Positive News Regarding Lake Mead and Lake Powell in Arizona

Aloha Everyone,

Lake Mead is the largest reservoir of water in the United States by volume and in terms of surface area, Lake Mead is second to Lake Powell.  

Lake Mead includes four large, connected basins covering deep canyons along the historic Colorado River channel. J.J. and I are familiar with this section of Lake Mead. When we drive from Arizona to California, we crossed four basins including Gregg, Temple, Virgin and Boulder.

Our son, Jeff’s familiarity with Lake Mead is white water kayaking on the Colorado River towards the Hoover Dam.

As a positive result of heavy rains and snowfalls in the Pacific Northwest, Lake Meads’ water level has risen 10-15 feet and Lake Powell is 65 feet higher. Really wonderful news since millions depend on this water.

Below map provided by the website of nps.gov

Aloha -- Cathi

Filipino Food

Aloha Everyone,

It’s been nearly 3 months since J.J. and I returned from the Philippines. Although he enjoyed some Filipino cuisine on board Regatta, he was looking for a change in our daily menu.

We purchased several different items for our meals for the next two days. Interestingly, J.J. commented that dishes taste better perhaps due to better ingredients and a more Americanized taste.

Aloha -- Cathi

Air Quality Alerts Resulting from Canadian Wildfires

Aloha Everyone,

More than a dozen U.S. states from New York to the mid-Atlantic have been impacted by poor air quality as a result of over 400 wildfires in Canada’s province of Quebec and Ontario. Those who belong to “sensitive group” including seniors, children and people with respiratory disorders are warned to stay indoors.

Public schools in New York City on Wednesday had to cancel outdoor activities. At La Guardia airport, due to a low visibility, a ground stop was issued by (FAA) Federal Aviation Administration.

Wildfires, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, typhoons and any extreme weather conditions are something we have to be conscious of. When one is traveling, such mayhem could affect not just our travel plans but one’s emotional as well as physical wellbeing.

Aloha -- Cathi

Laguna Woods Retirement Community

Aloha Everyone,

Laguna Woods Village is a 55+ retirement community located in Laguna Beach.

Flipping through pages of the Laguna Woods magazine, activities that caught my eyes included cancer prevention and detection, Laguna Woods art exhibition and numerous food related activities such as a Jewish Food Festival.

There are more than 250 clubs, special interests groups and organizations. They have 22 athletic and sports activities including American Mahjong, archery, badminton, basketball, bicycling, billiards, bocce ball, bridge, equestrian, golf, target shooting, tennis, volleyball, and the list goes on.

Janet, whom we visited last Saturday with my sister, was so enthusiastic and said one can be kept engaged from morning to night with chance to make like-minded new friends.

Information was obtained from Laguna Woods Magazine, Village Breeze, March/April 2023 issue.

Aloha -- Cathi

Honu’s Renovation

Aloha Everyone,

Our friend Dan did great renovation on Honu. Main items included replacing the old torn screen that covers the rear section. The screen also offers privacy. J.J. and I can see out but people cannot see inside. During hot months, having the screen permits us to leave it open for ventilation, yet prevent mosquitos and other insects from entering.

Other work included new locks for interior drawers, ceiling light fixtures, kitchen water pipe replacement, etc.

J.J. has a few other things to repair and replace.  We can then plan a driving trip during the summer months before leaving on our upcoming cruises.

Aloha -- Cathi