Are you happy?

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

My biggest advice to young people is do not wait until you are old to start traveling and seeing the world. I didn't really start until I was 50ish. Every trip is an adventure and never disappoints. Nobody has ever said they wish they had not spent the money on any vacation they enjoyed.

I went to Hawaii in my early 20's twice and did not return until my 50's. Let's just say I can't do many of the things I could do as I did in my 20's. Riding in the back bed of a pickup truck sitting on a board through a motocross track was not nearly as fun at 66 as it was in my early 20's. But I still did it. I will probably never rent motorcycles on a vacation again or scuba dive. I wasn't nearly as brave at the top of the Eiffel Tower as I would have been when I was younger. I have developed a fear of heights with age. Also, I did not enjoy the Guardians of Galaxy ride or the Yeti Ride at Disneyworld as well I would have when I was younger. I used to ride everything, now not so much. Although the pubs in Europe are more enticing now.

 

[Fernando]

The big island is bigger than all the other islands combined. It is also less crowded than Oahu, Maui and Kaui. It has two distinct sides of the island. The Kona side is arid with lava rock and beautiful beaches. Hapuna beech used to be rated a top ten beach in the world. I saw a whale there in January. It is less crowded and great place to relax. The Hilo side is tropical forest like and has botanic gardens, waterfalls, farms, ranches and beautiful beaches.

The two sides are dissected by two mountains. Moana Kea is a dormant volcano with a international observatory at the top (13000+ sf) with 15 state of the art telescopes from many countries. You need a parka up there. The visitor center is at 9000 sf and you are above the clouds. They have a presentation every night at the visitor center and you can more stars than I can accurately describe how many you can see. You can see the milky way and many constellations and planets depending on the time of year. They will also point out the hubble telescope going across the sky. It is very interesting to see how the Hawaiians and other navigated the seas based on these constellations.

The other mountain is an active volcano in a national park with many trails and site like lava tubes you can walk through. When I was there is July I filmed the volcano erupting.

On the south of the island they have one of the several black sand beaches and one of the only green sand beaches in the world. The green sand beach is off the road (really off road as you have to travel what looks like a motocross track for 3 miles and then climb down and back up a cliff to see the green sand beach.

It will take a full week to see the entire island if you are organized. I have not mentioned the Mauna Lani golf course with a immaculate course and real ocean views through much of it. I wish my yard looked like their roughs. One of my sons friends played barefoot and beat us all. There is also my favorite spot on earth. The Lava Lava Beach Club where you sit at a table on the beach have MAI tais and watch the sun set.

I like Oahu and Maui, I just like the less crowding here. It is only crowded in Kona and Hilo.

View attachment 103438

I've been to all the islands but I still like Oahu having both of urban and rural life.
Wife like the greenery of Kauai.
Long time ago, I took some Lava rocks from big island. I meant to return them but I can't find them. Wife must have thrown it away.
Looks like I won't going back to Hilo.

 

[Fernando]

My biggest advice to young people is do not wait until you are old to start traveling and seeing the world. I didn't really start until I was 50ish. Every trip is an adventure and never disappoints. Nobody has ever said they wish they had not spent the money on any vacation they enjoyed.

I went to Hawaii in my early 20's twice and did not return until my 50's. Let's just say I can't do many of the things I could do as I did in my 20's. Riding in the back bed of a pickup truck sitting on a board through a motocross track was not nearly as fun at 66 as it was in my early 20's. But I still did it. I will probably never rent motorcycles on a vacation again or scuba dive. I wasn't nearly as brave at the top of the Eiffel Tower as I would have been when I was younger. I have developed a fear of heights with age. Also, I did not enjoy the Guardians of Galaxy ride or the Yeti Ride at Disneyworld as well I would have when I was younger. I used to ride everything, now not so much. Although the pubs in Europe are more enticing now.

Next year, family wants to go to South Africa but I'm hesitant because of the long flight (33+ hours) and the heat and many traveling while there.
Also, I don't think my physical and mental health can handle it.
I know it will be my only opportunity for me to go and visit South Africa since longer I age, even more difficult.

 

[Mike Ault]

Next year, family wants to go to South Africa but I'm hesitant because of the long flight (33+ hours) and the heat and many traveling while there.
Also, I don't think my physical and mental health can handle it.
I know it will be my only opportunity for me to go and visit South Africa since longer I age, even more difficult.

