So, we've managed to get Morag's passport stamped with her residency visa, but it only has 3 days to get to us. We've already bought the ticket, so a bit of nail-biting time, but we decided to stay over the weekend, just in case. Time to relax! Down the beach for a spot of surfing and gun shooting (as you do).
The beach was looking particularly good today, so off to rent a surfboard!
Okay, I admit it - I retouched an earlier photo of me to make me appear slimmer. If you check back to the VLA visit - I think I was almost blocking out the sum (and the radio telescopes)! I leave will this photo untouched, as a testament to the UK and American palm-oil friendly shores.
Somewhere in that vast expanse of surf is a black sea-lion shaped object, heading onto the reef - where unknown dangers await. Not once did I manage to catch a wave - the only one my surfboard caught was when I got off it going to shore! It's incredibly exhausting, as well. I tried for a good hour, then crawled to shore. Perhaps it was my lack of training, perhaps my lack of skill - but I don't think I'll be doing that again...
On the way to the firing range, we saw this man chipping away at his carving. It was really nice to see an ancient traditional art going on in the open-air 'international' shopping centre (which had giant trees forming a canopy over the atrium).
I had to ask to move the target back - it was too easy. I got every rifle shot almost dead centre!
Revolvers were a different story, however - because your aim is unsupported, it goes up and down with the recoil of the weapon. After I was told to 'squeeze the trigger' to prevent this, I became a lot more accurate.
"You talkin' to me? I don't see anyone else here!" Truthfully, we were alone - but we did hear Morag and the receptionist's conversation...
I tried to 'think gangsta' as he took this photo. Does it show?
The hotel shuttle bus, going to and from the beach or main shopping centre. There is a 'free' one called 'Hilo Hattie' - Morag rode in it once and got a necklace you use as a ticket! Don't try getting off before the destination, however - one couple did so and were yelled at by the driver! Crazy town...
How surfboards get to the beach (on a moped). I've also seen these side carriers on a bike!
The hotel pool - nice and cool. I read from
'Cultural Amnesia: Necessary Memories from History and the Arts' by Clive James in the pool with my arms on a towel, and my entire body in bliss.
Our last drink was going to be a memorable one. We walked to near the end of the beach (where the private hotel areas are), and sat down at the The Moana Surfrider for a drink or two.
Morag suggests a toast to the completion of our honeymoon voyage.
The last Hawaiian sunset - at Waikiki, on the island of O'ahu. Hard not to shed a tear.
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