Thursday 21st to Tuesday 25th September 2017.

Not a lot to report over the next few days. Doing a lot of walking, especially around the Ala Moana shops doing last minute shopping. Swimming every afternoon so just a few photos to post.

These  three photos are especially for you Des to show you  the new Ala Moana shopping centre  to see how much it has changed. It's so big spreading out in all directions. So many really up market shops. Can walk for hours and still not see it all.

 SATURDAY 23rd September

After breakfast we walked out to the end of the Ala Moana Beach park (Magic Island). This shot is right out at the end. The see is on the left and a sheltered swimming area to the right.

The sheltered swimming area which as you can see they have built a break water with gaps to let the water flow in and thus making it sheltered from some of the waves that come in.

Looking back towards the buildings. Harbour entrance on the right.

Looking back to the area we are in. Ilikai in about the middle of the high rises.

Stone wall where PT went out to have a chat with a chap who was fishing. He had a few for a good feed.

SUNDAY 24th September.

Today is the big waka race from Molakai Island for the ladies. We are not sure of the distance but approx  35 Miles. I would say that they left early morning and started arriving about 1.30pm. No idea how many boats (but well over 100) in the race but they just kept coming in for about a couple of hours or so. Perfect condition for them very little wind. A long race for the ladies.

This is around the lagoon area where the locals set up their tents for the day alone with all their food. to await the finish of the race which is right where we swim everyday to the left of the large tent  top left of the photo.

Beach in front of the Hilton.
While we were waiting for the waka race to finish we walked along for an ice cream to the Hawaiian village behind the Hilton. Said I wouldn't have another one but we had time to fill in.....

Looking over the lagoon. The tent relates to the waka race officials.

Out swimming while waiting for the boats to arrive.

Sitting on the beach still waiting no sign of them yet

Here comes the first boat, they must be so tired.

When they pull into the beach the men rush down to grab the boat to get ready to get in and row it away. I soon realised that they have to take the boats away as there would be no room on the beach for them all. Its just a small bay. The girls get out and everyone rushes them putting flowers around their necks. Some come away with so many flowers. They get lots of hugs, tears as well. Must be very emotional for them after such a long distance.

They are really starting to come in now.

After awhile there were so many boats coming in one after the other we couldn't swim anymore got so crowded.

People on the beach cheering them on.

These girls just got off their boat. They were so exhausted they could hardly stand up.

It got quiet noisy with all the yelling of support. A lot of fun to watch.

TUESDAY 25th September.

Last dash down to the mall to look for a lego set Adam wanted but sorry Adam no luck there.

Two more sleeps here leaving on our time Thursday 28th at 2.10pm arriving in Auckland about 10.30pm Friday 29th NZ time.

 We started  packing today to see if we can jam everything in our bags without buying another one. Think we will make it without dashing down the road at the last minute.

This is the last blog from me, we are going down for another meal tonight then tomorrow will just be getting organised.

Its been a great month up here, perfect weather all the time. the only rain was a few spots on the bus window for about two minutes which is hard to believe when we hear whats been going on back

home. Forgotten what rain looks like, but I guess we will soon learn.....

See you all soon.

Just worked out that we have walked 197kms over the month and an extra 42kms walking to the beach and back for a swim everyday.
which equals 239kms total