June 15, 2025

NAWILIWILI, KAUAI ISLAND, HAWAII

The port town of Nawiliwili is fairly small. Sarah, Bob & I headed out to cruise down the peaceful Wailua River - known as the only navigable river in Hawaii to see the famed Fern Grotto. The Wailua River is feed from fresh water pouring down from Mt.Wai'ale'ale, one of the wettest spots on the planet. We went with a local boat company, the Smith Family, who have been doing these tours for 80 years, since their great grandfather started company! They taught us history, traditions and how to Hula on the ride down the river.

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After lunch we decided to embrace our more adventurous side and we went for lessons to ride in a traditional Hawaiian outrigger! I was excited Bob ( rower #1 and primary wave stopper) and Sarah ( rower#2) were up for the adventure! It was a great hour!! Our instructor ( from Kauai Beach Boys) was so good - he got us confident and riding the surf within 20 minutes. Special shout out to fellow resident Deb Warner who took time from her cocktails with Hubby Steve, to document our journey with photos and videos!!

After a quick shower and outfit change #3 we were off to sunset and the turtles at the southern end of the island, Poipu Beach. Bob had been to Poipu 2 years ago, and knew that large sea turtles come in and rest on the beach there each night, at sunset. We convinced our uber driver to take the scenic road down to Poipu, which is about a 30 minute drive. We asked her to stop along the way for a photo opt at the tree arch along Route 520. She also gave us about an hour, to watch the turtles (we counted 22) come in and rest and the sun to set. It was a beautiful night to wear my new turtle dress!

2nd YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SAILING THE WORLD

By Pat Patrick • October 1, 2026
WOW!! I can't believe it has been two years of sailing around the World already for me and my fellow shipmates on the Villa Vie Odyssey! We left Belfast, Ireland back on September 30, 2024 and it has been such a great adventure to date! We have been to 201 different ports, some more than once, during those two years, with much more to come!

APOPO, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 29, 2026
Before coming to Cambodia , I sadly have to admit I was unaware of the landmine problems they face. On our first night in Siem Reap, where we hiked up the hill to try and see the sunset views, there was a small band of men playing instruments and our tuk tuk driver explained to me they were victims of landmine explosions who had lost limbs or their sight and were trying to make money via donations to support their families.

Ta Prohm Temple ( AKA Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), CAMBODIA

By Pat Patrick • September 28, 2026
I rallied for our last temple of the morning, because I heard this one was unique and I think it was my favorite. Ta Prohm was built starting in 1186 by King Jayavarman VII as a Buddhist monastery and university dedicated to the king's mother. It was left mostly un-restored so that huge banyan and silk cotton trees grow directly over and through the walls. In 2001, the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider movie was filmed here.