LABOR DAY KINE THINGS
Friday, September 8th, 2017 by Cuzzo
We celebrated the unofficial end of summer the only way we know how… the bay, beers and good times. Labor Day 2017 delivered some idyllic east side conditions with ultra light winds and sunny skies which made our journey to Kualoa as smooth as could be. If only all of life’s journeys were this easy to navigate. Until next year cheers! – RM
SELF EFFICACY
Monday, August 28th, 2017 by Cuzzo
Dawn 5 miles offshore with not a another boat in site. The colors of the sky only lasted for a few moments and the electricity in the air the same but wow it was simply incredible. What this photo doesn’t show is me waking up Capri at 3:30am then us trailering the boat to the opposite side of the island and launching before dawn all in hopes of catching something for the dinner table. Let me just be clear about something, my daughter was not required to be my first mate, she chose to. She also knew that landing a fish was not guaranteed (we got skunked!) and that it was highly likely that she would have to endure more than a few hours of nausea and dizziness (which she did with no complaints). And still she insisted on joining me. This particular trip took place on Admissions Day which was a holiday for the school she attends. Even though she wasn’t learning anything within the confines of the classroom I do believe she learned plenty that day, things like how to set the lures, what birds to look for when trolling and how to reel in the lines properly. Most importantly she learned that life is not always easy and paying dues wether on the ocean or on land is all part of life. Aloha – RM
ALL IN THE OHANA
Friday, August 25th, 2017 by Cuzzo
Backyard Imu action! What happens when 400 lbs. pork butt plus 6 pans kulolo are placed lovingly in the ground to slow cook Hawaiian style by a solid crew. An outstanding good time in my book! While the boyz were busy playing with fire Tutu was busy cooking up some squid luʻau for our pau hana meal… sooo good. Many hands helped to prepare this food but none as important as the Imu boss himself Uncle Liko. There can only be one boss and under his direction the grinds were cooked to perfection. Once the tarp was put down and the edges covered with dirt the only thing left to do was crack open a few ice cold cuzzo lights and relax. Cheers – RM
RELL SUNSHINE
Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 by Cuzzo
Can you think of a better way to celebrate a 1st birthday than on a remote motu off the coast of Moorea? Me neither! Yes, we broke from tradition and all that comes with the customary Hawaiian baby luau. Oh well, the decision was made, tickets were bought, and the accommodations booked–no turning back now. My apologies to all the family and friends who could not attend. We arrived on Moorea a couple days before Rell’s birthday. The weather was ok, but the winds were less than pleasant at a howling 30+ knts. The winds turned the normally tranquil lagoons into a choppy mess, which had me secretly questioning our decision to celebrate her birthday this far from home. As luck would have it, on Rell’s actual birthday, we awoke to the most flawless weather with dead winds and sunny skies. Leave it to baby Rell to bring out the sunshine!
Our local captain, Stephane, gave us the all clear. We boarded his 26ft twin hull Tahitian cruiser and began our day. Immediately departing the dock, his fist mate treated us all to cups filled with local rum punch made from freshly squeezed fruits. Let’s just say, it hit the spot! For the next 6 hours or so, captain and crew took us to all of their favorite spots in bays both big and small. The landscape was just as intoxicating as the rum punch! We finally tied up to a buoy at Coco beach for our intimate birthday “picnic” luau. Just imagine the K-bay sandbar, but with much warmer and clearer water, friendly sharks and rays swimming between your legs…ok, never mind, it’s not even close! Tables and chairs were set up, bbq grill was lit, sashimi was sliced, fish were cleaned, pasta was tossed, and wine bottles were opened–all under the sun-drenched French Polynesian sky! We all sang happy birthday to Rell with a live acoustic guitar jamming at the same time. Sometimes things just work out!
As anyone that has traveled with a small child knows, it comes with its challenges and extra baggages. A huge mahalo goes out to Uncle Kai for helping with all of the heavy lifting during all legs of our journey, as well as setting up some of the highlight activities–jet skis were epic! Another honorable mention goes to Auntie Dee for being Capri’s constant companion and keeping the fun levels on point–selfie game was tight! Capri, you are the best big sister anyone could ever want–your unselfish behavior was admirable. The biggest credit goes to mama Kristen for planning this destination birthday, as well as keeping baby Rell soothed and calm the entire trip! Well done rad mom!
Happy 1st birthday baby Rell! We love you! The look of joy on your face and the sound of your booming laughter are priceless. Love and aloha – Dad
