Tag: covid travel

Disneyland

Less than Thirtydays to plan and pack😲

Okay, so this is a bit off topic for my thirtydays blog but it has relevance to that and to Foxpartyofone.

Krystal : Let’s go to Disneyland California Adventure. The Avengers Campus is open and Camden would love it.

Me: Okay, when.

Krystal : Two weeks from now.

Me: 😲😲😲😳 are you crazy? That’s not enough time to plan and pack. I need at least 3 months.

Krystal : Be spontaneous.

Me: Impossible. No way. I can’t. I am a calculated travel planner. I need time to think about the logistics of everything.

Compromise. One month. Eek!

1. Dogs. Tracy, my dogsitter is not available….so dogs will need to be boarded at Canine Country Club. That’s not an issue. The fact that they need the kennel cough vaccine is. So, now I’m at the Vet and there is a, “several” hour wait time because Axel needs an exam to get that vaccination. 🙄 It is so long that they say I can leave and come back. So I did. I went to the gym and back to the house lol. Went back and checked in. The called me and made an appointment for later in the month with the assurance that it would be enough time prior to boarding them. I just hate waiting till the last second to get stuff done.

2. Tickets. Randy got the park passes and made our reservations to enter the park. They are limiting the amount of people in per day, masks are still required but they will be opening it up to guests outside of California on June 15th. So the rush is on. Not just for us but all of America lol.

3. Flights. I booked my flight to depart out of Eugene. I think that will be the easiest to get to. The only one available for a late departure was through Alaska Airlines and there is a layover in Seattle. I won’t fly in until midnight but I won’t have to worry about driving around Los Angeles. Randy will be picking me up. The flight back is a straight shot with United.

4. Packing. I’m doing carry-on plus a backpack. I think I’ll be fine for space. I will only be there three days. This is going to be a very quick trip.

Getting my paper list started. Wish me luck. I’m going to need it😂

Maui-2021

Day ten-travel home 😢

All packed up and ready to go. Sitting out on the Lanai listening to the surf roll in. I must have been a dolphin in a past life. The ocean calls to me.

It’s raining so it’s not quite so hard to leave paradise.

I just realized that I haven’t gotten sick the whole time I’ve been here. Normally, I am gluten free. If I eat anything with gluten in it it gives me the worst stomach problems and makes me feel like I swallowed a bowling ball. Since I’m on vacation I have played the gluten lottery and I ate a white bread egg sandwich, breaded fish and chips and other stuff that normally gives me problems. Weird. Is there no gluten on the island, is it the ocean or the sun? Maybe it’s the time of day that I’ve been eating. Up early. Eating early and last meal in the afternoon? I don’t know.

The rental return process was super easy. I just pulled up and they emailed me the receipt. I chose to walk the path from the return station to the airport rather than take the train with a bunch of people. I figured I’d be sitting down for five hours and a ten minute walk wouldn’t kill me. Well maybe. Dragging two bags lol.

On the way thru check-in my shoes fell through the conveyer belt and landed underneath. The attendant was too big to crawl under and get them so they were going to go look for a broom. I crawled under and got them. Gross lol. My bags weighed 37lbs and 43lbs so total would have been way too much for one bag and there’s no way I could have picked up an 80lb bag lolol.

I got to the gate three and a half hours early. Flash flood warnings behind the airport! Glad I made it before then. Went to the first class lounge which is really just a place to sit and get wifi and drink coffee, tea or soda. No snacks because of covid 🙄 but it’s quiet.

I have to show off my invention. My ears get really irritated and I get a headache from the mask straps so I bought two hat pins and wrapped the cord around them instead of my ears. Genius lol. Too bad I can’t wear a hat to work. Maybe I could do the same thing with a headband and buttons 🤔.

Finally in the air at 2:30pm. Oh joy. The flight is full and I have a seatmate. Ms. Gluten free dairy free. She brought her own food but complained they didn’t have food for her or non dairy creamer for her coffee. But she ate the crackers and chocolates they handed out? I’m pretty sure my eyes rolled into the back of my head and were about to get struck🤣 Uh hello? Gluten and dairy for sure. So headphones on, hood up and movie time for me lol.

