Quack Quack Quack!!!!
I’m not doing Sunday Stealing this week. Me give reasons? pfffft Besides, I have a better post to do for Sunday and that was to tell you about the Duck Tour Quilly, Charley and I went on. There are two tours. One comes out East where we all live so we thought it best to go on the Arizona Memorial tour. Well the “Duck” was to pick us up at 8:30. So I go pick up Quilly and Charley around 7:15 and off we finally go and get down to the Ala Moana Hotel about 7:45. Well the “Duck” shows up a little after 8 and we have to wait a little bit longer for 2 other people. When the two other people show up there are a total of 7 of us on the tour. A couple of Pennsylvania, another couple from Honolulu, Quilly, Charley and myself. Oh yeah, there was one other guy that was sent from Japan, from the new company that just bought Hawai’i Duck Tours so he really didn’t count. We were sort of shocked of so few people but oh well and that there were only two tourists on board. Oh well.
Captain Bruce was hysterical throughout the tour. He had been with them for 6 years and you can tell. He’s got his spiel down pat and does a very good job. There were some parts where he went off on a tangent on some things and it was tedious, put for the most part he was entertaining. Well if you have never been on one of these amphibious machines, let me tell you, they don’t move fast at all. We were lucky to hit 25 MPH I’m sure of it. But it was fun and entertaining all the way out to the Arizona Memorial. When we got there, Captain Bruce had to get our tickets to go through the little movie you see about the Arizona Memorial and then the boat tour to see the Memorial itself. Well we had about 2 hours to kill so Charley said he wanted to see the Bowfin Submarine Museum.
Let me tell you that was the highlight of the tour. If you have never been on a submarine, it is a real learning experience. It took a little over an hour I would say and was just fantastic. I could never have served on a submarine. It’s too cramped of quarters and everything is so small. You should see the hatches you have to go through. They are made for very tiny people. Anyway, it was just amazing to learn about submarines and as I say, it was the highlight for me of our day.
We then go to the theater to await for our 11:40 show time and it’s running 20 minutes late. No biggy. We go and watch the show which was packed full of the event’s of December 7, 1941. I had seen this before, but it’s been years. So it was great to see it again. Then over to the Memorial we go. It’s like a 5 minute boat ride across the harbor. It’s a solemn place but being truthful it doesn’t do much for me. As I told Quilly and Charley, I guess it’s because I wasn’t alive during that time. Yes I’m sorry it happened and am proud of the military and all, but Ground Zero would have a much bigger impact on me as I lived to experience that. No I wasn’t actually there, but I lived it through the TV. Anyway, it was a great seeing it again. It makes me very proud to be an American.
So we are done with that and then comes what all three of us have been looking forward to going into the water finally. Well slowly we make our way to Keehi Lagoon and Captain Bruce stops right before going down the ramp, shifts gears or engages the sailing part of this machine and down we go. It was a blast to be in the water. It’s just like being in a boat. We didn’t go far, but just far enough to enjoy. All three of us also agreed that we weren’t in the water long enough, but what do you do.
So we get done with that, back up the ramp and slowly start our way back through town and back to the Ala Moana Hotel and he drops us off. Quilly made sure that she got the duck whistles she paid for. Quack Quack. I must say it was a very entertaining day. But the best part was spending it with Quilly and Charley. Yes they are a hoot and that “He Said” “She Said” that she posts frequently really does happen. I am happy to report that I was your fly on the wall for that one. Oh yeah, we had hot dogs for lunch. Mmm Mmm good. I took plenty of pictures. You can view them all on My Flickr Account by clicking this link. I also have some other photos that I have taken here that I will share in upcoming meme’s. WOOT!!!
Thanks Quilly and Charley for the fantastic day. You two are the bomb and I’m glad to be able to spend a little bit more time with you before you take off for your new beginning. 
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- The “Duck”
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- Quilly and Charley in front of the Duck at The Arizona Memorial
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- Captain Bruce
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- The Arizona Memorial
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- Quilly and Charley sitting in the Duck
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- Bowfin Submarine
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- The Mighty Mo
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- On the outside of the Bowfin Submarine
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- Driving the Duck down the ramp at Keehi Lagoon
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- Quilly and Charley in the Duck on the water
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- Driving up the ramp to dry land and our slow drive back
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- US Flag on back of the boat that takes you to the Memorial
Hey, it’s only my opinion.
