The Gibsons

What a fantastic idea this road trip has been. Colin is loving the trip and chatters constantly about things that he can relate to. The scenery at Custer’s Last Stand and the photos surrounding it look very much like the scenery in Back to the Future with the Indians chasing the Delorian. Following that tour we drove to Sheridan and there at the entrance was a huge black steam engine. Colin wanted to wait until the Delorian came onto the tracks but I convinced him the year wasn’t right so it wouldn’t come back from the future yet. I went to take a picture of him and realized my camera has fallen into my cup of water. There was only an inch of water left but 1″ can sure cause a lot of damage. I’m hoping it will dry out but in the mean time we use Dad’s camera. We went for supper at a super smorg restaurant. $11.00 each for EVERYTHING. Too bad we won’t be here for tomorrow night. Off to Mount Rushmore tomorrow.

we are starting to feel over stimulated and tired so have decided to call off the tourist thing and relax on the beach front with a good book. Sunday we visited a few more places in Kona and then went to the all talked about movie “Decendants” starring George Clooney. It was filmed in Hawaii and we were able to recognize some of the sights. The movie itself I found depressing but the scenery was great.

We went to Costco and bought $25.00 worth og groceries for yesterdays supper, todays breakfast lunch and supper and tomorrows breakfast and lunch. It would have cost us about 150 for all those meals to eat out. … for the same thing!!! We have to check out by noon tomorrow so supper will have to be eaten out Look forward to seeing everyone soon

January 25
Helicopter Ride
We arrived at the helicopter pad at 10:45 and were given a briefing and safety lesson. We were given inflatable life vests, shown how to use them, then our headsets. We were all weighed in and our height taken then assigned our seats. It was a 7 seater including the pilot. I was the only one to NOT get a window seat . I was the shortest so was put in the middle with the least amount of head room. I was so thankful that Dad and I were both facing forward. We headed down the west coast, right over Dagenais coffee farm then onto the south coast. We saw huge waves breaking onto the black lava rock and sand shores of the southern coast. Although the waves were powerful and strong beating against the coast they were small in comparison to the northern shore waves of Oahu. (Those waves were so huge a surfer was pipe lining through it and looked about ¼ the size of the wave. )
Leaving the coast we headed inland to the volcanos and were excited to see lots of fiery activity as well as molten lava rivers rushing from the crater. There were hot vents all around the area each spewing off steam.
We circled to the left then the right, then the left and on and on… I was SO thankful for my sea bands.
We flew over Hilo and then along the eastern coast. On the north eastern coast we saw 3 humpback whales. They are huge. We circled those much the same as we circled the volcanoes. The poor men facing me were looking a little green by this time. The pilot then noticed the valley had opened up and he was excited to fly the valleys and observe the high waterfalls. He went in low and then hovered at the bottom and slowly raised us straight up. At the top he flew right over the edge and we were suddenly looking at a huge cattle ranch, followed by huge and lush golf courses.
All the extra side trips had put us almost 30 minutes behind and we landed 2:00. What a trip! The best part of all was I did it and I didn’t get sick.

January 26
Drive to Volcano National Parks
We meandered our way south on the main highway which is so winding and narrow that the speed limit is 35 MPH. It took us forever to get to the black sandy beach but it was well worth it as we saw 3 giant turtles. We then went to Volcano National Park and toured the volcanoes with a fantastic tour guide.
It had taken us 4 hours to get there and there were no snack places along the way. We had bought some bags of chips to try out Trevor’s experiment of the bags growing as the air gets thinner. …. Does it ever work. On our way home, we hadn’t eaten in 8 hours or had much to drink so we downed the entire bag of potato chips and each had a bottle of water.
January 27
Visit Walter and Dale Dagenais

We drove around the area and discovered a Costco. Happy day! We went and bought some wraps –4 to be exact for less than I had paid for my wrap 2 nights ago for supper. We have now bought enough meals for the remainder of our stay since meals were costing us about $80 a day. Now it’s down to $10.00. We then drove to the Dagenais Kona farm and had a wonderful tour and supper. They were both doing a happy dance as it was POURING when we arrived. They hadn’t had any rain in 3 months and some of their trees were dying. They got over 2” in the time we were there. I can hardly wait to tell everyone about the wonderful visit and all I learned about Hawaii, coffee and flowers of this area.

