September 23, 2009

Went to the North Shore to check out the surf today. Mountains divide Oahu down the middle putting Honolulu on the west and Kailua on the east, the windward side. We crossed the mountains on the way and ran into a few showers, which is common on the east side of the island as you gain altitude. Unfortunately, a German couple staying on the same property had to leave for the airport (on the West side of Oahu) about the same time. They had A LOT of luggage and were driving a Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible, and they had to put the top down to get it all in the car. I can only imagine how their trip over the mountains went.

We went to Haliewa to browse the tourist shops (Bev's idea) and then had lunch at Haleiwa Joe's on the patio. It's become a tradition for us but mostly an excuse to go to the North Shore. The surf actually turned out to be down today, but the beaches still had red flags and only a few surfers were out there. The prediction is for higher surf tomorrow and Friday.

Even though the Dole corporation is stopping pineapple production on the island, the Dole Plantation Store on the road to Haliewa is still open and has been remodeled and doubled in size. They have a garden, a tourist train and every kind of pineapple merchandise you can imagine plus the ususal hawaiian souvenirs.

Finished the day at Foodland (grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup tonight) and a dip at the beach before settling in for Dancing With The Stars. So much excitement, so little time :)

Goodnight from Lanakai.