Austin's Travel Adventures
July 15, 1999

Orlando to Los Angeles to Honolulu to Nadi, Fiji Islands to Tokoriki Islands, Fiji

Entry:

Last night Nancy arrived in Orlando- she's going to stay at our home until Saturday morning to first visit, drop us off at the airport then take care of the pets and most importantly relax.

Amazingly, we were prepared quite well for this trip. Dallas had most of the boxes packed and taped- all but one. We were so organized we were able to clean the house before we left.

Nancy dropped us off at the airport with a total of 9 pieces of luggage, 7 boxes filled with food and misc. stuff such as toys, soda, food and fish catching stuff. Oh yeah, I was lucky too- I got my monthly blessing so of course Dallas is constantly harassing me.

We are off- we're in a 767 on our way to Chicago, then to LAX, then to Honolulu, Hawaii. From Honolulu to Fiji-then once we've arrived at Nadi, we take a 2 hour boat ride then another ½ hr. boat ride to our outer island of Tokoriki.

Right now we've just finished our lunch which we've not been able to decide what it was that we ate. It was a round pastry with brown stuff inside, a small salad, rice crispie treat and a drink. Thank goodness we had a bag of trail mix in our bag.

Austin has been busy playing with his borrowed game boy color with the Pokeman game lent to him by Spencer. All Spencer asked was for Austin to send him a post card. In fact - Austin- unknowingly sent Spencer and Reed a Pokeman poster. I remember Joanne mentioning that they wanted one so that should be a nice surprise when Spencer receives the mailing tube in the mail. Believe it or not I also mailed out my Moms telephone and Brenda's box w/Alex's blanket and small gift.

We're starting to descent now heading into Chicago where we have a one hour layover before our flight leaves for LAX. I hope I remember to call Patty Blazer once we get to LA. It's hard to believe we starting our 2-week vacation. I don't think we've ever taken a 2 week vacation. We're going to stay at 2 separate locations.

So far it looks like we forgot only 2 important things- The CD player for the "D" and to order kids meals for all the flight for Austin. Although I feel that the travel agent should have handled it. We're all so tired and we're only on our first leg of the trip.

Of course every trip, once you've gotten started- you always think of something you wish you would've done, or something you wish you would've packed or bought. Other then little things we've done ok. I'm sure once we arrive we'll come across more.

We can now see the ground in Chicago. Austin is sitting next to the window, he's so excited he keeps saying "awesome." Austin's hands and fingers are getting cramped up from playing so much game boy. Ugh!! The o-called lunch is not sitting too well with me. I can't wait to land so I can go potty! I wish we would have had Nancy write in this book. Why is it we always remember too late! Note 767 airplane has 2 3 2 seating.

Our time 5:41am, Honolulu time 11:35pm. Here we are at Honolulu airport. After a very long flight from LA. The flight attendants were very nice. They fed us a decent meal served with free wine unlike domestic flights. Austin and Dad snoozed for quite awhile after dinner and I tried to as well. It was a constant battle for all of us to get comfy.

We still have another flight to go then 2 boat rides…Everybody is so cranky. It was so good to freshen up and brush my teeth. I wanted to send a postcard from Hawaii but everything except the snack bar was closed.

Well, after a very long plane ride from Honolulu to Nadi (Fiji), we finally made it. Sweaty, smelly and cranky. Our headphones and sound at our seats did not work so we missed the movie "Force of Nature" and a Dolly Parton biography.

Unfortunately, the weather does not seem to be cooperating. It's very cloudy- and it seems it may rain any minute now.

While going through Customs they became suspicious of the fish boxes so they requested we open two of them. Dallas got upset because they didn't have tape to package them back up. Eventually we made it through. We have a lay over for a short time until we need to be at the Port. We just finished a continental breakfast, we ate at the "Dominion International" along with a surf group. Here we are now at the South Sea Cruiser heading to Tokoriki Island Resort.

Ready to Board

The weather has cleared up and the sky is bright blue with the sun playing peek a boo with the clouds. Austin loves the boat- we've been up on top but Dad is a little queezy so he's staying inside. The Catamaran was very large.

Captain Austin

It was really smooth. We stopped at two other island's to drop and pick up some passengers. Then we were on our way to our island. We transferred to this smaller power boat must have been about 30 feet long if that with all the bottom of the interior removed. There were seats on each side of them boat. As you entered, you had to duck as not to hit your head. When you sat down, your head was at the water level of the ocean. So each bump was felt.

Tokoriki Island

There was standing water in the bottom, of the hull, and I was so afraid that all the luggage and suit cases would get wet. As each wave crashed against the hull, the water would sway back and forth. This trip lasted for about 35 minutes or so. I too was feeling a little sick. It was somewhat scary….the boat that is!!! When we finally got to the island, the boat backed up to the beach. We had to remove our shoes and socks and step off into the water and walk ashore.

All Ashore

It wasn't easy with your shoes in one hand and a suitcase carry on in the other. Once we settled in our bure, off to the beach we went to relax and enjoy the warm water.

Our BURE(Home)


No Rest For The Weary

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July 16th, 1999