January 28
Drove north to west coast beaches and Hilton Paradise Hotel
I can’t even begin to describe this visit. The hotel is fairly new and the entire project was done by the Japanese. The best way to understand this day is to look up the HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com on the internet. It is unbelievable. Right now they have a special; 6 nights for $699.00 including taxes. We should have stayed there.

January 23, 2012
Exploring Kailua Kona had been a real experience. We went for breakfast and then decided to go for a drive to the centre of the island towards the highest mountain in the world. (Highest peak from sea level to peak.)
We meandered our way stopping occasionally to check out the barren, lava covered terrain. The roads in some parts were narrow but paved. ( I think it must be fairly easy to pave here as you level off the lava and pour asphalt.) We stopped at the observation station where all the tourist buses stop and those who want can then take a shuttle bus to the top. We went to the top all 13,700 feet. How weird to go from 20 feet to 13,700 without flying. I did feel dizzy and light headed at the top but 1000 feet lower I was fine. It didn’t bother Dad at all.
We headed towards the north end of the island just so we didn’t return the same way home. It was amazing to see the changes in the country; barren and dry, barren with only black lava rock showing then lush and green. On our way back to the hotel we suddenly hit fog. Major fog! We were creeping along and where we could see it was a beautiful green countryside.
We got back about supper time and walked along the shore to find a restaurant. We enjoyed a great meal and then headed back to the hotel.
I ended up going to bed as 8:30 since I hadn’t slept well since I left home.

January 24, 2011

What a great sleep! I woke at 7:30 this morning. Now I have some energy. We checked out activities to do on the island and have heard wonderful things about the helicopter tours so we eventually decided that was a good thing to do. ( I will try not to be too nervous.) We will go from 11:30 until 1:30 tomorrow and we will tour the entire island.
We tend to go for breakfast where there is WiFi since our hotel charges 9.95 a day for internet. We had breakfast at McDonalds and then walked the beach strip. We saw the first church built in Hawaii by missionaries in 1820. We then glimpsed at the Queens summer home and the temple facing the ocean.
We drove south to another town for lunch and then back home. We had a coffee and then checked out movies. Tonight Dad & I saw War Horse. What a fantastic movie.
Now it’s bed time 

Day One    January 19, 2012

We got up bright and early (4:30 am) to a balmy -29 C with a wind chill of -39C.  I bundled up with 4 layers and then my down coat which I was going to leave at in the truck.  We arrived just as the shuttle did and I threw my coat off and climbed into a nice warm van which left all the doors open while he waited 5 minutes for more people to arrive.  Five minutes later it was -29C in the van and my down jacket was locked away in the truck.  We arrived at the airport with plenty of time but the lineups were horrendous.  We got our check in and boarding pass then encountered the same type of lineup for security.  We had decent time and even got a Tim’s breakfast.  Once on board a full flight we settled in for out flight.  I had slept much the night before dwelling on Dad’s comments of the small jet crossing the ocean.  If I had been thinking reasonably I would have realized (as Dad reminded me) that Westjet wouldn’t fly unless they knew it would be capable of doing so.  Now I can relax in a tried and true plane for a 6 hour flight.  “Welcome aboard Westjet flies to our inaugural flight of our new series for crossing the ocean.  This jet has basically 0 miles of flight.  You will notice we have no onboard TV’s but above they have 3 buttons for life vests. “  All I could think of was Rich’s comments on waiting a few years to fly a jet to make sure all the kinks were sorted out.   In spite of my ‘nerves I had a relaxing trip and was sweltering in my 4 layers of wool when we arrived at Honolulu.

We were greeted by Westjet vacations reps and given an authentic orchid lei.  So beautiful!  We were then transported to our hotel and welcomed for celebrating 40 years of marriage.  They asked if I liked ‘bubblies’ and stupid me….. not understanding what they were asking gave me the chocolates and kept the champagne.  Duh!!!!!!!

