Get Set

Posted on October 30, 2016October 30, 2016 by Dusty Roads

Our Vacation part 2 will be at the Kaanapali Beach Club. We have to change resorts because the first 5 days was a bonus vacation I earned when I upgraded my membership. When I wanted to add more time they were not able to accommodate so we just have to change to another resort.

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Based on the resort description I don’t think part 2 is any less amazing than part 1.

A breathtaking panorama awaits you at Ka’anapali Beach Club, a haven of a resort in a land that has perfected beauty. Located on Maui’s western shore, Ka’anapali Beach Club promises to be one of the highlights of your chance of a lifetime getaway to Hawaii. If you’re going to do Hawaii, you should do it right. By planning your stay at Ka’anapali Beach Club, you are creating the vacation of a lifetime.

About Ka’anapali Beach Club

You haven’t known true beauty and comfort until now. There is so much to see and do at Ka’anapali Beach Club, you would never have to leave the property to have experienced a true and wonderful Hawaiian vacation. Heavenly is the best way to sum it up. You and your family will enjoy the comfort of the spacious rooms and the superior service this getaway has to offer.

Your room comes complete with an in-room refrigerator, oversized tub and separate shower in the bath. You’ll get some of the best views of the island from the comfort of your very own room. Kick back and take in a breathtaking sunrise or sunset from the privacy of your balcony or terrace. After spending the day exploring fabulous Maui, you can unwind in your personal whirlpool jet tub.

The Grounds at Ka’anapali Beach Club

The posh interiors aren’t even the very best part. You will fall head-over-heels in love with the grounds Ka’anapali Beach Club is nestled upon. Relax poolside, like never before, at the acre-wide pool. Sip your morning coffee at the outdoor cafes set amid tropical garden atriums and tranquil waterfalls.

Gather the family, and any new friends you make on the friendly island, and have a cookout in the BBQ area. You can even find something fun for everyone to do by checking with the onsite Activities Department. Maybe you need some time to be good to yourself, which you can do when you take advantage of the massage services or the spa.

When you are ready to explore the island, simply meet with our Concierge to make sure you find exactly what you need to make your dream vacation the ultimate experience. Whether it’s a helicopter tour of Maui, or beach hopping, horseback riding or dining and shopping, there is an endless supply of things to see and do.

Come … Discover the magical allure of Maui.

Like Kaanapali we have a one bedroom ocean view. Actually We have 2 one bedroom ocean view units. I wanted to be sure no one was uncomfortable sleeping. Past travel experiences have been tense when a member of the group was not happy with the sleeping arrangements.

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I’m running out of space so I’ll pick this up in my next post!

Current Weather Conditions

Overcast with rain showers at times. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.

On Your Mark!

Posted on October 29, 2016October 29, 2016 by Dusty Roads

Getting ready to go. Trying so hard to tie up loose ends at work so I don’t leave a lot of things hanging for my co worker. I feel like the faster I go the behinder I get. So I thought I’d take a break to think about what I have to look forward to.

This trip to Maui is going to be a 2 parter. We have the first 5 days at Kaanapali Shores located in Lahaina, HI.

My sister will be with me for this part of the trip but my cousin won’t be joining us until the 2nd half. We’ll talk about that another time. Today is all about our first stop.

The web site offers this enticing description of the resort.

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You’ll feel right at home the moment you arrive at Aston Ka’anapali Shores. This resort combines the comfort and convenience of spacious suites with hotel-caliber services. Located on beautiful Ka’anapali Beach, your favorite outdoor vacation activities – from sunbathing to swimming and snorkeling – are literally just steps away.

Ka’anapali Shores offers two pools – an oceanfront pool and a garden pool (ideal for kids). You can also take advantage of our many other amenities, including lighted tennis/pickleball/shuffleboard courts, a fitness and massage center, jet spas, complimentary scuba lessons, and wedding gazebo. Visit our on-site shops – a salon, tropical flower shop, sundries outlet and beach apparel store – or just mingle and share stories with resort staff and other vacationing guests.

I’ll have to check out the complimentary scuba lessons. It might be a good way to get certified again. I regret letting my certification drop but it just slipped away as time passed.

Our suite is described as a one bedroom Ocean view.

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The list of amenities is wonderful! I can see us sipping drinks on the balcony watching a Hawaiian Sunset!

Guest Accommodation Information

General Room Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Alarm Clock
- Balcony, Patio, or Terrace
- Iron and Ironing Board
- King Bed
- Safe
- Sofa bed in living area
- Telephone
- Washer/Dryer
- Wired Internet (charges may apply)

Accommodation Details
- Maximum Occupancy: 4
- Private Occupancy: 2

Full Kitchen
- Coffee Maker
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Refrigerator

Accommodation Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Stereo
- Television: Cable TV

Bathroom Amenities
- Hair Dryer

I love when there is a washer and dryer in the suite. I can pack and travel light that way.

