Day 3. Another early start for the training swim. Over breakfast we had a serious snd productive review of the guide books, maps and websites to review the myriad fantastic places and activities on offer in Big Island. Manta Ray night snorkelling - booked. Mauna Kea observatory tour - tried to book but it seems that everyone else has the same idea! Volcano and lava flow tour - sounds good. Green sand beaches, verdant deserted valleys with waterfalls...all sound...

Day 2. After our early night we all woke early at first light, to the sound of surf and the dawn light illuminating the surf with a pink glow. Mike and Chris set off on a training run heading south on Ali'i Drive and Bill and I headed north. Sharky decided to swim across the bay and do some snorkelling. Despite the early hour we were in good company. Swarms of runners and cyclists were already up and about - a mixture of local joggers, ironman athletes and holi...