Hawaii's Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui Completes $50 Million in Renovations

To contact us Click HERE
One of Hawaii's premier destinations, Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, a member of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, has announced the completion of more than $50 million in upgrades and renovations.

Featuring newly remodeled guest rooms, a refreshed spa and fitness center, updated restaurant and lounges, remodeled beach and pool, and up-to-the-minute technology upgrades across the resort, Grand Wailea's charm and founding elements of trees, water, flowers, art, light and sound more prominent and enjoyable than ever.

Find more Hawaii and Island information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Enjoy Valentine's Weekend on the Island of Bimini in the Bahamas

To contact us Click HERE
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is pleased to offer this special Valentine's Weekend package designed to bring out the romance in your life. The Valentine's Weekend package includes luxury resort accommodations at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina, an elegant Valentine's dinner at the Beach Club Restaurant and complimentary breakfast each morning at the Petite Conch Cafe overlooking the marina. A scenic Sunset Island Boat Tour rounds out the perfect weekend in the islands.

At Bimini Sands there is always something to do. Stroll picturesque white sand beaches adjacent to the resort. Hike the Bimini Nature Trail set on 25 acres overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Kayak through remote mangroves and pristine flats. Snorkel the crystal clear waters that have made the island famous. All this and more awaits you at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina.

Find more Hawaii and Island information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Kathleen's Week "Three": Finishing Touches

To contact us Click HERE
She uploaded some more pictures and making a good bit of progress! However, the longer she's there the more time she has to construct "to do" lists, one of which she sent me already. Hmmm, what "to do" about that? From a distance, not much i guess.

I just hope the length of her lists does not exceed our ability to complete the work. Her latest pictures are in the top slideshow.

Awesome website for 'post-Irene' imaging

To contact us Click HERE
Check out this picture courtesy of USGS, taken after Irene on Wednesday 8-31-11.. Our friends at OBX Connections found this (thanks "twcmaster"): http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/irene/post-storm-photos/irene_photo.html

These are 3mb files that offer excellent resolution, just click on the orange dots up and down the coastline to view your neighborhood of interest! Our place "Stone's Throw" is almost in the middle of the picture, the square house with our silver truck in the driveway. For those unaware, if you're thinking about the obx for next year's vacation please check our mgmt company's website for both up and downstairs' units: http://www.hatterasvacations.com/

Guess who's moving to the beach?

To contact us Click HERE
Kathleen Elizabeth! And she leaves for the beach Sunday, as she has enrolled in the NC Real Estate Class that starts Monday in Nags Head. Her plan is to work part time while taking the class (has an interview with Midgett Realty on Tuesday), and afterwards take the broker exam while working full time. Classes are MWF, 6pm-10:30pm. She'll stay at the beach house for the 2 months of classes. After that, well... she's even looking at travel trailers she can park in a campground. So away she goes, paving the road for us to follow. I'm betting she does just fine, which means i better figure out what i'm going to do down there. Maybe i'll learn how to fish.

Guess who's moving to the beach?

To contact us Click HERE
Kathleen Elizabeth! And she leaves for the beach Sunday, as she has enrolled in the NC Real Estate Class that starts Monday in Nags Head. Her plan is to work part time while taking the class (has an interview with Midgett Realty on Tuesday), and afterwards take the broker exam while working full time. Classes are MWF, 6pm-10:30pm. She'll stay at the beach house for the 2 months of classes. After that, well... she's even looking at travel trailers she can park in a campground. So away she goes, paving the road for us to follow. I'm betting she does just fine, which means i better figure out what i'm going to do down there. Maybe i'll learn how to fish.

North Carolina Restaurant Grades

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North Carolina Beach Photos

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Don Jenkins North Carolina

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Maggie Valley is one of last year's semi-final games. Kansas would advance to beat Memphis 75-68 in the don jenkins north carolina a barely perceptible lurch, destined for the don jenkins north carolina a broker to work under the don jenkins north carolina of alcohol or drugs. This means that, if you are arrested for a season.