The flight was four hours 59 minutes. Exactly. Pulled into Portland International Airport. Staying at the Radisson Hotel tonight then home😊

Maui 2021

Day nine-solo

Last day in paradise. Better make the most of it. Surf lesson at 10:30am and I hope the weather is going to cooperate 😃 my instructor’s name is Kris. Lol. I think I can remember that.

Didn’t find many waves to ride because of the storm but I got my workout in lol. An hour and a half of paddling out is hard! We saw a huge turtle poke his head up and take a look at us. So awesome. Forgot why you should wear a long sleeve rash guard….

OH yeah, now I remember. The board rubs your skin right off lol.

I’m starving so going to Leilani’s on the Beach. It’s rated number one on Yelp so we shall see.

20 minute wait for a table. Not bad. Seated next to the beach with an awesome view. The whales were really active not far out. I ordered a Ginger Hoku. Fresh fish and chips and Thin Mint Hula Pie for dessert. Delicious x10 😋 service was good too.

It started raining. A downpour lol. Everyone on the beach packed up and ran for cover. It was amazing how fast they cleared out. It’s still 80 degrees. I probably would have just waited it out. Maybe jumped into the ocean lol.

Back to the condo to try and pack. Yes, pack. Always my nightmare. My bag is not big enough for all my stuff🙄so I got another one. I opted for a smaller checked bag instead of a big one. Two small checked bags are much more manageable for me than one huge one. Because of Covid, Krystal said they won’t pick your bag up for you at the airport and it has to go through the scanner. Krystal must have used her big hair charm because some random guy offered to pick hers up for her 🤣🤣 So I’m checking two bags, carrying on a backpack. Hopefully I don’t break any wheels off lol.

It’s raining. A lot. There is a flash flood advisory. I hope I can get to the other side of the island tomorrow morning or I’ll be stuck on the island and that would be just awful lol.

Maui 2021

Day eight-solo

Omg. Got a text from Tracy the dog sitter. Axel got sprayed by a skunk 😫. Probably the skunk that’s been eating my tulips lol. All this time living in the country and this is the first time it’s happened. I texted Kris. He has a plan lol. Good thing Axel loves water. I feel a little terrible that I’m missing out on all this. A little. Lol.

I’m taking a surf lesson today and tomorrow at Island Style Adventures Surf School. The lessons are held at that awesome boarding beach down the beach walk. It was perfect. After being rolled, pounded by waves and almost losing my shorts, I surfed all the way in to the beach! It’s kinda like wakesurfing with a much bigger board but dependent on mother nature instead of the boat driver for waves lol. My arms and hands are super tired from paddling out but I can’t wait to go out tomorrow.

On a side note, when I was back in my room changing my clothes I bent forward and a ton of water drained out my nose like a faucet. Lolol. Probably from when I got rolled in the surf.

Had a little snack. Spam Musubi. Spam, rice and seaweed all in a convenient brick. It was a bit dry but I was starving.

Back to the room to watch the sunset.

Maui 2021-solo

Day seven-solo

Up early to take the ferry to Lanai. I’m going out to visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary.😻The ferry ships out of the Lahaina harbor.

Hour long ferry ride in the sun with a mask on 🙄 my tan line should be epic 😂 I guess I could ride inside but it’s probably a germ fest in there so I’ll opt for the mask tan instead lol.

Took a shuttle to cat sanctuary. It’s a cat paradise. It was founded in 2008 to help control the feral cat population and protect the nesting birds on the island.

The cats are sectioned off by age in large fenced in yards. The fences are probably seven feet tall with an overhang so they can’t climb out. Plenty of houses and trees for the cats to hide in and climb on. A cat tree is an actual tree full of cats lol.

They give you a bag of cat treats so you get mobbed when you first walk in. They are all super sweet. I spent two hours there and was sad when the shuttle came back to pick me up. I bought a shirt and a hat and donated the “aloha spirit” money that the good Samaritan who got our car out of the sand wouldn’t accept, to their cause. I’m all covered in cat hair but I loved it.

