7th November 2018 Depart Bluewater , Drive to beautiful Charleston and Horse Carriage Ride.

We found Hilton Head threatening rain, but until our departure it remained clear of rain but overcast. 

Jeanette drove and we stopped for gas in a Bluffton before we departed for our 2 hour drive to Charleston. Rain did come but only in fleeting showers. 

The drive was interesting as we traversed the Lowlands, passed the large marine base and airfield with fighters stationed at the ready, then settled for our 75 minutes remaining.  A quiet drive with little traffic.  We arrived and traffic in front of Doubletree was busy.  We will valet park at the hotel here for the 2 nights before we depart for flight to Charlotte  and then shortly thereafter to Sky Harbour Phoenix, AZ.Charlotte.

Arrival was at 12.38pm, we checked in, one room was ready, the second will be available at 3.00pm. 

The Doubletree by Hilton is in the centre of the historic district and the Horse Carriage rides are directly over the carpark. Opposite the Hotel

Lunch , sandwiches fruit and muffins prepared by Jeanette was in the courtyard of th3 hotel. 

Following lunch Ken went and purchased carriage ride tickets for the 3.00pm trip.  We are to be back by 2.50pm and our tour will take an hour approximately. The market areas are also only 150 metres away, this is a brilliant location and the hotel is quaint older style.  Not sure as to selection of restaurants for this evening.  We will defer selection to later. 

Charkeston is a unique Southern States city with much history, superb seafood restaurants and architecture to dream of in terms of being preserved and maintained. It also is where the actions and bombardment led to the American Civil War and it as a city was the headquarters of the Confederacy. 

It has a stunning history with many homes approximately 300 years old.

This afternoon David and Ken rode the Horse and Carriage and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon traveling down several major and important Historical streets where there are many preserved mansions a period homes. 

Our driver and horse named “Chip” took us on an hour tour down toward Battery Point and passed some of the most stunning period homes and mansions.   Importantly, we covered some of the most important period residences and other administrative buildings.

Following our fascinating carriage ride through this wonderful city, David and Ken went to enjoy a beer at the Irish pub.  We enjoyed couple of beers and during this process Ken met a chap who is a professional golf caddy.  We talked for about 10 minutes, he caddies for Steve Stricher, Jonathan Bird and another one or two professional players.

We dined tonight at Henry’s a renowned Jazz and Drink spot, close to a pub.  An enjoyable meal of chowder, fish platter and grits etc.  This was at Henry’s which is a jazz club.   An enjoyable meal, excellent service . A good evening.

A short walk back to the beautiful Old Doubletree by Hilton and we all felt that we had enjoyed an excellent day.  Jeanette also found some earrings which she will receive for her forthcoming birthday. 

David also thoroughly enjoyed his day. 

Charleston is a city which you can keep coming back to.  We love the city, admire the friendly people and caring service. A joy to visit in every way.  The Double tree is in the most ideal central location on the edge of the markets, within easy walking distance of the key properties. 

8th November, 2018 Charleston Just Beautiful and Market Shopping for Jeanette’s birthday

We slept very well after an early night.  There were forecast thunder storms and heavy rainfall overnight from 10.00pm.  We heard nothing and eventually woke at 7.30am and everything was wet outside. 

Breakfast was served on the ground floor and we each enjoyed a Continental Breakfast. 

Following breakfast David decided to walk to Battery Point with all of its wonderful history.  A very wise decision as it started to drizzle rain at about 10.30am. 

Jeanette and Ken decided to walk through the market and purchase some earrings for Jeanette’s birthday presents.  We left the store, but had inadvertently left the parcel, the owner of the shop brought them out to us.

We walked through the market area to take photos of the US Customs house. A grand building, with a wonderful history. 

We received advices from Chris that the has retained his level st ANZ despite a restructuring implementation and is on the to be placed list.  He sounded pleased from his email.  They are loving Washington DC as a beautiful city with much to do

Lunch for us today is at a local Cafe producing wonderful sandwiches. 

Following lunch David and Jeanette returned to their rooms, whilst Ken decided to go to Battery Point by bicycle taxi and then to walk back to the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel  .  He wanted to take more photos of the historical homes and mansions.

The weather whilst overcast has dried up and there are only a few remaining squalls. 

Ken walked along the breakwater at th3 Battery and then returned via Meeting Street. 

Ken had absorbed a painful morning, but the walk this afternoon seems to have assisted. 

Below are several photos. 

Back at our Hotel following the visit and bicycle taxi ride, the weather has again turned and there are continuing drizzle showers. 

Dinner tonight at a Charleston restaurant serving “Southern” food.  Our last night with David before he departs for Denver , Colorado where he has a very busy sports schedule. 

Jeanette and Ken fly to Phoenix AZ via Charlotte.  

This has been a wonderful visit to Charleston.  It has been another visit to a beautiful city as part of our family holiday.  Disneyworld and the cruise now seem long ago.  We have covered a lot of ground. 

Dinner this evening was just around the corner at a restaurant named TBONZ Gill and Grill, 80 North Market Street Charleston.  We enjoyed a superb meal and a very good Pinot Noir.  An amazing building, good service and excellent food at good prices. An excellent choice.  In at 6.30pm and out at 8.25pm .  Just a fantastic evening in a very good Charlston restaurant. 

10th November, 2018 Phoenix AZ. Lunch with Wendy and Peter at Aunt Chiladas

A quiet day today.  Weather just superb.  The Arizona Biltmore is just a beautiful resort. 

Breakfast very good.  Took photos of the resort. 

Telephoned Corey and Shawn and they will come back as to venue and time. 

At 11.10am call to arrange our car, we will pick up and then drive to Restaurant for lunch.  We arrive after a short 10 minute drive.  It is a quaint Mexican style restaurant with superb grounds.

Peter and Wendy arrive 5-7 minutes later.  We enjoy mimosas then order food for lunch.  We talk incessantly and hear their news at to potential sake of their home herein Scottsdale as well the purchase of their homes in Philadelphia and a suburb of Houston , Texas.  They will be closer to family and intend to spend approximately 6 months in each venue. 

