Adventure 4. 

Took off from Redmond without a hitch. Was the most nervous at the beginning. Got to Seattle, waited three hours, then a five hour flight to Honolulu. Managed to catch the shuttle to the hotel and settled in.

That was a long five hours. Two babies crying in the row across from us all the way. I had my earplugs thinking I might snooze, so wasn't bothered much. They really do pack people in like sardines. Linda taught me a new online game and we took turns playing it.

Lots of friendly people, many oldsters like us--I guess we're probably the generation that can afford it. We seem to be chattier than most people, which is a bit of a surprise. I've been calm and collected the whole trip, which is also a bit of a surprise.

You know what? They make it really easy. The routes and routines are all intuitive, easily marked, and the people are mostly helpful. The tourist industry seems completely tuned into the duffers. 

Took the shuttle back to the airport this morning, rented a car and drove all the way across the island to the north beaches. Seemed like mostly locals there, not so many tourists. Saw a sea turtle and some very tanned people, old and young, half naked, old and young. 

Drove back, negotiated the rental thing, back to the hotel at what for us was around 8:00, but 5:00 local time. 

On our way to Australia tomorrow, me much relieved that it isn't a difficult journey at all. Though 12 hours in a plane, (plus two or three hours of hurrying up and waiting) is intimidating.  

Todd, Toby, and Jasper are taking care of the house. Jasper patrolling the neighborhood making sure all is secure. King of the Cul-de-sac. 

Having the whole day with the car was the way to do it. No hurry, no worries about getting lost. Just looking at everything. Now that we're on our way, I can see it's something we needed to do.