Hey, It's Choco Cro!

St. Marc's Cafe
Kyobashi
October 6, 2014


Before we could venture out into the city, Alan and I needed to exchange dollars for Japanese yen. Luckily, there was a bank just around the corner from our hotel. Typhoon Phanfone was still bearing down in Tokyo so we each bought US$5 foldable umbrellas from our hotel front desk and braved the rain. There were only a few other folks, with their own clear umbrellas, walking in the streets. They seemed to be on their way to work.

It was early (before 9:00 a.m.) and the bank's Foreign Exchange department was still closed. While waiting, we decided to look for a breakfast place nearby. We found this little spot called "Choco Cro." Little did I know that this was the popular St. Marc Cafe chain known for its delicious chocolate croissant.

I wasn't able to take a photo but here's a screenshot from a website.

I've read that pastries in Japan are just awesome and I got excited. There were several yummy-looking delicacies on display. I followed the lead of someone who was ahead of us in line. With a large tong, we picked up our pastry of choice and then set it on a small tray. We brought it to the counter, ordered our drinks, and proceeded to pay. The cashier then placed our orders on a bigger tray and served it along with a wet napkin.

This photo by m1025 on Tripadvisor is the closest thing to what I just described above.

This storefront photo was shared by Shinpei Y. on Yelp.

The store was really small but I realized that although it was narrow, there were seats in the back. The further we went inside, we noticed that there were smoking and non-smoking areas. I thought that was funny because all the cigarette smoke wafted into the non-smoking area anyway.

Everyone in there, however, seemed to be office workers because they were dressed in their professional clothes. Each sat quietly in his own spot either fiddling on a laptop or reading the local paper while having breakfast. No one was talking to each other and it almost felt uncomfortable to say anything to Alan. I had to speak with a soft voice.

The goodies we selected were interestingly delicious! Alan chose the Danish sprinkled with nuts. He also got a croissant with cream cheese filling. I picked the Danish with bacon and edamame. I love edamame and we all know that everything is good with bacon. Of course I had it with coffee while Alan went for a watermelon and cucumber smoothie. The price was also very reasonable. Excellent first meal for our first day in Tokyo! But I did leave smelling like smoke.

This story was continued from Tip Not, My Dear Sir

Photo credit: m1025 on TripAdvisor and Shinpei Y on Yelp

Tip Not, My Dear Sir

Arrival in Narita Airport

Sunday Oct. 5, 2014

Our flight arrived at 7:15 pm and typhoon Phanfone was still lingering in the city. Walking down the path towards customs and baggage claim, we found this great Welcome mural where we stopped for our first photos.

We made it! We're finally in Japan.

After an eleven and a half hour flight, we have finally arrived.

A helpful tip from JTB USA prompted me to take advantage of N'EX Tokyo Direct. Since we were tourists, we were eligible for the promotional half price fare. The Japan Railway's Narita Express train is a very convenient way to travel from Narita Airport to major Tokyo stations without having to transfer trains.

I couldn't really see much outside the windows of the train because it was dark and rainy. But my excitement was growing. My childhood dream of traveling to Japan has finally come true!

It was still pouring when we reached the Tokyo station so we decided to take a cab. I came prepared with a printout of the hotel directions with Japanese characters. (Google Maps is awesome.) It made it easy for our cab driver to understand where we wanted to go. After only a few minutes on the main thoroughfare, he made a quick turn into an alley and stopped. Then he pointed up to the neon sign with our hotel's name.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn's neon sign outside the hotel building.

"Yup. This is it," I recognized Sotetsu Fresa Inn from the photos I saw online. We jumped out and got our bags. Thankfully, the rain was beginning to subside. My husband Alan tried to leave a tip but the taxi driver waved his hand to signal no. Then he pushed the money back into Alan's hand. Told ya. There's no tipping in Japan.

We proceeded to the building's second floor where the hotel lobby and front desk are located. The place was exactly how it looked when I used Google Business View. When shopping online for this hotel, I was able to take a virtual tour of the 2nd and 9th floors. So I felt like I've been here before. Gotta love new technology.

The front desk staff welcomed us with warm smiles and to our delight, they spoke good English. The young lady who took care of our registration gave me a welcome amenity. "For you," she politely said with a high-pitched voice and a slight bow. With both hands, she presented a mini drawstring plastic pouch. Inside were one-time-use packets of skin care products like cleansing foam and moisturizing oil and lotion. Nice touch.

