Wind waiting...

I know I said in the last post that regardless we'd leave today, Friday, but I lied.  After reviewing the wind observations (on deck & on-line,) we would have been bashing into the wind and waves about 75% of the trip.  Who wants to do that?  Neither of us.  So we're going to try again tomorrow.  A hike into town for some garlic shrimp and steak took our minds off it.

The waiting game....

Last couple of days has been spent walking into town and picking up those last bits-odds and ends.  We've been waiting for the winds to die down through the channel; between the islands.  Predictions have been at 20-25knts and waves reaching 12ft.  The latter of which, I am not sure I am ready for again...
Regardless we plan to take off around noon on Friday, putting us at the Big Islands northern point around midnight.  Hopefully winds will have tapered off enough to make the 26 mile crossing to Maui's west side.  If not, we'll continue north on Maui's east side up to her midsection at Kahului Bay.

To shore or showers

Ed would like to leave the islands by the first of July.  Giving himself plenty of time to get back home (no Jerry, I will not crew this leg either.)  He may have to go well out of his way to chase the trades.  So Maui may be our last stop.

Cruise ship neighbors every Tuesday

Fun in the tide pool

Yes I'm hot but....

Native neighbors!

Hilo Japanese Gardens

After a very peaceful and relaxing Father's Day of pan flute,

reading and turtle watching, today we hoofed it into town a few miles and spent most of the day hanging out at the Hilo Japanese Garden.  The garden is on Hilo Bay, so its waters rise and fall with the tides.  Very simple, but so beautiful.  We have notice mongoose everywhere we go - so many.  Today was beautiful - very warm in the sun (making it a little too warm to be walking the volcanic sidewalks for miles,) cool in the shade and thank goodness for the breeze.  A quick stop at Coconut Island, a very small island park where kids go to swim and sun, gave us an opportunity to watch the fun in a small cove.

Late lunch at Ed's new favorite place The Hilo Burger Joint.  Actually happy hour is his favorite part of the place.  1/2 price beers; $3.  Caprese burger; basil leaves, fresh mozzarella, tomato and balsamic...yuummm.  A bus ride home will end this day with an early bed time. ;)

Turtles

Last evening Ed and I rowed to shore to take a walk along the breakwater. As we got up there closest to the park several turtles where in the wash munching on vegetation that grows on the rocks.  We could see them in the waves as they started to break and they kept popping up for air as well.  Every size.  We saw one in a little cove area which we could walk down to and we did.  Ed put his camera under the water and this is what we got!  Pretty cool huh?