We had been long overdue on a trip to Maui. After my motorcycle accident back in October, I made it a priority to get us back to paradise. I ensured every place I booked was locked down and had no chance of backing out.

Here, we are heading out of Sacramento Airport and on to Maui. We’ll be stopping at Kona for a plane transfer. Our flight was slightly delayed, and this would be a factor in catching our next flight.

The hopper plane from Kona to Maui was a super short trip but a hell of stressful. When we landed, the passengers were already loading up onto the plane heading to Maui, and the airlines rebooked our seats, they thought we would not make it in time to the checkout counter.

After a chat with the counter person we were able to get a couple seats on board. The seats we ended up with were already taken by other passengers since it was rebooked.

This actually worked out better for us. Instead of sitting in the 27th row section, we got moved up to the 5th row! What a score!

We picked up our car rental for the week and headed out to Kahana Reef, the condo where I had made arrangements for our first 6 days.

Both of us agreed we didn’t remember a lot of the landscape, landmarks, and the areas we drove through. It has been over 27 years since we’ve been to Maui together.

It would not be a normal visit to New Orleans area without getting my beignets fix.

Even though the beignets were purchased at a Cafe De Monde at Mandeville Louisiana it still had the same taste I’m used to at the French Quarters.

This may be the last time I take a flight to NOLA. I’ve had the most wonderful times throughout the many years traveling to this special place.

EDIT: update. The flight was uneventful pretty much slept and watched “Better call Sal” the whole way.

Mallory had arranged a driver (Danny) to pick me up at the airport. We chatted damn near all the way to Mandeville.

When I asked the driver for his recommendation for the best fried chicken he mentioned a place called “Chubbies” in the West Bank Algiers area, old side. Another place that he recommended was a market place at Mandeville. This place Saia’s supposedly has really good fried chicken. It’s not a restaurant environment but rather a take out.

Mal and family has decided to move to California. Mal has been gone for a good minute. I’m estimating 18 years.

I’m flying to Mandeville to help out with the move and drive one of their vehicles back across the states.