Translate my blog

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Last day before we fly out.

Today was another early start, with our hotel pickup at 6.30am for the Pearl Harbour tour of The USS Arizona & The USS Missouri.

The security is very strict, for the USS Missouri as the ship is at anchor on an operational Navy Base. No photographs to be taken as we travelled over the bridge to Ford Island, and no bags of any description are to be carried in to the memorial site.

Anything taken in was to be checked for later collection and a security person inspected the bus to ensure no breaches were made.

P1050215 P1050214

We began our tour with free time to look around, then a 20 min film was shown giving an explanation as the why the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour and the reason so many ships and aircraft were damaged.  It was very interesting.

P1050225 We then took a launch ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial site.

P1050227 P1050228 P1050229 P1050230

More than 1700 lives were lost on this ship alone.

P1050241 Then it was time to visit The USS Missouri, the ship on which the Japanese signed their surrender.

This ship is now a permanent memorial having been decommissioned several years ago.

P1050243

  There are just 6 of the 16” guns aboard.

P1050247 

This plaque marks the spot the where the surrender took place.

P1050251 P1050252

Punchbowl Cemetery

P1050254.P1050255

This is the view back to the city from The Punchbowl Cemetery.

The bus dropped us back at our hotel and after a little more shopping, we went back to Duke’s for our last dinner in Waikiki!

No pictures tonight……it’s too sad!!!

So right now I’m working on my blog, Gail and Pauline are reading and Wanda is sleeping.  Our bags are packed and ready for our 8am pick up for the airport.

It’s been a wonderful holiday, but I’m ready for home.  I’m looking forward to seeing my family and giving them all a big hug, ‘cause I’ve missed them very much.

My suitcase is stretched at the seams with gifts for them all.  Oh and a few items for myself too of course!

Mahalo for following my Hawaiian Holiday Adventure.

Aloha!

2 comments:

Jan Quigley said...

Wow your holiday has gone fast!! I've enjoyed reading all about it, you've certainly fitted in a lot & had lots of fun. I'm sure you will be glad to back home with your family.

Luv 2 Sew Things said...

Sad yet historic. Another amazing day in paradise to remember forever. And another perfect day weather wise to. Hawaii certainly turned on the blue skies for you all.