A day of firsts...

Today we got to do a couple of my favorite things in Hawaii and a bunch of new things that quickly became favorites.

We started the day with a hike up Diamond Head. As usual it was a pretty good work out, but it was all worth it once we got to the top. It took us 23 minutes, according to Rick's Garmen, to scale the 783 feet. We navigated switch-back trails, climbed 74 stairs followed along tunnel, then by 99 more stairs. After we popped out of a bunker we were at the top and got a chance to catch our breath. It was breathtaking, both, figuratively and literally. To imagine that the explosion that blew this crater off a mountain top is one thing, but then to think about Japanese planes flying in across the bay to result in the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the events of Dec. 7, 1941 was a whole different way to look at things. The photo above is of us a the pinacle of the mountain. We both made it and Dad has certification to prove it. I guess 23 minutes of a grueling hike makes people do weird things. I think he paid $2 for the "certificate."

After the hike we stopped at a local bakery for blueberry and cream cheese scones and Acei smoothies. Both we worth the walk.

Then we were invited by Rick and Angie to tag along to Hanauma Bay. One of the places I had never been, but will definatly make it a regular part of any future trips I might make here. Although I've been here six times, I felt like I was really in Hawaii today. Hanauma Bay and some of the sights up the shore from Waikiki were unbelievable. The mixture of the mountains, beaches and coral combined to look like cross between Jurassic Park and Lost. Very, very neat. I wish I had photos of this one, but I didn't bring my camera. Dad got plenty, but I can't get them off his camera now. We relaxed on the beach did some sight seeing and then got back to the hotel to do some work to get ready for the Hoop N Surf...that's the reason I am here remember?

For a late supper we then walked up the strip to Teddy's Bigger Burgers. It is a 50s-style diner. We made our orders, but when they came they were loaded with veggies and some weird runny yellow sauce. That doesn't work for me so I played the dumb tourist and told them I didn't know they came will all the fixings so I got my burger remade. It was good, but not as good as Dukes or Cheeseburger in Paradise and doesn't compare to Slims or the Corner. They may have the mountains, ocean and warm weather all year around, but we have the best burgers in the world.

I guess Sarah Palin is here now and Obama is coming home for Christmas later this week, so we'll make sure to say "Hi" for all of you.

Now its time to wrap a couple more things up for the game tomorrow and get some sleep. We did a lot of walking today and the sun zapped us so we are shot. There is some guy in here snoring like a bear in hibernation already.

Aloha...