TravelStream™ news feed for member cayenne92 on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/cayenne92 en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:43:30 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/23/1260542610/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/23/1260542610/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/23/1260542610/tpod.html Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:43:30 -0500 I am little worried

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Greenbelt, Maryland, United States

I am just sitting around this morning and wanted to add a few notes to the last trip. First off I tried the room service on Thursday night, and it was good. I may not be a connesieur of room service but the goal should be quick, hot, and tasty. The dinner met that expectation. I really have to rave about the salad. It was a standard house salad but it was really good. Great mixed green that were fresh. Lost of other veggies on the plate and tasty dressing. Good work people.
My trip home was fairly uneventful. But I have to comment on gas stations and rental car places. What is up with them being so hidden to nonexistent. Could you maybe put up a sign? I don't know the area so how do I know that the gas station five miles away is the last chance. Irritating.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/23/1260324925/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/23/1260324925/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/23/1260324925/tpod.html Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:50:05 -0500 I am little worried

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Greenbelt, Maryland, United States

Oh what a day. It has been threatening to snow back home and as I was leaving the flakes started to fall. But luckily I escaped close to ontime. And after spending who knows how long on the de-ice pad because I fell asleep, we took off, had a boring flight and touched down only two minutes late.
I flew into Charm City this time instead of DCA. It has been awhile since I have been to that airport. It looks all modern and neat from the outside but inside, well, there are not a lot of windows and it was not that great. But I was on my way out.
So I get my car from Hertz. They actually have the economy car I rented. I now know I do not want a Toyota Yaris. It is a tiny little thing. It feels like I am sitting on the engine compartment the way the front end is built. And what is with no key fob. I have to insert the key to unlock the door and use the button to lock the door. I didn't know you could even get cars like that anymore. After about 10 minutes of driving I finally figured out what the smell in the car is. No, not cigarette but A-1 sauce. Is that the new pine tree? How did they manage to do that?
So I am staying at the same hotel as last time and I think I am even in the exact same room. They all look the same, thank you corporate America but I am not complaining on business travel. I know what to expect. I find it funny to get the same room number.
Dinner was awesome. I went to Franklins in Hyattsville. I highly recommend the food. I was shocked by how good my dinner was. I started with the Pomegranite and Oranges salad, then the Chicken coconut-curry finished off with Kahlua Fudge bread pudding. I think the pudding did me in because now I am just way too stuffed. Thank goodness I did 5 1/2 miles earlier today plus weights before I left. But I may have to do more mileage tomorrow to make up for the bread pudding. Check the photos because it was no small slice either.
I hope tomorrow goes well with the client.....
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256519124/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256519124/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256519124/tpod.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:21:24 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Apple Valley, Minnesota, United States

It was a great day, hanging out at the pool all day. It was really nice that King's Land will let you do that. The bell desk will even hold your items until you are ready to leave (and then longer, see below). After eating up the whole day drinking in sun, we decided to get ready to go to the airport. Turns out there is a shower with soap, in the restroom/locker room between the fitness center and the pool service window. They even have a hair dryer available for those who need it. Thank you for the tip.
It felt weird putting pants on again. And then having to put shoes on. Yuck, that was a nasty shock. This time we got the chance to really explore the Kona airport. Hee Hee Haw Haw. That is one funny open air airport. There are about 10 gates and it really is open air. I am guessing it very rarely rains there. But I would absolutely hate waiting for a flight during the day. That must really roast.
Well as we were waiting at the airport, we realized we forgot out package that would not survive the day in the car at the bell desk. Thankfully, the staff was nice enough to box it up and send it my direction. I just fell silly stupid for having all that time to sit around and then go and forget the items left at the bell desk. I guess we should have left more stuff, like suitcases, so we would not forget.
As for the flight home, I am getting more and more agitated with middle seats. The Delta 757-200 is one cruddy airplane. The faux leather seats are not comfortable. I hate having a sweaty butt for 4+ hours. And then the seat back was too low. No neck support for someone with my size. Not much sleep for me on that flight. The second flight on a NWA 757-300 was better but not perfect. I was able to sleep but I think that may have been a product of just simply being tired. At least they were cloth seats and a slightly higher seat back for some neck support.
I am now very exhausted and get to go to work tomorrow. Not looking forward to waking up on purpose and having to start moving.

How long til my next vacation???

