We're back from a mid-winter visit (Jan - Feb 2009)

Just back from 19 day visit. Nice to get out of Seattle for a while. (Of course Seattle had nice spell of weather right after we left for Maui)

Condo looks really good.

The Maui Cruz'r just needed a battery charge before taking us all over Maui in grand style.

Connected with old friends and loved meeting new people.

Made some minor improvements in the usability of the condo including adding mood lighting on the lanai and adding new snorkeling equipment.

WHALE WATCHING Among other activities we went on a very rewarding Whale Watching Trip, booked through Boss Frog. (see video) We had a mother, baby and escort whale accompany us for an hour, putting on a wonderful show for us which was interrupted by a fourth whale who challenged the escort for his role to the mother. Very interesting observation of whale behavior. Video has interesting dialog going on in the background as the natural explains what is happening.

A high light of our whale watch was meeting Chaiara Mammoli and Paolo Nardi, a young Italian couple from Florence, Italy. Chaiara is a fashion designer; while, Paolo is involved with knitting equipment. After the whale watch we had delightful lunch at the Pioneer Inn with Chairara and Paolo where we learned of their travels to North America and Hawaii. (Kind of modern day Marco Polo's). After a few more days on Maui (drive to Hana, etc.) they were off to visit the Big Island. We all agreed that Los Angeles was not our favorite US city.

Attached is a list of playthings: (click on list to enlarge)