As soon as our check-in was squared away, we whisked ourselves to our room on the 4th floor. Typical of hotel accommodations in Japan, our room was probably no bigger than a regular cabin on a cruise line.

Our room is this big!

The amenities included pajamas.

And slippers too!

It's amazing how you can make do with such little space. Everything was fine until we laid out our luggage. Then we had to walk sideways from our bed to the bathroom. LOL!

Our hotel bathroom was this big.

The hotel bathroom was just as tiny yet complete with all the amenities you could ever need: toothbrush with mini toothpaste, razor, plastic foldable brush (one that you can easily stash in your purse), and cotton swabs. There were two of each and every single one of them was individually wrapped in plastic. 

But my favorite part is that the toilets had automatic bidets!

Voila! The Japanese toilet with automatic bidet. 

A closer look at the automatic bidet function. 

My good friend Jinky Cating recommended this hotel. She knew it was going to be my first time in Tokyo and she thought it would be good idea to stay in the quieter side of the city. Sotetsu Fresa Inn is located in the Kyobashi area which is near Ginza. We couldn't wait to explore the city in the morning. But for tonight, we'll enjoy our close quarters...and pajamas.

Sporting my comfy pajamas and practicing my Ninja moves.

This story was continued from A Great Way To Fly!
More to follow on my adventures in Japan.

A Great Way To Fly!

SQ11 from LAX to NRT
October 4, 2014


I think it's incredibly sweet that my husband Alan decided to take me to the Land of the Rising Sun for my golden birthday. He knows too well that Japan has been on my destination bucket list. For this trip, I wanted to ensure his comfort during the long haul flight. Just think about it:  If he finds it to be a pleasant experience, he'd be willing to do more long distance traveling with me and to various places in the world. For the win!

So I researched on the best international airline. Everything I read pointed to Singapore Airlines. In fact, it has consistently received awards through the years. Learn more about their accolades here.

Singapore Airlines' Airbus A380-800. The superjumbo.

I've flown on other big carriers on long haul flights to Asia, Europe, and Canada but never on Singapore Airlines. I've always been intrigued by this reputable airline.

What really convinced me to choose this airline is what I found on SeatGuru: that Singapore Airlines' Economy Class seats are roomier with a seat width of 19 inches. Seat width is the distance between the armrests of a single seat. For most airlines, it's anywhere between 17 and 18 only. (For perspective, Southwest Airlines' seat width is 17). With a little more room, my husband's long legs and big frame will be better off during the 11-1/2 hour plane ride to Tokyo.

Posing for a little selfie on board SQ11 en route to Narita Airport.

It was exciting to board the Airbus A380-800.  Dubbed the "superjumbo," it's the world's largest passenger aircraft AND the most fuel-efficient. It's about 239 feet long with wingspan of about 262 ft. While you could fit the entire length of this plane in a FIFA football field, the wings would stretch outside the boundaries. (The FIFA football pitch is 344 ft long by 223 ft wide.)

How fast does it go? Cruising speed is 0.85 Mach, close to the speed of sound. I read this in SilverKris Inflight Magazine Oct.14 issue: In aerodynamics, speed is measured by the Mach number. Mach 1 is the speed of sound which is 761.5 miles per hour at sea level. Pretty amazing! Find out more here.

I was pleased to find our seat assignments, each prepped with a pillow and a Givenchy fleece blanket. I loved the ergonomically designed seats. As you recline, the seats slightly push forward. Though this plane's seat pitch (distance between two seats) is just like in most planes, this recline feature allows more personal space for passengers. Alan and I each brought a travel pillow but they weren't necessary. The headrests were adjustable and comfortable. The concave backrests had side bolsters and provided back support.

The control panel including KrisWorld, SQ's award-winning inflight entertainment system.

You can tell that this airline carefully evaluated everything a passenger does and needs while on flight. The individual utility panel was very cool. For instance, there's a cup holder on the left hand side that allows you to keep your drink without having to pull down the entire table tray. Underneath the tiltable screen is a personal reading light. It provides some needed illumination without the brightness that could annoy the person sitting next to you. More about the Economy Class on board experience here.

I must admit, I was worried that I would get bored and antsy during the very long flight. But the award-winning entertainment system kept me preoccupied. There were so many options to choose from including on-demand movies, TV programs, music, and games. I had control over when to watch my movie selection, to pause it when I needed to use the restroom, or to rewind to a certain section I missed because I dozed off.

