Goodbye Hawaii

Friday, April 1
One last dip in the Pacific at Waikiki.


The hike to the top of Diamond head as seen from the parking lot.
At one point we went inside the mountain and climbed over 170 stairs. I couldn't believe how much easier it was to hike and climb at sea level.

The breath taking view from the top. A 360 degree view of beauty!
Friday morning, April 1
All good things must come to an end, right? Our week in paradise was winding down.
This report from Carol:
"Woke up and started packing. How can our week be over already?? Walked down to the beach for one last swim. Checked out at noon then drove to Diamond Head about 15 minutes away. Von realized she did not have her wallet. We turned around and she called the hotel while we were driving. Thankfully it was turned in. It got left by the computer as we were printing out our boarding passes. Wow - that could have been really bad. Went back to Diamond Head and hiked to the top - in the pouring rain! What a breathtaking view from the top. Worth every step and steep climb! By the time we walked back down we had dried off. We grabbed some lunch and then started to make our way to the airport. We simply wanted to find a gas station to fill the rental car before returning it, but that turned into a one hour adventure. We were not impressed with Hawaii's highways. There are no signs that tell how many miles to the next towns, and no signs at exits to let you know what services are available. We took an exit trying to find a gas station and got on another highway and it was 10 miles to the next exit beyond that. Anyway, we eventually made it back to the airport, got the car turned in, got checked in and waited for our plane. We took off at 9:30 Hawaii time and arrived in SLC 7:30 AM. A very, very long night on the plane. What a wonderful, relaxing, enjoyable trip. Loved every minute spent with Rick & Von and Mom in a place of paradise!!"
I couldn't have said it better Carol, thanks for the write up! Rick and I enjoyed our week with Mom and Carol so much! They were perfect travel companions. Mom was such a good sport. She was up for whatever we wanted to do. If she couldn't do something (like hike) then she was content to sit and read. We visited for hours and hours as we drove around. We talked about old history and current happenings. We laughed until we cried and we share some tender moments. Rick was a trooper to travel with three women for a week. He was so helpful and kind and we even survived his driving!
Thanks dear husband for taking me to visit Andy and giving me the opportunity to spend a week with you, my mother and dear sister Carol in Hawaii. It is a vacation to remember!
Day seven of a vacation in paradise. The end.