Safety in Numbers

Visibility was rather poor for my ocean swim this morning. In fact, it was so murky that I was considering getting out of the water.

But then a group of my friends, the Spinner Dolphins, swam up and escorted me safely along the shore. If you should happen to read this, thank you.

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Ocean Adventures

Up a steep hill and down a treacherous cliff face brought us to this ocean pool this morning. Adventures abound.

Lounging Lizards

Our first adventure in Kipahulu involved doing - nothing. Well, nothing but swimming under waterfalls and soaking up heat from the smooth rocks. A very nice kind of nothing. I'm liking it.

The Road to Hana

So far my weekend with the swimmers is starting out great. Lot of waterfalls and swimming in both freshwater caves and through ocean caves. What fun!

No Fear

There were lots of turtles out and about this morning, especially at my beach. And since my beach is a very popular snorkeling spot, the turtles are accustomed to people and often swim right up to them.

I was called by the siren song of humpback whales out into deeper water as well. While I did not see any whales, I was lucky enough to find a spotted eagle ray cruising the bottom.

4000 Feet

I meet incredibly fascinating people every day here on Maui. Today was someone who spends much of their life 4000 feet underground. Wow! (I think I'll stick with the surface, thank you very much)

Private Guided Tour

Thanks, Rob & Lynne, for the private guided tour of your special ocean playground. I had a great time and I know that everyone else did too.

I am really looking forward to spending next weekend with all you adventurers.

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

Eruption

No, it is not a volcanic eruption. Nor is it a bomb blast.

No, Maui still allows the primitive sugar cane harvesting method of burning entire cane fields. Fortunately, we are told, this method does no harm to the environment because the trade winds blow the toxic smoke away.

Empty Shell

Between work and scarey surf, I haven't been in the ocean for a swim since last Sunday. Can that really be true?  That's a long time for me, no wonder my body is dehydrating into an empty husk.

Fortunately, the water was clear and even beginning to warm up a bit.

Happy Birthday Swim

It was fun to be back among the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers to help celebrate Doug's 34th (or some multiple thereof) Birthday.

We visited with lots of friendly Sea Turtles along the way, and even some curious SCUBA divers.

Thanks for the fun times everybody and especially to Christine for the delicious brunch afterward.

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

Snowstorm

It was like swimming through a snowstorm this morning.

I am assuming that the New Moon has triggered a huge coral spawn, which would explain the excess of organic material in the water.

Small fish love to eat this stuff and Manta Rays go crazy with gluttony  when it occurs. Maybe I'll get to see some tomorrow...

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

Irresistible Number 14

This morning's servicing of my automobile brought me to Kihei's Kalama Park. It has been a couple of years since I've been to this oceanfront park situated on rocky breakwaters. And I was surprised to discover most of the park is now fronted by sandy beach. When did this happen?

And who can resist the Number 14 at Kihei Caffe? Not me.

Texas Two-Step

From shore this morning I watched a pod of dolphins swim past and then two different groups of whales. But from in the ocean I only saw this tailless Eagle Ray and a group of turtles who seemed to be dancing with each other. Perhaps it was a mating dance but I'm pretty sure it was not a Texas Two-Step (they weren't wearing hats or boots so it couldn't have been a two-step).

Busy Spring Break

Ocean kayaks are fun on calm, windless mornings. Kayak tours like to stop at any of the South Maui beaches for a snack break before heading back.

Wailea Beach is crowded with lots of families celebrating Spring Break. Fortunately, most of the other beaches are still nice and quiet.

Most of my walk follows the South Maui shore, including the Wailea beach path which is always well maintained.