Come sail with me on a virtual cruise to Hawaii on Ruby Princess

[ellie1145]

8 hours ago, margord said:

So glad you are back.  We missed you.  What an adorable little boy you have.  Enjoy every minute of him.  Is he your first grandchild?

 

Marilee

 

Thank you Marilee, it’s nice to be back.

 

We have a little grandson who is 5 years old, but he lives further away, and he’s been at school since September 2020. He loves to come and stay for the weekend although we are exhausted at the end of it! But he’s great fun to be with and keeps us young. 

[ellie1145]

41 minutes ago, chipz said:

Thomas is such a beautiful boy! Congratulations, again...

DH and I are two weeks out from our 2nd Moderna dose, and are chomping at the bit to go out and cruise and travel. No news on when the West Coast cruises will resume. Hopefully before years end.

 

Thank you, chipz. We think so too, but we are enormously biased! 🤣

 

Not long to go before you are fully vaccinated then. That is really good news. Do you find that there is a good uptake in your state?

 

Let’s hope that 2022 will bring hope on the horizon and a return to cruising. We can’t wait. 

[Reader0108598]

 

Ellie love your stories !

 

 

Edited April 25, 2021 by Reader0108598

[TeaBag]

We can use the timeshare every year, but we don't.   We have the option of taking points in the hotel system if we don't occupy it.  We can't really do both and often cruising wins out.  So many lovely cruises and places to see.

As for your husband, I think it would have been an insult to refer to him as a little man, but hey, snuggle him too so he doesn't get jealous.

[ellie1145]

22 hours ago, Reader0108598 said:

 

Ellie love your stories !

 

 

 

Thank you so much, Reader0108598. Glad you are still with us!

 

I do worry sometimes that I am boring everyone to tears as I do tend to 'rabbit' on a bit. 🤣

[ellie1145]

18 hours ago, TeaBag said:

We can use the timeshare every year, but we don't.   We have the option of taking points in the hotel system if we don't occupy it.  We can't really do both and often cruising wins out.  So many lovely cruises and places to see.

As for your husband, I think it would have been an insult to refer to him as a little man, but hey, snuggle him too so he doesn't get jealous.

 

It is a quandary, isn't it? I know with us that cruising usually wins. Even more so now when we have been unable to cruise for so long. 

 

I shall certainly take your advice re DH. Wouldn't like him to get jealous. 😉🤣

[ellie1145]

Nawiliwili Harbour

 

There is just time for a little walk round the deck before we get ready to watch our sailaway.

 

 

We can see a lighthouse which stands guard at the entrance of Nawiliwili Harbour, on Ninini Point. The harbour itself was originally part of Nawiliwili Bay, and was made by dredging, and the building of a breakwater which now offers protection from the rough sea. The land where the first lighthouse was built was leased by the Hawaiian government from a plantation owner.

 

 

It is fascinating to imagine the first lighthouse keeper, Manuel Souza, who was of Portugese descent, climbing the tower, just before sunset each evening. He would have lit the oil lamp, and placed it behind the glass window of the lamp room. He and his wife lived in the lighthouse keeper's cottage, and he had to tend the lamp throughout the night.

 

At sunrise he would have extinguished it, and then prepared the lamp for the next night, polishing the reflector and filling the lamp with oil. Not only did he tend to the light, he also maintained the tower, his house and the grounds which surrounded the lighthouse.

 

 

Souza was very conscientious, but received a very inadequate and often sporadic salary. He frequently had to obtain credit from the local store in order to feed his family and finally, in 1902, he had had enough. He wrote to the Hawaiian government begging for an increase in his salary, as he could no longer afford to pay for the food and water his family needed. Being very isolated, and at least 3 miles from the nearest habitation, he had to pay 50 cents for a bucket of water. He even had to pay for the paint to keep the lighthouse spic and span.

 

Sadly, his pleas appear to have fallen on deaf ears, and he eventually resigned. After that, the lighthouse and the lighthouse keeper's cottage fell into disrepair until a new lighthouse was built in 1906.

 

The lighthouse was later rebuilt and the concrete tower now stands at over 72ft. A three bedroom lighthouse keeper's house was also constructed. The Coast Guard eventually took control of the lighthouse in 1939, and during WW11 its light was darkened. It survived a Japanese submarine shelling and eventually became automated in 1953, although it still requires someone to perform routine maintenance.

 

It is a beautiful sight in the late afternoon sunshine.

