July 24 Old Faithfull

Wednesday July 24 

After breakfast we drove by Kieser Cascade then Old Faithful in time for eruption which occur at about ninety minutes intervals. Hiked the upper basin going as far as the grand Geyser. Not lucky enough to catch an eruption which occurs on six hour intervals. Although temperature is  only in the upper seventies the intensity of sun at this altitude makes it seem much hotter. Went to the Old Faithful Lodge for a beer and water. 

July 23 Yellowstone entry

Tuesday July 23

Flew from SFO to Cody at 6:05. Took the east entrance to Yellowstone National Park, the first such established by President Grant in 1872. During President Teddy Roosevelt's term he expanded the protected area by creating a national forest around the park. We spotted our first wild game, an elk in a burned out area near Fishing Bridge. Something like 30 percent of the park was burned by the fires of 1988, the driest year in modern times. amazing regrowth of lodge pole pines has taken place by the falling of pine cone seeds.

We drove by Fishing bridge, no fishing there since 1974, in order to protect the endangered cutthroat trout during spawning. Checked out the old Lake area where Wayne had worked in 1958. Service station has been abandoned for several years and general store has been modernized and the celling has been raised.

Arrived at our lodging at Grant Lodge, old two story building with clean room, comfortable bed and amenities. Bought sandwich and fruit at the general and took a nap. Wayne went to ranger presentation on the formation of the park.

Feb 27, 2013 Last Full Day at Princeville

Feb 27, 2013 Our last full day so we decided to play some tennis at the great courts here at the Cliffs. Around noon we went back to Anini Beach for snorkeling. The wind was quite strong but we managed to see three turtles and a large school of small blue tangs. Combination of wind and tides kept us from seeing more since fish seem to seek protection with the coral reef. After hot tub and pool swim we returned our gear to the sports shop and went to the Hanalei Gourmet for more fish and chips.  Can't get enough of that fresh fish. Packed and cleaned up our condo.

Feb 27, 2013 Kauai Good day at Anini Beach

Feb 25, 2013 This was our best day at two beaches, Anini and Hanalei. Several large turtle were viewed along with a black and white ray, many wrasses, sergeant majors, parrots and colorful smaller fish. After fruit shake at local stand we headed for Hanalei and more fish watching. Back at our condo, we discovered that Monday is a reception party day with Mai Tais, wine, and munches. After a dip in the sauna and pool we had dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Federico's.

Hindu Monastery and Botanical Gardens

Gate to Monastery

Visited the monastery and the Kadavul Hindu Temple, a beautiful and spiritual property.  After lunch at the Olympic Cafe where we shared a large Kauai pork burrito we went to the Common Ground for a hike to Stone Dam surrounded by a beautiful botanical garden with water falls and vast assortment of plants and trees.

Seva

New Temple

Stone Dam

Botanical Garden at Stone Dam

Snorkeling at Ke'e beach

Our Condo at the Cliffs

Feb 23, 2013 We drove to Hanalei's Snorkel Bobs's for mask, snorkels,  and fins on our way to Ke'e Beach.  After some rain showers the sun came out and we enjoyed a  plethora of colorful tropical fish. Heavy rains soon after drenched us.  Stopped at Red Hot Mama's hopping for her island famous burritos.  Like some other small island restaurant owners she decided randomly not to open today. So we went home, showered and came back for fish and chips at our favorite Hanalei Gourmet and a shave ice next door.

Pool time on sunnier day

Feb 22, 2013

Beautiful rainbow was omen for a nicer weather day.  After some aerobic exercises Miriam an I enjoyed some pool time and soaking up some sun rays. After lunch in our unit we are off for some shaved ice in Hanalei, and return movie to Resbox at Foodland "A Separation", about a troubled couple in Iran. Could have been filmed in any country dealing with the same issues. Weather starting to turn to more clouds.