Hodgepodge in Hawaii, Day 2

About three hours later, one of us was awake again, ready to take on the first full slate in Hawaii.
A hodgepodge of day followed, but it was an outstanding one.

First, choosing left this time along the path, we took a walk along the beach, which meant one of us worked the Nikon pretty hard along the shore and one of us would sweat profusely for two hours. On the hunt for "a treat" (this is usually code for something at Starbucks), we wound up shopping for an hour in what suffices as the town of Wailea. Damage: two pairs of sunglasses (not matching), a shirt (me) and a fetching dress (Patty).

Shopping chores always seem to take longer than they should, possibly because I am cheap, but the items would help us blend in as tourists.

We'd been walking back and forth along the inviting beach for hours, but because I had been outdoors too long and was CERTAIN all sunblock had worn off, we had to return to the comfort of the condo A/C for lunch. Oh yes, at some point in the morning, we had driven up the coastline and made a "staples" purchase (also often code for finding a Starbucks) of cold cuts, mustard, bread, cereal bars and two boxes of cereal. Damage: $80. Welcome to Hawaii.

Around 1 o'clock, we made our first trip to the beach. With the sand fine as could be and the water a clearer blue/green under the direct sunlight, the afternoon did not disappoint. A few trips into the warm ocean and a few more naps, and we were ready to doll up (Patty) and find some dinner.

Jackpot.

Relatively inexpensive, lively Mexican place, with a view of the sun slipping into the ocean. Margaritas. Cervezas. Drink specials. Free chips and salsa. Leftovers. Thank you, Fred's Mexican.

On the ride home, we dropped the top on the car. Why wouldn't you, right?

With the sun setting at 6 p.m. and mornings starting 12 hours earlier, one finds it hard not to turn in early, which is what we did.

The morning plan is to drive the road to Hana.