So little time

The sands are running through the hourglass at an alarming rate. We are really doing the go go go, and trying to get it all in, but sadly, ten days isn't enough and some things will have to wait.

We snorkel for one and half hours at a time, and then pack it up drive somewhere else and do it again. It makes for sound sleeping, but I was a little bit of a bore last night during game time. I just couldn't make it past nine o'clock!

I'm getting to be quite friendly with the camera rental folks. Today is the day that I have to turn in the camera. I all ready have four or five discs with shots and videos. Now they want me to post some on their facebook page.  Guess they think this Tutu can figure out the wonders of the wide world web.  Tee hee.

We went to the blow hole and to Honolua Bay yesterday. The size of the fish at Honolua are astounding. My, my, my they grow them big over there. We had a nice time but I was certainly wishing I'd thrown in some shoes. All that walking on rocks in my little flip flops makes for sore feet today. The climb down to the blow hole was a tiny bit treacherous in my inappropriate footwear. I made it, but my dogs are howling this morning!

Now the locals have set up a stand for coconuts and bananas as you start the trail to the blowhole.  Everybody is trying to make a dime these days.

beginning the trail

The jagged cliffs and black volcanic rocks look so beautiful against the white spray of the ocean

There she blows.  This was not as amazing as my first trip to the blowhole. One must really come at high tide to get the full effect. Even with this said, it's still quite lovely

Someone got creative with the scenery here

Mark had all ready scurried back up the hillside, so no heart shots of the two of us

The black, brown, and red make a lovely backdrop to the Pacific Ocean

The people below look like ants

Oh those silly boys.  Hunters at heart. When they saw this wild boar laying on the guard rail they just had to have a shot. Hubs with his itty bitty knife showing you how they bagged this one..

walking down to Honolua Bay.  Love this tree

Here is the bay.  As you look at the photo, the giant fish tend to hang out on the right side.  Being with Iowa of course we had to do the entire loop before we could just enjoy the fish that were so plentiful. We saw species of fish that I have no idea what they are.  they aren't on any charts that I've seen.  Hoping my photos turn out.

Silly fun, playing Tarzan on the trees vines

I was done. It took too much effort to unload all my gear, so here is as close to "Jane" as I was going to get.

Look at Boppy go!

Finally back to the condo in time to see the sun set...This was so much prettier in person. couldn't capture all the rays that were streaming down.  there was a sailboat, and paddle boarding slipping across the skyline

So Karen and I joined the blowers of the conch shells at sunset.  It takes a lot of air to do this! I won't be taking up the trumpet anytime soon.

We are starting to recognize certain turtles and have given them names. there's sweety, yellow square, goiter, and the young ones.  This is one of the young ones. Not as big as the others, and they swim much faster. Very wary of us.

Off for another fun day, we've got our list, and we'll be checking things off.
Aloha

Maui on my mind

The time is flying. I don't want it to, but I can't stop it.  We start our days early, and try to squeeze as much out of each one as we can. Yesterday was no exception.

We started out with a brisk walk to Farmer's market. Opening at seven am, we were one of the first to arrive. Fresh produce is such a treat and we were low on a few items. The vendors were hanging loose, and in no hurry to put everything out. We had first choice of the papayas, and pineapples, and tasted some of the samples as we worked our way around.

Home with our bounty, it was time to hit the water. Iowa and I gathered our gear and headed down the road to Kapaula Bay. A little before eight, with a promise of "Tiki suprise" when we returned by 9:30. Once again being the early bird paid off. We had prime parking right up front. Edging our way down the stairs and to the powdery sand, we made a pile of clothes on the wall and entered the water.Surprisingly warm, we began the day's snorkel adventure.

Having my rented camera on video I thought I'd try to capture the feel of what snorkeling is like to relive when I return home. We went out as far as the breakers, snooped around a bit in the middle. When Iowa wanted to go over the breakers to see what was on the other side, I declined. Yes, he's strong. A former OSU wrestler, he's tough and he's ornery, but I have a respect for the sea and it doesn't include going over  unknown breakers!