The staff was very attentive, professional, and sincere. They do all possible to make you comfortable. Our knowledgable flight attendant was Raymond Wang. I wish I had taken his picture. He was awesome!

I opted for the Japanese selection for my dinner.

I've also read that Singapore Airlines is not only well known for their service, but also for their meals. For dinner on this flight, it was a choice between the Western cuisine and traditional Japanese selection. I picked the Japanese menu and of course, I shared it with the hubs. My meal tray was a beautiful bento. A small container held the zensai, assorted Japanese appetizers such as edamame and potato salad. On a separate container were the cold buckwheat noodles (soba) laid out like thin figure eights.

I'm familiar with Japanese cuisine but wasn't quite sure how to properly eat the noodles. I had to ask the flight steward, "Raymond, how do you eat this?" He explained that the small packet of seaweed flakes was to be emptied and sprinkled over the soba noodles. He said that the green onions and wasabi should be added to the cup of broth used for dipping the cold noodles. I followed all the directions and enjoyed my meal. It was really good!

My main course was the salt broiled salmon (so tasty!) with seasonal veggies and Japanese sticky rice. There was some tofu-like elements in my dish. One tasted like scrambled egg and the other like beef. Veggies included some green beans, carrots, mushrooms, and lotus. I poured some of the broth over the rice and salmon. It was delicious!

I also tried my hubby's red wine beef stew with mashed potatoes. It's almost hard to believe that this was airline food. Everything was good. The flight steward further explained that the food is brought in cold. Thirty minutes before meal service, the food is heated up so that they are served hot. Just the way I like it!

I asked Alan if he liked my Japanese meal. He said he did, but didn't care for the edamame. "Really?" I asked while looking for the empty pod on his tray. "Did you eat the whole thing? You're supposed to just eat the beans, not the whole pod."

"Oh," he looked at me while I shook my head.

I offered him a bite of my rice cracker wrapped in seaweed but he didn't want any. And I gobbled up my Haagen Dazs chocolate ice cream. How did they know this is my favorite dessert? I'm really loving SQ right now!

Before I knew it, we were descending. As we were about to disembark, I requested to take a peek at the much talked about "Suites." Exclusive to Singapore Airlines, these are very upscale seats offering "personal space with adjustable blinds and sliding doors for maximum privacy." They're even more luxurious than First Class.

I'm not going to be a controversial blogger who fictitiously claims to have flown in one of these suites. But I will say that I did see one and was able to take a picture inside one.

What it looks like inside the luxurious Suite.

My photo opp inside Singapore Airline's luxurious Suite. 

On our way to the jetbridge, Alan proclaimed, "These guys are great!" Ha! Mission accomplished. Thanks, Singapore Airlines. You truly are a great way to fly!

Discovering Lanai

Lanai
Last, but not the least, of a Series

Day 7 - December 21, 2013


This is perhaps the most beautiful picture from our recent trip to Hawaii. I snapped the photo from a suburban’s front passenger seat while driving past the Stables of Koele. What I meant to do was focus on the horses but captured the tree instead.  The result was an unintended work of art…a masterful rendition of a dreamy landscape that can only be found in the beautiful island of Lanai. 

 I promise you that this isn't a painting.

Though my husband Alan, stepson Trevor, and I have been to Hawaii many times, Lanai is the one island that we have not seen. While researching for our Maui vacation, I learned that it was easily accessible via a 45-minute ferry right from Maui. I just had to include it in our itinerary. So I planned a day trip on our last vacation day in paradise.

We took the 9:15 am Expeditions Ferry service from Lahaina to Manele Harbor. Lucky for us it was a clear day in mid-December. Some “insiders” (like @LanaiCraig on Twitter) told me that we’re likely to see humpback whales breaching during this time. And we did! During our ferry ride, we spotted about four or five frolicking in the ocean. They were bobbing in and out and spraying water. It was difficult to take pictures from afar but they were very visible from the distance.  At one point, Trevor and I saw the big white belly of one that jumped sideways like a soccer goalie.  “That was huge!” we both exclaimed. [Since I wasn't able to capture pictures, I encourage you to check out this video of humpback whales filmed from a drone.]

On our ferry ride from Lahaina to Manele, we spotted some humpback whales breaching in the ocean.