Lunch passes very quickly, superb Mexican food with no heat.  Ken enjoyed very much and Jeanette lauded the style of food. 

We concluded lunch following 2 plus hours of enjoyable conversation, walked to our car.  We travelled the 7 miles back to Arizona Biltmore, stopped at the golf club.  Ken purchased ball markers for hid golf group.

Course is in perfect condition, will consider next visit. 

Jeanette has made arrangements re lunch tomorrow with Shawn and Corey. We will again drive. 

Back here we take photos and Ken is about to have an afternoon coffee.

The bar area at Biltmore Arizona  .  Simply memorable stay.

We are receiving emails, messages and photos from David at a football game in Denver and is very excited. 

Similarly, Chris, Peita and the boys have arrived in New York following train trip.  All gone well. They are attending a Billy Joel concert at Madison Square Gardens stadium this evening.  Great excitement all round.  Jeanette would love to be there.

11th November 2018. Perfect Sunday morning in a Phoenix, 100 years since WW 1 Armistice and 47 Years since we met.

Another perfect morning following a long night’s sleep.  It is a memorable day for us.  We met 47 years ago tonight at a dance in Melbourne.

It is also 100 years since WW1 armistice concluded that terrible war and there are celebrations today in Paris, France with most world leaders present .  President Macron of France provides a timely update as to the world situation.  We are lunching at 11.30am with friends Shawn and Corey at California Pizza Restaurant about 2 mile from the Arizona Biltmore. 

Following this Ken is to play on the putting Championship course here at the Biltmore. 

We will go out this afternoon and dinner this evening as a celebration to us. 

Received news of Chris, Peita and boys enjoying the Billy Joel concert at Maddison Square Garden last night in New York and David just drove back to Denver this morning.  It snowed all the way and he decided it was too risky to go into the mountains .  He enjoyed 2 wonderful days seeking football and ice hockey etc.

We arrived at the restaurant within the Bilmore Shopping Mall and easily found the restaurant where our hosts Shawn and Corey were awaiting us. 

The service was excellent, we drank a lemonade and then ordered a variety of scrumptious food.  We talked incessantly for the next 2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed our get together.  Corey had a skin cancer operation last Wednesday and has about another 2 weeks of recovery. 

Shawn is just a lovely lady.  They had a trip to Iceland this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. 

We finished lunch at 1.50pm, said our goodbyes then drove to Talking Stick Casino and Resort for 30 minutes plus then drove back to the Arizona Biltmore, then Ken took photos of the beautiful pool area. 

We had intended to have a celebration dinner tonight, but neither of us feel like anything after our lunch. 

The stay here has been superb, given us the chance to catch up with good friends.  We have also relaxed and feel good. 

Tomorrow we move on to Palm Desert staying at Marriott Desert Ridge resort , which is quite simply a beautiful resort with 2 superb golf courses. 

12th November 2018 Drive from Phoenix AZ to Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Villas 11 in Palm Desert,Cal.

Jeanette and Ken had breakfast at the Biltmore Arizona in Frank and Albert Restaurant.  It was a lovely conclusion and full stop to what has been a fantastic 3 days here in Phoenix catching up with friends whilst relaxing in beautiful weather.  The resort is just beautiful and it is something that we will long remember. 

We departed at 10.15am for the 4 hours approximately drive to Palm Desert. Ken drove out of Phornix and for the first 80 minutes.  Then stopped at a rest break and Jeanette then too over and drove the rest of the journey and we stopped for gas about an hour out from Palm Desert.  Ken experienced difficulty using his credit Card and this took time.  We then crossed into California from Arizona, the trip was quick and Jeanette drove sitting on 77 mph In Arizona and then 73mph in California. Jeanette did a fantastic job with the drive.

Amazing numbers of trucks and  caravans on this trip.  The Desert  is simply beautiful on clear days such as this with the occasional dust storm.  We have had a fantastic day to travel.  A cooler morning in Phoenix and a near perfect afternoon here in Palm Desert.

We arrived at this stunning resort, were able to check in at 2.30pm and our villa is simply beautiful with terrific furnishings.  David has a lock off studio and will also be very pleased. 

Talking of David he has had another frustrating day with snow impacting his planned activities in Denver. We have had ongoing difficulties with his rental in Denver and dealings with Budget. He has been able to do the sampling tour at the brewery. But the train museum was closed. 

Jeanette and Ken shopped and then prepared dinner.  Ken had previously taken photos of some areas of the resort.  It is a stunning set up and the on resort golf course is also stunning.

We are very pleased.  Ken has booked golf at Marriott Shadow Ridge Course for 10.30am tomorrow.  Jeanette will do the Outlets and pick Ken up at 3.15pm. 

9th November 2018 Flight Charleston to Charlotte and then to Phoenix and drive to The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix AZ

We checked out of Charleston Doubletreeafter a most enjoyable 3 night.  The drive to the Airport took 25 minutes and was straight forward. 

We dropped of the Hertz Chevy rental, very pleased and a good result. 

walked from the car rental drop off to the terminal about 200 metres, checked in and both cases were heavy with Jeanette’s at 56.2lb and Ken’s at 60.4lb.  Our flight departs at 12.54. 

Flight departed a little late but with only a 30 minute flight and then down, not an issue, but we are very tight with next flight from Charlotte to Phoenix, if it is on time. 

We depart and have quite a lengthy walk from A16/to the departure lounge of B7, but this is complicated by a bottleneck of hundreds of people coming and going from the B departure gates due to a work area which has reduced the width of the walkway from 20-30 people down to 4-5 and all hurrying and pushing to get through.  Chaos rained and many people struggling to catch flights became quite agitated and aggressively pushed.  We got through this area in about 15 minutes but it was tense. 

Our arrivalat the gate occurred as they were boarding group 4, so we were a long way behind our scheduled boarding of group 1.  Flight was then delayed some 35 minutes with passengers arriving late and th3 plane was delayed slightly on arrival.  A good flight seated in 1a and 1c.

