Celebrating #30

How does that happen?  It sure doesn't seem like it has been 30 years since Doug and walked down the aisle and said "I Do".

Before...

I still remember -

• how much Doug was sweating
• Doug's Dad laughing when Doug knelt and the soles of his shoes spelled "HELP"
• how our car keys disappeared and we hitched a ride to our reception
• and so many more wonderful memories

After...

So, we decided to celebrate our 30th with a weekend in Waikiki.

Big bed, bathtub, lots of tourists, and plenty of entertainment - sounds like our kind of place.

Let the celebrating begin!

Hula Girls

There is always something going on in the city.

We hit the Art Fest, walked the beautiful/crowded beach, watched some young Hula dancers, did some shopping, and checking out the restaurants and bars - of course.

Best burger (and malt) we have had for a long time - Teddy's Bigger Burgers.  They even let you bring in your own beer and wine - too cool.

Posing with the Duke

Some friends showed us a wonderful mobile app Happy Hour Hawaii.

Based on your GPS location, it shows all the Happy Hours around you what's included.  Can't beat that!

Waikiki bay

Of course, we had to check it out, plus added a few based on tips.

Our favorite (by far) Wolfgang's Steakhouse.

Excellent Happy Hour with a great menu, plus their steaks look yummy.

We will be back for sure.

Surfing anyone?

Other places we checked out...

• Aloha Beer Co (grand opening)
• Rum Fire
• Mai Tai Bar
• Lulu's
• Cheeseburger in Paradise
• Maddog Saloon
• Cheeseburger Beachwalk
• and, Bibas, (a regular for us)

Still looking good!

We had a wonderful weekend. It was great to get away, but also great to be back on our boat.

Guess we are out of practice - we were pooped. Good thing we have a year to re-coup before our next anniversary.

Wish you could have joined us on our Waikiki adventure!

Our Dock Family at Ko Olina Marina

Since we moved onto Moondance in 2001, we have lived in lots of marinas and had some wonderful neighbors and have made many life-long friends.

Mai Tai walk to Chuck's

We moved to the Ko Olina marina on the island of Oahu in January and it instantly felt like home.

Cheryl - Big Steelers Fan

As soon as we motored into the marina, we were invited to Cheryl and Michael's boat to watch the Steeler's playoff game. Doug was in heaven!

Since then, we have gotten to know Cheryl and Michael very well and they are wonderful people.

Mel's Birthday - Beautiful Girls!

Things just kept getting better after that. Our new neighbors soon became our friends.

Almost nightly, we all come out of our boats, pull our chairs out of the dock box, and relax, tell our stories, and get to know each other.

Karen and her Birthday tiara

Plus, lots of eating and drinking and everyone shares - even their dinners.

We have some amazing instant potlucks!

And, we celebrate everything - birthdays, holidays, anniversary's, and anything else we can think of.

Hamming it up aboard Lu

Our Dock Family is also a wonderful support group.

Rides to the airport, doctor appointments, shopping excursions - whatever.

Someone will always volunteer to pitch in and help.

Debbie spotting Venus

And lots of sharing - cruising tips, technical expertise, movies, a cup of milk, and so much more.

It is so easy to walk down our dock and find what you need.


This time next year, most of us will have sailed or moved away.

Sunset at Ko Olina

Sad to think about, but for now we are going to enjoy every minute of it and know that we will always be a part of the R&R Yacht Club - where ever we are!

R&R Club = Rant&Rave, Restore&Repair, Rest&Relax, Row&Recline, Rust&Rot and lots more R&R'ing.

Goof Off Day

Doug and I had the day off together (yahoo!) and decided to do some exploring - and goofing off.

Hiking up to Maunawili Falls

So, we headed to the other side of the island to check out Maunawili Falls.

We enjoyed the hike - the colors and smells of being in the jungle - so much like French Polynesia.

The easy part

But, we had lots of company - very touristy, plus there wasn't much water flowing in the falls!

Oh well, still a good workout and we need the exercise.

Emergency rescue - wasn't us!

One tourist injured herself jumping into the water and had to be air-lifted out.  Pretty scary, but she was alright.

This is something you wouldn't see in French Polynesia!

Bellow's Beach - beautiful

Another beautiful beach on the SE of Oahu - Bellow's Beach.

Miles of beach and very few people, plus looks like a great place to boogie board.

We will be back!

Ah, the Kona Brewing Co.

You know us, part of exploring is checking out the sports bars -

• Boardriders Bar and Grill - nice local bar
• Creekside Lounge - no draft beer (oh my)
• Kailua Town Pub and Grill - the best 

And, our favorite, the Kona Brewing Company. Just wish it was closer...

A very nice day spent with my Sweetie!