Circle Island Highlights

I just returned from Sam’s Club where I purchased jugs of pre-mixed margarita and coconut flavored rum. Bill’s arriving tomorrow, so it’s a good excuse to start sampling. I still haven’t kicked this cold. Wherever I go I hear the sounds of coughs and sniffles, so I’m not alone. Maybe the booze will help; maybe it won’t…can’t hurt. Before going to Sam’s I listened to a college baseball game via internet audio feed. It worked great using my GeoWireless connection. Go figure. The game was the first of the season for the North Dakota State Bison baseball team. Our nephew, Colby, is a junior at North Dakota State, and on the pitching roster. Today, the Bison played Wichita State. The Bison lost, by two runs, but gave the Shockers a run for it. Two more games in the series this weekend. Colby is scheduled to pitch on Sunday at 1:00 CST. You can listen to the game through audio feed if you go to GoShockers.com. Use the browser feed. In support of the team, I promised Colby that I would post pictures of beautiful girls at the beach. Please don’t think I’m a pervert for taking, and posting pictures of girls in beachwear. I’m doing it for a cause. After all, the “Bison Boys” are from Fargo, where seldom is a bosom or leg exposed. They have no cheerleaders. This is what I call “a stimulus package”… and it won’t raise your taxes. Okay … enough of that … The trip yesterday began in Waikiki. I crossed the Ala Wai and followed signs to Hawaii H-1 East. This freeway will take you quickly past Waikiki and Diamond Head toward Hanauma Bay, Koko head, the Blowhole, Sandy Beach, and Sea Life Park. At Sea Life Park, you turn north to Kailua and Kane’ohe Bay. You’ll pass tons of beaches and places to hike along the way. North of Kane’ohe is several botanical gardens and more beach parks. At Kahana you will find the Kahana State Park, and the Crouching Lion, a restaurant that came highly recommended from our friend John Feeley, who dined there years ago. Sadly, John is no longer with us, but the Crouching Lion is still open, so I think we’ll give it a try in his honor. John always enjoyed good food and drink! Moving yet further north, you will pass the Polynesian Cultural Center, Brigham Young University Hawaii, and the Mormon Temple. The Polynesian Cultural Center is a huge tourist attraction. Many who visit Oahu say it was a highpoint for them during their visit. We haven’t done it, so no comment. The Mormon religion has had a huge missionary and economic influence on the Islands. So have many other religious groups, including the Roman Catholics, Baptists, and Eastern sects. No shortage of places to worship here. The northernmost point on Oahu is a bit further, near Kahuku. As you turn south, Turtle Bay and Turtle Bay Resort are the first areas of interest. Those who golf will enjoy Turtle Bay. As you move south from Turtle Bay you drive along beachfront known worldwide, as the North Shore. This area has some of the largest and most dangerous surf in the world. It is very beautiful, but only expert swimmers and surfers should enter the water when conditions are extreme. Those who walk or relax near the water must be very aware of wind, surge, and rogue waves. Many people have drowned in this area after being “snatched” from the shore by a wave. Always face the ocean. On the north Shore you will find Sunset Beach, Banzai Beach, and Waimea Bay beach Park. These are great places to watch the experts surf, kite surf, wind surf, and boogie board. On Thursday, there were several kite surfers at Sunset and Waimea. The kite surf and boogie board photos are from Waimea. There are several more beaches after Waimea, so just explore and have fun. One of my favorite spots is the village of Hale’iwa. It’s kind of touristy, but a nice little place with several good places to dine. Rosie’s, Cholo’s, and Hale’iwa Joes are three that come to mind. After you leave Hale’iwa you are still 45-60 minutes out of Waikiki depending on traffic. It’s very difficult to get lost, so just follow the signs, drive reasonably and be courteous to others. Hurrying or getting upset will not get you to your destination any faster.