The Adventures of Maui Don - Dolphin Dude

Bottlenose

2012-02-01T14:47:00.002-10:00

Another first for me!

A solitary Bottlenose Dolphin came up from behind me during my deep water ocean swim this morning. If I hadn't heard it breathe as I watched that tall dorsal fin approaching, I might have freaked-out. There has been way too much talk of killer sharks recently, and even with the sound of the exhale I wasn't completely convinced that I was safe. Of course, once it was close enough to see, I was able to relax and enjoy observing it as it circled around me.

I have swum many times with Spinner Dolphins, but never before with a Bottlenose Dolphin. Hooray.

Happy Birthday, Haley

2012-01-29T13:45:00.002-10:00

Even though it happened a couple of days ago, we celebrated Haley's birthday with a swim this morning.

Our kayak escorts told us we just missed a baby whale, but we got to hear them singing underwater. Glorious.

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Nice, Nicer, Nicest

2012-01-26T14:32:00.002-10:00

I meet the nicest people on the beach. What's even nicer is when they offer me money. Well . . . . this morning they offered me work, which is almost as nice.

Popping Up

2012-01-25T16:28:00.003-10:00

Those darn whales did not show up until I climbed into my kayak after finishing my swim this morning. Knowing that I do not get back into the water, they started popping up all over the place. They love to tease me like that.

Never Ending Battle

2012-01-22T14:00:00.002-10:00

This afternoon cannons and muskets were booming and popping right and left.

But far more interesting to me than the reenactment of the Battle of Shilo was the way the participants lived the lives of people of the 1860's for a weekend. The tents, clothing, and cooking utensils were all of the period. Everything was made of cotton, wood, wool and iron; and cell phones were few and far between. Just like during America's Civil War. Ah, the good old days.

UN-FRIGGEN-BELIEVABLE

2012-01-21T14:07:00.002-10:00

No Way!

Today I got to swim with lots of Manatees. Wow!

They were just as friendly as Maui's Spinner Dolphins, but much slower moving. Good thing, because I did not bring my flippers with me to Florida.

I am still buzzing with excitement and glowing. Wow!

YES!

2012-01-20T12:25:00.002-10:00

I saw two big fins heading straight for me as soon as I got out into the Gulf of Mexico this afternoon.

Today was only the second day I've been out in my "Tiger Shark" kayak since I've been here at our house in Florida, and both times I've paddled from our pier to the open waters of the Gulf. I nervously keep searching for alligators while dragging myself along narrow passages through the swamp, but so far haven't seen any while in my tippy kayak. Whew.

But two dolphins swam by me then circled back to swim by even closer before continuing along the shore. How great.

Swimming Buddies

2012-01-19T15:25:00.002-10:00

Finally! I got to see some interesting critters here in Florida today. I even got wet, but I must admit it was too cold to actually get in the water for a swim. It is supposed to be in the upper seventies tomorrow - I will swim then. Who knows what I'll get to see...

Up In The Air

2012-01-15T10:17:00.000-10:00

Flying things seem to be the subject this weekend. This morning I happened upon a Kite Festival with competitions for most skillful piloting, most creative kite, etc.

My favorites were the combo kites. The coolest, I thought, was the dog kite chasing the cat kite. Partially pictured below is the Batman kite chasing the Robin kite chasing the Riddler kite chasing the Penguin kite.

Did I mention that the most elaborate kites were GIANT? Another fun and interesting day on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

For the Birds

2012-01-14T13:49:00.002-10:00

Today was for the birds...

...and a great adventure for me. I drove aimlessly this morning on a quest of exploration and stumbled across Honeymoon Island State Park.

It was a day of firsts for me. As I walked along the nature trail, I saw lots of Ospreys and osprey nests. A first-time experience. I watched an osprey land on a branch with a freshly caught fish and eat it while it was still flopping around (top photo). A first.

I saw an osprey land on another osprey and play piggy-back, at least I think that's what they were doing (photo on right). Another first.

I also saw a Bald Eagle nest. A first. The area of the park near the nest was cordoned off to keep people from disturbing the eagles. So I thought it was funny that one of the eagles was perched next to the observation area watching me (photo below). I guess there aren't any rules against eagles disturbing the people.

Tampa Heat

2012-01-13T13:54:00.000-10:00

It was warm like Maui yesterday and I paddled my new kayak out into the Gulf of Mexico. Tonight there's a chill in the air and I'm cozily reading my Kindle in front of a nice fire. I love our Florida home. But don't worry, I'll be back swimming with the whales on Maui in two weeks.

