Hilo, Hawaii
Today we have a 10:48 am Tee time at the Hilo Municipal Golf Course.
The ship was at the dock and cleared by 8 am. We left about 8:15. All aboard is 4:30 and we would be cutting it close with our time. We hoped that we could get on early.
It was a little bit of a walk to get out of the port. Our Uber driver was waiting for us when we got to the exit. Tara was one of 4 regular Uber drivers in Hilo. She had 6 kids and described how her and her husband saved to travel to California and Las Vegas. Disneyland, Legoland, Universal and the like. They were there for 2 weeks but cold weather closed most of the parks and or rides.
We arrived at the course at about 9 or so and were able to start after 2 groups hit the tee. Maybe 30 minutes. Everything was handled through windows. Signs warned that a mask was necessary to enter the building. Pencils were also sterilized after use. I guess they didn’t get the message that Covid 19 is a respiratory disease and clean pencils aren’t the answer.
The course was tough. The grass was zoysia or bermuda or whatever they use in the heat. Lots of roll. Every green was elevated and 3 feet around every green was sloped away from the hole. Land here and your ball would roll all the way down. Maybe even across the cart path. This made chipping even more difficult. Not enough and the ball comes right back to you. Too much and it will roll off the back of the green. The course was fun and in good shape. Too bad neither one of us thought to take pictures.
We finished about 2:30 and went in the clubhouse for a drink. Locals were in there cussing at each other about their game. I don’t understand bald men with pony tails. I have a lot to learn I guess.
We called for an Uber and Thomas picked us up. Retired fireman. Lived in the islands his entire life. Build like a typical Polynesian. The fireman was built like a fire hydrant. He was very interested in the world cruise and hopes to take his wife one day.
Another exhausting day. We did dress for dinner, listened to the piano trio and came back to the room to call it a night.…