The Universe is on my Side

Iselle isn't the first hurricane I've dodged. Where was I before Katrina hit? At a conference in New Orleans.

With this Iselle one we really cut it close. The flight we took last night? If we happened to be ending our vacation today here's what we would have found:

The Universe continues to look out for my best interests. We're home in Idaho while Hawaii prepares for the one-two punch. Category 1 Iselle hitting the Big Island as I type this, with category 3 Julio set to hit this weekend.

Oh, and there was an earthquake there today.

I'm always thankful for the Universe.

Leaving Things Behind

The good thing about traveling is you can come home with a lighter suitcase than when you left.

We make it a practice to take holey socks and worn out undergarments on our trips so we can toss them while away, leaving us less left to pack on the return trip home. On this trip we have left behind the usual socks and undergarments. With me dropping pounds, I also brought along clothes that were several sizes too big, knowing it'd be the last time I'd get to wear them. Goodbye nightgown, pair of shorts, and tshirts. Also goodbye to a pair of sandals that busted on the trip. Goodbye to the most delicious of fruit - white pineapple - from the local farmers market. (That stuff was delish!)

We're also leaving an island under a hurricane warning. A state of emergency has been declared by the governor, libraries and schools are being closed (yep, they start the new school year early in Hawaii), and workers will be sent home early on Thursday. Our hotel is prepping their ballroom, the place in the building made to be hurricane and tsunami safe, where guests will camp out during the storm.

With our late night Wednesday flight out we are managing to miss the hurricane by just a few hours. By the time we arrive in Boise Thursday afternoon the damage may have already begun. Crossing fingers for a good outcome in paradise.

Could be the Last

I'm sure hoping this will be the last time I see one of these icky little lizards staring up at me again. Doggone thing looks like the lava rock.

I could get used to these sunsets, though. Our flight leaves here very late tomorrow night, giving us plenty of time to snap another sunset. But this picture here could be the last one I take.


It has something to do with this.

Being that we're staying on the Big Island, the first island in the hurricane's path, tomorrow could be interesting. (Just depends on which weather forecaster you're listening to.)

For the First Time in Forever

I've been to the beach in California, Oregon, Washington. I've been to the water's edge in Alaska and Texas and Florida. Add in the beaches of South Carolina and Maine. I can't forget about all the beaches in Hawaii - on the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. I've dipped my toes, sometimes the feet, but never past the ankle in many of those spots. But to swim in the ocean waters? Nope. Not even close.

But I could break out singing the song from Frozen right now. Why?

Because for the first time in forever I swam in the ocean today. (No waterproof camera so sand-covered feet will have to do.) Being brave rocks!

I Wanna Do That!

I found something to add to my list of things I want to do when my knee heals.

This thing in the sky:

Attaches to someone on a surfboard:

Sign me up!