It was early ... about 4:30 Hawaii time. The moon was still high in the sky. This is where I had my coffee every single morning.
You could not get down to the beach for coffee because the last big storm took out half the bank. This is a ten foot drop off, with the ground cracking under my feet. Waves like this never happen here.
Never say never I guess, since the last hurricane pulled most of the sand out. Two days after it passed us by, we were still feeling the effects of the storm, worse than ever. In all my years of staying here, I have never EVER seen waves like this at this location. The only spot to get in is down the way where the rip current pulls you straight out to the ocean. The lifeguards had their skidoos out on this day to be sure people didn't drown. That's a first!!
Sadly, it was time for me to pack up. I don't know why that was so hard since I only picked up three little lightweight T-shirts. I did not wear ANY of the clothes I took. It was too hot. Instead, I wore my triathlete shorts and one pair of running shorts ....... the entire trip. I made it all fit, but it was a task.
In no time I was headed to the airport. It's changed quite a bit since I was there last. So have the hoops you have to jump through. Now you tag and drop your own bags off, instead of the employees doing it for you.
Once past the TSA check, it was quick and easy. That is until I realized my Gate was the last one on the farthest end of the airport. It felt like a half mile walk to get there. By the time I was onboard and in my "new" seat, my phone was dead. Oh look ..... they have USB chargers, except mine is a C charger. I dug in my purse ... and I don't know how or why, but I found an adapter. Good thing because I'm not good at sitting for FIVE HOURS.
Especially when the lady next to me wasn't all that friendly, telling me to SHUT YOUR WINDOW ... and the kid next door who cried the ENTIRE TRIP. Flying is so much fun.
Here we are, taking off over the ocean. In spite of the Captains warnings for a bumpy ride, it was a great takeoff.
I was skeptical that the meal I ordered days before, would actually follow me to my NEW seat number, but it DID!! HALLELUJAH!! This is Thai chicken and noodles with Hawaiian macaroni salad (which also has potatoes). It was all DELICIOUS!! I ate every bite.
Not much of a view for the next 5,000 miles, so I kept my nose in my e-book and tried to ignore the screaming next door.
The sun went down as we flew over San Francisco. Sacramento, here we come.
It was dark. VERY dark. We landed and I followed the mob of people heading to the baggage carousel. We waited and waited until about 20 minutes later when bags began to arrive. Lucky for me, I was one of the first.
Then I was off to call Uber for a ride. If you remember, I had a horrible experience GETTING here the first time. I said abut 25 prayers before dialing. GREAT! I got a ride. NOT SO GREAT! It showed on the map that my pickup point was in the middle of the baggage carousel. Good grief.
I went outside and saw signs ... Zone 1, Zone 2 .... so I pulled up my ride and it said "send a message" ... and I did, telling her which zone I was in. GOT IT she said.
Turns out this was the perfect Uber ride. Nice lady, nice car, knew the way and got me to Cyndae's house in 25 minutes. I went inside, drank a huge bottle of water and crashed on the bed. It was 11:00 pm.
I was awake at 3:38, but talked myself into staying put until 6. Then I jumped in the Jeep and took off for home.
Guess who met me at the door with the biggest MEOW I've ever heard. Actually, I don't think I have ever heard her meow. She never got 6" from me for the rest of the day.
She's very happy her Mom is home ... and so am I. I was hoping for an epic sleep, but it was just okay. Kitters jumped up on the bed and started rubbing her head all over my arm, purring up a storm. She finally cuddled up next to me (a first) and purred herself to sleep. This morning I was met with even MORE purrs. Yup I think she's a happy camper.
I'm back ... in one piece ..... no sunburn, just a glorious tan ..... and happy to be home.