Arrived at Sky Harbour some 45 minutes late and many passengers were concerned re connections.  We got through and after some 20 minutes collected our”heavy” luggage then walked to the Car Rental Shuttle stop.  Boarded a bus and arrived at the Car Rental Centre at about 7.15pm.  Departed to pick up our mid size GEC SUV and we were on our way, almost at 7.30pm.  But we get into the Car 🚗 and there is no gear stick/ lever.  How do you drive it? By pushing buttons on the centre consul unit.  We depart at7.35pm, we have a pretty easy drive to the Biltmore Arizona.  We get tooted once as Ken needs to change lanes.  We arrive at th3 address but then need to find reception to check in.  Ca4 is eventually Valet parked.

Check in goes smoothly.  We are in Cottage “C” villa 5108.  It is a beautiful hotel as expected.  Room is comfortable and beautifully fitted out. 

But there is a function out on the Lawn with a meal and a DJ playing very loud music and a karaoke party as well.  Ken rings to find out what time it will cease.  We are informed 10.00pm and we put up with it until that time, when it does stop.  We hear nothing of the clean up. 

Breakfast on a beautiful morning. 

It is a stunning resort and the Arizona Biltmore has certainly met all of our expectations at this early stage.  We have an exciting 3 days here before we head into the desert and Palm Desert. 

13th November 2018. A Perfect Morning in Palm Desert.

After our drive over 4 hours from Phoenix to Palm Desert here in the Californian Desert we settled in and Jeanette served roast chicken with salad, apple pie and ice cream and Ken enjoyed a couple of glasses of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon from Rodney Strong vineyards.  A good brand and very good red wine.

We watched the NFL football then turned in after a long day. 

We slept well but Jeanette woke and was reading at 5.00am.  An early breakfast at 7.30am then Ken showered and went for a walk around this beautiful resort on the most perfect of mornings. 

Later this morning Ken is golfing at Shadow Ridge Golf Club and Resort.  Another of the wonderful a Marriott courses.  It is ranked within the top 5 courses in all of this valley and in the top 25 resort courses across USA.  A 10.30am tee time will have him finished before th3 winds come up.  Then back for a swim in the beautiful pool.

Jeanette is going shopping at the Outlets and will likely also visit one of the Indian establishments for a short time. 

She is very pleased with the updates from the family with David enjoying Denver and the weather improving, whilst Peita , Chris and Boys have enjoyed a wonderful time in New York.  They will see the Lion King on Broadway tonight before heading to a cold Chicago.  Yes it was a great time to take the family away, and she is so glad that we have been able to make it happen, with so many wonderful activities. 

We are very happy and pleased with everything to date.  Ken’s case was damaged at Phoenix Airport and hopefully will get home.  Not repairable so will look for replacement prior to next trip. 

Below are some photos from the trip and resort. 

So following a beautiful walk in warm conditions, Jeanette has cut lunches and we will depart really soon for what should be a most enjoyable day. 

She will return to pick me up at Shadow Ridge 3.15pm.  Jeanette arrived ahead of schedule and Ken came across to the SUV saying he had enjoyed a great day in golfing heaven.  This is one of the top golf courses in USA.  Played well on front nine with 43 strokes and didn’t do much wrong, just didn’t sink putts.

The back nine is harder and lots of challenging pin placements and ended up with 3 double bogeys and a lost ball. My score of 49;reflected the course toughness but also I didn’t play well.  Several miss hits, one poor drive and one ball in water all contributed to the score. 

Weather was perfect, course just outstanding, and played with an interesting group.  The mother, was 91, still plays off 23 and had a score of around 106.  The daughter Jill played off 15 and her husband played off 6 and was a lovely player.  He shot 40 on front nine and 37 on back nine and played great golf. 

We enjoyed a terrific day. 

14th November 2018 Relaxing at Palm Desert California

Jeanette awoke early, but Krn continued to sleep until about 7.00am.  We had discussed several options but decided that today would be a “nothing” day.  We would relax around the resort. 

David is due to join us this afternoon following driving from Los Angeles Airport.  we had wanted to be around when he reached the Car Rental facility to ensure no issues with payment, as had occurred with Budget in a Denver Colorado.  Fortunately, he advised that all worked fine.  

Earlier this morning Ken had a haircut as he said nit was long and unruly.  He visited a local Barber shop named Freedom Brabers here in Palm Desert and found several large screen televisions, pool table, a variety of games and game boxes as well as 5 barber chairs.  All good for US$15.00 plus tip. 

A good result. 

We did some shopping at “Ralph’s” Supermarket and are now fully provisioned for the next few days. Apart from beer and we decided to await David’s guidance following his arrival. 

We had lunch outside in the sun on the most perfect day. 

After lunch Ken applied super glue to his case which was damaged in the Airport at Phoenix or on its way to Phoenix.  Hoping it makes its way home to Melbourne.  Likely to be an insurance claim. It looks like it has been dropped on that wheel or that corner. 

Following lunch Jeanette cooked the sauce for tonight’s Pasta dinner.  Then Ken went swimming in the pool directly over the road, read the paper, finished another novel.

We are awaiting David’s arrival.  It is now dark at 5.35pm.  Jeanette wanted him to here before it got dark.  David arrives safe and sound at 6.50pm after a long slow drive from Los Angeles which took nearly 5 hours.  We were just delighted to see him.

Jeanette had cooked a lovely meal of pasta followed by apple pie and ice cream.  We talked extensively as to his adventures in Denver , Colorado and the blizzard, snow and ice.  The impact on his plans, but still the opportunity to see so much more. His contacts had assisted in arranging excellent seats at venues with Basketbsll (Denver Nuggets vs Hornets), Navy Football, including tail gate  pre game drinks and food. 

All in all David has had an excellent experience. 

15th and 16th November in Palm Desert, Golf and Jeanette’s birthday.

