Na Pali Adventures with Cap’n Andy

This amazing adventure involving the Na Pali coastline is a possible excursion options for your pleasure. 

o   A dinner sunset sail using a sail or motor boat

Cap’n Andy, our operator, has provided excursions for our meetings for many years and has been selected based on the quality of his people and equipment, safety, quality of food and overall value.

Bev and I think of the Na Pali Coast is one of the wonders of the world and something we enjoy revisiting time after time.  You never know what kind of wave action, wind and sky you’ll get and we’ve been out and had a great time in all kinds of conditions.

More often than not we’ve seen spinner dolphins on our way out or back, and usually have had dolphin pods running along the boats. Obviously their presence is beyond our control;  however our luck in the past has been exceptional.  It’s especially wonderful to see them jump and spin.  The prevailing opinion is this behavior helps rid them of external parasites, but as we look at them it just seems to be for plain fun.

The cave exploring in the raft is amazing.  How much you get to do depends on the sea conditions but it’s a real thrill to move in and out of those areas as the sea rises and falls.  Your captain will be very experienced and only attempt what is safe.

Be prepared, the ride out and back in the raft isn’t the most comfortable on your back.  As you go over the waves it can be a bit pounding and you’re sitting on the sides of the raft more or less facing the center.  I found I needed to put my outside leg over the side and sit facing more forward to keep my back relatively happy.  If you have back issues I’d recommend the sunset sail (the easiest) or the snorkel (much easier than the raft).  The bigger boats can’t get into the caves like the raft, so the experience is different, but anything you do on the Na Pali coast will be a one-of-a-kind adventure you won’t ever forget. 

The snorkel areas depend a lot on weather and can be amazing or sometimes only just “wonderful”.  Exploring the reef is quite an experience and don’t be surprised if you see critters you don’t often see while snorkeling elsewhere.

If conditions allow the raft will land you on a beach (where an ancient 800 year old Hawaiian village once stood) and allow you to eat on land and then snorkel the nearby reef.

In all cases the late afternoon/setting sun on the Na Pali hills should provide AMAZING photo opportunities.  I put my camera in a plastic bag for much of the ride out and back, but when the light was right it was around my neck and getting a good workout.

No transfers from or to the hotel are provided for these tours, so you’ll need to leave early for check in.  The location is Ele Ele and they’ll transfer you to Port Allen to get on the boat.  This is at least 35 minute drive if you know where you’re going and add 15 minutes if you don’t.  Cap’n Andy’s is located in the building below the McDonald’s in Ele Ele. 

If we're very lucky you may find some whales while we’re there as well.  We hope so!

Thar she blows.. . 

Don Klingborg, DVM

Kauai ATV Waterfall Tour

A guided tour taking about four hours and covering 23 miles of back roads and trails through tunnels, forests and farm/range lands.  Includes visits to a waterfall along with beautiful landscapes where parts of Hollywood productions including Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, Seven Days and Seven Nights, among others, were filmed.

Wear a swimsuit and water-friendly shoes/sandals, and bring a towel.  They’ll provide a freshly laundered shirt and riding shorts to absorb most of the dust and some of the mud.  You’ll also receive a helmet, goggles and a great bandana that can serve as a mask over your nose and mouth.  They have dressing rooms, toilets and lockers at the starting (and finishing) point.

Depending on weather you may experience splashing water, mud, dust, debris and other fun stuff.  I experienced a “mini” exposure while doing a site visit recently and made it through unscathed wearing one of their shirts over my clothes and camera.  If I were on the full trip I expect I would have come away considerably more dirty.

I don’t recommend taking expensive cameras on this trip – very bumpy and potentially very dusty, wet or muddy.  Their motto is “Do Something Dirty” and they mean it (in the nicest way).  Plenty of pretty things to photograph, but phone photo should meet your needs.

A deli lunch with a local snack and beverage will be provided and you’ll get some history, geography, geology and Hollywood information from the guides while on your journey.  You’ll have time to frolic in a freshwater mountain pool at the base of Mount Kahili before returning to the starting point at the old sugar mill.

They provide a variety of ATV’s.  The Mud Bunny is a single passenger vehicle (the driver) for those going solo.  The Mud Bug is for a driver and passenger, and the Ohana Bug is for a driver and 3 passengers.  There are two types of Mud Bugs available, the fancy and colorful model imported from China, and the plain utility models that are imported from Israel. 

