How a heavy wind took us from Reykjavík to Honolulu

The Months of Preparation: After hours of research, meticulous planning, and brimming anticipation, our family had mapped out our perfect Reykjavík adventure. The Northern Lights, the Blue Lagoon, and the Golden Circle were just a few highlights on our dreamy Icelandic itinerary. Among the numerous planned activities, our daughter had made a delightful discovery: a cozy cat café in the heart of Reykjavík. As avid animal lovers, this quirky find was high on our must-visit list. She had eagerly browsed photos of the Icelandic kitties and was particularly excited to sip a warm drink while making some furry friends in a foreign land.

The Unexpected Turn: Just hours before our departure, while our bags were brimming with thermal gear, thick sweaters, and hiking boots, we were hit with the news: our flight was cancelled. Not only were Reykjavík's wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 50 mph, but the relentless rain would've resulted in sideways downpours. With the bleak weather outlook, our picturesque Icelandic excursions seemed under threat. The challenge now was not just facing the disappointment of a canceled flight but also the mad scramble to repack our suitcases. Out went the snow jackets and in came the swimsuits, sunscreen, and beach towels. That’s right, we’re going the other direction, instead of UTC 0 we’re going to UTC-10.

The Eureka Moment: Huddled together in our living room, our search for alternatives was fueled by more than just a dashed vacation dream. Securing time off from work had been a juggling act, and convincing our daughter's school to allow her extended absence had been a bit of a skirmish. We couldn’t afford to simply wait around. Our time was finite, and every hour counted. The weight of the logistical challenges pressed on us, but it was the idea of a radical change in direction that lifted our spirits. From the biting cold of Reykjavík to the balmy embrace of Honolulu? It was audacious, impulsive, but it held a magic that made our hearts race with excitement. Plus, it ticked off another bucket list item.

A Blessing in Disguise: With fingers crossed, we scanned for any available departures from Portland the next day. And as if by a stroke of luck (or perhaps the winds of fate?), there it was: a direct flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. We seized the moment and booked our tickets, trading our snow boots for flip-flops. Well, mostly, we still didn’t quite get everything packed right. Missing a few pairs of shorts here, a shirt or two there… Why did we bring a jacket? Lol, sure didn’t need this hoodie.

From Ice to Island: Our trip was transformed in an instant. Instead of exploring geysers and ice caves, we found ourslves swimming with baby swordfish and lounging on sandy shores. What started as a setback became an unforgettable adventure, proving that sometimes, life's unexpected twists can lead to the most delightful destinations. You know what? We also found a Hawaiian Cat Cafe to visit and pet some kitties!

A Stay to Remember... For Mixed Reasons: Our chosen hotel, booked in haste, was a peculiar mix of charm and chaos. The rooms were far from spacious, with an ambiance that whispered of better days long past. Some amenities were conspicuously absent (the wifi was over satureated and did not function) and the visible wear and tear hinted at a lack of regular maintenance. For real, there were boogers stuck to the walls. To add to the mix, during the very night I grappled with food poisoning, the fire alarm blared into the early morning hours. The culprits? A group of raucous 20-somethings, whose prank left the entire hotel in momentary panic.

Ocean Relief: While I rested up between frequent sprints to the bathroom, grappling with the unpleasant side effects of food poisoning, in my head the count was chanting, 10 poo poo poos… ha ha ha, my family decided not to let the day go to waste. They slipped into their swimsuits, headed out, and immersed themselves in the refreshing ocean waves. They explored the vibrant expanse of Waikiki Beach, basking in the sun and soaking up the local ambiance, bringing back tales of their beachside adventures to lighten my spirits.

No matter the setbacks, the laughter and shared experiences turned every twist and turn into cherished memories of our unplanned Hawaiian journey.

Now, here we sit, early to the airport, waiting to fly back to PDX and I honestly can’t wait to eat a plate full of veggies, use my own shower, sans wall boogers, and sleep in my own bed. But most of all, I can’t wait to give our doggie a big ol snuggle!

Enjoy some of our photography.