Again another perfect day in Palm Desert and we are enjoying a relaxing week in the desert. 

David had departed for a walk around this side of the resort and came back 15 minutes later having walked 3.7 km.  He was amazed at the scenery and the beautiful mountains. 

Following breakfast we took his rental back to Palm Springs Airport.  David led the May using his GPS and it took us a convoluted way.  Dropped off and no issues and Jeanette drove home via the I 10 freeway. 

David and Ken play golf at 12.00 at the Palms Course At thevJC Marriott Resort in Palm Desert a beautiful course.  Jeanette drops us off at 11.35am.  This is a spectacular golf course on a beautiful resort hotel and we come back to our Villa areas through several holes after going under Cook Street on the carts. 

We find the course challenging and play very slow, with us banked up on each hole.  We play with a nice person named Brian from Wyoming who is here on a Conference on environmental issues.  The 4th player is a Russian gentleman whose wife drives the cart. 

Brian and David hit the ball far further than Ken and the Russian who is frustratingly slow in his set up.  Brian plays off 8 and is a very good player. 

It is a frustrating day, with pace of play using carts ridiculously slow and it takes 2 hours 25 to play the first 9, but the second takes about 2 hours 20, despite the ranger moving one group to replay the front nine.  Our scores are mediocre, we do manage to lose 6 balls between us.  David has a 93 and Ken a 97 .

We finish in near dark at 4.45pm drop the cart and rentals clubs off, walk through the complex find Jeanette who had seen us on the 16th hole.  The drop off at Ralph Supermarket, purchase beers.  Decide too late for a swim, shower and then Ken cooks steaks on the bbq.  We enjoy a lovely meal.

We watch the Seahawks take on the Packers in NFL Thursday night. Into bed early after an enjoyable but tiring day.

We woke this morning having slept well.  Wished Jeanette a happy birthday, got breakfast and gave her a beautiful card. 

Following breakfast and showering and changing and doing my blog, we planned our last full day here at Palm Desert.  We intend driving West on the I 10 to see the wind turbines. 

Following this lunch for Jeanette’s birthday at a restaurant of her choice.  Then back to Desert Willows for a drink and overview of the beautiful course.  Ken will check us in for tomorrow’s flight from Phoenix to Honolulu. 

 So we commenced by driving back toward Palm Springs to view the amazing farms of wind turbines.

Another spectacular day and the desert is showing all its colours.  we drive down the I 10. We take in stunning desert scenery of several colours .  We see a whole range of desert plants then we come across the world’s largest farms of wind turbines.  They present almost an eerie range of views, as some turn , others remain silent and still yet you see the tremendous investment and use of wind as a means of generating electricity which powers several of the cities in this unique valley.

From here we cross over the Interstate 10 and begin to head back East to Palm Desert, but just as we are about to rejoin the interstate Jeanette spots a train heading east and then a long Union Pacific train heading west toward Los Angeles.  We quickly drive to Palm Springs Amtrak Station, take photos of the Wind turbines and await the train to arrive.

Quite suddenly, we see 3 Union Pacific engines come around the corner increasing speed as they traverse the station and head west.  The train is accelerating as it rushes on and the 150 wagons are making a rhythmic beat as they pass through.  Quite exciting to see and then watch the train. 

From here we drive to see the golf course at Shadow Ridge, which Ken played earlier in the week. 

A stunning set up, although Ken felt the course and pin placements were too hard.  We then drove back across to Cook street and to our Villa. We realaxed before heading to the California Pizz Restaurant where we enjoyed an excellent 3 course luncheon to celebrate Jeanette’s birthday.  We drove from Palm Desert to Indian Wells via El Rancho a fashionable up market shopping residential area.  All very much up market with a whole range of special vehicles.  It is a stunning lunch, very good if somewhat different service, with our waiter being over the top.

We enjoyed the whole meal, did sing happy birthday and Jeanette was very pleased with her selection of restaurants and the food was fresh, beautifully cooked and presented and oh so fresh.

Following this we departed at about 2.30pm, feeling fully sated.  We returned to the Desert Villas, had a rest. David and Ken enjoyed a swim and time in the hot tub.  Just great.

Ken then drove David to the stunning Desert Willow Golf Club, showed David where we has previously owned with Club Intrawest and also the Westin resort.  We sat and watched the colours change with a spectacular sunset sitting on the beautiful terrace enjoying a beer.  It is an amazing set up with the native trees, the water and shimmering reflections.  The colours change dramatically as the sun drops toward sunset.  People are still playing the 2 courses and finishing on 9th and 18th.  Darkness is approaching quickly and at 4.50pm, the sun had disappeared and the final orange and purple colours change to gray.

It has been a spectacular afternoon, which we have all enjoyed very much.  We decide to delay any dinner as we all feel uncomfortable following our lovely luncheon meal. 

We watch some NBA on television ,do some packing in anticipation of our early start tomorrow to drive back to Phoenix AZ to fly to Honolulu.

Jeanette is particularly excited as to seeing the kids and hearing their news and celebrating Chris’s birthday. 

All in all another enjoyable day to finish off our time in Palm Desert. 

17th November 2018 Travel Day Palm Desert to Phoenix and flight to Honolulu, Hawaii and transfer to Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu.

We woke early showered and dressed and finished our packing.  We departed Palm Desert quite early for the 4 plus hours to Phoenix, AZ.  We had given ourselves plenty of time to get to Phoenix.  Jeanette did the driving. 

It was smooth driving with a toilet stop and then a petrol stop to get us to Phoenix AZ. 

However, we ran into some serious road delays as the Interstate East 10 was closed. We were stuck in heavy traffic exiting the I 10 and this caused a 40 minute diversion which by the time we exited in slow heavy traffic, had added almost an hours time to our travel. 

The rental car return was easy and well known to us, but this also added more time, and we arrived at the shuttle bus with 60 minutes to departure at 2.59pm Phoenix time.  We checked in quickly with no difficulties at American Airways and then quickly passed through security to gates B and C.   

