island

Dining Outside the Home: Garden Island Grille in Old Kōloa Town, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Garden Island Grille in Old Kōloa Town, Kauai!  Ramble down the boardwalk of Old Kōloa Town to where you see remnants of the theatre that once was the social gathering spot of the community. Follow the signs to the Garden Island Grille which now occupies an old plantation site some still believe is visited by lingering spirits. Now a restaurant that specializes in seafood and fresh island fish, the Garden Island Grille features fresh island-grown products, including organic cocktails. Sample the Seared Ahi seasoned with volcanic spices and pickled ginger. Move on to the fish tacos, lightly grilled corn tortilla shells stuffed with the catch of the day, shredded cabbage, and chipotle-lime sauce. Yum. Stick around for the live entertainment. It’s worth another round of plum sugar-rimmed margaritas. 

Dining Outside the Home: Tortilla Republic in Poipu, Kauai

Dining Outside the Home: Tortilla Republic in Poipu, Kauai!  There’s something about a cantina-like patio setting where sea breezes and warm sunshine are as therapeutic as the bartender’s handcrafted jalapeño margarita on the rocks. The salty corn tortilla chips compliment the salsa de mesa, for starters. The menu is spot on with organic produce and fresh ingredients. It’s easy to choose the bold favorites of pork carnitas in a bowl of kale, black beans, and rice. The tropical atmosphere partners well with Mexican classics. Hola Aloha!

Surround Yourself With Water at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Canada

Surround Yourself with Water at Prince’s Island Park in Calgary, Canada! It has been dubbed an “Island of Dreams” slightly north of downtown Calgary, Canada. Its namesake is Peter Anthony Prince, founder of the Eau Claire Lumber Mill in 1886. What makes this Park so unusual, you ask? First of all, the island began when a channel was dug to transport logs from the Bow River to the sawmill. As the island naturally developed, it became more of a wetland habitat for Canadian geese, mallard ducks, small wildlife, and flocks of birds. Access is limited to only a few service vehicles making it an urban park for recreational hiking, leisurely picnics, energized pedestrians, festive celebrations, and environmental education. Flower gardens and water fountains enhance the lush greenery. Prince’s Island Park is easily accessible by three bridges making it convenient for adventure seekers. 

The Mystical Island of Kauai 

“You have a spiritual connection to the island”, I was told by a native. “I can feel it. I see it in your eyes. It’s what keeps you coming back.” Those words pierced my soul. Perhaps it was the grand untouchable beauty in every direction that captivated me. Or the fact that Nature reappeared with an enduring vengeance for life from what was once nothing more than molten lava. The tropical vegetation is practically surreal in its perfection. Maybe it’s the harmony between the tangible benefits of sunshine and the intangible belief in allegorical legends. For all one knows, it may be the sudden and unexpected appearance of a vibrant rainbow. Or the freedom of spirit, the passion for life, the gratitude for blessings, and the nourishment of body. Kauai is tranquility; it is passion; it is exotic; it is hopeful. But most of all, Kauai is like taking a walk with Our Heavenly Father in the Garden of Eden. 

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai 

Dining Outside the Home: JJ’s Broiler in Lihue, Kauai. Not your typical sports bar and restaurant. Maybe it’s the oceanfront dining by candlelight that makes it unique. Or it could be the incredible French Onion Soup served as if it came directly from a Paris café. Most guys would say it’s the generous cut of Prime Rib, garlic-rubbed, served nightly with your favorite beverage in front of several high-definition TV screens. The bottom line is this: The food is great, the location is a bonus, and the sports are thrown in for good measure. Everyone Wins!

It’s Not as Easy as it Looks

People on vacation take to the water like a school of fish. The trouble is, they’re still learning. Instructors make surfing sound so easy, forgetting it becomes second nature to them. A young couple stood at the water’s edge, ankle deep in sand, both bending over struggling independently with their own contoured surfboard. As we rambled by cutting through the waves and kicking sand up on our heels, Gerald nudged my elbow and said, “Look. Did you see that? She’s fallen out of her top.” I turned back to see, and there she was exerting all kinds of frustrated energy trying to get that surfboard to cooperate against the waves. Her bikini top had slid down under one breast which left it dangling like a piece of ripe fruit begging to be picked. Her partner seemed oblivious to her failed attempts of coercing the massive board into the water, let alone her bare breast flashing around for all the beachcombers to admire, since he was involved in his own tug-of-war with the tide. Suddenly she looked down, screamed obscenities, and raced ashore to restore things to their proper order. The last we saw of her, she was standing under a palm tree making amends as her partner stood at the seashore harnessing two surfboards between him. Four words of wisdom flashed through my mind for women who plan to take up surfing: one-piece bathing suit.