Last Walk on Waikiki Beach. . .Now Home!

It didn't take much time for Theresa and me to finish packing yesterday morning.  We had time for a last walk on our beloved beach before departing for the airport.  We plodded through the sand near the water further west than previously.  Out on an old concrete pier, I saw local wildlife for the first time: crabs and tiny fish darting in and out of the black lava rocks.  Theresa reported that she had seen lots of fish in the sea when she "was way out in the (outrigger) canoe."

Historic section of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, facing seaward, the Crest.

It's early, not all beach umbrellas are up with chairs occupied.

Diamond Head, last photo of this trip.

Crawling black crabs, darting in and out of the rocks, everywhere on the western shore rocks.

Eastern mountain range, toward Pearl Harbor and the Honolulu Airport, west of Waikiki Beach.

Theresa, our beach walk finished, ready to grab luggage and rental car.

The Royal Hawaiian's beautiful pool/hot tub area which we never used because we loved all the ocean activity and sun.

Royal Hawaiaan's Main Entrance Canopy Area, waiting for rental car (last photo!).

Yesterday, Friday, our 6 1/2 hour flight left the Honolulu airport at 1 p.m. Next stop Phoenix, Arizona, then overnight to Charlotte, North Carolina. Finally, we reached Lexington, Kentucky, at 9 a.m. on Saturday.  The flights were uneventful; our luggage was not lost.  At every stop, I advanced my watch to local time.

In Honolulu, the weather was sunny and low 80's.  In Lexington, it is drizzling rain and 68 degrees.  But I am HOME at last!  I felt like kissing the floor in the Lexington airport!

Even though I had the trip of a lifetime, it was very, very good to get back to the familiar comforts of home.  My son, John, was very happy to see me, as I was very happy to see him.  It didn't take me long to pull out some of the souvenirs I brought him from Pearl Harbor.  Oh, there were a few bills - nothing overdue.  There was a big stack of newspapers - the best news was the new royal baby of Kate and William in England.  Everything outside was greener than ever.  Rain is projected for the next few days.  Good, I can sit inside and plan the rest of my life!  Mahalo, Hawaii!