Aloha, Jet Lag

The jet lag from our Hawaii trip has passed. They say to recover from a trip, it takes a day for every time zone, so in this case, that’s five days. I always double that because my typical posture in life is lag. It’s been over two weeks now, so I’m back to normal – just my regular, daily lag.

My current issue is that I haven’t gotten over not being in Hawaii. That’s different from failing to get over any other trip or struggling to adjust to regular, day-to-day life. Hawaii gets a hold on me and won’t let go. Part of it is the island pace. I was made for island pace – nice and slow and whatever pace you like works. Perfect for me. So, it’s going to take a while.

To prolong my issue, I’m constantly faced with reminders about Hawaii, including a separate section in my closet which is devoted to t-shirts from Hawaii. The oldest is a Crazy Shirt (Crazy Cat shirt at the time of purchase 25 years ago on our first trip there, so it’s considered vintage). I also have a ballcap with the state fish stitched on it, including the spelled-out name, humuhumunukunukuapua`a. It wraps around the cap and is a conversation starter here on the mainland. It’s a big name for a little trigger fish.

My Facebook account still thinks I’m there and is constantly suggesting I take a snorkel tour off the Napali Coast or go pick pineapples. Speaking of pineapples, I have become a pineapple snob. Our tour of Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple Farm was eye-opening. These are the best pineapples I have ever eaten and now I’m ruined for any others. You can even eat the core! They are more addicting than M&Ms, and that’s saying something.

We planted, picked, and partook of pineapples at Kauai Sugarloaf Pineapple Farm.

Wailua Falls pictures show up on my Facebook more than pictures of my grandchildren! I’m also becoming obsessed if not addicted to Kauai Coffee, at least it appears so by my feed. I have no idea what my friends and family are up to because my feed is laced with surfers. It’s insane watching them hang ten at Pe’ahi Jaws Surf Break. I know what Jaws is because, you know, I’m obsessed with Hawaii. By the way, don’t go surfing there. I think it’s safe to assume that anyone reading my blog should not be attempting 60-foot waves.

After an intense session of surfing, it’s time to relax and watch sunrise over Kauai, or sunset. I’d keep expounding, but it looks like it’s time to take a hike in the Waimea Canyon. Or maybe a nap. Either is good.

But this goes deeper. I’ve been so consumed with Hawaii that now Facebook thinks I live there. Hawaii News Now just informed me that all public schools in Maui will be closed until Friday due to severe weather. I may or may not have a problem. But, whatever, dude.

Aloha and mahalo for reading.

Another First

E-biking! I explained to the woman at Hele on Kauai Bike Rentals (and Boutique) that I had never ridden an electric bike. That seemed fine, but the pre-rental briefing included the question – so, you’re avid bikers?

Avid seemed to be a big word but I do know how to ride. She was satisfied but warned me that these bikes would be heavier than what I was used to.

Surprisingly that wasn’t a big issue for me, just a small one whenever I started up from stop. I adapted fine except when it was time to ride through the tunnel of trees. For some reason that was disorienting to me, but Bob went through fine. Of course.

Before our trek, we dropped our daughter and her family off at a trailhead for Donkey Beach. This is our effort to find them along the way.

Why is there always a hill?

Eventually we found them. The surf was too high for their planned snorkeling but there was plenty to explore and enjoy among the rocks.

Two hours along the Kapaa Bike Path was about perfect for me to sit on a bike as my body can only last as long as my posterior can endure even with frequent stops to take in amazing views.

I would do this again in a second. Especially after Bob explained the throttle. I was perfectly fine pedaling along enjoying the assist the bike offered even while wondering why Bob pedaled so much less than I did.

Let me tell you, the throttle was a game changer – no pedaling necessary. I was hooked.

Until next time, aloha!