Walk on By

Sorry, no great (or even interesting) photos today, just a shot of Wailea beach this morning as I walked on by.

The Whole Clan

 My buddies, the Spotted Eagle Rays, are back in South Maui once again. I have seen one or two every so often, but it has been a while since the whole clan has been together. Welcome home.

Now if only the dolphins could follow suit and reappear once again...

Talk of the Town

 I don't know which got more attention today: the big yacht parked in front of our house, or the endangered monk seal sleeping at Kam III beach.

We get big private yachts passing through from time to time, but A (the name of this ship) has to be the biggest we've ever seen. The unusual shape has been part of what is keeping everyone talking (click HERE for the wikipedia entry).

Our endangered Monk Seals also get a lot of attention when they stop for a snooze, and this gal was no exception.

Paradise

Maui isn't just a winter destination. Nope.

This is a magnificent place all year long. Never too hot, never too cold - it is perfect.

And thanks to our spider and lizard population, there are never too many insects either.

This is Paradise.

Slipping Away

 Poor Bruce. Ever since her dental problems began, she hasn't been the same shark. Even her memory seems to be slipping - she doesn't seem to remember who I am any more. She shunned me this morning by turning her back on me every time I got near.

The good news is that the ocean water is once again clear and warm and wonderfully swimable.

Mostly Submerged

 Mr. & Mrs. Frog were hanging out in the lily pond this morning, which would explain why all of the dragonflies are suddenly missing. Rrribbitt

This spotted Brown Anole was proudly puffing out his dewlap in an attempt to impress the passersby.

I tried pointing out the two frogs to a group of children who came by, but my magic camera strikes again - it could see things that were invisible to the human eye. The kids could not see the mostly submerged amphibians.

Underwater Dance

I went my entire swim without seeing a single turtle, then as I arrived at the beach these two showed up doing an elaborate underwater dance. 

I did see fish though. Lots and lots of fish.

Stand of Defiance

Sand Crabs usually skitter away into their holes as I approach, but not this guy. Not only did he stand his ground, but he actually raised his claws in defiance the closer I got.

I think these people (below) were happy to be on Maui this morning.

Poor Bruce

The big south swell is finally subsiding after almost two weeks, which means the water is almost clear enough for safe swimming. Hooray!

It was borderline today, but I got out there anyway. It has been way too long since I've gotten a decent swim.

Poor Bruce seems to have a gum infection, probably due to eating something which probably should have been left on a fishing line somewhere. Poor baby.

Here There Be Dragons

I watched numerous Dragonflies mating this morning in a lily pond. It was interesting that the females would submerge themselves while laying eggs, then would be lifted up out of the water and flown through the air by the males. 

Down the Street

If you ever hear me say that the island of Molokini is just down the street, you will know that I mean exactly what I say.

Breakfast Swoop

 I love watching a graceful Manta Ray as it swoops along the edge of a reef while feeding. This one paid no attention to me this morning because it was concentrating on eating breakfast.

These Omilu on the other hand were keeping a close eye on me, checking me out from all sides.

Pig and Scruff

 Who doesn't take their pet pig to the beach? Ummm, me. Mostly because I do not have one and never expect that I will.

Here I am sporting a little bit of scruff while taking a few days off from shaving.

And finally, this is how you tell it is a holiday week, the beaches are packed.

Peachface Lovebirds

One dozen species of birds make our neighborhood home. So the only birds I ever see are always one of these twelve types. Always.

Until this morning, that is. I was quite surprised by the bright colors on the roof of the house across the street and the unusual chirps. About eight Peachface Lovebirds decided to make a brief visit before heading off.