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256366430/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256366430/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256366430/tpod.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:35:08 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States

So the title may be all about me but what other day out there can I legitimately make it all about me. And keepiing the theme going here at King's Land, they opened up the next phase. That included the main check-in area, the Great Hall, pool bar and bistro, fitness center and super pool.
The first feature on our day was the fitness center. It appears to have been ready for quite a while. There were some dust bunnies on steroids in there. Or perhaps they were growing from the warm environment? While 75 is more comfy than 85 for working out, 70 is better. The engineers were working on lowering the temps when we left. For those of us who enjoy heavy weights, you will be disappointed. The free weights only go to 50 pounds. There was also a mini-crossover machine, some plyo balls, a yoga mat, and two benches. There were 4 treadmills, 3 elliptical and a new age stepper. Plenty of towels and water at least.
The next feature we checked was the Super Pool. And it is super big. It has a kids area with fountains, a slide and sand (pea gravel) zero depth area. It flows to a bigger slide, a nifty water fall with mist action. The pool keeps on going.... There is a free form section that includes some nice slope and a 3 inch section for setting your chaise lounge and keeping your toes wet. At the very far end where we hung for the day, there is another hidden waterfall area you can swim to. Plenty of chairs and umbrellas and palapas for shade. Oh,and the water is slightly salty like the other pool on complex.
The great hall is just that. A large area with plenty of comfy chairs for hanging out playing board games or cards in an AC environment. The great hall is just off the "lobby". The lobby is a complete open air area. You drive up to the covered area and boom you can check in. Not quite like a restaurant drive in but maybe kind of like a Sonic.
Overall, I would say good job. Maybe a couple days of operation to iron out the kinks and clean up the dust. But they are in the right direction. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256099462/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256099462/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256099462/tpod.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:58:49 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, United States

To make up for yesterday's big adventure, I went on a small adventure. I went for some more beach hunting. Nothing to strenuous like hiking forever to get to a deserted beach, though that would be cool. Just driving up the highway and turning at the shore access sign. Today was an easy drive down to the parking lot. It was a recently blacktopped road the whole way. It did have some silly mini hills and tight turns. I guess those were to make up for the blacktop. Today's beach was Puako Beach. This beach was a gold sand beach with lots of space. There is also a coral reef for some snorkeling entertainment. Based on the number of beach goers that were snorkeling I am guessing this is the main attraction of the beach. There are also lots of trees for some natural shade. I had a good time hanging here today. I wish I knew where to get some snorkeling stuff. But then again I probably will not go back there tomorrow.



]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256100717/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256100717/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256100717/tpod.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:14:19 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, United States

If you do not like rants, tune out now. I do have some raves just in case you got worried I went negative on vacation.
OK starting in the kitchen: How about some spices, Hilton. It is nice to have all the pots and pans and dishes but I can't cook much without flavor. Not even a salt and pepper shaker?? It seems crazy to buy a container that is more than I need for a week. I don't want a souvenir bottle of Mrs. Dash.
Dishes for 4. How often are you making me wash dishes? I am on vacation.
I didn't know you could buy a refrigerator with the water dispenser on the inside. Not very energy efficient opening the door all the time to get a glass of water.
Could you print a warning about the tub blowing out the vents? That was a loud surprise.
What is up with the no door shower?
and last how did that lizard sneak into our unit?!?!

Thank you for buying the HD signal to go with the HD TV.
The unit is still in great condition. We like the colors and decoration. Not too modern.
The furniture is comfortable, including the bed.
The AC is quiet! and performs as expected.
Like the iHome. Nice touch for us iPhone addicts.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256265734/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256265734/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256265734/tpod.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:01:22 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States

My legs are worn out today. I went hiking along the shore line. I am glad I brought sturdy shoes. I notice they are a bit beat up from all the lava rock. I probably would not have hiked as much in sandals. Anyway I had noticed this strand of palm trees from the highway and had seen cars parked on the side of the road. So I put one and one together and guessed there was a beach across that lava field. It turns out I was partially right. There is a beach but it is fronted by a private historical site. I didn't see any name on the signs but if you are there on the 3rd Tuesday of the month you can view the grounds. So being confronted by barbed wire, I hiked the worn path outside and came to the coast. As I suspected, the last 25 or so feet to the water are public. I decided to hike a mile or so to the north to the next oasis looking area. There was a nice cove between me and where I was headed making the distance longer. At the oasis there were a couple houses. So I went back the other way to the historical site and then for a while until I became tired. Rest up and return back to the car.
I saw some pretty cool rock formations along the way. Little cut outs here and there that looked like camping sites. I am guessing camping is popular on this island. There was also some great color to the water along the way. And I even stumbled across a turtle coming up on the sand. Oh, speaking of wild life, I saw some wild chickens today. At least I think they are wild. I didn't see anywhere they should belong.
Tomorrow the club house and super pool open up. So probably will be hanging at the pool and lifting some weights. They will have weights in the fitness room????

