From Pacific Island to the Mainland

Our first stop along the California northern coast is Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library.  This was not a planned stop--we just saw the road sign that pointed us in the direction.  We are glad we stopped as we have seen several of the Presidential libraries and this one ranks at the top of exhibits.

We are greeted by President and Mrs. Reagan in all their bronze glory.

"Yes, Mr. President"--a chance to see how the prompters are used.  Doesn't he look very presidential?

One of the attached buildings to the library allows a visitor to board Reagan's Air Force One plane.

And there is no way we are going to pass up an opportunity to have lunch along the water!

And the sign says it all!  Here is a chance to spend the night in a hostel for $25 per person per night--that is if you like bunking with several ones

This is one of two working lighthouses along the northern coast of California, both of which serve as hostels.

The view!  outstanding!

You can see the reason behind the lighthouse function

Ice plants are always intriguing and makes for a great ground cover.

This Is Pearl Harbor

A visit to this National Monument is a must when you are in Honolulu.  No fee is charged but it is wise to make your reservations online, which does cost $1.50 per reservation.  Go early! and beat the crowds!  This is one of the most visited national places.

This is a view of the memorial from the land area. 

The park has various stops of interest which gives you an overview of the beginning of US involvement in WWII

The Tree of Life

After a short film detailing the events leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, you board a vessel commanded by US Navy personnel.  You take the short ride to the memorial.  It is somber as you approach.

You embark onto the platform and walk into the open spans, which is the burial for those who died on USS Arizona

Below you is the burial site of many

You can see many parts of the USS Arizona above the water as well as below

And above this sacred area, we proudly salute the United States flag

The memorial leaves one with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts

Hawaiian Quilts And Then Something Completely Different

Couldn't tell if this was just applique or reverse applique--no touching allowed!

Close-up of fine craftsmanship

As if lost--but found along our bus route--Fabric Mart!  Lots of Hawaiian prints!

Bolts and bolts of fine patterns--couldn't resist!

Two floors of fabric!  and some Hawaiian quilt hangings along the second floor balcony.

And now for some colorful scenery on the road around windward side of the island.

Couldn't resist this colorful combination of orange against the blue ocean--perfect!

Arts Abound in Hawaii

Japanese artist, Jun Kaneko effected used the old YMCA swimming pool to create this reflecting pool.

Hon-Chew Hee presents King Kamehamha--united the Hawaiian Island Kingdom

This large scale ceramic wall piece created by Toshiko Takaezu

Carol Bennett--Tigger Picasso Energy

Have not artist or title for this interesting piece

Alice Kagawa Parrott

Kenneth Shutt

Marie McDonald used various kimino fabrics to create this wall hanging.

ALOHA!

 We have arrived in Honolulu, Hawaii! and spending time walking the streets.  Dan is standing right outside our hotel and ready to head down to Waikiki area to find a restaurant for our evening meal.  It's a long flight from Denver, 7 hours in the air-mostly over water!  Not a comfortable time for me--someone who doesn't like water! 

The streets are crowded, even in the evening hours when street performers come out to entertain the crowds who are shopping the designer stores.  Night finally falls and we place our heads on nice feather pillows to claim a few hours of sleep.

We are doing the local places--or ones that advertise the best!  Our breakfast is at Eggs 'n Things.  We are late, according to the large crowd that has gathered way before us.  But, our wait of an hour is well worth it!  Ahi steak, scrambled eggs, pineapple juice, pineapple pancakes covered with coconut syrup, and Spam--the local meat of the natives!  We had to have a taste--well, it tastes the same as the days of our youth.  Once is enough!

How about a walk down to the famous Waikiki beach--just two blocks from our hotel.  It is as lovely as the photos we have seen and we are delighted to walk along the waves as they splash ashore.

Yes, this is the popular location of many a visitor.  The water is clear, the sand clean and low waves bring many youngsters and oldsters alike to relaxation time.

Of course, the shoreline is dotted with many hotels and resorts.

Very few waves on this day, surfers are having a difficult time finding that perfect wave to ride.

Okay, this is interesting poster to see!  Many Japanese visitors are plagued with handouts advertising shooting ranges within walking distance of their hotel.

We spend another day visiting the Iolani Palace learning about the Hawaiian history and their kings. 

We are not allowed to take photos inside the palace, but these frescos dotted the ceiling of the porch where we are greeted by our docent.  We are given soft coverings for our shoes and enter into the grand hallway, whose floors are made from soft pine and the coverings will help protect the dark stained floors.

As we exit through the back gates, we see the royal crest.  We are going 'native' and take the bus to and from the palace with a stop along the way at Foodland to pick up some poke'-a traditional fish dish.  For seniors the bus is only $1--a bargain to our pocketbook!  Aloha! until another day.........................................