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Terry Ambrose

Writing is like a good barbecue sauce, if it ain't bold, it ain't worth doing.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal – May 8 – We (almost) did Diamond Head

May 8, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

In all the trips we’ve made to Hawai‘i, we’ve never hiked Diamond Head. With four days in Honolulu after our cruise, we decided to get adventurous and make the hike up Diamond Head. We’d heard stories about the climb and read up on what to expect. I would have liked to have done this hike earlier in the day, but we took the Hop on, Hop off bus to get here and were limited by their schedule and our own laziness (we missed the first run of the bus).

Diamond Head is a volcanic tuff cone with an elevation of 761 feet. For someone who is in good shape, this isn’t that much elevation but, as the saying goes, my biological clock is ticking and this hike was a stark reminder that I am not twenty, or even thirty or forty.

Our hike began at 200 feet elevation, which is where the trailhead is. We made it up past the first set of stairs, 74 in all, and through the 225 foot tunnel. When we came out the other end of the tunnel, we looked up to the right. Ninety-nine steep concrete steps seemed to stretch on to the sky. Those steps take you to the lowest level of the Fire Control Station. At this point, you might ask how many more levels are there? The answer is four. Which means there are more stairs—I think it’s another 136 altogether, more trails, more heat, and more sun.

When we turned around, we were hot, tired, and felt like our skin was baking. The line of people going up Diamond Head resembles a row of ants. Some of the people were in good enough shape to make it to the top. Others, like us, not so much. If you’re thinking of hiking Diamond Head, do a few things first. Prepare by climbing stairs—lots of them. Second, go early in the day. After ten, there are a lot of people who show up to make this climb. And third, have lots of patience. This is a long, slow climb and because of all the other people who are there and the narrow width of the trail, your pace may be determined by someone else, not you.

Want to follow along on our journey? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

Photos from our Diamond Head hike

Diamond Head trail begins on flat, dry land.

There's very little green at this level. This is a dry part of the island, so brown predominates.

Our goal, but will we make it?

From the beginning of the trail things don't look that bad.

Check out the ridge - it's a line of hikers

Between the full parking lot at the trailhead, the number of people milling around, and the line at the top, it's obvious the urge to conquer Diamond Head is huge.

The trail is wide enough for two people - almost from this point on
Over the canopy of tree tops

We've now climbed high enough to be over the canopy of the treetops. And honestly, it wasn't that hard getting to this point.

The view gets better

The higher you go, the better the views.

Line of Ants

We came around a switchback and saw this stream of visitors climbing to the next level. It reminded me of ants working.

View from a scenic lookout.

Just before you tackle the fist set of steps and a tunnel, there is a lookout.

View from a scenic lookout.

Even from here the views go on to other islands - look closely at the blue horizon (left side) and you'll see the outline of Maui

Kathy takes a break at the lookout station
Looking down at that line of ants

The trail to the top is one swithback after another.

Our last scenic overlook

We reached the decision point - to continue on or stop? We chose to turn around and head down.

99 steps

This is just the first set of steps. After these,, there are at least two more sets. This is where the tough get going and the rest of us watch.

The wetlands of Diamond Head Crater

According to this sign (and the 3rd graders of Waikīkī) a webland forms in the crater of Diamond Head Crater in the rainy months.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Hawaii, travel, Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal – May 4 – last day at sea

May 4, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

We’ve apparently survived the long journey from Sydney to Honolulu via cruise ship. Last night was our final gala night—and we missed it. There were lots of people dressed for the evening—for the men it was suits or sport coats and ties, and for the women it was cocktail or evening dresses. But, there are also many passengers who don’t participate in the gala evenings. Some respect the ‘rules’ and don their shorts and tees and skip the dining rooms where gala attire is required. Coming from Southern California where everything is laid-back all the time, I get that ‘dress up’ is not for everyone. However, I find it refreshing that there are still times when evening attire is the rule. I also find it sad that there are a significant number of passengers who seem to think the rules don’t apply to them. In our case, motion-sickness got the better of Kathy and we missed out on our last chance to play dress up.

Tomorrow, we dock in Honolulu, which is where this two-month journey began. It will be nice to be back on solid ground and not have the constant rolling of the ship. Of course, it may take a few days to adjust to the change in motion as well as to having to make our own bed, do our own dishes, and cook our own meals. Yikes! How will we cope?

Want to follow along on our journey? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

Photos from American Samoa and Pago Pago

Our pilot coming out to meet the MS Noordam
Along the shore of Pago Pago
Some houses are built on the mountainside, but most are in flatter areas
These guys danced most of the day!
The bustling center is along the waterfront
On the bus - check out the ceiling!

Check out the ceiling on this local bus. Also, the seats are all wooden bench seats and get very hard after a few hours!

Flower pot rock

Legend has it that these two rocks are two lovers who were turned to stone by an angered parent...doesn't that just figure?