A Hui Hou
I’ve been wanting to try the Philadelphia Duck Tour now I really want to. I’ve seen them in other cities too. It sounds like you guys had a fun time and the pictures are great. I love that reflection of the Bowfin in the water.
Thanks for the nice comment about my picture. It’s not sepia just really rusty looking colors to start with then I added a warm color filter. People used to attach warm or cool or different types of color filters to their lens to add tints to pictures. Now that can be done in photoshop or other editing software. It’s pretty fun to play around with.
Have a good one!
I remember a long long time ago you posted that on one of your blogs. It was very fun to do today. Those machines are so slow though. LOL But it was a fun time.
Thank you for letting me know about the filters…geeze there is soooo much to learn. Have a wonderful Sunday 
Sounds like a very fun time! I have been on a Duck before in the Dells! They are fun and like you said they move very slow. I don’t think I myself could be on a submarine either. I don’t like cramped spaces either.
It was a blast
And those submarines…well I can do without living in them believe me 
I am really happy that you didn’t steal on sunday this time ! What a nice post ! I almost felt like doing the tour with you ! How interesting ! I have seen such “ducks” in Wisconsin Dells when I was at my aunt’s, but I have never been on it. Looks really like a lot of fun !
Well the meme stunk this week if you ask me, and like I said, I had more important things to blog about
Glad you felt like you were part of it 
I had a lovely time today, Thom. There were aspects of the tour I didn’t like, but I was with my two favorite men so of course I had a grand time!
Thanks Q…it was fun and you are right, there was some of it that wasn’t good but for the most part it was fantastic
it’s the company that made it a great and fun experience Thom. hotdogs for lunch made it all the more perfect. quack quack!!!
Good Luck and Godspeed to Quilly and Charley on their new life’s journey.
You are so right. It was the company and the hot dogs
I kept wondering how did the quack look like until I reached the photos. What an interesting vehicle and it sounds like a great quacking tour
It was a quaking good time LOL That vehicle is slow slow slow slow slow
Excellent post Thom!!! You really made us feel as if we were right there with the three of you. I WAS on that sub…and talk about claustrophobia! I could NOT let me repeat…could NOT take it. I left in a hurry. But the AZ Mem film was good. Now about this amphibian thingie…it’s goes UNDER water for underwater viewing? O lordy…I’d stay on shore for that too.
Excellent post again Thom
Mahalo my friend. I’m glad you enjoyed this
It floats on top of the water doesn’t go underneath it though. It was really fun 
Those subs I tell ya…you have to be tiny to work and live in ‘em as well 
I’ve been to the Arizona memorial – it’s quite something to see. Didn’t get there by duck though
Sounds like a cool experience!
LOL…You didn’t quack your way there? You don’t know what your missing. Thanks my friend
It was 
What a wonderful day! Those ducks are fun. Like Stacie, I went on a tour @ Wisconsin Dells in … Wisconsin.
Though the paint scheme was very different, at least at the time. But I must admit that it was probably 25 years ago. (When I type numbers like that, I realize that I really am old. lol)
I understand about not being moved at the AZ Memorial. In pictures and on tv and stuff, it always struck me as being pretty, and relevant because it marks the spot, but visually it doesn’t evoke anything about the the military or war.
But at least you got a nice boatride.
Mwah! xoxo
You are so right Larisa about the Memorial. It’s a great memorial to what happened I must say. LOL…boy now your making Spike think about how old he is as well LOL. YIKES!!!! xoxoxox
wow that sounds like an interesting tour and a fun time with your friends!
Indeed it was. Mahalo my friend
What a great day, Thom! Sounds as though you all had a blast! Love your photos!I would have loved to be able to tag along on this one!!!
Have a great day!
Sylvia
Thank you my friend. If it’s still in business when you come over one of these days we will do it again. Glad you enjoyed
Wonderful post!
I might have mentioned my Hubby worked on submarines for many many years. He often rode them out to sea on trials to test equipment.
