Happy Birthday Cheryl & Haley

 Once again the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers moved down south to the end of the world to find the only clear water on the island - and it was glorious.

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

Equal Opportunity Waves

 Guys often seem to monopolize the breaks, so it was great seeing women surfers grabbing some of the waves this morning.

And there were once again plenty of waves to grab all along the south shore of Maui. And nobody seemed to mind a little gentle warm rain.

Life and Death

 The Kiawe trees at La Perouse are massive and impressive in the way they twist and gnarl; but sometimes they need to be cut. This one fell across the trail out to a prime fishing spot on the cliffs and had to be taught a lesson.

Several crosses along the trail mark the deaths of surfers who never made it back in, but this new one is the first I've seen festooned with jewelry instead of broken surf boards.

Getting Smashed

 Surf was going off on Maui's south shore this morning and tourists were lined up along the beach walkways watching our local surfers in action.

I no longer go out to play in (and get smashed by) big waves like I did when I was younger. I'm happy watching others do it for me.

Spiny Lobster

 

 We celebrated the return of my internet service with a swim out along the cliffs into deep water this morning. Conditions were surprisingly good considering a High Surf Advisory was in effect.

Thanks to Jill & Becky, who we encountered out deep, we got to encounter a Hawaiian Spiny Lobster face to face.

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

For the Birds

I went up the mountain yesterday in hopes of capturing images of native birds, but they managed to elude me for the most part. I did get one shot of the Maui 'alauahio just before it pooped on my head.

The stars on the other hand were stunning and did not mind posing for me. And I caught shooting stars on every single exposure. Not only that, but I also managed to capture Comet  Lovejoy in every shot as well. Look for the green spot with a tail in the upper center of the enlargement (bottom photo). And it didn't even poop on me!

Hosmer Camping

We drove through zero visibility fog on our way up the mountain, until we rose above the clouds emerging into brilliant sunshine. Our warm clothes were a brilliant idea since it is 25 degrees cooler up here than it was down at sea level.