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Published: June 24th 2009
I played Chauffer and Tour Guide the first week of April on the Island of Oahu as my parents and I enjoyed a week in paradise. We stayed in a lovely B&B in Kaneohe Bay overlooking the water. The view from the deck was spectacular and often my parents would look out over the water and see something large and round swimming around in the bay. We guessed it was probably a turtle; sea turtles are abundant on Oahu.
Two full days and another half day were spent at Pearl Harbor visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin and the USS Missouri. My dad and I are both quite fond of history and especially WWII, so we didn't really want to miss anything by rushing our visit. At the USS Arizona Memorial, visitors are asked to whisper out of respect for the 1102 men still entombed beneath the water. (A total of 1177 men were killed on the Arizona.) The sunken vessel has become a living reef for marine life, despite the fact oil continues to leak from the hull. Nobody seems able to agree on the amount of oil that leaks each day, however, it is widely agreed
that saltwater deteriorating the oil tanks will most likely cause a massive rupture in the future causing extensive damage to the harbor and the marine life that call it "home."
I must confess I was surprised and disappointed the National Park Service is in control of the memorial. I fully expected the Navy to be in charge and looked forward to seeing them as we visited. I asked one of the unkempt park rangers if he had ever been in the military before and he had not. Am I the only one who thinks there is something wrong with this picture!?!
I was unable to find the memorial dedicated to the Marines who were killed during Pearl Harbor, and even asking around nobody seemed to know what I was talking about! It was more than a little frustrating because I am certain there is a Marine Corps Memorial somewhere close to the Bowfin! Perhaps if the unkempt park ranger had ever been in the military, he might have been more aware of where exactly the monuments were at Pearl Harbor. Maybe I'll be able to find it the next time I'm there...
Hope you enjoy the pictures!
"Home" on Oahu
We stayed in a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo overlooking Kaneohe Bay. My room was enormous with several dressers and a sofa and a private bathroom. My parent's room had a private bathroom and a private deck overlooking the bay. As you can see in the photo the kitchen/living area was quite large as well.We had a great time.
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rene
non-member comment
thanks
Deb, I always enjoy your blogs so much so keep them coming. Looks beautiful and sounds as if you all had a great time.