Travel Day

 Going is always so much more fun than coming back. We get some time by traveling west and somehow that makes the day seem lighter and travel easier. 

All our fears about a nightmare at ABIA proved unfounded. I think traveling on a Wednesday and not close to a holiday made a difference. 

Up earlier than the alarms. The bed was comfortable and I slept fairly well. We got our bags loaded up and made it down to the lobby to catch the 5:00 am shuttle to the terminal. 

We breezed through the curbside check in and got through TSA screening in short fashion. We didn't have to unload our backpacks or take off shoes for security so it was quick and easy. 

Breakfast was tacos and coffee. We were all done and waiting at our gate by 6:08 am for our 8:40 flight. A 2 1/2 hour wait. It's the Anderson Way! 

Our flight to Las Vegas for a short layover went smoothly. We found a Pei Wei close to our gate for a bite of lunch. It was crowded but we grabbed a table and ate pretty quickly. 

My fortune correctly identified our long awaited vacation is here!

It took about 1 minute to use up a $20 bill. 

The Southwest Airlines hostesses took volunteers from the waiting passengers to play a fun game. They raced one another to see who could put on all the items from the gift bags first. It got everyone smiling and in a good mood for the long flight. 

Watching for that first glimpse of the islands.

Then just like that, we arrived at Kahului and sights and sounds of Maui were everywhere. 

                      It was really windy!

Fidel was our driver from the airport to our hotel. 

Haleakala in the distance covered in clouds. It is hard to comprehend how big that volcano is. A field of lemon trees created a dark green foreground. 

Coconut stand surrounded by Tiki heads on the way from Kahului to Ka'anapali. 

Another view Haleakala and the deep blue Pacific waters.

A view of West Maui Mountain as we approached The Hyatt Resort at Ka'anapali. If you look close you can see the rainbow created by the clouds covering the mountain top. 

 

                   We finally made it!

Ricky had a surprise Happy Anniversary greeting in our room, and it was so very thoughtful of him.  Everything was decorated with orchids and there was a Happy Anniversary card on the bed.

We had champagne out of paper cups to celebrate. 

View from our balcony of the Canoe Club practicing.

Taken from our balcony.  I will never tire of this view.

We watched this black swan preening its feathers while we waited for supper.

Ricky celebrated our arrival with a rib eye at Sonz Steakhouse here at the resort.

First Maui Sunset and our long travel day was done. We were really tired and so glad to be back.