Outside of our bus

Just in case you're wondering, those flowers stayed on throughout our tour!

Quaint church - it was very yellow!
Shoreline along Pago Pago
Those ships are stuck.

The good news is these ships attract divers and snorklers at times.

Healing Garden monument

The Healing Garden monument was dedicated after a devastating 2009 tsunami in hopes of restoring life, peace, and hope.

Part of the Healing Garden park
Peacock-shaped palm

This peacock-shaped palm is at the center where we were treated to some Fijiian food and entertainment.

This little princess danced for us
Flower pot rock
Flower Pot rock close up
Green hills are everywhere on American Samoa.

We docked in Pago Pago, which is the capital, and that's where our tour began.

Resort built right at the water's edge
Crystal clear waters and green mountains - paradise
Shipwrecks off the coast

These wrecks are now good for only one thing - attracting the curious!

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: travel, Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal – May 2 – Lautoka

May 2, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

Lautoka was a pleasant surprise—so lush and green and the people were very friendly. Our tour took us to a community center where we were greeted by a group of locals who sang and danced for us. As is the custom in this part of the world, our bus elected a chief, who spoke for us after the local chief welcomed us. This was also a kava ceremony, which is a local drink that’s supposed to have quite a kick. Since I wasn’t quite sure how kava is distilled (it’s probably gluten-free, but I’m not 100% certain), I passed. There were a number of others in our group who tried it.

The tour then went to a local village where we walked around, saw the local church, and had an unexpected surprise. Inside the church were some of the locals. Two of their little girls were practicing one of the songs we’d heard at the kava ceremony not more than an hour before. They had voices like angels and those of us who were in the church were enthralled by how beautifully they sang.

Want to follow along on our journey? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

Members of the local tribe singing for us
Traditional dance performed by men
Traditional dance performed by men
Traditional dance performed by women
Singers in background while dancers perform
Entire tribe during ceremony
Some of the jewelry being sold at the pop-up market
More local jewelry for sale
Monument in village center
Chief's house in center of village

The chief is always the highest person in the tribe, so his house sits higher than all others

Inside of church - beautiful wood pews
Baby pineapple - so tempting to reach out and grab!
This pond in the shade was a welcome relief from the heat
Ample shade along the path, but it was hot!
A nap is calling from this hammock
The traditional greeting on Lautoka is Bula.

Bula means hello, goodbye, and many other things, much like aloha in Hawaii.

Fijian earth oven
Wish I'd have had time to follow the stairs.
Inviting looking path
We were greeted by these two singers - more were waiting inside
The troupe assembles in front of the crowd
Orchids at botanic garden
Botanic garden plant, very unusual
Orchids at botanic garden

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: travel, Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal – May 1 – New Caledonia

May 1, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

We’re on our second of five sea days to Honolulu and the end of our cruise. Two days ago, we were in Pago Pago, American Samoa and took a tour that took us around the island in a local-style bus. The only air conditioning was from lowering the windows which, by the way, did not roll down but had to be lowered by repositioning the glass in a slot. The tour was another of those fast-paced five-minutes-here and five-minutes-there type of things. Given that it took us five minutes just to get everyone off the bus, is it any wonder we fell behind?

Kathy is still fighting motion-sickness, and I’m still recovering from the flu, which was followed by a bacterial infection in my lungs. Even with all that, we’ve enjoyed the cruise and are looking forward to the next few days. Today’s photos are from New Caledonia, which was almost a week ago. I’ll catch up with new islands tomorrow.

Want to follow along on our journey? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

Photos from New Caledonia

Market at Lifou
Market at Lifou
Tenders on way to MS Noordam in Lifou
Beach at Lifou
Botanic Gardens on Easo, Lifou

Welcome to the vanilla bean farm

Botanic Gardens on Easo, Lifou

Coconuts are abundant

Botanic Gardens on Easo, Lifou

Vanilla beans!

Botanic Gardens on Easo, Lifou

Tropical flowers are everywhere in the botanic garden

Botanic Gardens on Easo, Lifou

A blue orchid?

Botanic Gardens on Easo, Lifou

Vanilla beans!

A small village on Cliffs of Jokin tour
Meeting lodge for local council

The island's council meets in this thatched hut to discuss important matters.

Ariel is ready for a coconut drink!
Marketplace
The cliffs are what this tour is all about.
Talk about clear water
Clear water right off the coast
Which way would you like to go?
Totem on Lifou
Monument behind Lifou school

This monument is behind the school

The Lifou school covers the entire island

The Easo tribe built this school, but the other tribe on the island busses in their kids.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: travel, Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal – April 27 – Russell, New Zealand

April 27, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

It’s been a rough week. Nine days ago on (our Thursday) I came down with the flu. Kathy talked me into going to the medical center, and they told me I had a 100.4 temp and was quarantined to our room. Sunday morning, the temperature had been gone for twenty-four hours, so I was released from quarantine. That was the morning we arrived in Sydney and had to leave the ship for at least two hours. We sat in a bar over by the Opera House where we could watch the ship and passed the time drinking water and green tea. To make a long story short, the flu went into some respiratory condition, my temp went back up, and I wound up back in medical. No quarantine this time, but I’m finally feeling better and had my first full day today. As a result, I’m doing a little catch-up and putting up the photos from Russell, New Zealand, which is where we were the day our tour itinerary went topsy turvy.

