WORLD OF MEN: Big Island, Helicopter Ride, back home and then to Oregon

Someone asked who books my travel. Well guys, I book everything myself. Long long ago I was a travel agent (actually when I was 16 until I was 18). So I continue to book my own travel and even help some people book their travel such as Chi Chi LaRue that calls me for advice and as a birthday present for my favorite person in my industry I used 2 of my E-VIP international upgrades to upgrade her from LA to Paris (see pics of her party below).

Now, back to my Hawaii trip. Rich and I went to Hawaii as a mileage run. A mileage run is when you find a cheap airfare that goes a long distance so you get a lot of frequent flyer miles on the cheap. Rich went the week before in addition to this trip to get super extra miles (the round trip from Miami was only $500 and the mileage gained is 10,000 plus our bonus 100% miles for being Executive Platinum members of American Airlines AAdvantage Program). But this time it was also Rich's birthday, so I decided we should hop on a plane and head to see the natural wonders of the Big Island. After a short hop to Hilo on Go! Airlines we stopped by the helicopter tour desks at the airport and inquired about getting a discount on one of the helicopter trips. A very nice girl from Paradise Helicopters wanted to help us out and offered to call us back with any specials, so Rich and I picked up the rental car and headed to the natural hot springs near Isaac Hale State Park for some relaxation. We then carried on to where the lava flow is suppose to be to find out the local government along with the locals that still have to pay taxes on the land they owned before lava destroyed it now prevent tourists from walking out to and over the active lava flow.

At Hula's in Honolulu next to Rich's new twink conquest.

On Hula's catamaran with an awesome view!

Girl on the GO!

Daddy on the Go!

After the disappointment of not being able to walk over the active lava flow like I did 3 years ago, Rich and I went to go settle in at the Bed and Breakfast we booked the day before called Emeraldview Guesthouse. The next morning we had the breakfast the owner made at 6:45am and then headed to Hilo airport for our helicopter tour. Our pilot is the only female helicopter pilot in Hawaii currently and she was very nice and very informative in addition to giving us a smooth ride and accepting Rich's request to go in low and circle the lava flow into the ocean which actually made me a bit nervous! After the quick 45 flight over lava flows, volcanoes and waterfalls we landed safely at Hilo airport and then drove up to Waipio Valley which is one amazing place to see in all of the Hawaiian Islands. We then drove back to Hilo, ate and then boarded a flight to Honolulu and then a continuation flight to Dallas and then on to Miami.

Closest point to the lava flow now with steam coming out of my ear (if you only knew!)

AHHHH! I hate unsecured heights!

Lava flowing into the ocean. An amazing sight to see!

Waipio Valley. A must see on the Big Island
Akaka Falls. Unmatched natural beauty!

Firmly back on the ground....whew!

Bye bye Hawaii. The only way to fly: FIRST CLASS!

I only went home for a quick 6 days before re-boarding an American Airlines 767 to LA and then Alaska Airlines up to Portland to go visit my dad for Thanksgiving where I am sitting at a small coffee in Silverton called Gear Up.

If any other you think I can't cook, well here is my famous chicken salad!