Wisely Returned

Even though surf was up this morning, Maui's Pink Cap swimmers decided to give a Sunday ocean swim a try.

Underwater visibility was often less than a meter (dangerous), and a group underwater photo was impossible, so we wisely turned around and returned to shore.

Watching Their Antics

I went for a short ocean swim this morning when more than thirty Spinner Dolphins swam up and around me. The circled for a couple of minutes before heading off along the shore, allowing me to continue my swim.

With the warm summer water I don't mind just hanging in place and watching their antics.

Too Fishy

Fish at Ulua beach are so accustomed to people in the water that they let you swim right up to them.

Kimmi's Birthday Swim

The birthday girl got to choose where to swim this morning, well, sort of. And it was a spectacular and fun ocean swim.

I didn't mention the jellyfish I saw because everyone was so nervous about possible Box Jellyfish encounters. This one was a harmless jelly.

Click HERE for a few more photos of our ocean adventures today.

I Love Being Old

You may know the hawaiian word Kahuna, as someone who is accomplished at what they do and is looked up to. Well last night at a capacity concert by Na Palapalai and multiple hula halau I got to be a Kupuna (which basically means that I am old). What's the big deal? Well, while everyone else had to sit on the ground, I got to sit in a special seating area on a chair! Aren't you jealous? :-)

Oh, and by the way, the concert was wonderful with fantastic performances by both the group and numerous halau. It was like a mini Merrie Monarch festival.

I Am So I Am Not

 Sometimes I think, if I weren't so socially awkward, I might actually be a good wedding photographer. But I am, so I'm not.

Last night's sunset kept morphing from good, to better, to best.

Veered Away

I thought this curious turtle was going to ram me, until it veered away at the last moment possible.

Every year we see these egg conglomerations that look like a Slinky.

Extreme Bocce Ball

We retreated to Janet & Patti's country home yesterday for my o'fish'al birthday celebration. Tradition among our group includes the passing on of various leis, hats and the birthday scepter (not shown here).

We engaged in our version of Bocce Ball which doesn't follow the rule book to the letter, but is a heck of a good time.

And then came the Dr. Seuss inspired birthday cake which was absolutely perfect. All future birthdays are going to pale in comparison.

On the Decline

Visibility was on the decline this morning as higher surf begins rolling in for the weekend, and this was the only underwater photo I got today.

Meditative and Entertaining

I'm finding that going out to watch sunset every evening is calming and meditative.

Entertaining, as well, with a different wedding photo session each time.

Quite Crabby

Christine and Doug made it all the way down the mountain to join me in battling wind-tossed waves for a mid-week ocean swim challenge this morning.

We noticed this brightly colored little guy who seemed quite crabby (blame Doug for the wording, not me).

Tennis Doug Swims

Maui's Pink Cap swimmers were surprised by a visit from Tennis Doug this morning. What a treat!

And the Shark's Eye View photo was actually appropriate.

Click HERE for lots more photos of our swim adventures today.

Top Middle Bottom

Yoga class on top.

Plumeria in the middle.

Last night's moon on the bottom.

More Like It

This morning I was having one of my most boring ocean swims ever, having only seen one turtle and many hundreds of fish, when I came across two White Tip Reef Sharks. Now that's more like it!

Justice

We have been hit by a series of spectacular sunsets this week. Photos never seem to do them justice.

And Shell Ginger is currently in bloom.

Lots and Lots

Lucky me, I got to swim with a large Spotted Eagle Ray, a good-size White Tip Reef Shark, and lots and lots of other fishies of all kinds.

Marine Debris and More

I had the very great privilege of getting to swim with THE Ian Emberson (and his daughter and son-in-law) along with Maui's Pink Cap swimmers this morning.

We got to swim with sharks and other interesting critters, as well as with the famous Diane Shepherd.

Click HERE for more photos (including the marine debris with which Diane needs assistance removing).