USA

#12 Honolulu Marathon

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Steve’s twelfth marathon of the year was the popular Honolulu Marathon. This time we were joined by our neighbor and dear friend Sheri, and Sheri and I did the 10K while Steve took on the 42K/26.2 mile marathon. Of course the festivities began with the race expo where we picked up our race numbers and shopped for running-related stuff. This expo was unique as there were many featured products from Japan, where more than half of the registered runners come from.

While in Honolulu we also spent a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) and experienced the requisite luau. The PCC has been a tourist draw in Oahu for over 50 years, so we couldn’t pass it up. The immaculate park showcases cultures from around the Pacific and allowed us hands-on experiences like poi tasting, canoe rides, fake tattoos, and lots of hula. It was a long day, but worth the exploration.

Another fun surprise while in Honolulu was running into our hometown stars, the Prescott High School Marching Band. They were featured in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Day parade, and we ran right into them while strolling the downtown area.

The big event started at 5:00am on Sunday with a big fireworks show, kicking off the marathon and 10K. We lined up with 30,000+ of our closest friends, at least half of whom spoke Japanese.

Steve worked his way towards the front of the crowd in order to run and still had to dodge thousands to get his stride. Sheri and I hung back and walked the 10K course, stopping along the way to take photos of the beautiful holiday decorations that punctuated the course.

Sheri and I finished our stroll and celebrated with delectable malasadas. Warm and doughy, these fried balls of dough, rolled in sugar, were the most awesome post-race food we’ve seen.

Steve finished his 12th marathon of the year in 4 hours and 17 minutes. Not the fastest race, not the slowest race, he was happy with performance this time around. He says he’s not done with marathons but likely won’t do one a month in 2020.

Now we are planning to head to the island of Molokai for some downtime and a fly-in visit to Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Sheri and I, especially, are excited to see and learn more about the legendary place where Father Damien ministered to the lepers who were exiled to the remote peninsula.

We are RVers!

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I never in a million years thought we’d be doing this.  We bought an RV and are going camping.  Actually, after our successful road trip with Mia in September, we decided that now is the best time to hit the road, dog in tow, and explore the USA. National Parks, festivals, events, and hopefully the Alaska Highway…you know, the typical retiree circuit.  And we’ve gone all in.

A few weeks ago, Steve purchased the Grey Ghost.  It’s a Ford F-250 4×4 truck with the ultimate tow package.  This sucker is big! IMG_5650

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once we had the Ghost, we knew what our capabilities would be, and after visiting numerous RV dealers we settled on the Jayco White Hawk 25FK.  Our new trailer is a 30 foot tow-behind with a separate bedroom and bath, fireplace, and outside kitchen. IMG_5807It’s been a crash course in learning all we could about RVs.  Black tanks, gray tanks, amps, and pumps…we’re a little overwhelmed but getting it all figured out.  In the last week we’ve bought a generator, water pressure regulator, power management system, and a bunch of other “necessities.” We’re certainly keeping Amazon busy, and we are super excited with our new toys!

Many of you have asked about the trailer, so here are some photos that give you an idea of the interior.  We have a full kitchen, recliners, a TV, fireplace, bathroom and bedroom. It’s just like home on the road!

We took possession of the White Hawk on Friday afternoon and spent our first night at the White Spar campground about two miles from the house.  It was good practice! Neighbors Dave, Peggy, and Tom came over to help us celebrate the purchase.IMG_5686

 

The following day we took the rig down to my cousin Mitch’s house where the weather is warmer and we can avoid the winterizing process.  The timing was just right as Mitch hosted a Halloween bash that night, so we just camped at his place and enjoyed the festivities.

The following week we were itching to go camping so we towed the rig two miles from Mitch’s place to the Cave Creek Regional Park.  For three nights we enjoyed the desert campground which has electric and water hook ups.  It was a great opportunity to try out all the bells and whistles of the trailer.  And, we had visits from Mitch, Emily, Will, Lauren, and Russ, all of whom helped us enjoy the fun of camping with BBQs and campfires. Lauren even helped us cheer on the Nationals to World Series victory while watching the game beside the fire. Of course we got in a little hiking too.

We have a bunch of fun excursions planned for 2020 and we promise to keep you in the loop!IMG_5808

Steve’s Ninth Marathon

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After our wonderful time in Colorado we headed north for Cheyenne WY. In Steve’s quest to run a marathon a month, he completed the Cheyenne Marathon. Last month in Iceland he hurt his calf at about mile two. He’s been nursing it, taking it easy, and this time he did great! He finished the race in about 4 and 1/2 hours despite a warm morning.

Race #9 for the year is in the books and now Steve’s thinking ahead to the last three marathons on the calendar: Wichita, Havana, and Honolulu. We’ll for sure do a blog post or two to report on these events.

In Cheyenne, as Steve approached the finish line I handed him Mia and she crossed the finish with him! Continue reading →