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My Portrait
Photography
My Nature Photography
Today we rented a car from Alamo and did a self-tour. This allowed everyone to sleep in a little bit longer. With the extra time, we decided to try breakfast in the Palace Dining Room (menu). You could either have a cooked to order breakfast or visit their buffet. Their buffet consisted of the basically the same items as the main buffet.
After breakfast we stopped by our cabins to pick-up our stuff and headed down to the pier. We were greeted by the photographer as usual and then some local performers.
I was concerned about how long it would take to get a shuttle, but our timing was perfect and we were on our way in five minutes. In the van we heard others talking about the rates they paid - wow. We paid under $40 for a mini-van and that was less than half what others were paying. On the way I kept an eye out for gas stations. There is one right at the entrance to the airport, as you need to bring the car back full. You can't use much gas, so this is the best option.
I had planned out our trip before and knew where we would go. First was Banyan Tree drive. We stopped to get a few pictures and saw several tours slow down as they drove by. Interesting to see the old trees, but I would not rate this as a must see. It is a nice place to get a shot of the ship though.
Next it was off to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. They are located on a scenic drive that was quite amazing. Lots of one-lane bridges so you need to be careful. The garden sells bug repellent wipes where you pay admission. We got some and assume it worked. Some of the comments in the guestbook from the same day complained about the mosquitoes, but we weren't bothered. It is quite the climb down into the garden, even worse when you come back out. They have an option where you can pay for a ride down and/or up on a golf cart. If you have trouble walking this would be very useful. The walkway does have anti-slip coatings.
The garden was amazing. So many plants and flowers to see.
Some of them looked like they were made out of plastic.
Others were amazing so big that they looked like something from prehistoric time.
The variety and colors never seemed to end.
They even have a nice waterfall - be sure to follow the path all the way back, as the first "waterfall" you see is not it.
This is the main waterfall.
You hike all the way down to the coast.
There's even a little blow hole.
The hike out was not as bad as we thought it would be. There are benches to stop and rest along the way if you need it. The trails everywhere were full of color.
If you like plants, this is a great trip.
By the time we got out of the garden, it was lunch time. We asked a couple of staff where some good food was nearby. They both said "What's Shaking". They have fruit smoothies made with the fruit they grow right there. They were only one mile down the road. The smoothies were great. They also serve other food too that is very tasty. Now this is a small place, and only had two people working (which appeared to be the norm). This meant that it takes some time to get your food. They chop the fruit fresh for each smoothie, slice avocado for sandwiches, etc. - it takes time, but that accounts for the fresh taste.
About this time my phone rings. It's Fair Winds, our excursion for tomorrow. They were calling to confirm. Made a very good impression with me.
Next it was off to Akaka Falls. It was a short drive (15-20 minutes) from lunch to the park. Once again it is quite the hike. Lots of steps down and back up. Since it is a loop you will have a decision to make a short distance into the walk. Go straight and not towards Akaka Falls, head to the Kahuna Falls. These falls are hard to see as they are across a valley and partially obscured from view by the plants.
Next you continue around the loop to Akaka Falls. These falls are pretty amazing. Just asking for you to take some pictures. There are some benches here on which you can sit and relax.
If you have not done the garden hike you will find many of the plants quite interesting, but you will have seen them in great detail already in the garden. On the hike out you will pass a mini waterfall too.
On the way back to Alamo stopped at a park we had passed with a a statue of King Kamehameha. He is a major part of Hawaiian history, so we had to get a photo.
A quick stop for gas and back to Alamo. Drop off was quick and the shuttle was right there to take us back to the pier.
We decided have dinner in Crossings again. Another snack was awaiting us in our room.
We went early to make 7:30 show and get good seats. We arrived at 5:35 and had no wait for a table. We asked for table 175 and Lindsay was our server - great! Once again she provided excellent service. I was getting into this food and ate like pig and had (menu):
Everything was good. We skipped dessert to get those good seats. We would just order them later to the room, - nice suite perk.
Tonight show was the Magic of Scott Alexander. The kids were on the end of front row-middle with us behind them. The cruise director came out to get things going and told a joke. He made a comment about needing to keep it clean as we had kids in the audience. The magician was from Las Vegas and his humor was a little risqué for the kids. It would have been easy to adjust. Specifically having someone grab their crotch and drug humor we felt could have been left out of the early show.
Sitting as close as we did was not a good idea for a magic show. Many of the illusions were designed to be viewed from a distance - like the linking rings. We saw some things that we really shouldn't have. Even though we still enjoyed the show.
Another cruise standard, the art auction was taking place tonight. It continued on several other times.
After the show is was back to our cabin for dessert and coffee. I was worried that the soufflé would not arrive warm, but it did. I feasted on the Imperial Orange Grand Marnier Cake and Marble Chocolate-Hazelnut Soufflé.
We return to both our cabins to find VIP tender tickets.
Next will be Kona where I will finally get to try my underwater video equipment.
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