Good morning Lizzy

I had a startling visitor when I grabbed for my toothbrush this morning. I jumped back and squeeled but luckily it was harmless Lizzy the tailless Lizard. Since we only have one day left I think I safetly can disclose that I have not seen very many bugs in the house. A few small ants and an occasional lizard is very tolerable. I had heard horror stories of Hawaiian bugs such as big flying cockroaches and huge centipedes that have fangs and can sting. Therefore I am pleased to say I have not seen any of these yet and would like to keep it that way. Not sure what the Philippines will bring but I imagine I will not be story free by the end of that month.

We found a couple new places on Craigslist today but unfortunately they are not ready for showings yet. Therefore we decided to head to Hawaii Kai for a little fun in the sun. As we entered the parking lot at Hanauma Bay (Ha-Now-Ma Bay), Jeff's phone rang. It was a call back from a Hawaii Kai rental that we had left a message with yesterday. This place is very nice, on a "pond" that leads to the same canal that Bob will be living. It has a very impressive pool overlooking the "pond" in which I could definitely swim some laps. I say "pond" since Jeff was corrected when he asked if it was on the canal, she clearly stated "no it is on the pond". This "pond" is really just a large open area at the end of the canal that they use as a marina.
Our appointment is set for tomorrow at 2PM to view this place and hopefully Frances will not decide she would rather live there too.

Hanauma Bay is a gorgeous location that is now a state park. Prior to visiting the beautiful location one must watch a 15 minute movie on proper wildlife etiquette. Then one chooses to take the journey to the Bay by foot or van. Appropriately the van ride is $0.75 on the way down and $1 on the way up. The trip back up the steep hill is much more work yet it is all worth the trip. Jeff and I doned our snorkling gear and approached the water. An annoucement was promptly made warning snorklers to be aware of the current, stay within the buoys, and best to stay where you can stand. I thought it was rather interesting that this announcement was timed right prior to us plunging into the water. Did we look like risky, trouble makers? Since this is a wildlife reserve, some of the fish were very big, probably larger since they only have natural predators and humans can not threaten them. I did tug on Jeff's fin to show him a large Honu (turtle) swimming by. After watching many new Hawaiian colorful and playful fish it was time to return to land. Once we reached our towels we had a small picnic which brought an audience of pigeons. One by one they crowded around hoping for an offering. The video warned us of feeding fish and we were unsure about the pigeons but decided not to get into trouble our first time at Hanauma Bay.
On our drive back to Karen's we stopped along the Hawaii Kai highway at many scenic stops. The views in Hawaii Kai with the bluest water and rocky mountain formations are breathtaking. I guess I can not blame Jeff for having his hopes set on making Hawaii Kai our new residence.

I asked Jeff if he wanted to climb the Koko crater (Stairway to Heaven) tomorrow. He thought this was a potential idea but may be best to wait for our unknowing house guests, I mean friends and family, that are seeking a little exercise. With only 1,048 stairs to the top, one would most likely consider this light to moderate exercise.

Please enjoy more pictures of Karen's house including the elephant parade. We also have included some scenic views from Hawaii Kai: Hanauma Bay and another scene from the Highway. Plus a picture of Lizzy.