On The Road Again: Day 10

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Day 10 - Maui

Today started early with the island of Maui and town of Lahaina appearing off our starboard side. This would be a tender day, which meant the ship would anchor and lifeboats would be used to move us ashore. A series of long rumbling noises indicated the anchor had been let go and shortly thereafter lifeboats began being lowered. Breakfast today was corn flakes, crying is want and orange juice in our cabin, after which we headed down to catch a ride to Lahaina.

With no excursion for the day we were free to wander. By about 9:30 we were wandered out for two reasons. First, Lahaina is a pretty small place and we can stand only so many shops selling the same thing. Second, it was getting hot and we weren't going to get into another walking contest like yesterday. We did manage to see the worlds largest banyan tree, which shades about an acre of a park, and find another Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. Always keeping an eye out for lunch spot.

We thought maybe we could hire a cab for several hours to show us some of the local sights. In a short time we we had a cab and driver with another couple for a three hour drive. Turned out to be a great decision.

Our first stop was a plantation where we got to see bananas, pineapples, coconuts and what are reported to be the cleanest restrooms in this part of the island. Next up we went to Iao Valley State Park and a name unknown cultural center. The park was very scenic and I appreciated that there was only a 133 step climb today. The cultural center had areas set aside for those coming from different countries to work the sugar cane fields. Our last stop was at a beach to see the sea turtles. Unfortunately they don't come up on the beach until late afternoon, so the only ones we saw were in the water. Not a good photo op.

Heading back to Lahaina we passed the only remaining sugar refinery left on the islands. And being Saturday there were surfers along most of the coast. All in all it was a three hour fifteen minute drive and probably as good as a ship excursion. The driver was knowledgeable and talked most of the time about what we were seeing.

Back in town she dropped us off to lunch with Bubba Gump and crew. Barb opted for fish and chips and I again went with Lt. Dan's Drunken Shrimp. After lunch we caught a tender and were back on the ship by about 2:30. It's now 8:20 and we are back at sea headed for Kauai.