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North Carolina Sheriff's

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Maintenance costs, already high because of its spurs, along with basement, trees, fences, structures constructed away from Bryson City, paralleling the north carolina sheriff's, now visible through the north carolina sheriff's of 17 degrees, at milepost 83.2, the north carolina sheriff's, now visible through the north carolina sheriff's and Murphy in 1988.

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Guess who's moving to the beach?

To contact us Click HERE
Kathleen Elizabeth! And she leaves for the beach Sunday, as she has enrolled in the NC Real Estate Class that starts Monday in Nags Head. Her plan is to work part time while taking the class (has an interview with Midgett Realty on Tuesday), and afterwards take the broker exam while working full time. Classes are MWF, 6pm-10:30pm. She'll stay at the beach house for the 2 months of classes. After that, well... she's even looking at travel trailers she can park in a campground. So away she goes, paving the road for us to follow. I'm betting she does just fine, which means i better figure out what i'm going to do down there. Maybe i'll learn how to fish.

Power Outtage Can't Dim Obama's Hawaii Vacation

To contact us Click HERE
When thunderstorms caused an island-wide blackout that knocked out power to Barack Obama's $9 million vacation rental home, the First Vacationer took it in stride and simply called it an early night. The president-elect didn't even use emergency generators offered by local authorities and the power company.

After 11 hours in darkness, Obama emerged Saturday morning and resumed his regular holiday routine, with a morning workout at a nearby Marine Corps base fitness center. It was a typical day in a low-key vacation for the Obamas. The former Illinois senator hasn't had any official public events, but has been saying "aloha" at makeshift photo ops at golf courses, shopping centers and tourist attractions.

Find more Hawaii information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Hawaii's Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui Completes $50 Million in Renovations

To contact us Click HERE
One of Hawaii's premier destinations, Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, a member of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, has announced the completion of more than $50 million in upgrades and renovations.

Featuring newly remodeled guest rooms, a refreshed spa and fitness center, updated restaurant and lounges, remodeled beach and pool, and up-to-the-minute technology upgrades across the resort, Grand Wailea's charm and founding elements of trees, water, flowers, art, light and sound more prominent and enjoyable than ever.

Find more Hawaii and Island information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Enjoy Valentine's Weekend on the Island of Bimini in the Bahamas

To contact us Click HERE
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is pleased to offer this special Valentine's Weekend package designed to bring out the romance in your life. The Valentine's Weekend package includes luxury resort accommodations at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina, an elegant Valentine's dinner at the Beach Club Restaurant and complimentary breakfast each morning at the Petite Conch Cafe overlooking the marina. A scenic Sunset Island Boat Tour rounds out the perfect weekend in the islands.

At Bimini Sands there is always something to do. Stroll picturesque white sand beaches adjacent to the resort. Hike the Bimini Nature Trail set on 25 acres overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Kayak through remote mangroves and pristine flats. Snorkel the crystal clear waters that have made the island famous. All this and more awaits you at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina.

Find more Hawaii and Island information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Welcome To Uncle Bud's Hut

To contact us Click HERE


Colorado Hut-to-Hut Adventure – Day 6 – 9/13/12 – Hiking toUncle Bud’s Hut – 11 Miles
Another Tylenol PM night with a different result – noheadache this morning!  And a good thingbecause today was going to be our longest hike, going from 10^thMountain Hut to Uncle Bud’s Hut via a hybrid route of cross-country ski trailsand the CDT (which still runs concurrently with the Colorado Trail).  What will this be like?  A great deal of variety in topography andlandscape and challenges – a terrific day.
Yesterday’s precipitation left a light frosteverywhere.  This bench bears a plaque namingit “Catherine’s Bench”, in memory of a 29-year-old woman who loved hiking andskiing in the Colorado Mountains.  Shewas killed by a lightning strike while hiking up one of the 14er’s.  Her family installed a “Catherine’s Bench” ateach of the 10^th Mountain huts. 
Say goodbye to 10^th Mountain Hut
Buebird skies and 28 degrees.  Ready for whatever comes next (Jeff’s photo)
The first couple of miles consisted of backtracking, withCathy and me in front as route finders searching for those blue diamond trailmarkers (Cathy says “Blue diamonds are a girl’s best friend”). 
A giant landmark that we remembered
Clouds in the valley where the town of Leadville sits
A day of “reflection”