My experience was in the Israeli model and it was a blast.  Noisy and a bit dusty, it handled the dirt roads and trails beautifully and was surprisingly comfortable.  Be forewarned, however, this in not recommended for people with bad backs or those concerned about keeping clean and tidy.  Should you be pregnant I strongly suggest a different excursion.

Transfers from and return to the hotel are included, and only about 10 minutes away so your time is spent playing rather than driving to and from the location.

Do Something Dirty!

Don Klingborg, DVM

Grand Hyatt Anara Spa -- VETS Attendees get a discount!

The Anara Spa is located adjacent to the fitness center, and offers all the amenities in its 45,000 sq. ft. 

 The fitness center is spacious with lots of equipment scattered among a few connected rooms.  Flat screen TV’s, the latest in cardio and strength-training equipment and available to hotel guests 24 hours a day.  They offer treadmills, cross trainers, upright and recumbent bikes, free weights, strength machines, stability balls, stretching mats, resistance tubing, jump ropes and weighted bars. 

In the spa ancient healing traditions combine with island botanical essences to inspire lokahi—balance and harmony of body and spirit.  Massages, body treatments and facials are offered in elegantly appointed treatment rooms, each opening onto its own tropical garden.  Unwind in the dry sauna, steam showers, or relaxation room.  Swim in the lap pool, or soothe those gnarly muscles in the Jacuzzi.  Water, tea, fruit and nuts are freely available.  You may also order a light lunch from a menu.

 Following your treatment, shower in the secluded outdoor lava showers then enjoy a full compliment of toiletries, including sunscreen, body lotion, and deodorant.  There are blow driers and hairbrushes (each one sealed in plastic) as well as styling gel.  With any purchase of a spa treatment, you have full use of the spa for that day.

 I had a 50 minute massage followed by a 50 minute facial.  The masseuse and the esthetician were both very professional and experienced.  They graciously personalized their treatments to address my requests and the result was one contented wet noodle.

 Bev Klingborg

Koloa Zip Line

“Holy Zip!!”

This is a great course for both the novice and the experienced “zipper”. 

The equipment is excellent, the guides are well trained and they provide a very useful “ground school” at the starting point.  I appreciated the attention to safety, the excellent launching and landing platforms and the unique options to match your experience with your preferences.

The “Flyin’ Kaua’iian” harness allows you to be hands and feet free, comfortably suspended and “Flyin” like Superman.   Another option is the “Aerobatics” harness that allows you to “Fly” upside down, backwards, spinning, in a spread eagle and starfish, and maybe in some other positions?  “Tandem” allows you to “Fly” with your kids (7 years and older) which is a great way to introduce them (or have them introduce you) to zipping.  Some of these options require a $20 upgrade fee and you can decide at the ground school.

Novices will want to ask for the rigging with the handlebar pulleys, allowing them more control as they fly between platforms.

Offering fantastic views, the course includes eight lines and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.  It runs through Hawaiian forests and hillsides with lovely views of the ocean, forest, rivers, mountains and the largest fresh water reservoir on the Island.  It includes three of the longest lines on Kauai with “the whopper” being Waita – ½ mile in length. 

A snack including a tasty tidbit from Anahola Granola, plus juice and water.  Only 12 at a time to minimize waiting and maximize “Flyin’”.

Minimum age for kids is 7 years, and those from 7 to 17 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.  Weight limit is 270 lbs. max for solo zippers, 280 lb. combined weight for tandems.   You will have a couple of walks up the hill, each about 400 feet in length, and one is at a 45 degree angle, so low to moderate physical strength is required.  Those of you with heart conditions, bone/joint injuries or a bad back should seek out a different excursion.  Similarly, those of you who are pregnant are not allowed to participate. 

A shirt with sleeves is recommended (no tank tops).  Knee length or longer pants, bring a jacket just in case and sturdy CLOSED TOE shoes are required.  Sneakers and boots are great.  Sandals and Crocks or other slip-ons are not allowed.   You can bring a small backpack for personal items.  One bottle of water is supplied.  You’ll have great still and video photo opportunities, but be sure the camera is secured to your body as they are very difficult to find if they fall.

It’s only 10 minutes from the hotel and transfers are provide from the hotel and the return.

Whether you’re a novice or expert, I think this course has something for you to really enjoy.

Be your own version of a “Flyin’ Kaua’iian”!