Well, back to my list making and gear checking. I am so looking forward to this break!

Current Weather Conditions

Windy. Showers this morning with clearing during the afternoon hours. High 83F. Winds ENE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Some clouds. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph.

Vacation Planning

Posted on June 6, 2016June 6, 2016 by Dusty Roads

Anyone who has followed this space for long knows that my goal is to take a vacation in all 50 states. Obviously that means two or more new states a year or I’ll be 90 or older before I manage to complete that goal.

I’ve gotten a bit side tracked lately because with each upgrade to my time share they’ve given me a vacation that includes airfare. Bottom line is I keep taking the bonus vacations and have gotten off track from my goal.

So I decided to organize my thoughts and future plans.

July is a brief visit to Maine to try to capture an Iconic Puffin Photo. Its only an extended weekend. (and I’ve vacationed in Maine-Loved it)

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I have a vacation to Maui all scheduled, if not completely planned, coming up in November.

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I’ve been to Hawaii twice before. Once to the Big Island and once to Oahu so this will be my 3rd visit to Paradise.

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In January my company will hold their annual convention in Las Vegas. I am seriously considering added a few days vacation on and staying at the Polo Towers. After all, my company is paying for my airfare. I’ve been to Las Vegas for vacation twice before but there are still things I’d like to see.

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February looks like another trip to Hawaii compliments of my time share. I have a choice of the Big Island (Kona side) or Maui.

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Right now I am leaning toward Maui again for the whale watching and snorkeling. February should be peak season for the whales.

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That will wrap up the commitments so far.

So where is my focus after those are done?

Jackson Hole Wyoming and Yellowstone National Park is still top of the list.

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Key Largo (John Pennekamp Park) (Even though I’ve been to Florida more times than I can count)

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Pacific Northwest (Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area)

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Central Idaho ( The Sawtooth Range)

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Channel Islands CA

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Katmai National Park, AK (Brook Falls) (Alaska is another repeat)

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I guess that will keep me busy for a while.

Thinking about Hawaii

Posted on May 22, 2016May 22, 2016 by Dusty Roads

Hi everyone. It’s been a crazy week. I thought I’d have a quiet work week with my main agent on vacation but surprise, surprise. She created an out of office message telling everyone to contact me! My quiet week turned into work HELL!

I also found out I am getting another agent because one of the new support people isn’t keeping up. Transitioning the new agent over starts Monday.

I’ve also been trying to get the release from the bank for my car’s title. Can you believe that when I requested a duplicate so I could donate my old car that the bank never removed the lien!? The car has been paid off for at least 10 years. What a mess!

So in between all this I started researching things to do on Maui HI. I know that trip is quite a way in the future but it was relaxing to poke around for things to do. Of course the number 1 thing I want to do is Whale Watch. The season is November to May so it will be early in the season (November) but we can hope there will be some action.

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The number 2 thing is “The Road to Hana”. Do I drive or tour??? If I drive we can stop where we want , when we want but I won’t be able to enjoy the scenery while I’m driving. If we tour we give up control but I can see everything. Maybe I should do it twice, once as a tour and once as a drive. Anyone who has been there and done that? Any suggestions?

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The number 3 thing on my list is snorkeling at Molokini, a crescent shaped crater that is the premier spot for snorkeling, snuba and scuba. That’s as far as I’ve had time to get.

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I know a big attraction is sunrise on Haleakala. I’ve read a lot about that. One article even said the best day to get up for the sunrise is your first day on Maui because you won’t be on Hawaii time yet.

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Right now I’m just working up my rough to-do list. We have almost 2 weeks there, 11 days so there’s lots of time to fill. I hear the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium is another must-do.

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I’m sure you will see many more posts as I get this trip sorted out. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Can Spring Be Far Behind?

Posted on March 5, 2016March 5, 2016 by Dusty Roads

Last weekend I was up in the Revere/ Winthrop area for work. It was a beautiful day, bright and sunny with blue skies. It was the kind of day that hinted at the promise of spring. You could almost hear the buds popping out!

I was in the area to get an exterior photo of a home we’re about to put on the market.

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We wanted blue skies. With that mission accomplished I decided to go to Revere Beach to get a roast beef sandwich from Kelly’s.

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There was quite a wind off the ocean so I ended up eating my sandwich in the car instead of at one of the tables but the wind provided it’s own entertainment.

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