We boarded the A330 at 2.40pm, having done remarkably to have checked in and exited through security in about 15 minutes. 

Our flight was full we were seated in 1 G and 1 H and 4 F ( David) .  It was a reasonable flight with the seats becoming full beds after the serving of lunch.  Jeanette and Ken each slept after watching a movie.  The highlight of the trip was the ice cream dessert. 

Arrival at Honolulu was on time but the arrival of luggage at the carousel was slow and haphazard with cases being thrown about. Of our luggage Ken’s damaged case arrived quickly, but the other two cases arrival near the last of the luggage. 

Subsequently walked out of the terminal and met our driver and his SUV Escalade at the centre jerk.  He had been concerned as to whether we had missed the flight.  We explained our delays with luggage had a quick 30 minute drive and check in at Waikikian Tower elite check in area.  We were initially disappointed with our accommodation being units 1460 and 1472.  We rang reception but the resort is fully booked.  Jeanette was particularly disappointed, so we swapped villas with us now having 1472 and the family having 1460.. 

Into bed and we were all disappointed, but we will see in the morning. 

A long hard day with travel challenges. 

We are in Honolulu, having been concerned as to the road traffic delays in Phoenix AZ with the I 10 East closure some 20 mile out of Phoenix. Jeanette did a great job driving and David negotiated through the freeway closure to find an alternative route.  It has all worked out OK. 

18th November 2018 Our first day in Honolulu and we celebrate Chris’ birthday.

We awoke feeling refreshed and bright.  Jeanette rose earlier but had enjoyed a good night’s sleep. 

Also, Jeanette is much happier with the accommodation and has water views back toward the Marina. Yes we were tired after our travel, but the accommodation is really very good. 

Jeanette , Peita and Chris went shopping to Ala Moana, shopping centre for the base provisions for the week.  During this absence David and Ken had full responsibility for looking after the boys.  We walked around the Lagoon and they did enjoy going in initially up to their bathers, but later they were swimming and enjoying themselves.  

We then walked along the beach, which in places is quite rocky, the boys swam and played before going back to the lagoon, before deciding it was time for the bid pool with the wonderful water slides.  Even at this hour the chairs were largely taken, but we found a pair, put our towels down, then we enjoyed swimming in the pool for the next 75 minutes.  The boys had many rides upon the middle and large slides.  They convinced David to go down the big slide several times and we have the proof on video.

We decided at 11.50am to dry off, exchange the towels for the blue cards, then make our way slowly to the Lagoon Tower and our rooms.  Ken changed both boys from their swimmers into shorts and tees, then we watched some football (NFL) on television and about 12.15pm allowed the boys to play Ipad. 

Jeanette, Peita and Chris arrived back from shopping at 12.35pm, after an extensive shopping process. 

Jeanette and Peita then prepared salads, cut up the chicken and we enjoyed ham , tomato, cheese and lettuce on bread rolls for lunch. 

Then we had a special birthday treat to celebrate the 2 birthdays 🎁 with cheesecake and cookies and cream cupcakes.  We then sang Happy Birthday 🥳 enjoyed by all.  A great family lunch.

It is 2.00pm and David has gone to enjoy a drink with Peita and Chris.  We are relaxing but all is good.  We are enjoying a celebratory birthday dinner tonight. 

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After lunch a time for everyone to relax. 

Celebration of birthdays for Jeanette on 16th November and Chris today.  Family meal at California Pizza Restaurant, Alo Moana, Honolulu. 

19th November2018. Breakfast on our Verandah then shopping and a day of housekeeping chores. Ken rides Waikiki Trolley (pink line).

After yesterday’s birthday celebrations we all were tired when we returned home from Ala Moana shopping centre and The California Pizza Restaurant.  Service was slow, the restaurant was extremely busy.  We were a little disappointed with the food, Ken’s chicken was dry and over cooked.  We took some dessert back to our villa.  But on arrival home we all decided to turn in.  Jeanette and Ken were unhappy as to the issues of the night.  Jeanette received a lovely card from David, but none from elsewhere.  She had joked as to the beautiful card Ken gave her in Palm Desert.  Both boys were very tired! 

It had been a challenging day. 

We awoke and Ken arose at 7.15am and Jeanette slept until almost 8.00am. 

Breakfast was out on the balcony, just perfect. 

Ken and Jeanette went shopping at Ala Moana shopping centre and did some banking at Territorial Bank.  We visited Foodland for groceries, did some other shopping, enjoyed a coffee and cinnamon roll.   On return Ken also confirmed our pick up with Gavin on our Melbourne return.  Also committed to the Treasurers role at GWUC via email to a Glyn.

Then caught the Waikiki Trolley (pink line) back to Hilton Hawaiian Village.  Arrived back at 12.00pm, then we did a load of washing, had lunch of bread rolls and fruit. 

David had been swimming with the boys. 

After lunch Ken caught the trolley to Waikiki, walked took photos.

The afternoon involved washing and folding so that we have all of our clothes clean again. 

Dinner tonight is steak and salad.  We open a good bottle of Robert Moldavia Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been an enjoyable relaxing day for all. 

We stand on our two balconies watching the Luau here at Hilton Hawaiian Village the highlight was the  fire dancing.

20th November, 2018. Waikiki at its best. Before a change and some showers.

The days are passing quickly and the weather continues to be magical.  

Breakfast is again a special meal.  How good is this?

 The boys visited at 8.00am and were in a good mood.

But the weather was to turn late morning with a system coming through and bringing showers across the afternoon. 

Mid morning Davidvwent for about a 4 km walk along the beach and intomWaikiki and thoroughly enjoyed it.  His ankle is considerably better mproved today. 

Jeanetee said she was quite happy to have a lazy morning in our unit. 

Both Units are to be fully cleaned today.  The housekeeper arrived at 10.30 am and refreshed everything, changed all linen and replenished our kitchen and bathroom supplies. 

Ken decided to ride the green Waikiki shuttle to the Damond Head Point. 