He used to tell me about sleeping wherever he could. I’ve toured a couple. I wouldn’t like it.
Great pics of the day!
Carletta — they call it “hot bunking”, one guy gets out of the bed and the next guy gets in!
Carletta: Boy I don’t know how he did it. Hat’s off to him I tell ya. Glad you enjoyed the pictures
Quilly: I meant to say when we learned that wouldn’t you think they would get crappy amounts of sleep? But there again I guess they get use to it
it’s great that you guys spent a memorable day together and even had fun! too bad your time together is quickly drawing to an end.
Indeed it is and it’s memories like this that will last a life time
Wait…you’re not doing Sunday Stealing?
It was one of those really long ones with stupid questions that nobody wants to answer again.
That and I don’t give reasons. There were no quesitons…PFFFT…Besides, this was much more important
We toured a sub as well as the USS Yorktown in Charleston a few years ago with the boys. I could not live in a sub — it was almost too claustrophobic to tour it! I don’t know how people lived there, but I appreciate them.
You and me both my friend. I just don’t get it and could never do it
We did the Charleston Duck tour one year – it was a lot of fun! It’s fun being a tourist in your own backyard sometimes!
It sure is. Funny thing there were more locals on this than tourists
LOL
We saw a Duck Tour in DC and didn’t know what it was. Your tour was great, thanks for those photos! That shot of the flag against the distant skyline is gorgeous, but they’re al wonderful — you’re getting better and better with the camera.
I’m glad you three had such a good day out together. I imagine they need a break from the moving stress, too.
Quack!
Quack Quack…what do you mean a rest. They haven’t packed anything. The movers do it all LOL. They are fun. Captain Bruce seems to think they are going to go outta business. So who knows. If ya see one again, you should go on the tour
Quack Quack 
Pffff! Can I write this? All along I thought quack quack meant the real ducks! The vehicle is neat! I have also been to the Arizona Memorial Tour, it was fun, but that was before my photography hobby. I do not know where I kept my photos!
LOL…Well I’m glad you figured it out LOL. Too bad you can’t find the photos. I’m just like you before I started taking pictures I just put them anywhere. I have know idea were most of them are now
LOL 
Looks like the three of you had fun, I am going between the blog and Flicker, great pics by the way. I know you’re going to miss her sweetie!
xoxoxoxoxoxx
I’m glad you enjoyed and visited my flickr page sweetie. Yeah, we just got back from dinner and it was fun. Have a good one
xoxoxox
How cool!! That looks like a really fun time. I have never been on one of those things.
Where are all the pictures of you???
And I agree…things that I have lived through generally have way more of an impact on me!
LOL…I don’t point the camera on myself. LOL. I guess Quilly will post those on her Flickr account. I have one that I”m going to post later LOL It’s a riot. I’m glad you feel the same way I do but I can’t help it. I have to experience I guess to make it more real
I took the kids on a Duck tour in Wisconsin Dells; it was fun! Even better when he warned us about the people in the back not putting stuff on the floor they didn’t want to get wet… one lady put her purse on the floor, and when we entered the lake, it floated up to the front of the Duck! (You can’t say she wasn’t warned!)
I visited the Arizona/Pearl Harbor memorial back in 1986. It had meaning to me because it marked the point where my grandfather joined the Navy. I imagine it is less striking if you don’t have a personal “hook” for it (like you do for Ground Zero).
Yeah they did warn us about that as well. But no water came in. I can see your point about the Memorial. That makes sense
And your right I do need the personal “hook”
Sounds and looks like a great tour and a great time had by all.
Would love to do that one day
It was really fun. I do hope you get to do it one day
I’m not sure I could tour a submarine. Nope, in fact, I KNOW I could never do it. I’m much too claustrophobic to do that. I’ve toured an aircraft carrier, and going below gave me the shakes. Those racks on which they sleep? Made me queasy to look at them.
Not sure how I’d feel touring the Arizona. My family has such a rich military tradition, and my parents suffered such atrocities during WWII. I’m sure I would be a crying mess.
Yeah they are something else those subs. As for the Memorial that makes sense that you would feel that way. I guess one just never knows until they visit it