On the advice of the captain I decided to ride the ferry back underneath. I got a little sea sick on the ride over up above. Every other seat was taped off so people were pretty much six feet apart. One guy was asleep when we were disembarking lol.

Continuing on with todays’ cat theme I stopped at the Cool Cat Cafe. It’s an upstairs open air restaurant with a view of the old town Lahaina walkway and the ocean. Great for people watching. Kris and I ate there last year. Avocado fries and a root beer freeze. Yum!

It was super sunny and hot today. I got fried. Well my arms did. Not my mask face. Lolol.

Maui 2021

Day six-solo

foxpartyofone is officially solo.

Took a stroll down the beach walk looking for food. There is a huge outdoor mall right next to my hotel. Well, its more of a condo. I am staying in an apartment that is owned by “Mark and Susan” lol. Past residents have left notes of gratitude for allowing them to stay. Ummm, they are paying for it so maybe a note from the owners would be more appropriate. Like, thanks for the $$🤣😂

Stopped at Waicoco restaurant which is between the Aston and the Westin. Table for one? Lol. Yes. They can’t push single eaters to the bar now with Covid so yes, I’m going to take up a whole table.

It’s not raining right now but I chose to sit inside the open air building. The cushions were soaked outside.

I’ve been here ten minutes and no service. No water, coffee or contact. They did give me a menu when I was arrived. The table across from me sat down after I got here and they are taking their orders. so annoying. I must be invisible.

Finally. Fifteen minutes in they took my drink order. The manager stopped by and said that he noticed how long I had been waiting and offered to comp my meal. That I could eat anything I wanted. I wish I was hungrier. I guess invisibility has its perks lol.

$60 worth of free food. The pineapple dip was awesome. Sugar, lime salt and something spicy.

I left a tip. They all shouldn’t pay for the inaction of one employee plus the food was delicious.

Stopped by the Concierge desk to see what Kris got me for my birthday. I get to choose to do whatever I want! I was thinking of doing the sunrise tour to Haleakala, ziplining or downhill bike riding but the weather isnt predicted to be the best so I chose to go the island of Lanai and visit the cat sanctuary, whale watch and surf. I can’t wait 😁 thank you Kris ❤️

Went to Black Rock and snorkeled. It’s amazing how buoyant you are in the ocean. I just floated around. I saw some beautiful fish. The water was really clear.

Sat out on the lanai and listened to the surf. It crashes pretty hard right in front of the condo. It’s the perfect place to sit and blog.

My whale watch tour got canceled due to the weather. There are flash flood warnings and evacuations on the other side of the island. The locals say it’s the worst storm in 25 years😲 and it’s not just on Maui. All the islands are on high alert.

The rain eventually turned to a sprinkle so I walked all the way to the end of the beach walk. I found some killer waves for boarding in front of the Kaanapali Alii.

Maui 2021

Day three

It’s Maui Goat Yoga day! My birthday present from Krystal, Randy and Camden. I can’t wait. I’ve never done yoga so we will see lol.

Our class is on the opposite side of the island so we were out the door early. We stopped at a farmers market on the way.

Krystal’s favorite place to be. No jelly coffee🥲 must be an Oahu thing.

Thought I would share with you some insight as to Krystal’s planning vs. mine.

Krystal’s list.

My list. [_______] insert things to do…..

🤔 Lol. It’s in my head.

Maui Goat Yoga. This was located up in the mountains at a cute little farm. Basically you do yoga, following the instructor all while goats are running around you and jumping on your back and playing king of the mountain lol. I think I spent most of my yoga time playing with the goats. They were adorable.

That was so much fun! I want one 😁

Drove to Paia for lunch at Island Fresh. Krystal needed a drink.

Super cute outdoor restaurant with a hen and their chicks running around. I ordered my favorite meal of the day. Breakfast. When it came, one of my pieces of bacon was hanging over the edge of my plate. I looked down at my side and there was a chicken giving me the eye. Before I knew what she was looking at she jumped and grabbed that piece of bacon and ran off lol. I guess she is the provider of the family😂

So funny!

