Thanks for the welcome back everybody. As my Sis (who went with us) said...."It's still better than being at work!" I certainly don't disagree!!! I knew it was bound to happen someday as often as we go.

Steve we picked this time of year because we have never been to the islands during whale season. That was the primary reason for choosing winter. We had planned to go whale watching but of course that never happened. I'm not sure any charter boats left the harbor all week. I'm not giving up on whale season though. I already have plans for Maui in 2010. I'm thinking the end of January beginning of Februrary?? Any input from you is welcome! ;) My favorite time to go is early October. Most kids are back in school, the weather is still mighty fine, and the water is still warm. Airfare is way cheaper then also. I've always wanted to do Halloween in Lahaina. From what I've heard it's a hoot. Thanks for the name of the owl. I have written it down so I can add it to the picture I took of it. :)

Hi Terri!!!!! :waving

It's good you have you back safe and sound with us at the OB :D

I'm sorry the weather didn't turn out better for you. Sounds like you did okay tho' .
LOL at the temp flux, yeah must have been a bit of a shocker :coverlaugh:

So where are the pictures??

Hi Gloria! Check Orchids in Bloom on Saturday afternoon. I should have the Hwr. posted by then. It sure is purdy!

Its a deal! :dance13:

Whales! Now I understand. Its pretty cool to see them and its really cool to be able to hear them singing while snorkeling at the beach. They get more numerous towards Feb-March, but the rain only increases as you get closer to March! This year is supposed to be an especially wet winter for us, though Im not sure why (Im assuming its a La Nina year). As for the Mardi Gras of the Pacific (ie. Halloween in Lahaina), I heard they shut it down this year because it was just getting tooo crazy, even for Lahaina! If it does go on next year and you are able make it down, from what I understand, be prepared to see a lot of skin! Oh, and take lots of pics....of er, um, orchids of course!! lol :evil:

We're getting the wind and bad weather you had in Hawaii here in the Northwest - only here were getting snow and cold and forescasts of ice as well.

LOL Ron, I know, I live in Oregon! Nothing like going through the same bloody storm twice!! :lol: It snowed off and on all day today. I'm sure it's in the teens right now. Should be plenty of black ice to go around tomorrow morning!!!

More forecast here for Saturday and Sunday and we were supposed to go to Eastern Washington on Monday - doesn't look like that'll be happening.

:shock: :shock: Thats crazy! Youre going through the same storm twice! Talk about insult to injury!!

You're tellin' me Steve! At least it was warm in the islands! I had to drag my Mukluks out this morning! :rofl:

Here are a couple of pics.

#1 Shipwreck Beach the morning after the big storm. Normally on the south side of the island the water is pretty calm even in winter.

#2 Lawai Cove looking west towards Spouting Horn (you can see it going off in the distance on the right). Note the color of the water from the runoff.

#3 The Pueo seen near Poipu where we were staying.