strike up the band!! Lynn, Julie, Andy, Joanne, Steve & Steve
We spent the first day a-walkin’ & a-talkin’ around the Marina grounds. Jay and I have come to love Ko Olina.
Harley is just going to LOVE it here!
WE are just going to love it here!
A DAY ON THE BEACH
wading through the various Lagoons near the Marina
this is our ‘home’ lagoon, perhaps 200 yards from the Marina. It’s our favorite
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.
Thank you God
Thanks Jay!!! xxox!
Next morning, time to shake the cobwebs off, and take the boat out for a burn along the western shore.
that’s my girl soaking it in
that rainbow again,,, where is that damn pot?
Cloudy morning, but the backdrop & view in general was just fantastic
Chloë doing her thang
,,,because she can
another day, we went for a car ride on the eastern side of the Island
I think they have a point,,,
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.
looking towards the west, Waikiki Beach on the right
looking out to sea – south
looking past the Diamond Head Crater – east
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.
USS ARIZONA Memorial
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.
this guy was prepped and cooked in the traditional manner,, in the ground. Wasn’t tooo bad.
Steve, Joanne, Steve, Lynn, Chloë, Julie & Andy
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!
sisterly love,, it’s great to catch the vibe
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.
Finally, I have arrived in Hawaii! Where are the Dolphins at?
Walkies!
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.
the 5-day blitz
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.
INFINITY ∞ at home in her Ko Olina Slip, I-20.
we never get tired of these beautiful Oahu sunsets
Harley’s new bed. She loves it.
John McVie (Bass player from Fleetwood Mac) and Julie, onboard John’s N43
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.
Harley and Kevin are friends
Another Charter boat brings home a prize. This Yellow fin was actually typical,,,(honestly). Kevin is going to be happy!
205 lb yellow fin tuna. This particular time, one was being caught almost every day.
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,,,
Oh Yeah,,,, feels reel good though,,,
OK, this is the one! Seroiusly, Ill be revisiting this one in the future,,,
Imagine this in metallic charcoal grey,,, (big sigh)
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.
sorry, just had to,,, Ending the evening with these imagines,,, is just wonderful.
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
Kal, Joan, Chloë & Dad. Dad & Joan stopped-over in Vancouver to visit Chloë & Kal
Dad & Joan’s first view from INFINITY’s upper aft deck, looking left,,,,
,,,and to the right. Not bad views at all.
Dinner out at ROY’s, the Ko Olina Golf Club
What a sport! Julie will hitch a ride on the scooter anytime.
another passenger disembarks the scooter Limo.
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.
JP snorkelling in Lagoon No.3
I never get bored looking at INFINITY, sets my heart ‘a-flutter
A day out to Manoa Falls
Harley is just lovin’ off-leash time!
Dad & Joan at the top viewing area, Manoa Falls
the 3-amigos
Harley and my Dad share a moment,,,,,again.
the girls out & about in Ko Olina
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.
another day at the office, strolling around Ko Olina’s beautiful grounds
That’s Emily, Jan & Jay.
Yoga class for the girls,,, Harley walk for me
the next few shots are taken around the garrison where Pearl Harbor was filmed
my turn ; )
I like to fly the flag ∞
here’s the other flag we fly
My Jay soaking up that wonderful Hawaii sunshine and looking as beautiful as always.
this is the Clan,,, Emily, Jan, Scott, Jo-Beth, Julie & Andy
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 ; )
the scooters are out, Jan & Em get into the swing
Our last day together,,, so sad to see these guys go.
KAUAI
JP getting all fired-up, taking an active interest in our pre-trip Pilot House preparations
This was our first up-close view of the Island of KAUAI – entering Hanelei Bay early morning, May 8th, 2015
anchor down, view up-closer. Beautiful.
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.
Joan & Dad. The backdrop is Kilauea Lighthouse
birdman. or more appropriately, chicken-man. They kept pecking him for more grains
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.
after a long day sight-seeing, it’s back to INFINITY for some Tapas & wine.
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.
these views never get old
,,,and out of the Bay we go
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.
Tucked-up safely in Port Allen, JP & Harley wait for the Beer & Pizza
next morning we head out of KAUAI, bound for OAHU. Forecast is for much of the same,,, poor. : (
the Rod is out
JP is litterally ‘willing’ a fish to the hook
Neptune has answered JP’s prayers,,, 30 lb Mahi Mahi
yes JP, we will eat your fish,,, merci mon ami!
BIG ISLAND
KONA
there is just no way to get away,,, from the ALOHA Spirit in Hawaii
wheels we picked up to transport us to the KONA Marathon venue. FIAT 500 – cute!
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.
dolphins came ’round the boat while we were at anchor in Kailua Bay. Harley was going nuts.
Harley wanted a closer look. In the dinghy we go.
Our view of INFINITY from the shore
stops me in my tracks whenever I see poeple looking at INFINITY. I always wonder what they’re thinking
Julie picking up the anchor. Tonight we must go – we have a date with PENDANA
HILO
the grounds near the anchorage in Hilo. special place
the best way to see the Big Island & orientate yourself,,, – we take this Hughes 500 for a burn!
Flying over Kilauea, we saw live lava flows
the flight over the island took us over some beautiful pools & waterfalls
flight path back to the airport – over HILO harbor. What are those two powerboats?
a fine pair of N62’s! PENDANA on the left, INFINITY on the right
our Pilot was a pretty cool guy – living his Dream!
Another day, we went hiking around the Volcanoes National Park
my one & only : )
wandering through the Thurston Lava Tube, kind-of cool.
Views from the Thomas A Jagger Museum
Yep,,, I’m lovin’ this breeze!
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.
INFINITY cruising into Hilo
settling into position near Pendana
Jay lets-loose our 300 lb stainless bad-boy – We have arrived!
one hour after dropping anchor in Hilo Harbor, we were onboard Pendana with the Ellingfords!
Jay & I sampling the Aussie white onboard Pendana,,, the hospitality was wonderful!
well I’m afraid James & Claire made us too comfortable,,, we’re there for the night.
Two Ocean-crossing Thoroughbreds in Hawaii
The Pendana Clan onboard INFINITY – JULY 4TH, 2015
check-out Julies July-4th fruit-flag! I particularly enjoyed the Mimosas ; )
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?
Dolphins escort INFINITY out of Hilo Harbor
Harley, in her usuall dophin-spotting-barking-her-head-off location
–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.
Bring it on!
days like this are what enjoyable cruising is all about.
reading in my favourite spot, lovely cool breeze a’blowin’ Every moment savoured.