Walked down to the Cove and swam a little. Tried the boogie boards but the waves were too small.

Walked to Charley Young Park for shave ice and sunset.

Perfect!

Maui 2021

Day two

Up at six am Hawaii time. There is a two hour time difference so when I get back and the time changes I will die lol.

We decided to go hiking today and hoped to get a little sun. We are both super pale and in need of a tan lol.

We chose to hike the Hoapili Trail over by La Perouse Bay.

The road to our destination was a little narrow and bumpy but Krystal drove slow and made use of all the turn outs. All while I was telling her to go. Go. Just go lol. Sorry Krystal.

The hike was six miles round trip and the trail was full of rocks, coral and lava but I did not fall😁

It sprinkled a bit but it was like taking a shower. 79 degrees.

We explored the tide pools and found this cute little crab.

Drove back to the apartment. Slowly😂

Walked down to the beach for sunset. Found some Gelato 😋

Our airbnb.

Where Krystal drank her tea in the morning.

Maui

Day one

Woke up at 4:15 am and drove to PDX. Krystal did not chicken out and is still going lol. And by not chickening out I mean Camden did not object to her going lol. Traffic was light and we made it to the airport at 6:30am. The check in process went pretty smoothly. We had already signed up on the Safe Travels website so all of our information was already in the system. We got these awesome orange bracelets to let everyone know we are covid free😃

TSA was quick too. This is one of the good things about traveling right now.

No crowds or long lines of people. A lot of the businesses were not open throughout the airport but this could have been because we were there so early. We wore both a mask and a face shield. Everyone that I saw was wearing a mask or two. Krystal sprayed everything I touched, was going to touch or thought about touching lol.

Boarded Airbus 321-neo. Did I mention we are flying first class? Well it’s not 747 first class but it’s nice. Hawaiian Airlines first class is way better than Alaska Airlines first class😃. Lots of room to stretch out and they have foot rests to use instead of my backpack.

They let us use their ipads for TV and movies and we got a pillow and a blanket. Breakfast was really good.

The flight went fine. No turbulence. Got to use the special bathroom.

Rented a Jeep Grande Cherokee. Boring lol. The highlight of the rental process was when I was yelling Krystal’s name so she could give them her ID and the guy next to her asked if her name was Pretzel😂😂😂 so that’s her new nickname, Pretzel lol.

Stopped at Costco for food supplies. Forgot water🙄.

Checked into our airbnb. We are on the third floor. No elevator. My bag weighed 35lbs Krystal’s was 43lbs. Haha, I beat her up the stairs.

Walked down the street to the beach for the sunset.

Gorgeous.

Maui

Packing.

Yes. I started packing three months ago. As per my personality I now am wondering if I could just do carry-on. I’ve always wanted to jet down the breezeway with one tiny bag and a backpack. The question is, do I take with me what I will need or just the essentials and purchase the rest while I’m there. There are advantages to doing just carry-on during this pandemic. Noone else is touching your bag, you don’t have to stand around with all the other travelers waiting for your bags to make an appearance and there’s not as much concern with bag weight.

One carry-on bag plus a large backpack?

What do I truly need that cant be in my bag or takes up space?

1. a knife or some kind of protection to carry with me.

2. Towels

3. Blanket

4. Pillow

5. Gluten free food

6. Body boarding fins that I’m not allergic to.

I had packed everything in the big checked bag three months ago. Then I switched to the small carry-on and then to the medium checked bag. I was able to fit all my stuff in the smaller bag but it didn’t leave room for anything I wanted to bring back. I would have to mail my dirty clothes back or purchase a bigger bag while over there to make it home. So, which did I choose? After three days of contemplation, analyzing, list checking, sleepless nights of packing and repacking I packed the medium checked bag along with my backpack and told myself to go put it out in the truck so I don’t repeat my crazy 😂 so that is what I ended with. I hope I don’t regret it.

With that said, Krystal just started packing the night before the flight. Two hours before bedtime lol. I’m not sure we’re related.