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| Kathy saying our so longs! |
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| The Thomas Clan!!! |
Bedtime came at the usual 0300 for a 0500 wake up. While
packing I forgot, well-remembered last minute, that I had left my wallet in my
car at my friends’ house. I sent out a text at 0130 hoping that one of them was
up. I had indeed left it… and Cherisse came to the rescue! Not only did she
drive me back home from my friends house where I left my car, but then drove
back to give me my wallet…. AT 0200 IN THE AM! I’ve got some great ones!
Kathy was so stoked to drive Jerry and I to the airport
after our morning coffee with the crew, Dylan, Michele, Jerry and the sleepy
tykes. For those of you that don’t know, Kathy is my Hanai mom. She has been everything
my mother was not, I do mean that in a good way. My mother passed 8 years ago
from losing her 3rd battle with cancer. I met Kathy on Kauai my
first week here. I was only supposed to be here for a bit, and a year later… well,
I’m still here. Thanks Kathy… Really, you have no idea!!!
Departure from the airport was quick. We all said our so
longs, last minute photos and off we went. Check in was easy, possibly too easy. Laughter followed us
the whole way until our flight left.
Our flight went smoothly, and then a 45-minute delay met us in Oahu. We
ate some breakfast and Dylan presented me with what I can only think will be my
bible. Surkski with the Pros… featuring
Dawid and Nikki Mocke, a Sout African Olympain. Two amazing paddlers that one-day, I will meet! What a
great gift!!! We then made it to the Hawaiian Airline lounge, where we sipped
on our free coffee and tried to talk over the blaring TV. The time neared and
we were off to get on our flight.
We had about a three hour flight to Christmas Island where
we stopped for an hour or so for an exchange of fishermen. There is only one flight
a week to the island and Christmas Island is a huge bone fishing destination.
After the plane cleared out, pictures were taken; the three of us got our own
rows to stretch out in. Quite nice and there’s really no difference in my mind
to first class on a U.S. flight. Did I mention you get free wine and beer on
international flights that aren’t U.S. carriers? Door was shut and we were off
to continue the last four hour leg of the flight.
The featured movie for our last leg was that of Oscar
material. A wonderful Robert Redford movie titled All is Lost. Haven’t watched it? Well, all I can say is the only
thing that was truly lost, was the two hours it takes to watch this movie. It’s
about a man that sailed the Indian Ocean and wakes to find his yacht had been
hit by a container and was taking on water. If he wasn’t sleeping so much during
this movie, he probably would have made out a bit better then he did. Best part
of the movie was watching two sailors with years under their belt watch the
movie. Dylan with his headset half on his head trying to listen, not sure why…
Chaplin movies had more words than this blockbuster, and stop every 30 seconds
to complain to Jerry. All that was seen from my seat were hands being thrown in
the air, eyes rolling and Jerry with his head shaking in disbelief with a giant
smile and a chuckle. I had the best seat in the house. Cheeks and abs tight
from all of the laughter and as far as I saw it, we were the only ones on the
flight… and William. The attendant that was so graciously filling our wine
glasses over and over… and over.
While Dylan and Jerry were deep in the movie, I struck up
conversation with William and told him about what we were up to. William had
knowledge of surfski and also is training for triathlons. Dylan then struck up
conversation with William and then… the sparks flew! HA Numbers were exchanged
and dates were made. We had someone to play with on the island!
With a couple hours left on the flight and wine that seemed
to flow even more now, laughter grew and seemed to take over. Jerry was in our
sites when he got up to use the bathroom. Dylan threw a chocolate covered
mac nut into Jerry’s wine. So childish, but really, why stop there? The poor
victim then got sleepy… and we continued to throw anything and everything on
him. Poor little fella! Felt great to laugh, laughter makes life amazing!
We arrive to Fiji, get off the plane… and then it hits. HOLY
WOW!!! It felt like the humidity was about 200% and someone was breathing heavily
on all clothing. Jerry and Dylan got straight to business as soon as we got
through customs and went to the Duty Free and stocked up while I got the bags.
All bags made it and now it was a moment for Dylan. We walk around the corner
and there was Dylan’s father, David. The look that only a father and son share
after not seeing one another for over 3 years was followed by a long embrace
that spoke more than words. Jerry and I stand there with smiles and just admire
the light of the two.
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