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Hawaiian Vacation

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16 Comments

Aloha! Been in Hawaii for 10 days now and have had a truly great time enjoying the people and the beauty of this place.

The boat you see in the shots is a six-man outrigger canoe, a very traditional boat that has been modernized. People race them between the Hawaiian Islands and all over the South Pacific. It’s a traditional sport out here and I had fun trying my hand at it. The guys here at Kukio are among the best in the world, if not THE best.

As a gesture to LIVESTRONG and all it represents, they painted up one of their racing boats black with LIVESTRONG in yellow all over it. And they LIVESTRONG‘ed out their jerseys as well which was really cool.

We had a pretty humbling and awesome experience with the whale you see in the photos here. We were going along in the LIVESTRONG outrigger when a humpback popped its face up out of the water, gave us a look and then tucked back into the water to swim under our boat. I swam with a whale shark once which also humbles you but this was pretty interesting. I was A LITTLE excited and A LOT scared.

An amazing experience and amazing trip. To be able to be out in the ocean and appreciate this part of nature is something one tends to forget living in Central Texas. I’ve appreciated it a lot.

Now I’m ready to get home and get back to work.

LIVESTRONG,
Lance

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Nue, Earl, Nate, Billy, Charlie, Seth, Thibert, Cameron, Chris, Ikaika, Lance, Nick, “College” and Mike

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  • http://canceradvocacy.blogspot.com/ Brian Dowd

    Well deserved vacation Lance. Great photos! Seeing the whale must have been incredible experience and you are lucky to have caught it on camera.

  • A

    That is a magnificent experience. I’m deeply envious.

  • Vicky

    Beautiful photos. What a great experience for you Lance… So sad to see how you’ve “let yourself go” since retiring from cycling…:)

  • http://www.geneticfreakministry.com Todd E.Shoemaker

    Great photos. I encourage you to continue making a difference in the lives of many. Thank you for the awesome work you have already done.

  • http://bayarea08.livestrong.org/mike Mike

    Shhhhhh….don’t tell everybody what an awesome nature vacation Hawaii is!!!! It’ll turn into Disneyworld (or Waikiki)! We saw the same sights on horseback in Maui and went bike riding with your old pal Donny!
    LiveSTRONG! Now, back to work!

  • http://xanga.com/ckuretich christin

    I cannot BELIEVE that whale picture. That is just INCREDIBLE!!

  • ejwilder

    Cool pics, Champ! Nice form on the paddle stroke- outriggers are training wheels for canoes. Looks like ur ready for the texaswatersafari.org

  • ejwilder

    BTW, just kidding about the training wheel remark- hope none of you outriggers out there took offense!!!

  • http://myspace.com/jpfrog Diane Acosta

    Hawaii is such a wonderful tonic. Nothing like breathing the fresh air and being in touch with nature.

    Ok.. The Alps have that too, but…Hawaii is special :)

  • Kehaulani

    These photos are simply poetic. To be at eye level with such an amazingly beautiful creature is like finding gold at the end of a rainbow.

    I’ve witnessed their beauty within 50′ back when I worked on a whale watching cruise ship, but I’m completely envious of you and your mates for that opportunity. Although, how befitting to have such a close encounter between a man of hope and an animal of wonder. Kudos on you, Mr. Armstrong.

  • gozzer massage

    Lance, you can always work from Kukio, the best place on earth.. The whale is amazing, wish i was there – thanks for all you’ve done and continually do for these amazing people. keeping the hope and anticipation alive is a gift!!

  • adrian

    hello lance i say to you today my friend i am a big fan of you and your cyclist career are very wonderful. you’re my example in my life.i’m a french teenager who know that knowledge is power and attitude is everything! your association is simply great and wonderful

  • http://www.maxpowercycling.com Bill Golembieski

    Nice you should have turned it into a pedal boat.. I’m sure you would have gone a lot faster! =P

  • Kristi Gacayan

    SSSSHHHH! I live here on the Big Island ! Keep it on the down low! I love the peace and serenity here!

  • http://www.enjoyhawaiivacations.com/ThingsToDoinHawaii.html Xponent

    Thank you for sharing your exciting vacation. Hawaii is the ideal place for romance, relaxation, and a fun family vacation. Hawaii is not only a heavenly vacation spot, but also a wonderful destination for thrilling experiences like yours. Just viewing your photos makes me a little bit excited and a lot scared, too! I hope you will share more experiences with us.

  • Kuuleinani

    Aloha, Here in hawaii the whale is one of the strongest and oldest amakuas. We consider them guardians in our journey among land and they bring blessings to those who encounter them..Awesome, while looking at this photo I realized that he peaked where you would no doubt see him..this has many signs in itself and tells me how awesome and brilliant your spirit is ..I am grateful for your gift that you share with us and thank you Mr. Armstrong for being willing to not only share your sucess but also your challenges. You are a brilliant light in this world and your contribution to us is phenomenal. Gods Blessings my friend. I pray this memo finds you in good health and Great spirits. A Hui Ho