As I headed back to shore, I was very close to getting out when I almost ran head on into a GIANT turtle. Quickly turning the video on, I began to follow this gentle friend. Flippers gracefully cut through the water, if you watched long enough it seemed as if it was effortless flying. The light was catching on his brown and green back and seemed to be twinkling. One other snorkeler was to my left, and didn't seem to notice us as we glided through the water, me with my camera, and he with his big tortoise shell.  I let him go as he neared the rocks. I had a close encounter with coral a few days ago, and didn't want to add to my collection of scratches.

As I was swimming, I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I stopped and looked back, and there was a zip lock baggy floating in the water.  I went to retrieve it fearing a turtle would get ahold of it and die. What do I find inside? A wad of money, and a driver's license from Minnesota.  Upon further investigation, it also contained an American Express Card. 

We brainstormed how we were going to get in touch with Bill from Minnesota.  I decided to phone American Express and see if they could help.  After much convincing, I gave them my cell phone number and they would have Bill contact me.  By late afternoon when I hadn't heard from him, I called American Express again. I think I found a better agent, as Bill called while we were dining. 

He was amazed and pleased that I had found it, and tracked him down.  I was so concerned how he would get through the airport without a driver's license.  Bill is coming by this morning in the next hour, and I will do the hand off of the baggie.  It feels good doing the right thing.  My daughter says there's a reason I'm supposed to meet this man.  I'll let you know.
Aloha!

our morning sky.  This is what we're forced to look at each morning.  :-) What you can't see are the turtles that come in to have breakfast. We are entertained until they move on.

coconuts!!!

Getting over the sticker shot. they grow it here, and they charge plenty

such the perfect pair, and perfect pink!

our travel buddies

our Hawaiian tradition.  HULA PIE! Big enough for the four of us to share

Blue Christmas...seriously??? they are ready for Christmas

this photo made me smile....This little guy had been playing on the beach until late, and his mom was trying to get him cleaned up without getting wet herself. He was sqealing from the cold water.

We walked along the Kaanapali boardwalk, stopping for coolers when they called. Tiki torches, lovers holding hands, and laughter filled the night sky. 

Snorkeling snorkeling

My favorite thing to do in Hawaii is snorkel.  Luckily, Iowa is as crazy about it as I am. Yesterday we drove to the Wailea side of the island and went to a reserve to check out the fish. 

This is a picture postcard location. Molokini, the sunken crater appears to be right at your fingertips, black lava is everywhere and the fish love this area.

I took so many photos that it was a bit tiresome going through them to put a few on here, but here is what I have.

I lost "Iowa" a few times, but then I'd find him nosing around the bottom of the ocean floor.  Happily, I saw two more turtles. They seem to be plentiful this trip.

Mr. Needle nose fish

These guys were bigger than they appear here

While looking for Iowa, I found this friend. We swam together for a short while, and then he tucked himself under a ledge for a nap/

Scavenger Hunt 11-13

This week's photo prompts are: before and after, opposing lines, custom bokeh, which pair of shoes shall I wear, and little features. 

I finished up last night with the custom bokeh. While the football game was on, the girls ran up and down the stairs trying to find the best things to try this on. It was fun, and certainly something I will try in the future.

                                                                                Before

                                                               After                                      

                                               Which pair of shoes shall I wear?

This week, I've been in either sandals, or flippers.

                                                            Opposing lines

While traveling to the other side of the island, we came across this home. Certainly opposing lines going on

                                                                          Tiny details

I have taken photos of so many beautiful flowers. I chose this one because it is so small and delicate

                                                                                        Custom Bokeh

We got a good laugh out of this, as the flower itself is heart shaped.  I must have taken a hundred different shots.  Still working on this. It is very fun to try.



This week's hunt  definately has a Hawaii flair, as that's where we are. So many pretty things to choose from, it was hard to decide. And now we're off to snorkel. Thanks for stopping by