Rain, Children, Field trips in paradise– oh my!


Bad weather seems to be following Earl and me this year.  We couldn't even escape it in Maui.  Sure, it was nice at first, but then the blue skies and sun
Lake Kai Makani
gave way to clouds and the rains came.  It was different from the more persistent, but light rain in the Pacific Northwest. Rain in the South Pacific may be warm, but it can also come as a tropical deluge. Our sweeping lawn became Lake Kai Makani, the parking lot flooded, the beach views turned gray.  In fact, it was 64° and sunny in Lake Oswego and 64° and rainy in Kihei.  Go figure.  Bad weather in paradise?  It did get better.  It always does.

No pool?  I'll bike instead
Devices to the rescue?  Sue us.
The highlight of this trip was hosting two of our grandchildren (the first two had come in January). Of course, they were looking forward to all the Maui attractions, but especially our pool.  Except that it was closed for resurfacing.  Damn! Fortunately, there are beaches, biking, ziplining, field trips, and various forms of media (I know, I know) , etc.  It just took more planning time.  Keeping young people entertained can be challenging, and for grandparents, tiring.  I was reminded why younger people have children.  Earl, Jason and I were sure the girls would enjoy visiting the nearby Kealia Ponds Wetland.  Not so much.  It turned out to be an adult field trip to the Pacific Flyway— lots of flora and fauna.  Jason could indulge his photography interest, I could scoot, and Earl could walk. Without Skeeter, there would have been minimal entertainment value for the younger set.  Skeeter carried me with the 8 year old and provided a driving experience for the 11 year old. Ah well, live and learn.
The Kealia Ponds
Boogie boarding & beach walks










We head Upcountry and visit the Haleakala Volcano nearly every time and it never gets old.  It's just plain fascinating whether you're hiking, camping, biking or simply looking!  It's even scooterable if it's not freezing.




The lesson:  Climate and geological diversity, devices, shave ice, tacky tourist shops = entertained grandchildren

*Previous post: Powerless
**Previous post: Nothing New in Paradise

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