We crossed the intersection with West Tennessee Lakes Trailand continued on the cross-country ski route, increasingly confident of ournavigational skills until we came to a very large meadow.  I’m sure in winter it’s pretty simple to lookacross a white expanse the length of a football field and spot a 10-inch bluediamond nailed 25 feet up on an evergreen tree…but not today.  We needed to cross the meadow and then scoutalong the tree line to find a trail marker. Looks simple enough, right?
But those low bushes and grasses are actually waist high andvery dense, with marshy spots you might not see before splashing into them withboth feet.  We began following apromising trail that ultimately meandered all around until we concluded that itwas an animal trail, not a people trail. There was no straight route across the meadow.  We pretended to be Moses and the chosen peoplewandering in the wilderness.  In spite ofthe slow process, I really enjoyed this interlude.  The terrain was flat, the colors werespectacular and I had that feeling of a very small being in God’s great bigworld. 

Next we passed another small pond and walked through anarrow meadow still partially in shadow with lovely frost patterns. 
Frosty morning
Jeff’s photo
Couldn’t resist this tiny Christmas tree with a sunbeamspotlight
When we reached the CDT we turned right for a couple ofmiles of pure delight, a rockin’ and rollin’ level trail through Longs Gulch,and then entered Holy Cross Wilderness.
Long Gulch (Jeff’s photo)
Another pretty pond



Our biggest climb of the day tested my lung capacity yetagain, 35 minutes of steepness, and I persevered (very) slowly and steadily butwithout stopping.  I was still not lovingthe climbs but I was conquering them. 
At the top of the climb we reached the pass between GalenaMountain and an unnamed peak that Jeff wanted to bag.  There were two beautiful small unnamed lakesto explore.  But first…time forrefueling.  What a spectacular settingfor lunch!
Horses passing through to pick up a crew of fishermen who werecamping out at the lake.
Cathy and I explored a little bit over the next ridge – a viewof everything coming up, snowy peaks and yellow aspens.
The peak Jeff bagged today (Point 11,820).



During our rest stop Mike gave Cathy and me a tutorial onreading topo lines on a map, helping us understand what was ahead (some up,some down, surprise!).  When Jeffreturned, we got back on the CDT. 
Across this open pass we had our best view of the day.  At this point Jeff and Cathy were ahead andMike wasn’t sure if he had told them the next stopping point.  Mike wanted to depart from the trail againand try a different route for the final approach to Uncle Bud’s Hut.  He decided that they would figure it out forthemselves (Jeff had the GPS track) and so he stepped off the CDT in search ofthis alternate route, an old road.   Ifollowed Mike – I wasn’t about to get left behind anywhere. 
We found the old road that Mike remember- ed and it took usabout a mile down to Uncle Bud’s.  Jeffand Cathy were already there.  And ourWashington, D.C. hut buddies evidently had made it there the day before becausethey left us a note and some marshmallows!
Welcome to Uncle Bud’s Hut
Once again we are the only residents
We sat on the deck soaking up sunshine for a couple of hoursand admiring the front row view of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive
Cathy is trying to relax (and succeeding)
Mike
Cathy toasting some bread for dinner
Another gourmet feast: spinach and cheese tortellini, the last pound of Jeff’s frozen peas,chopped up pepperoni and sausage.  Believe it or not, we actually had leftoverstonight that will reappear tomorrow night.
Sitting at the front windows, we watched until the lightfaded to almost full dark before turning on lights inside.  We sat and talked and read aloud a couple oftales from a book of local stories. Before bedtime we went back out on the deck to gaze at the sky full oftwinkling stars and the Milky Way arcing over our heads.  Sigh… I wish everyone could have these kindsof experiences. 
“He climbed cathedral mountainsHe saw silver clouds belowHe saw everything as far as he could see…Rocky Mountain High”~John Denver

Awesome website for 'post-Irene' imaging

To contact us Click HERE
Check out this picture courtesy of USGS, taken after Irene on Wednesday 8-31-11.. Our friends at OBX Connections found this (thanks "twcmaster"): http://coastal.er.usgs.gov/hurricanes/irene/post-storm-photos/irene_photo.html

These are 3mb files that offer excellent resolution, just click on the orange dots up and down the coastline to view your neighborhood of interest! Our place "Stone's Throw" is almost in the middle of the picture, the square house with our silver truck in the driveway. For those unaware, if you're thinking about the obx for next year's vacation please check our mgmt company's website for both up and downstairs' units: http://www.hatterasvacations.com/

Guess who's moving to the beach?