Lanai is very visible from Lahaina harbor.  Our excitement grew as we slowly approached our destination. It wasn’t entirely green and a big lone rock stood out to greet the visitors.  It seemed that over thousands of years, this 80 foot tall rock had separated from the mainland. I later discovered that this was Puu Pehe or Sweetheart Rock, the most popular landmark in Lanai. Its name springs from a legend about two lovers.

Through additional tips I learned from my “insiders,” I was able to arrange a 3-hour private guided SUV tour of this intriguing island.  As soon as we disembarked from the ferry, our personal driver and guide Bruce from Rabaca Tours was waiting for us with his ebony Chevy suburban.  He showed us around the island with engaging historical facts. I realized then how little I knew about this 6^th island of Hawaii.

He first took us for a quick spin along the tide pools near Hulopoe Beach before heading out. Looking through the crystal waters, we could see small fish that were almost the same color as the bottom of the ocean floor.  At a distance, we could view the gorgeous Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, one of only two large resorts there.

Our first stop: the tide pools

Cook pine trees welcomed us during our quiet drive towards the city. There were no other cars around honking or cutting us off. And oddly enough, there were no traffic lights in sight.

Cook pine trees welcomed us as we headed towards Lanai City. 

The City of Lanai is a quaint little town that you can leisurely tour in less than an hour.  They have charming gift and souvenir shops like “Dis N Dat,” an art gallery by Mike Carroll, darling cafes…all in small scale yet rich in character.  We stopped to eat at Blue Ginger Café here and to my surprise, I found several familiar Filipino and Asian dishes on the menu. While having lunch here, I had the chance to catch up with my friend Jennifer who recently became a Lanai local.

Charming little Dis N Dat Shop

It was great to catch up with my friend, Jennifer, who recently became a Lanai local.

Later, we drove around The Lodge at Koele, the other resort here managed by the Four Seasons. (The pasture across from this property is where I snapped the photo that looks like a painting.) It’s a plantation-style lodge with a large pineapple painted on its front gable. The golf course here is magnificent and the lush landscape is breathtaking.  The other renowned golf course of the Four Seasons Lanai is called the Challenge at Manele designed by Jack Nicklaus.

The driveway leading to The Lodge at Koele, a Four Seasons Resort in Lanai

Our guide also took us to the northwestern part of the island to see the spectacular orange terrain of the Garden of the Gods.  Also known as Keihiakawelo, this rock garden might as well be a geologist’s heaven. The clay-colored boulders and red rock towers here are fascinating. There were no other tourists around and we took our time exploring the majestic grounds. The wind was mild and the weather so pleasant.

The fascinating Garden of the Gods

Continuing our sight-seeing, we traveled down a winding highway towards Shipwreck Beach. We walked toward the shore where a “honu” or sea turtle was sunbathing.  From where we stood, we could clearly view the rusty remains of the WW II Liberty Ship. On the other side, a man who was knee-deep in the shallow blue waters was looking for fish. Everything here seems untouched and straight out of a storybook.

There's a "honu" or turtle sunbathing on Shipwreck Beach (shipwreck on top right).

To end our tour, we circled back to Hulopo’e Beach.  Ah yes, this is where everyone is.  Children full of energy and gaiety were rolling with the waves while others, probably guests of the Four Seasons, relaxed on the sandy beach to enjoy the sun. We waved at a few locals who were hanging out by a picnic table as we hiked to get a closer look at Sweetheart Rock. We couldn’t leave without getting our photos taken with this picturesque rock formation.

At Sweetheart Rock or Puu Pehe

Walking back from Sweetheart Rock, I caught a fantastic view of the fine Four Seasons Resort fronting Hulopoe Beach. At that moment, I saw a world of contrasts.  On the one hand, here is this virgin island waiting to be discovered. It is so rural, pure and untouched. On the other hand, there is luxury available for those who wish to bring their affluent lifestyle while visiting this serene island. Who says you can’t have it all?

Walking back from Sweetheart Rock, you can easily view Four Seasons Lanai and Hulopoe beach.

I’m glad we took the private tour. SUVs are the best vehicles to take on the rugged roads leading to the island’s attractions.  And there is definitely some comfort knowing that you’re with a local. Throughout our drive, we saw shreds of black plastic on the red dirt roads.  Apparently, black tarps were used for planting pineapple here once upon a time. Thanks to James Dole who bought the island in 1922 and turned it into the world’s largest pineapple plantation. But Lanai is now far from being a Pineapple Island.

