Alas and alack, the start of a new month meant we flew back to the mainland. None of us were ready to go. Fortunately, our flight wasn't terribly early, so we had time for another fabulous breakfast (including this lychee nut - it was fine) on the lanai. We managed a quick look around the very large yard, which backs up on the Wailuku River - the very river with the things we want to see. 
Both stops were only a short drive from the B&B. We first went to the Boiling Pots. We thought maybe they were boiling mud pots, like those you see in Yellowstone, but they're really rapids flowing over and through lava tubes that make it look like the water is boiling. We just saw them from the overlook, but apparently you can hike down to them and even go swimming. Swimming is very much discouraged, as there have apparently been many drownings, but when does that stop people? The Pots are below Pe'ePe'e falls. Before you fall over laughing, it's pronounced Peh-eh peh-eh. I would have liked to hike down for a closer look, but you wouldn't have gotten me in the water. 
Then we went downriver to Rainbow Falls. It was pretty, sure, but after seeing the much wilder scenery on the road to Hana, it wasn't overwhelming. This sign and its friend made us giggle.
I wish we'd had time to go to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens (http://www.htbg.com/), but you just can't do everything. It would probably take a minimum of half a day to begin to do it justice, and that we just didn't have!
So off to the airport and our flight home. Of course we had to go further west, back to Oahu, to get our flight to SF... I am pleased to report our lunch on the second leg was considerably more substantial than the breakfast on the way out - although we all had snacks along this time, as we just didn't know! And after all kinds of searching, I finally found an article of clothing to bring home - a dress from one of the airport shops! Not where I generally shop, but the price was competitive and the dress far more attractive than the shirts I'd seen. I need to alter it some, but that's ok.
(Side note: I'm writing this on May 30, and this is the first time Joe's worn his shirt - that's how chilly it's been until now!)
We landed in SF, took a cab back to Kendra and James's place and collapsed. It was late, although not horribly so, but flying always tires us, and we'd been short on sleep all week!
We slept in Sunday morning, and had a lovely brunch at the apartment. Poor James had to go to work, and Kendra just wanted to relax, but Joe and I found it too nice a day to sit inside, so we took ourselves off for a walk. We wandered to Lafayette Park, which underwent a complete makeover within the last year. It was a lovely spot - perfect for an urban picnic, should one be inclined. Then we wandered over to the Blender. Really, it's the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, but it really does look like a blender from the outside! Seriously, don't you think so? I'm happy to report it's much lovelier on the inside. We didn't get to look around much, as a service was about to begin, but I'm happy they get to worship in something that doesn't resemble the inside of a blender! We meandered back to the apartment, passing Kendra's church along the way. It's a lot smaller...
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Kendra took us out to dinner for Joe's birthday that night. I can't remember the name of the place, but we certainly had a wonderful meal. San Francisco is sure a great city if you love good food. Not that you can't find it here, but it seems more concentrated there - like you can hardly walk 2 blocks without finding something good.
Joe and I flew home March 3rd. For once, we didn't have to get up at 3:00 to get a 3:30 shuttle for a 6:00 am flight! We didn't leave until somewhere around noon or 1:00, so our shuttle came closer to 10. Let me tell you, landing at MSP and seeing that not a single snowflake had melted in those 10 days was a huge downer. We knew it had been cold, but had really, truly thought some of the snow would have disappeared. Oh, well. We had our memories to keep us warm!
James told Joe (who did all the driving) that next time, he (James) was going to be one of the drivers no matter the cost (since they don't have a car, they don't have insurance, and hence must pay the rental agency rate) so Joe wouldn't get so tired. Joe said the part he liked best about that sentence was "next time," as it meant James wanted to travel with us again. It's the first time the four of us have traveled together. We've obviously spent time together, but haven't been on a trip. That's a different way to be with someone, and you never know how compatible you'll be. Well, we were compatible, and really look forward to our next adventure, wherever and whenever it is. It's so great when your adult kid and her spouse want to travel with you!
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