The Travel papers are in hand.

Thanks to Patricia at Travel at the Foothills (480.893.0203) I now have the entire travel itinerary and all the e-tickets (I remember when that was a Disney term for Rides) and all the vouchers for all the land trips and lodging at the various "resorts" that we will be at.

This picture indicates my new passion, to get down to my fighting weight of 195 by next weekend. The Gym and I have become combative friends, and I have dumped nearly 15 pounds since I decided to go to the Solomon's. Patricia warns me that I shouldn't be too concerned with losing too much weight, since I am destined to come back lighter than when we leave the states (her rough estimate was at least 5 pounds!). But nearly 3 miles, in 31 minutes ain't that bad for an old coot like me. Right? And no knee problems so far!

July 15 - July 19 Agnes Lodge

Whether it will be hiking to the Moroko waterfall, exploring the Hura or Piraka Rivers by Canoe (home of the saltwater crocs and exotic birds) diving and snorkeling the surrounding reefs, the Agnes Lodge, in existence for nearly 90 years, will be our first step back. The boys and I are scheduled to be in a 2 Bedroom Orchid Suite, with all meals included, which should have a tremendous amount of seafood on the fare.

It's Munda Island, located in the western part of New Georgia. And to Todd's great relief, they advertise a BAR. Not sure of what we will be drinking, but it will be consumed and possibly regretted later. We also intend to visit several local villages and check in with the families and chiefs.

A bit of History - Guadalcanal 1942

The Guadalcanal campaign was a significant strategic victory by Allied forces over the Japanese in the Pacific theatre. The Japanese had reached the high-water mark of their conquests in the Pacific, and Guadalcanal marked the transition by the Allies from defensive operations to the strategic offensive in that theatre and the beginning of offensive operations that resulted in Japan's eventual surrender and the end of World War II.

Total casualties were 7100 US died, 31,000 Japanese lost their lives in conflict that was fought between August 7, 1942 and February 9, 1943.

Wednesday, July 14th Todd, Dru and I will be over the entire island of Guadalcanal visiting the various sights and memorials before we go back to our two islands for the remainder of the trip.

Not fishing Solomon Island Style

This is the Submarine Volcano erupting in the Solomon Island chain. Dru, Todd and I will be visiting this the second week we are there. It obviously is an active Lava based volcano, accessible by "rugged" local boats. I will have live shots of our visit.

So, I thought I would introduce you to Laura, she is the head chef at one of the three islands we will be visiting. Or was she the massage therapist?

Well, here we are three weeks out and getting Pumped! Todd has already threatened to wear his Speedo all the time. Think I will take away his mosquito repellent. He has also offered to be my wingman with the throngs of women that will be besieging us once they discover round (blue) eyes have beset the island.