Dolphins on Boxing Day

It was all about Spinner Dolphins and Maui Mermaids this morning.

A pod of dolphins came by to check us out at both the beginning and end of our ocean swim this morning. What a treat!

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Swimming on Christmas Eve

 The Maui Pink Cap Swimmers got to swim with two Manta Rays and Santa Claus on Christmas Eve! What could be better than that?

Click HERE for lots more photos of the fun times last Sunday morning.

Dramatic is Unusual

 Spectacular cloud formations are unusual here, so when I noticed these I grabbed my camera and started shooting.

A light rain was misting down when I took these, but within an hour the skies had cleared and it was hot and sunny once again.

Any Guesses

I noticed these guys as I was strolling along the shore.

Any guesses as to what they are?

Methinks

Once again I've been laid low by a nasty little cold, so no swimming (or much of anythinging) for me.

I did stop by on Sunday morning to see the Maui Pink Cap swimmers on their way. What a pleasant surprise to find Maggie back on the island again.

and...the lady doth protest too much, methinks...

Big River

The Wailuku River (formerly known as the Iao Stream) was really cranking today. This was my first time back since the major flood, and boy has it changed!

Back on the Trails

I have sadly been neglecting my hiking buddies; so it was great getting back on the trails this morning.

We encountered prodigious quantities of north shore driftwood and trees shaped by the strong trade winds.

Rescue Copter

 A small group talked me into a quick swim out to "the Aquarium" this morning. We saw turtles and fish and whales breaching in the distance. A helicopter even dropped down over us to see if we were all right.

Watching the World Go By

 Some days there's nothing nicer than finding a shady spot and contemplating on the passing world.

By now you all realize this is one of my favorite trees (I have posted who knows how many photos of it over the years).

Yin and yang creativity past the end of the road.

Good Cleaning

My swim this morning was disrupted by a big Manta Ray hanging around one particular coral head. This was the home of two Rainbow Wrasses who were busy giving the Manta a good, thorough cleaning.

Happy Birthday, Shaun

 This morning the Maui Pink Cap swimmers gathered to wish Shaun a Happy Birthday.

The ocean was clear and we all got a free ride back with the wind and waves pushing us all the way home.

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

Cooperative Fish

Dolphins zoomed past me so quickly this morning that I couldn't react fast enough to get their photo. Fortunately, the fishies were more cooperative.

Baby Making

 Forty-four Spinner Dolphins swam past me this morning. They swung around to get a closer look at me, then continued on their way. There were several babies in the group, and some baby-making going on as well.

Back in the Water Again

 Boy oh boy is it ever good to be back on Maui. And even better to be back in the ocean again.

Patty was rocking a new look with ears which helped her hear the nearly continuous serenading by whales.

Click HERE for more photos of Sunday morning's swim.

Traditional Thanksgiving

We fall back on traditional activities at the holidays, like a small bonfire the evening before and morning yoga. 

Fatherhood

Today, for the first time, Doug was showing some regret at our never having had a child. 

Of course, the fact that Norah is a perfect little girl had a lot to do with it. 

Cotton Fields Back Home

No, that isn't snow that you see, it's a cotton field stretching nearly to the horizon. It reminds me of the sunflower fields back home (only different). 

Fun in Alabama

A herd of giant spiders tried to attack Doug and me while we were foraging in the forest for firewood. We fought them off and made our escape with only minor injuries. 

We noticed rather strange flowers along the way as well. 

Mike and Nina have been fabulous hosts so far, we will be with them through Thanksgiving. 

Colorful Morning

This was one of the most vibrant rainbows I've seen in a long time. 

The beach floaties were pretty colorful too.