No Regrets!

Another 8am workout. Kudos to Scott for motivating us. Gray skies and rain started the day, so we lingered over breakfast, sipping drinks, and relaxing at a table. Eventually, the skies cleared, and we made our way to the pool.

Floating in the hot tub, Scott and I watched the hypnotic, crashing waves of Turtle Bay. I already had something in mind when I asked Scott, “What’s one word you would use to describe the waves?” “Relentless,” he replied, without hesitation. Exactly the word I was thinking of. Dave didn’t come up with the same word, but two out of three ain’t bad.

Several drinks in, Scott began to morph into Dr. Scott, sharing unfiltered insights about me and Dave after spending the last few days with us. He rubbed his chin and labeled us both as pessimistic, negative, and traumatized. When I explained to Scott the distinctive flavor of Jewish humor that Dave and I share, based on self-deprecation and cynicism and annoyances, Scott said that things made a bit more sense, and he walked his comments back a bit. Now he understands why Dave and I are such schmucks all the time.

Turning things around, I have observed a different side to Scott on this trip. After a few drinks, Dark Scott slowly reveals himself, sharing opinions with passion, sometimes raising his voice and pointing his finger to do so, and even throwing the occasional barb. But the distinctive giggle never goes away, so we know that the Scott we know and love is always with us. It’s not quite Jekyll and Hyde, but it’s interesting to watch the gradual change.

Nick Allen has left the building. I miss Nick Allen.

After a quick walk around adjoining Turtle Bay Beach, we headed out to the highly rated Seven Brothers for a quick but delicious burger. Chickens hopped around us and jealously watched as we devoured our lunch.

We headed into Haleiwa to have some famous Matsumoto Shave Ice for dessert and visit shops for some quick souvenirs. On our way back to the resort, we stopped at Laniakea Beach, a thin strip of sand with a waterline of algae-covered coral. Then a perfectly timed stop at Sunset Beach, where we hung out a bit to watch the sun descend into the hazy horizon. The beach is aptly named, with the perfect placement of mountains in the distance, a perfect angle of beach leading to the setting sun, and crashing waves right front and center.

We headed back to the resort and, still full from lunch and shaved ice, we went to Alaia for a small dinner. Somehow, our well-intentioned small dinner turned into three appetizers, soups, salads, and drinks, but this is what happens on vacation.

After a few minutes at the lifeless lobby bar, we headed back to Dave’s room to chill on the balcony and listen to music with stars in the sky and the relentless waves crashing below. We took turns playing DJ from our phones and covered a lot of ground, with Dave and Scott debating the merits of bands and guitarists from the 70’s and 80’s. I mostly zoned out and watched the palm trees swaying in the distance. I saw a shooting star, a tiny gold one that went straight down and disappeared in an instant. You can bet that I made a wish.

We poo-pooed the idea of visiting the Dole Plantation tomorrow, so we’re planning on just having another chill day here at the resort. Scott has booked a bird-watching safari, giving us something to do in the afternoon.

This trip has been a lot of fun and sun, but its greatest gift is that three friendships that were once growing and pulsating are now fully engorged. I love these guys.