The room is on the 16^th floor so we have a beautiful view of Waikiki.  The night life reminds me of Robson St.; lots of street entertainment, street venues and young people galore.  Our  tour guide told us the way to know you are at Waikiki is the buildings get taller and the clothes get skimpier. He was right.

We went for a Starbucks coffee which was conveniently located adjacent to our hotel, then went for a swim.  Swim is not really the word to use as you really can swim in those waves so I paddled around.  We were told NEVER turn your back on the ocean as a wave can catch you and pull you under.  This doesn’t happen often at Waikiki but it does on the north shore where they love to surf.  The waves are much larger and create a back current.

Following our ‘paddle’ we walked the main street and visited lots of shops.  We found the international market place and had lots of fun looking at the various wares from hundreds of vendors.   It was a mini Alvero  Street.   Home to bed about 11 pm after another visit to Starbucks.

Day 2, January 20, 2012

Fortunately we awoke early as my alarm was set wrong and it didn’t go off. I hadn’t had much sleep as the room adjacent to us has a connecting door. The young girls in there were laughing and singing REALLY loud until after 1 am.  I should have banged on the door but I didn’t.   We went for a quick breakfast and then caught our tour bus at 8:15am.  The bus took us to Pearl Harbor with the guide (a man about 55 yrs. old) who was very knowledgeable and explained so much history to us.  We were taken to a submarine that was used during the war and was recently retired and is now used as a museum.  It is unbelievable as to how crapped it is inside; two people cannot pass each other.  The beds are about 24” wide and not very long.  I think everyone had to be less than 5’5” or you wouldn’t be very comfortable.  I found the sub very claustrophobic but managed to talk myself into going all the way through.

We then toured on of the battle ship USS Missouri used during the second WW.  It was big but sleeping was very cramped and they said you shared a bed.  When your shift ended, you kicked the person out and you climbed into a warm bed.  The ship was refitted with tomahawk missiles and used for the Gulf War and was just recently retired.

They had one deck that they called the Kamikaze deck (The name given to the special Japanese attack unit). During WW2, an air/sea battle took place off the coast of Okinawa. A Japanese fighter jet flew towards the USS Missouri hitting the side of the ship, losing a wing and exploding on deck.  The crew put out the fire and found the pilot under the charred remains.  The captain gave him a full military burial at sea.  I thought that was very classy of the Americans.

We then went to the aviation museum and saw a plethora of aircraft.  Our guide for this was a young student who wanted to be ‘cute’ so she wasn’t very good.  Most of our contingent were seniors and weren’t into cute.  Dad walked away and joined another group.  It was interesting to see the hanger that was actually shot on during the attack and the bullet holes that remain in the windows and floor to this day.

The last place we visited was the USS Arizona Memorial and that was very sad to see the hull of the ship just below the surface of the water and yet close to 500 young men are entombed there. There is oil still seeping from the hull of the ship but it certainly isn’t bothering to beautiful tropical fish as they  swim around globs of oil.

We arrived back at our hotel around 6 pm and then walked to the International Market and had supper.

Day 3, January 21, 2012

Today we go up early once again and ate quickly as we were being picked up at 7:30 for the island tour and Polynesian Multi-Cultural center.

Out tour guide was another native Hawaiian man but younger and reminded us of some of the native from FSJ.  He would make jokes about the Hawaiians and the Europeans laughing the whole time.  We never knew when to believe him… but he was fun.  We went up the island highway through mountain tunnels and tropical forests. We stopped at one look out where a very famous battle had taken place by climbing sheer cliffs.  It was so windy, and apparently always is, that I don’t know why they just didn’t blow off the face.   We went to the Dole Pineapple farm and had lunch there.  Fresh pineapple ice cream for dessert with about a cup of fresh pineapple thrown over the top.  Yum!

We went past the north shore where most of the serious surfing takes place.  There was a completion taking place at the time and lots of surfers were way out waiting their turn.  I tried to take a video but it didn’t turn out well.  The photos I took don’t do justice to the waves.  The first one we saw got ‘in the pipe’ and was less than a quarter the size of the wave.  He then disappeared and the wave curled over him.  I was just sick watching it when suddenly the shot out of it, caught a smaller wave and zigzagged across and into shore.  The next guy didn’t do so well.  I never saw where he went but no one was calling the paramedics so I guess he was okay.  There were lots of surfers we talked to later and they said they like to surf but they aren’t stupid.  I liked that.