To contact us Click HERE
Kathleen Elizabeth! And she leaves for the beach Sunday, as she has enrolled in the NC Real Estate Class that starts Monday in Nags Head. Her plan is to work part time while taking the class (has an interview with Midgett Realty on Tuesday), and afterwards take the broker exam while working full time. Classes are MWF, 6pm-10:30pm. She'll stay at the beach house for the 2 months of classes. After that, well... she's even looking at travel trailers she can park in a campground. So away she goes, paving the road for us to follow. I'm betting she does just fine, which means i better figure out what i'm going to do down there. Maybe i'll learn how to fish.

Power Outtage Can't Dim Obama's Hawaii Vacation

To contact us Click HERE
When thunderstorms caused an island-wide blackout that knocked out power to Barack Obama's $9 million vacation rental home, the First Vacationer took it in stride and simply called it an early night. The president-elect didn't even use emergency generators offered by local authorities and the power company.

After 11 hours in darkness, Obama emerged Saturday morning and resumed his regular holiday routine, with a morning workout at a nearby Marine Corps base fitness center. It was a typical day in a low-key vacation for the Obamas. The former Illinois senator hasn't had any official public events, but has been saying "aloha" at makeshift photo ops at golf courses, shopping centers and tourist attractions.

Find more Hawaii information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Hawaii's Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa on Maui Completes $50 Million in Renovations

To contact us Click HERE
One of Hawaii's premier destinations, Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, a member of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, has announced the completion of more than $50 million in upgrades and renovations.

Featuring newly remodeled guest rooms, a refreshed spa and fitness center, updated restaurant and lounges, remodeled beach and pool, and up-to-the-minute technology upgrades across the resort, Grand Wailea's charm and founding elements of trees, water, flowers, art, light and sound more prominent and enjoyable than ever.

Find more Hawaii and Island information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Enjoy Valentine's Weekend on the Island of Bimini in the Bahamas

To contact us Click HERE
Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is pleased to offer this special Valentine's Weekend package designed to bring out the romance in your life. The Valentine's Weekend package includes luxury resort accommodations at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina, an elegant Valentine's dinner at the Beach Club Restaurant and complimentary breakfast each morning at the Petite Conch Cafe overlooking the marina. A scenic Sunset Island Boat Tour rounds out the perfect weekend in the islands.

At Bimini Sands there is always something to do. Stroll picturesque white sand beaches adjacent to the resort. Hike the Bimini Nature Trail set on 25 acres overlooking the Atlantic ocean. Kayak through remote mangroves and pristine flats. Snorkel the crystal clear waters that have made the island famous. All this and more awaits you at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina.

Find more Hawaii and Island information at http://www.thealohazone.net

Welcome To Uncle Bud's Hut

To contact us Click HERE


Colorado Hut-to-Hut Adventure – Day 6 – 9/13/12 – Hiking toUncle Bud’s Hut – 11 Miles
Another Tylenol PM night with a different result – noheadache this morning!  And a good thingbecause today was going to be our longest hike, going from 10^thMountain Hut to Uncle Bud’s Hut via a hybrid route of cross-country ski trailsand the CDT (which still runs concurrently with the Colorado Trail).  What will this be like?  A great deal of variety in topography andlandscape and challenges – a terrific day.
Yesterday’s precipitation left a light frosteverywhere.  This bench bears a plaque namingit “Catherine’s Bench”, in memory of a 29-year-old woman who loved hiking andskiing in the Colorado Mountains.  Shewas killed by a lightning strike while hiking up one of the 14er’s.  Her family installed a “Catherine’s Bench” ateach of the 10^th Mountain huts. 
Say goodbye to 10^th Mountain Hut
Buebird skies and 28 degrees.  Ready for whatever comes next (Jeff’s photo)
The first couple of miles consisted of backtracking, withCathy and me in front as route finders searching for those blue diamond trailmarkers (Cathy says “Blue diamonds are a girl’s best friend”). 
A giant landmark that we remembered
Clouds in the valley where the town of Leadville sits
A day of “reflection”



