"Live" (I hope) from Radiance - Sailing to Hawaii

[PCWalton1]

Back on board

 

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[PCWalton1]

Day 7 started with our arrival at Hilo, Hawaii and me setting the alarm for the first time this cruise. We were rushing around getting ready and grabbing a quick breakfast so we could get off the boat early to enjoy the only excursion we booked this cruise.

 

When we got in line to leave the ship the line for the non-ship excursions was running all the way up to Deck 4 even though the brow was on Deck 2. We were supposed to meet up at 8:30 with our driver from Ricky’s Tours. But with the long slow line on the ship and an equally slow line on the pier we did not get to the meeting place until 8:40. And good old dependable Ricky was already gone. I guess our few bucks were not enough for him to what around a few extra minutes. So no recommendation from us other than if you book him you darn well better be on time or he will leave you hanging.

We looked around and there was another local tour filling a 12 person bus so we hopped on them instead. $10 a person cheaper than good ole dependable Ricky and going to the same place. So off we go.

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

First stop was the Lili’uokalani Gardens not too far from the ship. Actually a very large park and very well maintained. Just be careful if you walk on the grass as not everyone going there picks up after their dogs.

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

More of the gardens

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped for a few minutes at a black sand beach before taking a drive through Hilo Town then heading to Rainbow Falls. I actually did see a rainbow effect coming off the lower portion of the falls.

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

After that is was on to Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut farm. Checked out some of the process and even watching cookie making before grabbing a bite to eat there. Marie bought a twelve pack of 5oz boxes of the chocolate covered nuts for $32. She also got a bag of Hershey’s Kisses with macadamia nuts in them. I guess it is the only place you can buy them.

 

 

Can I take this on the plane as my carryon?

 

They were making macadamia nut cookies, yum

[PCWalton1]

Next stop was the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens and an opportunity to see and smell some amazing flowers. Some were bred for they appearance, some for their aroma. There was one that even smelled like chocolate. Still not sure why you would want a flower to smell like chocolate but they had it.

 

Posting this spider orchid again cause I just think it looks cool

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

Now it was on to the Volcano National Park. Marie and I spent time in Kona back in 2003 and we took a day to drive down here so some of the sights were familiar such as the lava tube. But we didn’t see all the steam and smoke that trip that we did today. It is a little disquieting to be driving by cracks in the earth that are venting out smoke and steam but it was an exciting experience.

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

We made a stop at the Thurston lava tube, kind of dark and wet for my tastes by I was just following Marie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[PCWalton1]

Last stop in the park was at a viewpoint where we could see the Kilauea Iki Crater which is massive. I can’t imagine what it was like when it was erupting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that we made a quick stop at Hilo Hattie’s so people could shop then it was back to the ship. All in all a good day considering how it started (no thanks to Ricky).

[KDRCruisers]

Thank u, thank u, thank u Bill:D. I look forward to seeing your fantastic pictures every morning. This would be my dream cruise, hopefully DH and I can experience it for our selves for our 40th anniversary:eek: in 2 years. Keep the great pics coming and thanks Marie for your enthusiasm.

[Sea and Me]

Bill:

I keep repeating "thank you", but you are doing such a great job it needs repeating:D We were in Hawaii in '07 and the pictures bring back the memories. I was so excited about Hilo Hatties until I got there. Didn't buy a thing!!

Enjoy your day.

Carol

[PCWalton1]

Thank u, thank u, thank u Bill:D. I look forward to seeing your fantastic pictures every morning. This would be my dream cruise, hopefully DH and I can experience it for our selves for our 40th anniversary:eek: in 2 years. Keep the great pics coming and thanks Marie for your enthusiasm.

 

Bill:

 

I keep repeating "thank you", but you are doing such a great job it needs repeating:D We were in Hawaii in '07 and the pictures bring back the memories. I was so excited about Hilo Hatties until I got there. Didn't buy a thing!!

 

Enjoy your day.

Carol

 

Thanks, glad to know there are a few out there enjoying the efforts. :)

 

Bill

[Cricket63]

Bill:

 

I keep repeating "thank you", but you are doing such a great job it needs repeating:D We were in Hawaii in '07 and the pictures bring back the memories.

 

Carol

 

 

Us too...thanks for the memories. We are going back in January and cannot wait!

Great review...keep it coming! :D

[Sunny AZ Girl]

Add me to the list of those who are anxiously waiting for each installment! Thank you for doing this.:D

[PCWalton1]

Just to finish off yesterday, we got back on board at about 2:30 and grabbed a bite in Windjammer. Marie grabbed an afternoon nap then we headed to photo studio to see the results of the last formal night.

After that it was off to dinner, this time they got the table assignment right. The menu tonight was a mixed bag with nothing really striking us as impressive. I had the mustard crusted roast beef and Marie the Asian noodle

 

 

 

We made our usual nightly trip to the casino so Marie could give her $20 offering to the slot machines. I stoled a few coins from her and managed to turn it into an $85 cashout. With the two wins Marie had on the crossing we look to break even on this cruise and leave with the $200 we started with. Got to love that.

 

We pasted our hard working cabin attendant Joel on the way to the room and had to include him in here.

 

[PCWalton1]

Anchored at Kona

 

 

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Tender boat line

 

 

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[Lionesss]

We did that Lava tube on our honeymoon:)

Thanks for bringing back a great moment in our lives.

Rick and Sue

Safe travels.

Sue and crew

[JulieRose]

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! I feel like I'm sailing with you and not stuck in my office for that horrible final half hour of the week before the weekend. (Shhh... don't tell my boss I'm half way to Hawaii right now!)

[PCWalton1]

"downtown" Kona

 

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[PCWalton1]

Public market

 

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