 

 

The breakwater which protects the harbour from the force of the sea, can be seen clearrly.

 

 

 

 

We can see the rough sea which throws a cloud of spray onto the breakwater.

 

 

 

 

A tug stands ready for our departure from this beautiful island.

 

 

 

 

 

[cr8tiv1]

E Komo Mai, Ellie and fellow "passengers".  I understand the the brief break.  I just returned from spending 36 days with my grand children in Honolulu.  They do grow and change quickly.  Your grandson Thomas is so fortunate to have you nearby.  With the islands being the most isolated piece of real estate PLUS the restrictions to get over there, my trips are not as frequent.  

 

We are only half way through this voyage.  Still Maui and sea days.  Looking forward to revisiting this cruise.

[Reader0108598]

14 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 

Thank you so much, Reader0108598. Glad you are still with us!

 

I do worry sometimes that I am boring everyone to tears as I do tend to 'rabbit' on a bit. 🤣

You never bore me 🙂

[ellie1145]

On 4/27/2021 at 12:14 AM, cr8tiv1 said:

E Komo Mai, Ellie and fellow "passengers".  I understand the the brief break.  I just returned from spending 36 days with my grand children in Honolulu.  They do grow and change quickly.  Your grandson Thomas is so fortunate to have you nearby.  With the islands being the most isolated piece of real estate PLUS the restrictions to get over there, my trips are not as frequent.  

 

We are only half way through this voyage.  Still Maui and sea days.  Looking forward to revisiting this cruise.

 

Well, cr8tiv1, I had to look that one up, and I think that there are many meanings but the one I like is ‘Welcome to our land.’  What a beautiful language it is.

 

How wonderful to have spent time with your grandchildren. I expect they loved seeing you. 

 

How is Hawaii doing with Covid? I hope these friendly islanders have not had too bad a time. 

 

Glad that you are still with us. 

[ellie1145]

On 4/27/2021 at 1:49 PM, Reader0108598 said:

You never bore me 🙂

 

Thank you, Reader0108598.

 

Hope you enjoy the rest of the day in Kauai. It’s nearly time to leave but we have a glorious sail away to enjoy before we finally lose sight of this little piece of paradise.

[ellie1145]

Time to say goodbye....and mahalo, thank you.

 

 

 

We make our way up to the promenade deck to bid farewell to this little bit of paradise. We’ve certainly had a lovely day and hope to return someday.

 

 

 

A tug is lined up ready to escort us out of the harbour. Beyond the safety of the harbour and the protection of the breakwater the sea is rough.

 

 

 

 

Out in the bay the waves are crashing onto the rocks.

 

 

 

 

We peer down and see the crew getting ready to manoeuvre Ruby Princess out to sea.

 

 

 

Below on the quayside It is nearly time to let the ropes go, enabling  Ruby Princess to move slowly away from land.

 

 

The huge mooring ropes are released and slide into the water to be brought back onboard. 

 

 

 

The huge mooring ropes are released and slide into the water to be brought back onboard. 

 

Ruby Princess is en-route to her final Hawaiian island, Maui.

 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

Across the bay is Kalapaki Beach, and a large hotel, the Marriott.

 

 

Despite the strong waves there are people paddle boarding, and riding the surf.

 

 

Suddenly we see a group of canoes, their oars cutting through the waves in perfect time as they move swiftly towards the beach. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We could be in for a bumpy ride tonight. 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

 

The powerful tug is still accompanying us, ensuring that we depart this island safely.

 

 

While we move slowly out into open water we provide entertainment for those on land who watch our departure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruby Princess must be a lovely sight in the setting sun.

 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by ellie1145

[ellie1145]

Hale kukui - lighthouse

 

 

We sail past the Kuki’i Point Lighthouse Beacon, at the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbour, guiding ships safely in to their dock.

 

Sitting on a black lava rock peninsula with Kalapaki Bay behind it, the lighthouse must have a stunning and dramatic view of the Hausa Mountains across the bay.

 

It is not a traditional lighthouse as nobody lives there, it is just a beacon.

 

The pilot boat hovers nearby, waiting for the pilot to return after assisting with our departure. 

 

 

 

 

 

Sailing past the breakwater we can see the power of the sea, and the protection that this man-made barrier provides. 

 

 

 

Looking through my camera, the close up shots show what a feat of engineering this breakwater must have been. You  wouldn't want to swim anywhere near this savage sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 28, 2021 by ellie1145

[azbirdmom]

Farewell to lovely Kauai!  Can't wait until our arrival in my favorite destination - Maui.

