WHAT A TRIP.....

Donna, the bride's sister planned a day at one of the most beautiful beaches on the Northern Shore. The group of us piled into a van  that Donna arranged for us to have for the day equipped with  a sweet, awesome chaperon named Al who lives in Hawaii. I think there were 12 or 13 of us. We had a beach party until sunset...awesome day.  Do you see me in the water?  Of course, I  was afraid of a shark swimming up but I went in anyway.  Rob held me up!!! Some people look good wet, I don't.  Such an awesome experience having met so many of Donna's lovely friends who live right there on the beach.  Now that's living!!!  Why am I in NJ???



Rob and I stayed at Donna's house with her husband Jimmy, their 3 adorable Boston Terriers, and sweet kitty cat.  We could not check in to our place until the next day.   When I missed Timothy Winter,  Donna let me hold her little blue eyed kitty and kiss her....it helped me not miss Timothy so much.  Her home is a 5 bedroom mini mansion overlooking really beautiful mountains.  Her gardens are lush and colorful.  I was the first one up the first morning so of course, I made some coffee and made myself at home in her garden with my lei and pj's.  I am on the other side of the fence in the garden if you are looking at the photo of the house...



Having just arrived at Donna's home from the airport, we all grabbed a drink and some great food then began partying.  We ended up lying on the deck upstairs to gaze at the stars...amazing view.!!!! Great food, great company and fabulous hospitality not to mention the fact that we were in HAWAII!!!!

We checked into our Villa late in the evening after that great day at the beach.   The next morning Rob and I decided to check out our surroundings and have breakfast at our resort.  Breakfast on the beach...just beautiful.  I could barely eat because I was so distracted by the stunning atmosphere.  The bird on the left is the Myna bird.  It has yellow legs and a hawk like beak.  It is indigenous to Hawaii.  As we were enjoying a delish breakfast, it began to rain and I ran under an umbrella, yes, I did my hair before breakfast.  The rain shower was quick and WHEN I LOOKED UP OVER THE OCEAN, I SAW GOD'S GLORY.  THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW EVER!!!!! Is this my rainbow? Yes indeed! Once in a lifetime unforgettable moment !!

Later that same day (hence, I am still in my thrifted dress from breakfast when I saw the rainbow) Donna had a friend named Ryan take us out on the Pacific in his unbelievable sailboat.  All 11 of us including the 2 captains Ryan and Anthony piled in for the most exhilaration (minus my slight nausea and anxiety) ride of my life.  The water color changed several times as we sailed further out to sea almost resembling a purple hue...magnificent!!!  We anchored the boat for a bit and jumped off the side into the grand Pacific.  The experience was indescribable.  That big old ship you see is THE PIRATES OF THE CARRI BEAN SHIP FROM THE MOVIE.  We sailed right by it as it is docked in the same marina....AMAZING!  I had a perfect view of the marina and this ship while out on my balcony in our Villa...could this get any better??? Oh, and that is Rob in his Scuba gear...

Of course, Rob and I had to stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation on our little excursion when we rented the Mustang.  We drove 3/4 of the way around the island taking in the most stunning views.  I felt like I was in Jurassic Park with mountains that were as grand as the Pacific is blue.  Don't you just love these wooden cutouts?...I have one in my garage...seriously.

We ordered pineapple soft serve and walked around the plantation.  I did not know that there were so many different varieties of pineapples.

The North Shore, in Northern Oahu  is where some of the greatest surfing in the world takes place at  Waimea bay. We drove by it but parking was difficult  so we just took a gander and continued on to the top of the mountain where we felt like we had arrived at the end of the earth if it were flat.  This view was enough  to make you feel like you had seen it all.  It was hard to get a full view with my camera....

Rob had to have a photo of himself in the Mustang....Mustang Robbie, I think you better slow your Mustang down....singing voice...

We saw another bride and groom along the way.  I had to snag a few photos...what a view!!!!  Maybe Rob and I will renew our vows like this.....hmmmm.

This other couple  pictured with us is Mia and Eric of phila. They are friends of the bride and groom.  Mia works with Bonnie(the bride) back in New Jersey.  It was so nice to have met them.