Sistah Pat

If you’re brave enough to take the first step on the path that says “Cliff area - Keep Out - Path is steep and may be slippery” and follow it down through the tropical vegetation and past the waterfall,

you’ll come to Queen’s Bath,

a magical place where the surf surges over the lava rocks and creates a pool of crystal clear water for swimming.  And then, if you’re not really keen on having all that salt water on your body, you can climb over a few of the lava rocks and rinse off in a waterfall that tumbles down over the cliffs.

I’ve taken the path down the cliffs at least a half dozen times in the past and spent the day bathing in the pool and climbing around the rocks.  I didn’t go down the path last time we were in Hawaii.  I was worried about my ankle.  This time, I will.

I was thinking about it.  I really don’t have a lot of time left for adventures.  I mean, realistically, I’m in my sixties.  And how many seventy year olds take adventures?  Not many.  So I figure I may be able to squeeze another ten years or so of doing my thing before I have to start hobbling around in a walker. 

I’m feeling good.  Wanting to spend the next year getting back in shape so I can enjoy what will probably be my last trip to Hawaii.  I said I was never going back.  We’ve spent a total of at least 8 months in the islands since we used to go for a month every other year.  But I miss it.  Such a beautiful place and I think the reason I didn’t enjoy it last time was because DH’s aunt was such a royal pain in the ass.  We actually thought about heading home a couple of weeks early last time because things were so bad but that would have been foolish so we stuck it out.  Trying to be diplomatic and put up with her but she made everyone so miserable that it spoiled everything.  We were on the same plane coming home until we reached Atlanta.  Then she was headed home to Orlando and we were heading to Louisville.  She walked up to me and gave me a hug and said, “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?  I know I wasn’t very good company but I hope we can take another trip together sometime.”

And I was thinking, “Not in this lifetime.”

This time, I’m planning for myself.  I hope DH gets his act together and can come with me but I’m not paying for him.  He can get off his butt and do some overtime or quit smoking to save the money.  In fact, I don’t care who goes with us.  Anyone is free to come along but I’m going to make sure we have our own condo and our own agenda.

Speaking of DH, his surgery went fine and he’s marveling at how bright the colors are this morning. 

10:00 a.m. update - OMG!  DH just told me he’s quitting smoking Saturday.  Don’t know if it will work but at least he’s going to try which is more than he’s done in a long time.