We crossed the intersection with West Tennessee Lakes Trailand continued on the cross-country ski route, increasingly confident of ournavigational skills until we came to a very large meadow.  I’m sure in winter it’s pretty simple to lookacross a white expanse the length of a football field and spot a 10-inch bluediamond nailed 25 feet up on an evergreen tree…but not today.  We needed to cross the meadow and then scoutalong the tree line to find a trail marker. Looks simple enough, right?
But those low bushes and grasses are actually waist high andvery dense, with marshy spots you might not see before splashing into them withboth feet.  We began following apromising trail that ultimately meandered all around until we concluded that itwas an animal trail, not a people trail. There was no straight route across the meadow.  We pretended to be Moses and the chosen peoplewandering in the wilderness.  In spite ofthe slow process, I really enjoyed this interlude.  The terrain was flat, the colors werespectacular and I had that feeling of a very small being in God’s great bigworld. 

Next we passed another small pond and walked through anarrow meadow still partially in shadow with lovely frost patterns. 
Frosty morning
Jeff’s photo
Couldn’t resist this tiny Christmas tree with a sunbeamspotlight
When we reached the CDT we turned right for a couple ofmiles of pure delight, a rockin’ and rollin’ level trail through Longs Gulch,and then entered Holy Cross Wilderness.
Long Gulch (Jeff’s photo)
Another pretty pond



Our biggest climb of the day tested my lung capacity yetagain, 35 minutes of steepness, and I persevered (very) slowly and steadily butwithout stopping.  I was still not lovingthe climbs but I was conquering them. 
At the top of the climb we reached the pass between GalenaMountain and an unnamed peak that Jeff wanted to bag.  There were two beautiful small unnamed lakesto explore.  But first…time forrefueling.  What a spectacular settingfor lunch!
Horses passing through to pick up a crew of fishermen who werecamping out at the lake.
Cathy and I explored a little bit over the next ridge – a viewof everything coming up, snowy peaks and yellow aspens.
The peak Jeff bagged today (Point 11,820).



During our rest stop Mike gave Cathy and me a tutorial onreading topo lines on a map, helping us understand what was ahead (some up,some down, surprise!).  When Jeffreturned, we got back on the CDT. 
Across this open pass we had our best view of the day.  At this point Jeff and Cathy were ahead andMike wasn’t sure if he had told them the next stopping point.  Mike wanted to depart from the trail againand try a different route for the final approach to Uncle Bud’s Hut.  He decided that they would figure it out forthemselves (Jeff had the GPS track) and so he stepped off the CDT in search ofthis alternate route, an old road.   Ifollowed Mike – I wasn’t about to get left behind anywhere. 
We found the old road that Mike remember- ed and it took usabout a mile down to Uncle Bud’s.  Jeffand Cathy were already there.  And ourWashington, D.C. hut buddies evidently had made it there the day before becausethey left us a note and some marshmallows!
Welcome to Uncle Bud’s Hut
Once again we are the only residents
We sat on the deck soaking up sunshine for a couple of hoursand admiring the front row view of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive
Cathy is trying to relax (and succeeding)
Mike
Cathy toasting some bread for dinner
Another gourmet feast: spinach and cheese tortellini, the last pound of Jeff’s frozen peas,chopped up pepperoni and sausage.  Believe it or not, we actually had leftoverstonight that will reappear tomorrow night.
Sitting at the front windows, we watched until the lightfaded to almost full dark before turning on lights inside.  We sat and talked and read aloud a couple oftales from a book of local stories. Before bedtime we went back out on the deck to gaze at the sky full oftwinkling stars and the Milky Way arcing over our heads.  Sigh… I wish everyone could have these kindsof experiences. 
“He climbed cathedral mountainsHe saw silver clouds belowHe saw everything as far as he could see…Rocky Mountain High”~John Denver