He departed at 9.45am caught the Pink Trolley almost immediately, arrived at T4 building went to the garage where the Waikiki Trolley Depot is located, purchased a two day pass for $45.00 then sat with the group awaiting the arrival of the Green line Trolley.  Our Trolley arrived at 10.18am , Ken was ticket number 22 and boarded in order.  We had a great morning with an informative driver who provided a comprehensive commentary as we drove to Diamond Head crater.  We passed through wonderful housing areas, then made our way to the bottom of the the crater area and the area, where the walkers and climbers are let off to undertake their hike which takes them to the top over a time frame of average 60-90 minutes.

Arrived back at the terminal at about 12.20pm then took the opportunity to walk through the Main Street , down to the beach at Waikiki and had a coffee at Westin, Beachcomber Resort Hotel, walked along the beach took photos of Daimond Head from Waikiki beach. 

Then walked back from the Westin past the striking workers who are taking industrial action, demanding that one job should be enough.  They have been on strike for 44 days to date. 

Waited for the Pink Trolley for 10 minutes, then caught the bus just as a heavy shower came through. Got off at Hawaiian Village some 15 minutes later. Walked across the road to HGVC in a light shower.  Returned home at 12.50pm after a great morning.   

Our room was nearly finalised, after which Jeanette got lunch of salad rolls and fruit.  It was delicious.

Enjoyed the cool drink. 

Following this Ken went for a swim in Tapa Pool and David went for a walk. 

Peita, Chris and boys walked to Ala Moana then caught Trolley to Waikiki. 

The T4 shopping mall which is the Trolley terminus. 

The Royal Hawaiian shopping mall. 

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurant in Honolulu. 

21st November 2018. Waikiki Trolley Blue Line to HanaumaBay Lookout, Halona Blow Hole, Sandy Beach and Sea Life Park

Again the weather is just amazing and following breakfast and a visit from Seb and Oliver, we showered and dressed, then David and Ken left at 8.15am to allow time to get to the bus stop for the Waikiki Trolley and the arrival of the Blue line bus at 8.30am.  It arrived on schedule and we set off on a wonderful morning driving to the HanaumaBay Lookout and Halona Blow Hole.

We travelled down the highway and listened to the excellent commentary from our driver.  We stopped at several places for photos. 

Just amazing photos, beautiful scenery and a warm breeze. 

The round trip took from 8.30am to 11.05am back at the T4 Terminal.  Ken then went his own way catching the Pink Trolley back to HGVC. 

David decided to ride another Trolley to take in more Hawaiian scenery. 

Jeanette shopped at Ala Moana for the last of our grocery needs. 

Chris, Peita and the boys have hired a car to visit the north of the island of Oahu with the large rolling waves. 

22nd October, 2018. USA Thanksgiving Holiday.

We woke and were up for a very short time before Sebastian and Oliver joined us at 7.10am after having been sent to bed early last night following a challenging day where Chris and Peita hired a convertible Mustang and travelled to the North Coast.  Unfortunately, the waves were quite small and later in the day Oliver got stung by a jellyfish and required medical attention.  Chris and Peita were very tired given the boys had spent the day fighting.

Last night. david sat in their unit after the boys were asleep to allow Peita and Chris to go out for dinner at Tropics Restaurant after a testing and exhausting day.  They enjoyed the meal.

Today is a public holiday across the USA celebrating Thanksgiving and it is a time for family get together and family celebrations.  We send a message to all of our American friends via Facebook and Jeanette is doing this today. 

Following breakfast we sat and watched an American baseball movie, before we changed and went swimming at the beautiful Paradise pool, which has several slides.  Peita, Chris and David all came down the larger water slide with the boys and then a couple of times by themselves.  They made great splashes as they entered the pool.

Ken swam for a bit over an hour before dying off and enjoying laying on the beach chairs, whilst the others decided to move to the lagoon and play with the blow up toys.

Following this he returned to our Villa in Lagoon Tower showered, changed and went for a walk. 

Jeanette had completed another load of washing , which has us all clean again.  She also promised the boys ice-creams this afternoon, if they behave. 

David has also booked a tour to Pearl Harbour for Friday morning ( very early start). 

Following lunch Ken has gone out for a walk

The rest of the family has eaten by the pool. They spent almost 4 1/2 hours in the pools and lagoon. All tired but enjoyed it all.

This afternoon we all relaxed watching television, NFL New Orleans vs Atlanta with NO winning easily. 

Then we all got together in 1460 to watch the Thanksgiving Luau on the Great Lawn just behind the Lagoon.  A spectacular setting and a brilliant sunset. 

Then Jeanette cooked dinner and we chatted.  An early night coming.  All tired in 1472 and we are watching the end of the golf from Metropolitan Golf Club. 

Peita and Chris on the balcony of 1460 overlooking the Lagoon with superb sunset behind. 

The super Luau for Thanksgiving on the Great Lawn was attended by 400 plus adults and children and they were treated to a special amended Luau overlooking the Lagoon.  We watched from the balcony of 1460 and enjoyed. 

We have all enjoyed this holiday in the resort and used the time to swim, relax and enjoy the family company. After several days where the boys have been a behavioural challenge, they have been much better today. As a consequence we feel much better as to them.

David has a very early pick up tomorrow for his Pearl Harbour tour.  We are shopping and lunching at Alo Moana before minding Seb and Oliver, in the afternoon, whilst Peita and Chris do some shopping on Black Friday. This is the major shopping day of the year with very special pricing of nearly all items.

The Paradise pool. 

The Lagoon as the sun disappears  

Earlier with a beautiful sunset taken from our balcony of villa 1472. 

23rd November 2018. Black Friday Sales, David on excursion to Pearl Harbour and snorkeling for Chris, Peita and boys. Fireworks on Friday night.

We were all in bed early last night because of a very early start for David, with pick up at 6.00am and a similarly early start for Chris and Peita for their snorkeling.  Jeanette heard David depart at about 5.40am, but Ken slept through it only to awake at 6.30am.

