We’re settled in on Raven after a smooth trip over except for a 3 hour delay in Los Angeles. They actually boarded on time, decided there was a mechanical problem with the aircraft, and deplaned us all while they rounded up a replacement airplane. So we arrived at 2:30 p.m. instead of 11:30 p.m., no significant difference.
Raven is in the Waikiki Yacht Club’s harbor, right in downtown Waikiki. The big Ala Moana shopping center is across the street, practically a stone’s throw away. I can see a Macy’s sign on a building, skyscrapers all around, and all the resort properties on Waikiki Beach are within walking distance.
I do not even recognize Waikiki from my last visit when I graduated high school, probably 40 years ago! The streets are lined with high-end shops; Prada, Hermes, Coach and so on. Very high-toned. We had tropical cocktails (Mai Tais, Piña Coladas) at the Mai Tai Bar of the Royal Hawaiian last night overlooking the beach, then walked to a well known Thai restaurant named Keo’s and enjoyed a delicious dinner, then walked back to the boat.
Today up early we took our rental car to Makapuu Point, a pleasant hiking spot on the far side of Diamond Head, and did some moderate walking for an hour or two. Then to the beach where we thought about body-surfing. We got wet and sandy, but chickened out on the waves which were just a little too abrupt for Mike’s and my level of expertise.
This afternoon we just lazed on the boat, Mike computing and me cleaning out closets. Barbequed tuna on the grill tonight for dinner, and maybe close to sunset I’ll take my camera and tripod and try for some twilight photographs.
We plan to hang out here a few days and then, weather permitting, we’ll sail to Molokai, some 25 miles away. All in all we plan to spend two weeks cruising and then return to Oahu, this time to a different marina at the Ko’Olina Resort. The Transpac Yacht Race from California to Oahu starts soon and the racing yachts are due to arrive here en masse, so we need to vacate as there is a shortage of slip space. We’re allowed to come back for our next trip in August/September.
Gorgeous weather – I know you’re due for 108 degrees tomorrow. Here the high is mid-80s, low mid-70s, with a nice breeze and moderate humidity (40’s). The sky is an amazing blue with puffy white clouds.
It’s novel and gratifying to have cellphone, internet connections, and all the electronic comforts of home working great here. Not even customs to clear on arrival! So feel free to phone and chat – you wouldn’t even know we’re not right next door!