Day Twelve: Time Zones and Clouds Can’t Dull Our Shine
Greetings, fellow wanderlusters! Today’s tale takes us on a journey from the enchanting shores of California to the tropical paradise of Hawaii. Buckle up, or should I say ‘Aloha up,’ as we dive into the exploits of Day Twelve.
Hawaiian Harmony with Time Travel Woes
So, here we are, finally in sync with Hawaiian time, a magic three hours behind California and a whopping eleven behind the UK. I gracefully embraced the time shift and enjoyed a solid slumber that could rival Sleeping Beauty’s. Rise and shine – or more accurately, rise and shower – by 08:00, preparing for a day sprinkled with Hawaiian wonders.
Uber Tales and a Buick Surprise
Our chariot for the day? An Uber, helmed by the delightful Terri, whisking us back to Lihue Airport for a date with destiny – or rather, with Thrifty and our mystery car. Lo and behold, it’s a Buick! The model? Uncertain. The seating position? Michele-approved high. Back to the hotel we go, wheels ready for a 90-minute escapade from the southeast to the northwest of Kauai, through mountains and the cinematic Waimea Canyon.
Croissants at Walmart: Because Why Not?
But first, breakfast beckons, and our quest for sustenance led us to an unexpected haven – Walmart, the retail behemoth. Croissants, coffee, and water, all acquired in the aisles of the mammoth store. Breakfast at Walmart – a peculiar start to a day that promised nothing short of adventure.
Jurassic Trails and Cloud-Kissed Peaks
On the winding roads, we traversed the awe-inspiring Waimea Canyon, a backdrop for blockbuster films like Jurassic Park and King Kong. Our mission: conquer the Pihea Trail up to Puu o Kila Lookout. A $10 parking fee and $5 per person – a small price for the cloudscape vistas. At the lookout, we soared above the clouds, though they momentarily played hide-and-seek with the Napali Coast view. As the warmth increased, we retraced our steps, leaving the clouds and trails behind.
Cockerels and Shaved Ice Pitstops
Descending from the heights, a detour to Kokee Museum greeted us with a feathery surprise – a poultry parade of cockerels. Back towards the hotel, a pitstop in Waimea for our virgin encounter with shaved ice, a refreshing prelude to coffee at Kauai Coffee Company in Kalaheo, tucked at the southern tip of the island.
Sunset Chats and Cheesecake Indulgence
The sun dipped low, casting a golden glow on the beach as we encountered a pair of fellow Brits from Birmingham. An hour of delightful chatter later, hunger pangs struck. Enter Shutters Bar at the hotel, where our waitress, bless her heart, added a theatrical twist by mistakenly promising steaks we never ordered. Desserts on the house and a delightful cheesecake – a twist of fate in our favor. The check arrived sans my beer, a minor hiccup in an otherwise delectable day. Now, here we are, reclining in the room, beer in hand, reminiscing about the day’s escapades.