Want to follow along on our journey? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

Photos from Russell, New Zealand

Sunrise as we arrive in Russell

This was an early morning shore excursion, so we had to be up bright and early!

Ariel rides the wombat in preparation for Russell

Our traveling companion Ariel rides tonight's towel animal.

Strings first, then glue

Once glue had been applied to the binding, the pages set

Printed pages ready for binding

The pages were bound together with string.

Printing press process

More plates from the old bindery

Shims help to position the text on the page

The shims come in all sizes to make for precise placement.

Materials to leather bind books

The books made in this bindery were all leather covered. This is getting close to the final product.

Printing press in Russell

This old press was used to make a single proof after the letters had been set. After the proof, the actual printing was done downstairs

MS Noordam in background

Just beyond the anchored sailboats is the MS Noordam waiting for all of us to see the sights.

Boats and houses in Russell

Russell has a lot of hills—and boats

The bindery upstairs

The book bindery operated out of this house upstairs and down.

Coffee shop where we had morning tea

I hear the scones were fabulous—but they were not gluten-free, so not for me!

Totems in Russell

This garden area is maintained by a local group of gardeners

Close-up of sculptures

The attention to detail on these pieces is amazing.

Art in the town garden

Here's another of those beautiful pieces from the central garden

Oldest church in New Zealand

Established in 1836, this is the oldest church in New Zealand, and it's still beautiful inside.

Downtown Russell

Russell is a quaint town without a lot of traffic—except for the pedestrian kind.

Plenty of places to sit and have some tea

Outdoor tables are common and the atmosphere is relaxing

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Russell New Zealand, Travel Journal 2019

Travel Journal – April 17 – Auckland War Memorial Museum

April 17, 2019 By Terry Leave a Comment

New Zealand’s Auckland War Memorial Museum blew us away today. This is another magnificent museum with world-class collections. We’d allocated today as the day to return to the museum so we’d have more time, and were we glad we made that decision. 

The Auckland War Memorial Museum has three floors of exhibits. On the ground floor there are exhibits about the Maori showing their history and migration. The story of this seafaring people, who formed small tribes and conducted all fighting in hand-to-hand combat is one that is similar throughout Asia and Polynesia.

On the first floor (which we’d call the second) there are art exhibits, a volcano exhibit, and much more. The second floor (which we would call the third) includes the war memorial. One of the amazing things—or rather, two of the amazing things—were the two complete planes inside the museum. There’s a Spitfire and a Japanese Zero. Our guide told us the Spitfire had been brought into the museum through the roof! I doubt it will be leaving anytime soon.

The trip back to the ship was a bit of a challenge because we decided to take Uber, but lost our Internet connection before we connected with the ride. We connected with another driver on the second attempt. I don’t recommend moving from the spot where you’ve got Internet connectivity when you’re trying to use Uber, the results are not good!

Want to follow along on our journey? Here’s a link where you can find all the entries in our travel journal.

Photos from Auckland’s War Memorial Museum

Model of a double-hulled canoe

This is an example of a Maore double-hulled canoe

Ariel checks out the sloth

We think this towel animal is a sloth. At least Ariel like it!

The customhouse and other buildings along the wharf

This was part of the view of Auckland from our balcony.

Stained glass ceiling at Auckland War Memorial

The emblems around the edges of the stained glass signify the countries involved in the conflict. The center commemorates the New Zealand military branches.

WW1 - 1914 - 1918

Thousands of names are inscribed on the walls in this room.

This Spitfire is full-sized

This is a real airplane that they brought in through the roof.

Stained glass window commemorates the war

This memorial serves to remind visitors of war's devastation.

View from the War Memorial Museum

The views from the museum are spectacular and fitting for the monument

Birds in flight

New Zealand was once a land of birds and no mammals.

Meet the Moa

That is one big bird. The moa once flourished in New Zealand, but the Maori and other forces brought it to extinction.

Notice the mouth on the center carving

The puka is the sticking out of the tongue - in times past, different expressions meant something - kind of like a separate language.

Canoe carved from a single tree

This canoe could carry about 100 warriors, most of whom were paddling.

Tail end of the war canoe

If the canoe was to be used for transporting something other than warriors, the bow and rear could be replaced with something appropriate.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: New Zealand, travel, Travel Journal 2019

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