The 808

My last opportunity for a vacation before school starts and I decided to go to visit family in the 808. Along with the obligatory family visits and shopping excursions, Mel and I always complete a few necessary tasks: go to Zippy's restaurant at least twice during our trip to have their famous chili, go to the beach at least once and go up Diamond Head.

The weather during our visit was absolutely dreadful. While I did appreciate the sunshine mixed with intermittent showers (and, by that, I mean in 30 second incremental downpours), the humidity was worse than anything I have felt in a long time. It even hindered my usual nap times and my body requires about 15 hours of sleep per day when I'm there.

Unfortunately for us, our trip to the beach was on our last day. We didn't realize the beach actually got a breeze (usually doesn't) and, needless to say, it was wonderful. Yeah, we were there for about an hour for the whole trip.

Our other task was to hike up Diamond Head. Back when it was free, I used to go up 2-3 times a day since it's such a short hike, but now they charge $1 for even "walk-ins" to go up. Silly maintenance fees...
Not that I disliked the Mount Rainieer hike, but really, this view is what we saw a mere 3/4 of a mile up from the main road. Pretty huh?

This "hike" is pretty awesome for other reasons. It starts out with a sidewalk-like thing and somewhat scary, potentially fire-starting dry brush. The incline is fairly low and railings are even available where there is a steep drop (I love this, btw). The worst part of the hike is the 100 stair climb on really steep, really tiny stairs. *shiver*

Once we get to the top, we were drenched by the sudden rain shower, but we were at the top long enough to see this awesome double rainbow. Next to that is another rainbow we saw coming from the west side.

Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't turn into this whole new outdoorsy person. I did an insane amount of window shopping and went to a bowling tournament that my little sister participated in.

The tournament was actually incredibly entertaining. The kids are in teams of two and they each play in an adjacent lane against 3-4 other teams. They alternate lanes between frames. After each game, they move over a set of lanes and they play a total of 5 games. My sister at 14 years old and 4'9" bowled an average of about 165. Not too shabby. This other kid who was about the same age. His 3rd game board is pictured. Pretty fucking insane, if you ask me.

Overall the trip was... tiring. Lots of eating, lots of old people time, lots of driving.