Island Hopping

After yesterday's storm warning I got a little bit nervous about our flight to Kauai, but we didn't run into any problems this morning. All went smooth and we arrived to Lihue Airport after a short 40 min. flight around 11 am. Pics were taken on the airplane while approaching Kauai:

Luggage came in record time and another almost new (white) Hyundai Elantra was waiting for us at the Alamo Station and out we drove from Lihue towards the north, with a stop at Saveway to get basic provisions for our rented apartment. It took us a little to realize that the tropical storm which went through during the night apparently had caused quite a bit of damage (especially, fallen trees on the roads and power outages). The weather was still pretty stormy, with fierce rainshowers alternating with dramatic clouds and blue skies and sunshine. In the supermarket the main light went out (emergency lights only) and during our drive we had to wait for about 40 min. until a powerline which had been hit by a tree was removed. Our first impression was that it's not quite as touristic as Mauai and that there are not as many German visitors around.

Despite of all, we arrived safely to Princeville, in the north of the island, but didn't get our apartment keys (from a deposit box) before exactly 3 pm, regular check-in time. Burnt some time in the Princeville Shopping Center, flower pic was taken there, and, eventually got the keys and instructions and drove out to the Sealodge, a conglomeration of smaller apartments spread out in different buildings at the edge of a high, steep rocky coast. The apartment showed to be spacious with - best of it - gorgeous views from every room and the balcony! Well, just would have wished for better weather, especially since we now have all the necessary beach equipment in the apartment: snorkeling sets, chairs, umbrella, boards,,,



For kitchen equipment, decor and furniture, bedding and TV channels, we've seen better apartments, but, well, we have a little bit of travel & hotel experience, and, ultimately, it's Hawaii, not mainland U.S.A., and this seems to make a big difference, money- and quality-wise. The island seems to mystify visitors so that they forget about their otherwise high standards. We explored the complex a bit - it has a nice pool and BBQ areas - and then decided to retire in the warmth of our livingroom to study our collected info materials to make plans for the next few days. Which could become a problem since apparently some of the main routes are closed because of landslides and blocked roads. Right now, looking out of the window, it looks like doomsday.