[ellie1145]

2 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

Farewell to lovely Kauai!  Can't wait until our arrival in my favorite destination - Maui.

 

i may need your help, azbirdmom, as I’m afraid we were not very adventurous in Maui. I hope you have some photos to share, as my main aim here was to find a beach and swim before leaving Hawaii. 

We had a lovely relaxing day. But did I get my swim? 

 

Well, I’m afraid you will just have to wait to find out. 

 

But tomorrow I will finish our sail away and share what entertainment is on offer on Ruby, as she makes her way towards Maui.

[ellie1145]

6 minutes ago, azbirdmom said:

Can't wait until our arrival in my favorite destination - Maui.

 

I wonder if you would share with us why it is your favourite island, azbirdmom? I would love to return and would value your input when we finally reach the island. 

[AF-1]

ellie1145;  your pics are great.  I bet most people love Maui because it isn't as crowded as Oahu, and there are a lot of California Transplants there.  It is beautiful too.  

[cr8tiv1]

2 hours ago, AF-1 said:

ellie1145;  your pics are great.  I bet most people love Maui because it isn't as crowded as Oahu, and there are a lot of California Transplants there.  It is beautiful too.  

 

This is the "first" time I've seen so many beautiful sail away photos from Nawiliwili.  Thank you Ellie.  Funny story....my former spouse's Naval Ship was tied up here a long time ago (here).  As I was having dinner in the Officer's dining room, I candidly mentioned that I could feel the ship moving.  Someone enlightened me and said "after all, we are on a ship moored to a pier."  I have since gotten my sea legs after years of "dependent cruises."  Princess ships are quite the comfort while at sea.

 

Hawaii Island is my favorite place to visit.  So diverse. ALL 5 major

world's climate zones and 8 of the 13 sub climate zones  (https://www.lovebigisland.com/hawaii-blog/climate-zones-big-island/).  So much to do and explore.

Edited April 29, 2021 by cr8tiv1

[AF-1]

cr8tiv1:  I spoke with a taxi driver on Hawaii.  He told me that every December he would drive his pickup truck up to Mauna Kea and fill the truck bed with snow;  and drive it back down to let his grandkids make snowman.  How cool is that.

[CruzinNoony]

20 hours ago, ellie1145 said:

 

I wonder if you would share with us why it is your favourite island, azbirdmom? I would love to return and would value your input when we finally reach the island. 

 

Not azbirdmom, but the whale watching in Maui is amazing from Dec. through April, but best in Jan and Feb.  There are so many, it is like "whale soup".  We are going again next Jan and can't wait to see our "friends".

[TeaBag]

Thank you a million times, Ellie for your history of the lighthouse.  I didn't know all this.  Shame on them for not rewarding that poor man for his diligence.  I read it out to DH and he was very impressed with your writing.  You got a great picture of the timeshare building with the low 3 story building in front.   That is TS units also.  I so enjoyed all the pictures of the lighthouse as we go down there when there's a cruise ship leaving and wave like fools at the folks sailing away!  It's always a highlight for us.  We must be simple souls.  It will be 2 years from now till we are back there.

[ellie1145]

18 hours ago, AF-1 said:

ellie1145;  your pics are great.  I bet most people love Maui because it isn't as crowded as Oahu, and there are a lot of California Transplants there.  It is beautiful too.  

 

Thank you, AF-1. Glad you are enjoying them. It was a lovely sail away. 

[ellie1145]

16 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

This is the "first" time I've seen so many beautiful sail away photos from Nawiliwili.  Thank you Ellie.  Funny story....my former spouse's Naval Ship was tied up here a long time ago (here).  As I was having dinner in the Officer's dining room, I candidly mentioned that I could feel the ship moving.  Someone enlightened me and said "after all, we are on a ship moored to a pier."  I have since gotten my sea legs after years of "dependent cruises."  Princess ships are quite the comfort while at sea.

 

Hawaii Island is my favorite place to visit.  So diverse. ALL 5 major

world's climate zones and 8 of the 13 sub climate zones  (https://www.lovebigisland.com/hawaii-blog/climate-zones-big-island/).  So much to do and explore.

 

Thank you, cr8tiv1. It was a beautiful evening and a stunning sail away, with such beautiful views. 

 

I love the story. Looks like you are now a seasoned sailor! 

 

I would love to return to these islands, and hope that we will be able to do so in the not too distant future.