The Polite Traveler

My Dearest Polite Traveler, Our coastal journey to the lovely Albion River Inn begins on a warm July morning in Davis, CA.     It was an exceptionally pleasant 80 degrees and was warm for most of the day, not realizing we would end bundling up as if it were late autumn once we reached our destination.   Tip: When visiting north-coastal CA at any time of year, pack warm clothing.   We decided to travel from our home base—100 m east of San Francisco—west through the Napa Valley and then onto a more northerly procession through Sonoma and Mendocino Valleys.   Driving through these world-renowned wine countries, it was tempting to stop for a taste.     But, hey, a girl has got to eat—or indulge in a hot chocolate beverage.   I love Starbucks !   Okay, I’ve said it.   I just absolutely love it, with mochas as my absolute favorite.   Consequently, around lunchtime, and with the long freeway ahead of us, we pulled up the Starbucks app and found one nearby. Quaint Santa Rosa L

Imagine a trip to a tropical island.   The air is fresh with smells of the ocean, sand, and something that can’t be put into mere words.   It is more of a feeling, rather than something that can be simply discussed or splashed down on a cold page.   Now, imagine Hawaii.   If you’ve never been, you are probably picturing swaying palms, sandy beaches, and tanned bodies lying everywhere.   Even if you’ve been to some of the Hawaiian Islands, you may be visualizing this right now—great vision to invoke mid-winter.   Keep this vision as we move on.      The big island, Hawaii, always held great interest for me since I was a young child because of the many romantic stories about the cowboys on the biggest cattle ranch in the US, the Parker Ranch.   Of course, in Hawaii, those cowboys are called Paniolos.   So here I am, a much older version of that little girl swooning over ranch life and horses and expecting to see cattle roaming over green hills and through luscious grassy valleys.

  The Happy Places Meals can be quite expensive at the Big Island’s Hilton Waikoloa Village Hotel.   So, we improvised.   Finally in our happy place, especially for those who decided to listen to salespeople instead of enjoying the beginning of their vacation. ( Timeshare post )     Since this was our first night, we were a bit tired and didn’t want to search for the best deal on dinner , we stopped at the only bar open onsite, sat outside, and shared a very nice Caesar salad.   It was excellent.   And the best part is the happy hour wine.   Amazingly, they had a very nice California Chardonnay for $5.00 a glass.   Beware, the bars and restaurants are expensive.   To save more than a few dollars, follow our lead and take advantage of happy hour.   Each bar has its own version of happy hour.   And even if they say that they only have a certain type of drink for happy hour and you want something else, ask if it can be included in happy hour pricing.   Worked for me. Speak

  No trip to the big island would be complete without a trip to the volcano, which was on the opposite side of the island.   The drive takes the entire day, but it is worth the time.   This particular island is so diverse, so this is the best way to experience it—my opinion anyway.   We began our journey on the main highway, Highway 19 north and then east.   The terrain changes quite quickly as we traveled north and as we turned east toward and through Waimea.   In fact, driving through the outskirts of Waimea reminded me a bit of Washington State—green, lush with lots of trees .   Beware the Cooler Temps Up North Before making our turn east toward Waimea, we decided to drive up to the lookout at the end of Hwy 270 to view the Pololu Valley. It is an amazing view. The highway dissolves into neighborhood streets, so drive slowly and watch for locals.   Two of which were two local dogs who decided that the street made for a nice warm place to nap—too funny.   Accessibility Note

  My dear polite travelers, Beware, this post is particularly negative.   It is also written when Covid was not an issue. I feel like a dope for falling for the free $100 in Hilton bucks and discount card offered by the Hilton Vacations Club.   The Vacations Club is basically a different name for timeshares.   Our time obligation (to sit numbly through the spiel about how great their plan is and how plainly stupid we would be not to completely buy into it) was supposed to be around 90 minutes.   We sat chained to our chairs being belittled for not wanting to sign up and spend our hard-earned cash for 3 hours!   Yes, I did say 3 hours.   Incredible.   I was beginning to feel trapped and wanted to claw my way out of the little room, beginning with the painted-smile lady .   So, here’s my advice for what it is worth, avoid anything that has to do with that part of the Hilton organization.   I love Hilton but this branch of it... not so much.   More by The Polite Traveler