M.A. Travel Blogs: Aloha Hawaii 2016 part 4

Days have past, Pele rock launched to new home, and we are now ready to really start our vacation!

Hanai clan split into teams for Kelleys surgery day. We are so pleased and thankful that it went well. Only the ball-proximal end of the femur needed to be replaced not the socket. Surgery began at 9 a.m. It was nearly 5 p.m. when Kelley returned to her room. Remarkable improvement in her pain level and demeanor. Whew! Teams 2 and 3 met with Kelley's social worker and case manager. They are very nice. The hanai can now leave knowing she is in good hands. Pele appears to have sated her rath.

Pele rock's new home

While team 1 had the pre surgery shift, I spent the morning packing Kelley's and our things. But first, laundering our clothes....for those who do not know, Brenda fired me from laundry about 25 years ago. It is anybody's guess what condition our clothes are in or even if the right underwear got in the right bag... ;). Driven as is am to be near boarder line OCD, packed one of kelley's bag to be checked luggage and her carry on with as many clothes that could be stuffed in it, to stay with her. (This is an important note for later in the story...)

Bye bye Maui - bye bye Pele rock, our last night on this island

Transfer day to big island of Hawaii! One last stop at our, now very familiar route to Maui memorial hospital. Wouldn't you know it, we have mastered the intricate route in and out of the maze of multiple elevators, floors and wings just in time to depart. :D. Said our goodbyes and well wishes to Kelley and off we flew.

The hanai were all consulted as to how do we fold in another bag in our raft of luggage. It is quite a baggage drill to get 10-11 people and all our bags from one point to another. BJ and I were willing to take the hit for the bag fee when we came up with the option of taking it on as a carry on. $25 buys lots of beer, not to mention there are 3 flights to pay the fee. Upon arrival, confirmed it indeed qualifies to go on the plane with us. Celeste generously took it through security with her .... The minute I got through security and joined some others in our group, it hit me... Oh crap, all of her liquids were in the bag that was to be checked. Celeste was left holding the bag so to speak... No arrests were made, but my butt is in the "puppy house" for a little while... No shampoo or oil of Olay etc left the island...

It is a stretch, our first stop was to the kona brewing company. Yum! Good food, cold beer.