When we did rise, the weather was cloudy and threatening showers for the morning.  it was a little strange for Jeanette and I to have breakfast by ourselves, but we did so at about 7.45am.

Then Ken showered and prepared for our visit to Ala Moana shopping centre for the final shopping as well as checking out suitcases  (Ken has broken wheels) . So it makes sense to replace here if possible.

We are then lunching in the food court.  There is also a parade early afternoon signifyingthe start of Christmas here in Honolulu. 

Chris, Peit and boys are due back around lunch time and Jeanette and Ken are minding the boys this afternoon.  Jeanette has promised special ice creams at Lappards if they are good. 

I am writing this initial piece at 8.45am and we have just had a rare heavy shower of rain and roads and paths are wet. 

We have all returned from our individual excursions and shopping expeditions and all went very well. 

Peita, Chris and the boys did snorkeling and swam with large turtles and enjoyed a fantastic experience. There was much fun, lots of learning and general excitement They used the snorkels well, enjoyed the turtles.  A unique experience that all felt was great value. 

David also enjoyed his excursion to Pearl Harbour to visit the Arizona memorial in a general sense, but the memorial is itself closed to the public during a major refurbishment and upgrade.  David appreciated the whole symbolic process and story of the 1941 Japanese bombings, the tragic loss of life and the aftermath. 

Jeanette and Ken visited Ala Moana shopping centre for the Black Friday sales.  Ken purchased a new case to replaced his current damaged case.  We looked at hats and did some shopping for dinner this evening. 

Lunch was in the Food market and Jeanette purchased our meal from Panda Express.  We enjoyed the Chinese food. 

We had to walk back to HGVC because there were many people in the queue and Ken’s new case was too large to take on board. 

Following our return, Peita, Chris and David went shopping and we entertained and minded the boys.  We had a brief period of discussion, then time on their iPads, before we depart to have ice creams assuming they are well behaved.  It is 2.15 pm and all of s well, boys perfectly behaved for Narnie. 

The weather has improved as the day has gone on.  It is now a sunny very warm day with blue skies, some clouds.

Tonight we have the Hawaii Holliday parade followed at 7.45pm by the fireworks here at HGVC. 

So today is a busy non stop day for all of us.  The boys have indicated that they don’t want to swim in the Paradise pool this afternoon so we will go for a walk following our ice creams.  But Seb and Oliver did change their minds.  We enjoyed ice creams from Lappert’s and sat and ate them by the Great Lawn.

Then we changed into our swimmers and swam in the Lagoon and Paradise pool, they enjoyed playing with a Japanese boy named Yuki.  We all swam from 3.50 pm until almost 5.45pm, and the sun was going down at that the me.  We had some challenges getting the 3 boys out of the pool.  Yuki’s mother asked Ken to get them out as it was time to go.  She told me they live in a suburb of Tokyo, Japan. 

We left the pool saying our goodbyes and returned to our unit and changed the boys into clean clothes.  Ken showered and changed.  An enjoyable end following some earlier challenges. The other adults arrived back by taxi at 6.00pm. Shopping had been frustrating and from David’s Descriptions a slow process. 

Peita, had purchased breads, dips, cheeses.  Ken had purchased a red wine and Peita a champagne.  We then enjoyed a meal, before the spectacular fireworks display at 7.45pm. 

We watched from the balcony of their unit 1460.  Really enjoyable, with many boats and yachts out on th3 water in front of the Rainbow Tower. 

It was time to say goodnight, the boys were in the bath, we said good night.  David came back to our unit 1472 at 9.30pm.  We were all in bed by 10.20pm. 

Our family holiday is fast coming to an end. 

24th November2018 Our last Day, Swimming, Family Lunch at Red Lobster Restaurant, then packing in the afternoon.

Again we awake to a beautiful morning, perhaps the best of our stay. 

Jeanette woke earliest and was up at 6.30am, Ken Rose next at 7.15am and David at close to 8.00am.

We have a relaxing family day scheduled before lunch and late afternoon packing. 

We are having a later breakfast of orange juice, cereal and yoghurt, then toast and coffee. Following breakfast and showering Ken decided to go for a walk around the resort along the beach then to Hilton Pier, before going back to the front entrance and eventually having a coffee at Starbucks in Kalia Tower.

He took plenty of photos and Saturday is the busiest day with over 60% departing and then later this afternoon those arriving from principally Japan and USA check in. 

Ken on our balcony overlooking the marina and beach. 

Aqua cycles parked beside the Lagoon. 

Tropics Restaurant and Bar with many people enjoying breakfast.  It is a Perfect morning ng with temperatures of 83F and no wind. 

Standing on the beach looking toward Lagoon Tower. 

Pier Hilton from where people are transported to the 2 Atlantis submarines.   The Spirit of Aloha Catamaran also departs from this Pier.

Standing n Waikiki Beach looking down towards Diamondhead national monument and crater. 

The various coloured fish and the mandatory Poi or Carp as we know it.

The stunnng view from the central check in and lobby area down to Waikiki Beach. 

The entrance to the resort is beautifully landscaped. 

The beautiful Paradise pool with its slides.  Simply fantastic. 

Beautiful Christmas Tree. 

Christmas decorating no went up yesterday . 

Our villa number at HGVC Honolulu, Hawaii. 

The villa unit for Peita, Chris and 2 boys (Seb and Oliver). 

These photos whilst in a andom order do reflect the beauty of this largeresort. 

We are having a family lunch today at Red Lobster Restaurant. We walked to the restaurant which is in the next block outside the resort.

The meal was enjoyable and the food superb.  We commenced with some warm scones, which were just right then had mains of fish including prawns whilst David and  Ken enjoyed fillet with prawns and baked potatoes. The drinks were interesting with Peita, Chris and David enjoying Margueritas in very large cocktail type glasses.  Ken enjoyed a glass of good red wine, Jeanette had a sprite and the  boys water.  Service was excellent with friendly efficient delivery.  All in all a most enjoyable lunch to finish what has been a terrific family holiday.