The Polynesian Cultural Center was started and is run by Brigham Young University.  All the volunteers are students or family of the university.  Many, this is their way of paying for their education.  They are talented young people who demonstrate their cultural music and dances.  We were given a Laue with authentic Hawaiian food (including pulling the pig out of the fire pit) and entertainment followed by a 2 hour theatrical performance of “Ha” meaning the breath of life. There was fire dancing with male dances and female hula dances all depicting the story.  It was fantastic!  We got home just after 11pm to our noisy neighbours but went to sleep immediately.  |I was awaked at about 1:30 to gun shots and police sirens,  … we were told that the strip has a high crime rate .. particularly thief so not to walk along.  I was safely in bed on the 16^th floor so went back to sleep J

Day 4, January 22, 2012

We got up early once again and packed up ready for a commute to Hawaii, the big island.  Thank goodness we did that early as our transfer buss arrived 20 minutes early.

We got on a small jet and 35 minutes later we were in Kona.  We rented a small compact car but when we went to get it they asked if we would like to upgrade.  I said, “No” as I didn’t want to pay the extra cost.  There is a huge golf tournament going on and compact cars are at a premium so we could get something else with no cost if we were willing.  Dad’s never had a Jeep so we are driving a Jeep.  Kona is lava.  The airport is lave, the beaches are lava the gardens are decorative lava beds. They even build Ininooksuk  (????) lava creations on the side of the road and in their yards.

Our hotel is older but very nice, and like our Honolulu hotel has an open lobby concept. The temperature is so consistent day and night plus year round they just leave everything open.

Do you ever have one of those days where you just feel you don’t deserve such goodness. Today I woke up late so rushed up to the YMCA for my morning swim. Wow!!! They had 2 lanes open instead of only 1 so instead of sharing with 3 people I only had to share with one. I then left to go for breakfast and my massage. I went through the drive through at McDonald’s for my Burrito and coffee but when I went to pay she said “The lady in front of you said you had made her day and she paid for you.” I don’t have any idea who it was but did she ever make my day.
I had a lot of issues with my back and my massage therapist didn’t let me go until she had worked out all the kinks. My back and neck feel wonderful!
I rushed home, washed my hair and then headed for west Edmonton Olive Garden. My dear friend Ineke was taking me out for lunch. We had a fantastic visit and then at the end she gave me a beautiful new apron and a Quinoa recipe book. I was overwhelmed. I was definitely spoiled above and beyond today. I left West Ed and went to visit Melissa and Benjamin. I was so surprised that Benjamin didn’t appear happy to see me. He usually wiggles and smiles, wiggles some more getting more wiggly as the seconds pass in anticipation of being picked up. Not today. I picked him up and then he got a little wiggly but still not like he usually is. Then Melissa explained. This morning he had been wiggly, arching his back and looking backwards when he rolled over. It scared the daylights out of him so he quit wiggling. Ahhhh.

