Like They Were Crazy

Tuesday's photoshoot was of two residences on the ocean in Napili where I was invited to spend the night.

I'm sure they did not understand why I looked at them like they were crazy. But why would I want to spend the night anywhere but at my own home on the ocean? I never tire of being able to walk out my front door and down a few steps to the beach. After processing photos on my computer all day today, I just remembered where I was, took the short stroll, laid on the warm sand for a bit, then took a refreshing dip in the warm Pacific waters. I am fully revived and grateful. What a life.

Sleepy Water

For a change I swam in front of my house this morning. Unlike the other places I usually swim, all of the many sea turtles I saw were napping on the bottom.

Is it something in our water? I don't know, but I think I'll take a nap.

Rough Job

I've been on assignment all day photographing two residences in Napili, but I managed this quick grab with my phone camera.

Almost Summer

Even though we had to fight a current and a wind chop, this morning's ocean swim was spectacular. The water was soooo clear and even almost not too cold. Hooray, summer is almost here.

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Return Visitors

My swim buddy, Dave, had just finished counting forty Spinner Dolphins this morning when we turned around and there was another group, a bigger group, behind us. Dolphin soup.

How great. It has been well over a month since I've seen the dolphins last, I wonder where they've been? Anyway, I'm glad they're back.

It's All Good

This family made me think of my friends. We delight in playing in the ocean. Small waves, big waves, or no waves - it doesn't matter. We simply have lots of fun.

This couple on the other hand this morning was involved in a lengthy and loud discussion of whether it would be better to snorkel to the right or to the left. On and on and on.

As is so often said here in the islands: It's all good. And it is.

Crab Digger

My thanks to Scott and Anita for pointing out this Spotted Eagle Ray to me during my ocean swim this morning. This one was hot on the trail of a yummy crab which had burrowed into the sand. The fish were hoping for any stray bits which might happen to float their way.

Goopy Roads

Wailea Ike Drive is now at the height of Monkeypod season. The large dark brown pods fall from the trees by the bazillions and when they are run over they exude a sticky, oily goop. Though I can't deny that the trees are beautiful and well worth a month of mess.

Mystery Hunter

Something was on the hunt this morning. Most of the fish I saw while on my ocean swim were gathered tightly in schools instead of being spread out like they usually are. Hmmm. I wonder what it was?

Maui Beach Activities

After
and
Before

Congratulations Patti & Rob

Patti was able to join us in effigy for her birthday swim this morning. The water was clear and we all had fun with her long-distance presence.

She also joined us for brunch afterward and even had some chocolate cake with Rob to celebrate his newly acquired U.S. citizenship.

Click HERE for more photos from today's ocean swim and brunch.

Lay Down Kayaking

Stand Up Paddling is the hot ocean activity on Maui these days, but Lay Down Kayaking was looking pretty good to me this morning!

Please Make Him Stop

Not another waterfall picture! Haven't we seen enough of them already? Please, make him stop.

Sorry y'all, but I cain't help myself, they're so dang purdy. When I passed this waterfall on my walk this morning, the camera seemed to operate under its own volition.

Same with this new beach umbrella today. It was such a bright, glowing yellow that I could not resist taking a snapshot.

Hooray for Boring

Thank goodness for the ocean. I have been spending waaaaaayyyyyyy too much time working. Although I'm also glad that I did not see anything very interesting on this morning's ocean swim, because I really do not have the time to process a bunch of dolphin photos.

Choosey Sharks

Every year for his birthday, George does a swan dive off the jumping-off-rock. This time he did it in his usual excellent form wearing his birthday tie.

Christine scraped on the rocks going through the Arch this morning and left a trail of blood behind her for the duration of the swim. Thank goodness our Hawaiian sharks don't like the way she tastes.

Click HERE for more photos from today's ocean swim.

Marooned

Here's a new one on me. This lizard, an anole I assume, was on a rock surrounded by water. I'm guessing it crawled out in pursuit of prey while the tide was out and was now trapped on its tiny lava island. Or can they swim? Anybody know?

Fraidy Cat

The kids played in the splash pool this morning. We find that if you get right up against the cliffs, when big waves crash they throw us up into the air. Lynne even managed to get completely out of the water at one spot, but I was too much of a fraidy-cat to get close enough to get a photo. Maybe next time.

Poetic License

As I was walking past this popular SCUBA spot two days ago, one of the SCUBA groups yelled out to me, "Hey, we have a question for you."

I walked over to them and they asked, "Do SCUBA bubbles really smell?"

Uh oh, someone's been reading my blog. And apparently one of my posts (click HERE) had made them self-conscious, because they told me that they now always brush their teeth right before going on a dive.

And my answer? Poetic license (or in English, not usually).

Clothing Optional

Finally, warmer water. Today was my first swim since December without a wet suit - and it was great.

You Will Be Here

The Wailea Marriott's newish "Serenity" pool is quite attractive. The four little "island" pavilions are a bit ostentatious, but fun nonetheless. And, unlike so many clueless homeowners around here, they actually keep the landscaping below the pool in check so that while you are in the pool the infinity edge actually seems to spill over into the ocean. Well done, Marriott.

If you see the view below as you are driving, then you are almost at my house. Make the first right as you head up the hill and you will be here.

Play Day

Today was a perfect play day in the ocean. The water was clear and flat (except for a bit of bumpiness right in the middle) and still a bit chilly. When is summer going to get here?

We got to sing Happy Birthday to Kathleen and make plans for George's birthday swim next Sunday.

Click HERE for more photos from this morning's swim.

Finally

Finally, a good use for tennis balls!

Snapping Flowers

This morning I was out snapping flowers for Mother's Day. These are two different varieties of Hibiscus which are growing in our yard.

Down Low

I love the fact that the children's bathroom of the house I photographed today has a sink and tub only a couple feet high. Now that's good design

Colorful Carapaces

Spiny Lobster carapaces often wash ashore on our beach. This evening I stumbled across the shells of two of these brightly colored creatures.

The colors weren't too far removed from those of the sunset going on at the same time. Our spectacular sunsets are so commonplace that I don't even notice them anymore.  Thank goodness I was desperate for a blog post (I've been so busy with work that I had forgotten all about my blog).