Doug's Lilies

 This morning we enjoyed a few quiet moments at the lily pond. And since I did not take any other photographs, these are what you are stuck with for today.

In fact, I only took the top photo, Doug took the other two. Nicely done, Doug.

Ocean Visit

More than ninety Spinner Dolphins joined me on my ocean swim this morning. About time! It has been almost a month since their last visit. I also met a fun couple from B.C.

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

Posing

I noticed (how could I not?) this woman posing for a photographer this morning. 

The Decisive Moment

This morning found me again down at the end of the world where I often see things in black and white. My eye was drawn to this fisherman (photo above) who was watching the water intently to determine the exact right moment to throw his net. He never did, though. After about an hour he packed his net up and left.

But the ocean isn't the only thing that can hold my attention. The mountainside looming above is normally an arid brown, but not right now.

Every Day is Different

Different things catch my eye on different days. This morning it was flowers. Above is a small portion of a six-foot tall agave flower. Below are the daisies popping up all along the roadside.

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.

End of the World

 Continuing high surf and poor visibility finally drove the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers all the way south to the end of the world for our ocean swim this morning.

Happily we swam through relatively clear water and got to see our wonderful escort, Sandy, once again.

Adventurous Types

 Waves have been crashing in on most shores, so we swam at one of the few spots with clear water this morning.

Of course, being the adventurous types, we were not smart enough to stay out of the crashing waves. But we survived - kind of.

Dogs & Tai Chi

The beach was quiet this morning except for a couple of dogs out for a stroll, and someone practicing tai chi.

Only Fishies

Other than a few bazillion fishies, I didn't see much on my ocean swim this morning. 

Only Two

Okay, so here I am desperate for photos to post on this blog. Above is one of my favorite parking lots - who wouldn't want to park here? Below is the landscaping just a little way down my street. I can't believe these were the only two photographs I took today.

Time to Move?

 We might have to move our Sunday swims. Once again the water was murky enough to make it borderline unswimable. My magic camera shows people in the top photo who could not see me and who I could just barely see.

But we still had lots of fun and heard whales singing during the entire swim.

Click HERE for several more photos from this morning's ocean swim with the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers.

Petroglyphs and Dunkings

 My hiking group did the Olowalu stream this morning. I am always amazed by the quick transition from arid desert to lush forest when hiking into any of Maui's deep valleys.

And the ancient Hawaiian Petroglyphs are still way cool. The last time I did this hike the ancient glyphs were surrounded by modern graffiti, which has since been scrubbed clean. Another great day!

No More Slacking

 It felt really, really good to get back out into the ocean for a serious swim this morning. I have been slacking off for way too long.

The Manta Ray was still hanging around and swam by to say hello.