Recently, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison became the new owner of 98% of Lanai. We saw his private yacht anchored near the harbor while we were there.  We gathered that he has ambitious plans for this pristine isle.  And just in March of this year, Hawaiian Airlines launched its direct turboprop service from Honolulu. Now it’s even easier to visit “The Most Enticing Island in Hawaii.”


To view more photos, here's a short video tour:

Note:  This story was also featured in the June 2014 issue of View Travel & Lifestyle Magazine .

Finding My Beach

Kaanapali and Lahaina
(Ninth of a Series)

Days 5 and 6 - December 19 and 20, 2013


Returning from our Hana Highway drive, we continued to West Maui and checked into Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas.  While this resort is different from our previous accommodation, it's still homey and comfortable nonetheless. Our hotel room, though much simpler and needed updating, is spacious with two queen beds, a dining table for four, and a small balcony with a view. And this time, we have a kitchen! It's stocked with all the utensils you could ever need. The boys were so excited that after dinner, we went to buy groceries for breakfast the next day.

The next morning (before our Kahoma Ranch adventure), I made scrambled eggs and bacon that the boys have been craving. I opted for a traditional Hawaiian breakfast with Portuguese sausage, my favorite passion fruit/guava juice and some banana bread that we bought from the Halfway to Hana store. So satisfying!

Then we were ready to do more fun stuff. The good thing about staying in Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas is that it fronts the famous beach of Kaanapali. All we needed to do was bring our oversized towels, walk a few steps, and then settle into our chosen spot in the beach.

After 5 straight days of activities, we decided today was going to be a just-lounge-on-the-beach day.

This is what Hawaii is all about.  Just relaxing and kicking back.

Pretty good waves out there.

Hang loose. I found my beach!

Staying in Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas also made it so easy to access Front Street in Lahaina where all the restaurants, shops, and all the action can be found.

The historic town Lahaina is a hot spot for restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Shopping along Front Street in Lahaina. He got some more authentic Red Dirt T-shirts.

Alan wanted to get more of his favorite Original Red Dirt T-shirts. So we stopped at that store and chanced upon the owner himself, Randy Williams! Inside the store was a TV playing a video loop of Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs episode about Randy's red dirt shirts. It wasn't until I saw the video that I recognized him. While Alan was browsing, Trevor and I enjoyed chatting with Randy. He regaled us with behind-the-scenes stories of the video. Really nice guy.

After some souvenir shopping, we went to Kimo's for dinner.  This is where I had the delicious glazed and baked "opakapaka" or pink snapper. We had a wonderful time here. Food was great, ambience delightful, and the local band's music was really good! 

Kimo's is also known for its gigantic Hula Pie dessert.

A little throwback: That's Trevor and me in 2000 when we ate at Kimo's during our first Maui visit.

Other places we visited during this trip:

Whaler's General Store - I know that ABC Stores and Hilo Hattie's are very popular for souvenirs and Hawaiian made items, but don't miss this store in Front Street. They have unique offerings that are worth checking out.

Aloha Mixed Plate - To get my Hawaiian fix, I had the traditional Lau Lau -- pork wrapped in Taro leaves and steamed in an underground oven -- and a side of Lomi Lomi or salted salmon tossed with local tomatoes and Maui onions. What I really wanted to order was the Ali'i Plate which includes Lau Lau, Kalua pork and cabbage, Lomi Lomi Salmon, Poi, Macaroni Salad, Rice and Haupia for dessert. But that sounded a bit heavy for dinner.

Fu Lin Chinese Restaurant - One of our fellow Kahoma Ranch adventurers talked us into going here.  She said the Chinese food here is really good... and she was right. The young waiter who attended to us was so nice and gracious too.

Honu Seafood and Pizza - This was our first restaurant choice when we arrived here but they were closed for a private party. Ugh! Thankfully, we had another chance. It's a very cute restaurant and they have a menu with gluten free options.  You ought to try the Crab Mac n' Cheese!

Castaway Cafe - Fellow guests of Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas were raving about this cafe on site. We decided to give it a shot before checking out. We took a table in the outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. There I leisurely enjoyed my late lunch and my Mai Tai. Then off to our next hotel venue.  I guess this season is a bit popular and so Alan had to book our stay into 3 different resorts.


This story was continued from Clouds of Red and Chasing Double Rainbows. The last remaining stories of this series coming up next. 

