End of an Era

Coast to coast fields of sugarcane are slowly disappearing from the slopes of central Maui. No new sugarcane will be planted, so with each harvest the fields dwindle.

More water than ever is flowing in our streams as less is diverted for sugarcane and other uses.

Threadfin Butterfly

 Lots and lots of fishies out and about on my ocean swim this morning. These two Threadfin Butterfly fish even allowed me to get close enough to snap a hasty photo.

I've begun taking selfies of myself with ocean critters.

Plum and Cherry

 It was magical being among Maui's redwood trees today. It was also darn chilly.

But the cold is needed to allow deciduous fruit trees to bear, and the plum and cherry trees were in full bloom.

Yet Another Janet Birthday Swim

 The Maui Pink Cap Swimmers celebrated Easter Sunday and Janet's Birthday (again) with a backwards swim in an attempt to turn back time. It was not necessary, these people are perpetually young.

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

Lots and Lots of Birthday Fun

 Many thanks to Janet for entertaining us with another birthday celebration - this time on the island of Lanai and its surrounding waters.

Click HERE for lots and lots more photos of our adventures on Friday.

Minus 2000 Miles

 I live on the leeward side of Maui, which means that very little rain ever falls here. I also live at sea level which, here in the tropics, translates to constantly warm temperatures. Neither of these conditions are conducive to the growth of deciduous trees.

So my hike this morning on the Kahakapao loop trail in the Makawao Forest Reserve delighted me - immensely. It was like being transported two thousand miles to the Pacific Northwest, but without the hassles of traveling.

Maui No Ka Oi.

Cliffside Scramble

I hiked along the Makena cliffs this morning, which are more treacherous than I had remembered.

Every Drop Counts

Janet and I celebrated World Water Day by submerging ourselves in the stuff for almost two hours.

And we weren't the only ones. We were joined by Sea Turtles galore.

First Adventure of Spring

 The Maui Pink Cap Swimmers started out Spring right with a fun ocean swim this morning. The recent strong winds kindly held off blowing until the moment we emerged at the end of our swim.

Click HERE for more photos from today's adventure.

Out for a Walk

 Many of the Wailea resorts have morning yoga classes on the shore.

My favorite gecko is still hanging out on the same ginger flower.

One of my morning walk options.

Poor Centipedes

It was time once again for my annual haircut. But now where are the poor centipedes going to live?

TV Quiz

 How well do you know your television celebrities?

When I spoke with a member of the camera crew on shore, they told me they were filming for a tv show, but neglected to say which one. Any ideas?

Storm No-Show

Despite a threatening storm (which never quite made it here) the water was clear and fishies were abundant on my ocean swim this morning. A manta ray even put in an appearance swimming slowly along deep down below me at one point.

I love living on Maui.

Swim-By Selfie

 Sixteen Spinner Dolphins swam past me a couple of times during my ocean swim this morning. They were very quiet and kept a respectful distance at all times.

I even managed a selfie on one of their swim-bys.

I have the best possible life.

Landing Craft or Bust

 The Maui Pink Cap Swimmers headed out into deep, deep water this morning to rediscover the scuttled Landing Craft, which we did manage to find (even with the bad directions I was giving).

On the way back we saw three sharks, several turtles, and a recently abandoned anchor.

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

Dancing Queen

 Linda celebrated her milestone birthday with a spectacular dinner catered by Rich (who obviously loves her and then some) and lots of fun dancing to a live band.

Three Billy Goats Gruff

 I am always a bit fascinated by the thistle-like plants in the top photo.

There actually are three billy goats gruff in the middle photo.

And passion flowers are always a good subject.

I Wonder Where

This Gold Dust Day Gecko loves this particular Ginger flower which is fading rapidly. I wonder where I will find it once the flower has gone?