Back to HGVC to pack as much as possible, then to review our account ready for payment tomorrow morning. 

Forus it is an early departure at 5.45am, then checkin with departure of Jetstar 02 due at 8.05am.  An 11 hour flight follows to Melbourne.  Gavin will meet us following our clearance through Immigration and Customs.  David is planning to catch the Airport bus to Mordialloc. 

At lunch we talked of the many terrific moments throughout this family holiday. 

This evening we joined together to clean up the food leftover from last night.

Ken paid our account which included the daily state taxes charge. 

Earlier we had waited for the warrior to light the torches around the resort.  See phots below. 

25th -27th November 2018. Departure and flight to Melbourne

Our holiday is near ended with us scheduled to fly to Melbourne direct on JQ02 departing at 8.05am, but we are advised by email that this flight is cancelled.  We are advised to seek alternates, but it is only at 12.02am that David having followed the flight notices then advised me and we tried to action flight alternates.  We are eventually advised by Jetstar that we are now on QF 4 to Sydney, then after a 5 hour stopover, a flight to Melbourne from Sydney at 10.10pm.

This is just so disappointing, given we paid for business class tickets, the notifications were appalling and the alternative arrangements, just so poor. 

We were originally on JQ02 with a luggage limit of 30kg.  When we arrived at Honolulu we were advised that we were booked on Qantas QF04, but as now seated in economy we were only entitled to 23kg per person, irrespective of our original booking with Jetstar business class.  As a consequence we were then charged for the excess weight at US$75 per case, ie US$225.00. I requested the supervisor, who advised either pay it or don’t fly.  We are then to seek reimbursement from Jetstar in Melbourne. 

We were eventually boarded to QF04 and had seats behind a bulkhead in row 60, just near the staff catering areas. It was a long and arduous flight to Sydney of 10 hours duration.  The food served was appalling and we had little sleep.   We were frustrated, and angry, but no alternative.

But our economy flight from Sydney to Melbourne includes luggage of 30kg.  It doesn’t make any sense. 

Also seeking review and refund re the cost difference between our Jetstar business class flight and the rebooked 2 economy flights .  Not confident in following this through. 

We arrived in Sydney at about 4.15pm after a 10 hour flight.  Then exited the international terminal via customs and immigration  , then collected our luggage and caught the T-bus shuttle to Sydney Terminal 2.  Couldn’t check in until 3 hours before flight, queued in Service Desk area, seeking confirmation, eventually confirmed as flight JQ523 at 10.10pm.  Able to check bags at 2 hours prior.

Had advised our driver Gavin of the change, he will arrange another driver to pick us up at 12.00am in Terminal 4 Melboune.  Name of driver in Eric.  He has picked us up before, and manages to fit David’s luggage in the BMW series 7. 

He drops us off at Wheelers Hill at 1.15am and then goes on to drop off a David at Mordialloc at 2.00am.

Ken follows through on a Tuesday with a Jetstar and needs to send the receipt to them.  He will follow through on Wednesday. 

4th November, 2018. Golf at Country Club of Hilton Head and Jeanette took the Boys to Jarvis Creek Park and then Coligny Beach Hilton Head Island.

The weather was not as perfect in Hilton Head Island with a storm cell coming through in the afternoon. 

We had a busy day planned with Jeanette minding Seb and Oliver and a range of activities planned at Jarvis Park and Coligny Beach. 

Ken and David are playing golf at the Country Club of Hilton Head Island with a tee time of 12.12pm and the average round time of 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Chris and Peita are shopping at Tanger Outlets. 

So we have a busy day scheduled with each group moving in different directions and with significant challenges with the forecast unsettled weather. 

Narnie was very brave taking the boys to a park with alligators and turtles, then lunch and following this a time at Coligny Beach, where the boys played in the water and generally frolicking. 

 at Jarvis Park they saw two alligators as well as turtles and had a time playing on the various climbing and other play equipment. 

Jeanette dropped off Ken and David at the Country Club where they had a round of golf.  They played off a tee time of 12.12pm and  commenced by talking extensively to the starter and the course Marshall.  We played the first nine in just over 2 hours and we played reasonably with David having 43 and Ken 46.  A good testing course in beautiful condition.

We were caught behind two slower foursomes, but the weather changed dramatically with heavy showers of rainfall which threatened to set in.  The groups in front of us turned it in and went to lunch after 9 holes with pending heavy rainfall. 

David and Ken persisted through intermittent rainfall.  We were free to play to our pace.  We enjoyed the course despite it becoming a little slippery. Ken played much better with 44 whilst David had a 46. 

Overall results were David a gross 89 whilst Ken had a gross 90 with us both off 21.  So a net 68 for David and  Ken a net 69.  Good scores.  As we finished the rain became heavier and looked to have set in. Fortunately we arrived back at The Clubhouse just as the rain became heavier and appeared to set in. Jeanette arrived at 4.20pm with the boys and as we arrived back at Bluewater in steady rainfall.

 As we got back to Bluewater we saw Peita and Chris return from their shopping and lunch at Tanger Outlets Stores.  They had an enjoyable day shopping with some good results.

All in all an excellent day with everyone enjoying their day.

Jeanette and Ken have made arrangements to meet with Stan from Spinnaker Resorts tomorrow morning at 9.00am then we also intend to shop. 

Just an enjoyable day where we maximised our opportunity before heavy rainfall arrived at 4.15pm. 

Dinner tonight for Jeanette, David and Ken was Steak and Salad followed by Friut and ice-cream.  Just superb with a very good Cab Sav from  Sonoma.  It was titled Simi, Alexander Valley Sonoma.  Very pleasant. 

As Jeanette commented we have had a great day which has been relaxing. 

The beautiful Spanish Moss on several trees at 13th Hole

One of the later holes at Country Club of Hilton HeadThe  

Seb and Oliver at Coligny Beach

A collection of photos from the park with Seb and Oliver plus several from the superb Country Club of Hilton Head golf course.  A super day and even the inclement weather didn’t impact us