Clouds of Red

Kahoma Ranch ATV Tours
(Eighth of a Series)

Day 5 - December 19, 2013

This adventure's website clearly stated "Clients MUST understand that this is an off-road adventure and they WILL get dirty and wet!"

They weren't kidding.

No doubt about it. You WILL get dirty and wet from this adventure!

It was Alan who discovered Kahoma Ranch online. Judging from the site's photos and videos, we could tell this outdoor experience is a ton of fun!

We were the first to arrive at their check-in kiosk in front of Office Max in Keawe Street. (Coincidentally, our tour guide's name is also Keawe.) The other customers trickled within a few minutes and soon we were shuttled up the mountain to Kahoma Valley.

After checking in and signing our waivers, we boarded a shuttle for a short bumpy ride to Kahoma Ranch. 

At the barn, we gathered under a rustic-roofed area and sat on huge logs as we listened to safety instructions. Then we picked up our helmets and gear from a wooden picnic table. I didn't even think of bringing a bandanna to cover my nose and mouth. Thank goodness, each of us was provided with a brand new one.

Once we were all geared up, Alan and I went straight for the ATV in front of the line.

Trevor picked the all-terrain vehicle right behind us.

The vehicle for this off-road adventure is a two-seater Polaris Ranger ATV which you can drive solo or share with a passenger.  Even though I'm a four-wheel enthusiast, I opted to share the vehicle with Alan and let him do the driving. Here are three reasons why:

     1.  I'm the stereotypical Asian woman driver. ('nuff said!)

     2.  I want to take pictures and videos for this blog.

     3.  It's cheaper. You get significant savings per person when two passengers share a vehicle.

Adrenaline started pumping as soon as Keawe hollered, "Here we go!" It's like the rush you get when you hear NASCAR's "Gentlemen, start your engines!"

I looked back at Trevor and gave him a big thumbs up. Even with the ATVs roaring, I could hear his excited woo-hoos.

                                          I filmed this using my iPhone in a zip lock bag.

Through private sugar cane trails, dirt roads, and rugged paths we went. There were times it felt like riding through multiple road bumps one after another. The challenging terrain is definitely not for those with back or neck problems.

Not only were we driving through dusty trails. We were driving on Hawaiian red dirt! Now that can really stain your clothes.

At one point, the lead guide spun his ATV on a hair pin turn and billowed thick clouds of red. For a split second, we had zero visibility! 

Trevor flashing the "hang loose" sign after the first leg of the adventure ride.

Alan takes a swig of water before continuing with our off-road expedition. 

We rode up a hill and then stopped at what looked like a little lake -- the place they call The Garden.  There we found three water slides that dropped into a reservoir. That was so much fun! And the views from up there were spectacular!

The lookout point from the reservoir offered a gorgeous view of the town of Lahaina.

Here's Trevor's trip down the first slide.  He got some air on this one for sure.

                            Alan went for the other slide. The water was a bit chilly but refreshing.
  
I bit my tongue both times I slid down.  That's what I get for keeping my mouth wide open and squealing "Whee!" all the way down the ridged slide.

During the water slide break, we were served fresh pineapple. What a delightful treat!

That's our guide Keawe on the left, Trevor drying off on the right, and in the center (perched on a stump) is a character I like to call the Kahoma Ranch Cheshire cat.

We were surrounded by pretty animals and pretty sights.

Reading the website FAQs was helpful. I came prepared. I read that you must wear closed-toe shoes and clothing that can withstand dirt. So I wore old tennis shoes and worn socks.  If they get soiled, I wouldn't care about just throwing them away. I also had a swimsuit under my tank top and denims -- ready for a quick swoosh down the water slide and a splash into the water.

The ride back to the barn was just as enjoyable. This time we were driving behind a mother-daughter team. They did great! We were so happy that even if rain was in the forecast, we had sun the whole time. Or so we thought. As we headed back, large drops of rain hit the ground and splattered mud all over me.  Well, our vehicle didn't have a windshield. Just look at my picture again at the top of this page. Only my face, protected by huge goggles, was spared.

I still can't believe Trevor wore white! "This will be my authentic Red Dirt T-shirt," he decided. "It comes with bragging rights."

By the way, it took six Q-tips to get my ears completely cleaned after I got out of the shower. Yeah, you WILL get dirty!



View more Kahoma Ranch videos and photos here.

Continued from Chasing Double Rainbows.  Next in this series is Finding My Beach.