Hawaii was not what I had expected at all.Tara and Karla live on the "Big" island (where Kona coffee comes from). Tara and Karla have a mango tree in their yard and we could just go out and pick fresh mango's.They were so yummy.When I arrived on Friday we spent the afternoon just getting settled.

Saturday morning we went swimming with the fish.My camera worked underwater for about 3 photo's and then decided to more or less die.So much for a water proof camera.Yet another insurance claim.At least it happened at the end of my trip rather than in the middle.

Sunday was Mother's Day and we all went out for breakfast and then another swim with the fish.Karla and I went out snorkeling.We saw a Barracuda with VERY BIG TEETH.Needless to say we didn't rush in to get a closer look.

I have known Tara since I lived in Australia in 1995 and I met Karla before they were married in Costa Rica in 2002.Both Tara and Karla are surfers.Karla and I went to the local surf break on Monday morning and she was able to surf while I sunned myself on the beach.How is it that I managed to sunscreen my tummy but missed the tops of my legs and my chest?????I suffered for quite a few days after with peeling and inching.This whole trip and it is on my last day that I get crispy.Go figure.

Well tonight (May 10/10) I am off to Honolulu to spend one night before my final three flights bring me back to Canada. What an adventure this has been. There will be one final farewell blog once I am back in Canada.

See you all soon.

Love Tove