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256189974/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256189974/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256189974/tpod.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 01:50:30 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, Hawaii, United States

Yep the title up sums it up. I went for about an hour long hike on the coast starting at Kekaha Kai state park and then continued north. I went past Makalawena and then some. After I decided I had gone far enough, I looped back to Makalawena and hung there and finished my audio book. I believe I was the last to leave the beach today. It was fairly deserted to start with. It was kind of what I was hoping for, a deserted beach, but I was surprised to find it. Especially, since this beach was busy previously and it seems to be well known if hard to get to. My luck I guess.

]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256016061/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256016061/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1256016061/tpod.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:57:15 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, United States

My backside is sore now. We drove around the whole island today. It was pretty amazing all the different things that can be seen. We went around clockwise starting at Waikoloa. From there it was uphill, literally. We started up towards Waimea. A bit before Waimea we drove into some low clouds/fog. It started to mist and it kept misting and raining all the way until we got south of Volcano. I was surprised that near Waimea we saw nopalito cactus (the ones with the big paddles). Who knew that was here in Hawaii, the tropics? We continued the grand tour seeing all that could be seen. Not a lot of story. In Hilo, we found the Big Island Candy Factory.Oh Yeah! Sugar! I am not sure why is was a candy factory when the majority of their product is cookies. I guess because they dip a lot of their items in chocolate. We found plenty of goodies to try. On the way out of Hilo, we stopped at Mauna Loa macadamia nut farm.
A bit unexciting and we were not interested in the factory tour. Also, their products were cheaper at Target rather than factory direct. Then we drove and it seemed like forever. Around the south point the road got very twisty. I debated practicing my drifting skills but since I was in a rental I thought better of it.
Believe it or not as we approached Kailua we ran into traffic. I think someone wanted to turn left. One lane roads will do that. Overall it was amazing to see everything from wasteland to lush tropical forest.


]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1255983211/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1255983211/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/cayenne92/22/1255983211/tpod.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:35:45 -0400 My Birthday Trip

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Waikoloa, United States

Today was a magnificent day. We still
can't sleep past 6 am. Maybe it is because we can barely stay up
until 9:30 at night either. We are creatures of habit I guess.
Any way Erin gave me my traveling
papers this morning. She said if I want to go hunt up hidden beaches,
I was on my own. That I was. So I packed up the back pack and off I
was. the first stop was Kiholo Bay. It is a barely marked turn
just south of the scenic overlook around mile marker 82 on Hwy 19.
The road is bumpy but not too bad down to the shoreline. I made it in
a car but something with higher clearance would have made me more
comfortable. It is a black sand beach that is popular with the
locals. I arrived about 8 am and there were quite a few pick ups and
campers at the sand already. They looked like the no camping sign was
merely a suggestion. They were very friendly though. The beach was
not quite it. The sand was kind of pebbly and I wanted to check out
the other beach to. So back up to the highway and down to Kaha Kai
State Park. The drive down the road was crazy in a car. There are a
couple signs that say the road is unimproved. That was the
understatement of the week. I am not even sure there ever was a
road. The car path was seriously beat up. It was as though there was
a lava flow, earthquake and a flood through it. But with a couple
big dips it can be accessed in a regular car. After parking I
checked out the immediate beach. It was nothing special. I did see
a couple pools behind the beach but I was not sure they were fresh
water. They looked pretty stagnant and algaefied. But I heeded the
directions and started walking north. I found nice cove and at the
far side was the abandoned house. We stripped is a better word. It
looks like squatters or some such type hang there. But I went a
little further and found a path across the lava flow. I started
hiking and it was worth it. I came across the magical place.
Apparently its name is Makalawena Beach. It was a 3 crescent white
sand beach with a decent shore break. Some people were crazy enough
to carry surfboards there. Not a big ride but I guess enough to
practice. The beach was full of soft sand and not that many people.
I really liked that beach.

I promised to come back to Erin so I
left the beach at probably the right time. More people were flowing
in and the peaceful relaxing as probably over. So because I am trying
to work on my sun burn/tan/poisoning.....we hung out at the pool all
afternoon. Yeah this is the lifestyle.

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