Don Klingborg, DVM

The 2016 Muller - Ihrke Veterinary Dermatology Seminar Schedule

October 29 – November 2, 2016

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii

Saturday, October 29

8:00-8:50       Something New, Something Old:     Pediatric and Geriatric Skin Diseases –  Outerbridge

9:05-9:55       Atopic Dermatitis: Current Concepts and New Treatment Options – Rosenberg

9:55-10:25      Break

10:25-11:15    Folds, Cracks, Creases, Crevasses:Why Not Make Life Easier? Surgical Treatment of Vulvar Folds, Nasal Folds and Corkscrew Tails – Smeak 

11:30-12:20     How I Treat Discoid Lupus Erythematous and Perianal Fistulas – Rosenberg

12:20-12:45      Q & A Discussion

Sunday, October 30

8:00-8:50      Dermatophytes, Demodex and Pyoderma: Oh My! New Diagnostics and Treatments – Cole

9:05-9:55       Topical Therapy for Common Dermatoses: What’s the Rationale, What’s the Evidence? – Outerbridge

9:55-10:25      Break

10:25-11:15     A Practical Approach to the Dreaded Food Trial and New Diet Options for Allergic Dermatitis – Rosenberg

11:30-12:20      Pad Lacerations: Important Principles for Treatment – Smeak

12:20-12:45        Q & A Discussion

Monday, October 31

FREE DAY!  Explore Maui!!

Tuesday, November 1

8:00-8:50   What’s New?  Key Clinical Updates for General Practice from the 8th World Congress of Veterinary Dermatology and Recent Dermatology Publications – Kwochka

9:05-9:55   Tips on Two Common Challenges: Surgical Treatment of Those “Pesky” Interdigital Cysts and Anal Sac Excision the Safe Way – Smeak

9:55-10:25    Break

10:25-11:15  Itchy Cat, Itchy Cat, Itchy Cat: Is it Allergic or Not?  How to Tell the Difference –Rosenberg        

11:30-12:20   Can I Make Sense Out of that Strange Nose?  Yes!  A Practical Approach to Diseases of the Nasal Planum – Outerbridge

12:20-12:45   Q & A Discussion

Wednesday, November 2

 Treatment of Otitis in 2016: An Otitis Short Course

 

8:00-8:50     Otitis: A Step-by-Step Approach for Successful Management – Cole

9:05-9:55     Why, When and How of Ear Cleaning: It’s Really Important! – Cole

9:55-10:25   Break

10:25-11:15  Treatment of Otitis Externa and Media: So Many Options, How do I Choose? – Cole

11:30-12:20   Surgical Decision Making for Chronic Otitis Externa and Media – Smeak

12:20-12:45   Q & A Discussion & Closing Remarks

Top 10 Reasons to Attend THIS CE meeting!

1. You’ve earned it.  You deserve time off to recharge your batteries AND learn new ideas that will benefit your practice!

2.   This meeting is loaded with VALUE. It takes place during the ‘shoulder season,’ which means your CE dollars will go farther than you might expect. Enjoy uncrowded beaches & pools and great rates for rooms with ocean views.

3.  Better Learning, By Design— As part of the program, our Speakers understand that they are to be available as your Consultants for the week.  So bring your tough case questions and talk with them one on one, or learn from the group at each day’s end when we hold a panel discussion. 

4.  It’s on a Hawaiian Island! Beaches, restaurants, art galleries, pools, snorkeling, waterfalls, botanical gardens and so many other adventures.  The dress for the meeting is Hawaii-casual.  Come in shorts and sandals, you’ll be in good company.

5.  You can Learn, Renew and Explore.  With lectures completed before 1 pm, there is ample time for you to relax or explore the island. Our family friendly locations and great excursions provide fun activities for all ages.

6.  All the CE you need in one meeting.  In one week, our seminars will cover the latest in  Dermatology, Endocrinology, Internal Medicine, and Infectious Disease. That’s over 25 CE units of practical information.

7.  Experience First Class CE. Comfortable, open meeting space and roomy seating.  Breakfast is included with the registration fees for all attendees.  Seminars are held in one hotel so you won’t feel like a rat in a maze trying to find the next lecture hall!

8.  Focus on the Practical.  Our speakers present practical information designed for the everyday practitioner.  If you weren’t likely to see a similar case within the previous 30 days, we probably won’t be talking about it.

9.  The Exhibit Hall.  Our schedule gives you plenty of time and one-on-one access to really get your questions answered by the various industry representatives. 

10.  We’ve designed the best CE meeting in the world.  Speakers you can talk to, a comfortable, uncrowded lecture hall, Half-Day Seminars give you time to absorb the morning’s lectures and go have fun in the afternoon, a beautiful tropical location that offers activities for all ages.