Now we all know how our kids manipulated us but not nearly as badly as Grandkids. I think I have become very soft in my old age. There I was shopping with Aidan and Soren last week while Julie scooped out the store for birthday presents. Aidan saw this AMAZING colour changing car wash complete with Ramone (Who is a ‘he’ not a ‘she’ as I had been incorrectly referring to Ramone.) I showed the car wash to Julie as a potenial gift. She read the box and said “No! It’s too messy.” Aidan looked up at me with doleful eyes and said “Grandma, it’s not too messy for your house.” (That says a lot for my house doesn’t it?) I told him I would think about it as we carried it around the store. Aidan NEVER left my side for fear the precious box may get dropped. After about 10 minutes of browsing, Aidan asked if I had paid for it, I said “No.” and he gave a huge sad sigh. He waited almost 5 minutes before asking again if I had ‘given the lady money for it.’ (Just in case I didn’t understand his terminology the first time round) The answer was the same. “No, I haven’t bought it …yet.” Julie managed to distract him and I went and bought it. He came running over when he realized I had disappeared momentarily and asked if I bought it. I said “Yes”. The sigh that he heaved was very audible. He chatted amicably all the way to the van and I told them it was coming to Grandmas house…that was okay, it was no longer at the store. That was over a week ago. Yesterday Julie brought them over while she went to a meeting. They hadn’t been in the house a full minute before Aidan said, “Grandma, do you have the special toy for me?” Soren started in too… just for clarification. “Yes Grandma you know the one that makes the colours change. The one Mommy said was too messy. Do you have it, do you have it?” So….. Julie and Brad enjoyed a nice cup of coffee while Grandma put together a car wash. (No complaints, I bought it) Now it needed ice water for the jug and hot water for the bath. No problem. You squirt the ice water on the car and it turns a lovely orange-red, lift it up in the special car lifter and down the ramp into a hot bath and ‘zap’ it’s instantly yellow. Now of course we have water in the collection tray (I use the word loosely) at the bottom that must be dumped before the next wash and the jug refilled. It was so much fun and they discovered you could also drop in into your glass of water or Grandma’s hot coffee and it would change colours. It was wonderful! They then took it outside to go for a ride in the tricycle, then downstairs to ride on the train tracks then on the train tracks of Grandmas Christmas Train (to try and derail it) and back to the car wash. Julie returned from her meeting and it was time to go. Everything was put away and I mopped the floor with a large bath towel. (What does Julie mean about ‘It’s too messy!!???) The boys had a wonderful time and off they went. I looked for the colour changing car after they left and couldn’t find it. Julie said to look in the tricycle (they love the little carry compartment). Not there. Look on the train tracks. Not there. Look on the Christmas Train tracks. Julie had packed it neatly away. Not there. I looked in several more of their favouite hidy holes but to no avail …. then I remembered. Check out my photos.

I drove Aidan and Soren to Melissa & Stephen’s new home subdivision. They were SO impressed with the nice close playpark and garden. Even more impressed with the giant cement truck, loaders and dump trucks. We watched for a while and then left. As we passed Rose Hill Cemetery I explained to the boys what a cemetery was.
Me: When someone dies the people who love them take them to a cemetery and then its a special spot to take flowers and remember them.
Soren: Why?
Me: Well, they were very special so you like to remember and so you go visit and take flowers.
Soren: Why???
Me: When my Mommy and Daddy died we had a special church service and then took them to the cemetery. Now I can visit and take flowers but I can’t talk to them. Sometimes I miss them alot.
Soren: Why???
Aidan: That’s okay Grandma because you have Grandpa to talk to and you don’t have to miss him.

I realize I hadn’t posted in a long time and so much has happened in the last 2 months.  The biggest news of course is that I have a new Grandson.  Melissa and Stephen presented Brad & I with a beautiful healthy baby boy on July 2.

Brad was layed off from his trucking job in mid May so he is beginning to feel ‘retired’.  He has had so much to do with maintenance of  houses and yards plus doing necessary repairs on cars that we are very thankful for the time.  The neighbours LOVE to see the garage door open and are continually asking for Brad’s help or advice on numerous topics.

We had a wonderful trip to Fort St James in early July to attend Amber’s wedding reception.  It was fantastic to see so many friends and catch up on some of the news.  Colin loved his trip but we were pleased that he was anxious to come “home’.  He is so settled and content in his own home and with his own friends that the trip reassured me that we had certainly made the right move.

I have been enjoying the summer trying to complete a project I have wanted to do for some time.  Scan in ALL the photos in my storage room. I have sorted them all and am finished the Leverington/Gospel side.  Some photos dating aback to 1850.  I am enjoying it and will make a small album when I am done.

Soren decided he was going to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpas and Aidan wanted to go home. This is the first time Soren has stayed alone. We had a great time and then off he went to bed. He slept until 8 am and woke up VERY hungry he said. After breakfast he wanted to watch trains on TV. He said “Grandma would you put the trains on the TV for me please? You’re really clever with the TV but Grandpas not. Grandpas good with the computer.” The Boxee wasn’t working very well and I was having trouble with the sound but finally I got it working. Soren announces. “Well Grandma you finally got it working but it took you a LONG time.”