If your wife tells you to go surfing there, then "there's your sign"…

 

[TerryRohrer]

If your wife tells you to go surfing there, then "there's your sign"…

or

 

[Fernando]

If your wife tells you to go surfing there, then "there's your sign"…

I tried surfing few years ago at Waikiki.
I could only hold the board lying flat. Couldn't stand up.
And later I saw bruises. Tried it and no more.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

I tried surfing few years ago at Waikiki.
I could only hold the board lying flat. Couldn't stand up.
And later I saw bruises. Tried it and no more.

I did scuba diving in Hanama Bay. Paradise Cove Luau really changed over 30 years. It seems less of a beach atmosphere than it did in the late 70's and early 80's. Touring Oahu on motorcycles was more exciting back then also. Now it is too crowded to be safe on a two wheel vehicle.

 

[Fernando]

I did scuba diving in Hanama Bay. Paradise Cove Luau really changed over 30 years. It seems less of a beach atmosphere than it did in the late 70's and early 90's. Touring Oahu on motorcycles was more exciting back then also. Now it is too crowded to be safe on a two wheel vehicle.

I love Waikiki protected by sea wall. Go into the water and then walk back to Hyatt Regency with ocean views.
And at night, go out to so many restaurants and shows.
And also there's a Disney resort on west side of Oahu.
Years ago it was cheap at $500/night. Now it's much higher and no need to go since children have grown up.

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

No matter your budget or time, the "staycation" is an option. Yes, I'd love to go to Spain, Ireland, and Scotland. I would enjoy much of it. But there are parts of my state, my region, and parts of the SW, that I've yet to see. Why go to see Victoria Falls if you've never even visited Niagra Falls? Why worry about the alps if you've never seen the Rockies? And some things I'd like to revisit. Some things would bring back happy memories of things long past. How many National Parks have you NOT been to? Just a nice "Sunday Afternoon Drive" as they used to call it, cam be very relaxing. I thought about going now the "Pig Trail" today myself. Sadly, the man (Vernon Patton) has died after being mauled by a small bear while he was working on a tractor near the Blueberry farm just off Hwy 23. I didn't want to think about that sad event. But I did think perhaps I could make it to the lake and just watch the day go by.

I hope to make a loop soon thru OK, the panhandle of Texas and on to Ruidoso NM. I might fish for trout in the city park, bop over to see Three Rivers and White Sands one last time, and around to Carrizozo or Cloudcroft. Might drift by Midland and see if the old company building is still standing, and on to E Texas and one last visit to Bunyan Cemetery where my mother's grandfather and his brother are buried. I love history so I might even visit a small cemetery dedicated to Foxhounds. And no scenery is any better than to finish up the Wilhelmina Drive in the mountains of SE OK or Ouachita Mtns of SW Arkansas in the fall.

Yes, at my age I have no desire for an International trip. Too much trouble so if you have the means, by all means, travel before you turn 60 while you are probably healthy. Once you're in your seventies, trips are too tiring.

 

[Tim Hicks (Texas)]

No matter your budget or time, the "staycation" is an option. Yes, I'd love to go to Spain, Ireland, and Scotland. I would enjoy much of it. But there are parts of my state, my region, and parts of the SW, that I've yet to see. Why go to see Victoria Falls if you've never even visited Niagra Falls? Why worry about the alps if you've never seen the Rockies? And some things I'd like to revisit. Some things would bring back happy memories of things long past. How many National Parks have you NOT been to? Just a nice "Sunday Afternoon Drive" as they used to call it, cam be very relaxing. I thought about going now the "Pig Trail" today myself. Sadly, the man (Vernon Patton) has died after being mauled by a small bear while he was working on a tractor near the Blueberry farm just off Hwy 23. I didn't want to think about that sad event. But I did think perhaps I could make it to the lake and just watch the day go by.

I hope to make a loop soon thru OK, the panhandle of Texas and on to Ruidoso NM. I might fish for trout in the city park, bop over to see Three Rivers and White Sands one last time, and around to Carrizozo or Cloudcroft. Might drift by Midland and see if the old company building is still standing, and on to E Texas and one last visit to Bunyan Cemetery where my mother's grandfather and his brother are buried. I love history so I might even visit a small cemetery dedicated to Foxhounds. And no scenery is any better than to finish up the Wilhelmina Drive in the mountains of SE OK or Ouachita Mtns of SW Arkansas in the fall.

Yes, at my age I have no desire for an International trip. Too much trouble so if you have the means, by all means, travel before you turn 60 while you are probably healthy. Once you're in your seventies, trips are too tiring.

A yearly National Park Pass for all national parks is one perk with senior discounts.