Kohala Day 5 and 6

 

Department of Corrections: One of the followers pointed out that THB is not staying on the Kona Coast, he is on the Kohala Coast. THB is pretty sure he is on a big island, if not the Big Island.

Kohala: Day 5

THB is listless, nothing to report

Breakfast

Dinner

Kohala: Day 6

Department of Credits: Lindblad credited THB and DB the full amount paid for their Baja Cruise, 45 days after stating we would receive a credit. HURRAH!

THB and DB go early (before 8) to the best snorkeling spot on the trip so far: Black Sands beach, just south of the Mauna Lani, a 10 minute slow drive. Parking is limited, we got turned away a few days ago. From the parking lot it is 30 feet to the beach, from the beach there is a quick drop off and absolutely clear water, easy visibility to at least 20 feet, plenty of fish, and still some color to the coral. Great snorkeling if you stay within 20 feet of the shore, better if you go straight out for 60 feet and turn left. 

Three different guys went out with poles with loops at the end and floats. Capturing fish? 

THB and DB walk a trail between the Mauna Lani and the Fairmont. Lunch is outside, prices the same as Mauna Lani (very high) and THB's banh mi sandwich was clearly an anglicized version and very bland

THB and DB go back to Sushi Sam and sit at the counter. Chef''s choice on nigiri, doesn't seem as good as Thursday night, and the sushi comes much faster. Tonight's best: oyster wrapped in nori. Total including a nice bottle of sake, $200. And this time DB makes sure we make it to the Mauna Lani without overshooting the turnoff. 

Department of  Twins: new bikes. If J's outfit was good enough for rock climbing, it must work for bike riding

THB is going to start an importing business: bringing cheap gas to the mainland

Book Review: 

Memoirs Of A Failed Diplomat, Dan Vittorio Segre (pub’d 2005): Segre continues his memoirs, running from 1946 to mid 1967. He spent a long-time in the Israeli Secret Service, his career hampered for many years by a mix-up in identity. When finally cleared, Golda Meir offered him any job he wanted. He asked for a year's leave and used it to launch his university and journalism career before quitting. A Swami and a writing / career counselor play a big part in his metamorphous. Also he (unitentionally) explains what is happening in the Ukraine right now  and what a risky game Putin is playing by explaining what happened in the Cold War.  Recommended