In Not On

2012-01-09T13:27:00.001-10:00

No, that is not me. I would much rather be in the water than on top of it. Just a shot I took while on my walk this morning.

All Alone

2012-01-08T15:41:00.003-10:00

Winter has definitely returned. How do I know this? Because I am now doing the Sunday Maui Pink Cap Ocean Swims alone.

The water is chilly (for us, that is) and once they hit the water, the swimmers zoom out of sight and are never seen again, until they pass me on the way back in.

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

Uninspired Lilies

2012-01-07T16:09:00.004-10:00

Sorry, but I wasn't feeling very inspired during my morning walk, so all you get to see today are some lilies from the pond at the Wailea Marriott.

At least I pulled the camera out and pushed the shutter button twice. That counts for something, right?

Their Mistake

2012-01-06T17:56:00.003-10:00

As is often their wont, two humpback whales snuck up behind me while I was doing a short swim this afternoon. Usually, as soon as they realize that I've spotted them, they scoot away and disappear. Today I was lucky because they decided to check me out. They swam up to me and did a full circle around me before deciding that I wasn't really all that interesting. Their mistake.

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

Smiling Houses

2012-01-04T15:08:00.002-10:00

Today was a day for taking photographs of people taking photographs of people.

I am soooooooo very glad that I do not photograph people for a living. It is tough enough to get houses to smile, but people...

Go Below

2012-01-03T13:52:00.002-10:00

Another flat, calm, voggy day today - drab and uninteresting. Underwater was where the action and color were.

Shhhh

2012-01-02T17:28:00.003-10:00

I've discovered a great secret.

Shhhh. Promise you won't tell anyone but - Dr. Seuss is still alive.

Alive and running a landscaping company on Maui. He has to be! How else could you possibly explain the trees in Wailea?

It Can Only Get Better

2012-01-01T17:50:00.003-10:00

Wow!

Whales!

What a way to begin a new year!

I was invited on an exclusive whale watch cruise this morning, which meant leaving the house at 6:15 in the morning on New Year's Day. And, yes, I was awake to usher in the New Year at midnight.

We were lucky that three Humpback Whales approached our boat and continuously swam under and around us for fifteen minutes. I stuck my camera in the water (but not my head, unlike one of my buddies) and blindly pressed the shutter button a gazillion times. I was very fortunate that six photos actually turned out.

Well, I guess the year can only get better from here.

Click HERE for the other photos from this morning's boat ride.

Evaporating Nerve

2011-12-30T14:48:00.002-10:00

I am afraid of swimming into unknown caves underwater in the dark without air tanks. But the temptation is looming larger and larger.

Above is my buddy, Michael, recounting his adventure immediately after returning from a journey into the "Bubble Cave" near my house this morning.

To enter you have to dive down fifteen feet to the entrance then swim underwater a fair distance in blackness to an air pocket trapped against the ceiling. What's going on here? When I started this entry, I felt like I finally had the nerve to explore this cave, but now I'm getting frightened again. Anyway, congratulations Michael.

Holiday Madness

2011-12-29T14:41:00.003-10:00

The beaches, and even the ocean, are packed with people, people, and more people this week.

I am accustomed to a slower, quieter Maui where automobile drivers are courteous and only honk their horns to say hi. That hasn't been the case this week, but it will all be back to normal in a few days. I just have to be patient.

Holiday Rush

2011-12-28T15:26:00.005-10:00

Where did all these people come from?

This morning there were a crowd of people kicking the water into white foam while chasing a pod of dolphins. Oh, that's right, the week between Christmas and New Years is the biggest tourist week of the year.

I suggested to my dolphins buddies that they might want to hide out for the rest of the week until things return to normal. In fact I think I might do the same.

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

Proper Table Manners

2011-12-26T13:15:00.001-10:00

When I sat down to lunch just now, this gecko was on the window facing me also having lunch.

It must have grown up watching my partner eat because it, too, didn't chew its food before swallowing.

Mele Kalikimaka

2011-12-25T15:09:00.003-10:00

What better way to spend Christmas morning than out in the ocean with good friends.

In fact, I wouldn't mind spending every morning this way.

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Where Are Marley & Co?

2011-12-24T14:18:00.003-10:00

Where are all the holiday decorations?

I walked through the four big (huge, actually) Wailea resorts this morning to get into the spirit of commercial Christmas - but failed miserably.

The oceanfront grounds of all four hotels had not a single decoration. Not a ribbon or even Santa hat was to be seen anywhere.

Each resort had a Christmas tree in the lobby area but not many other decorations. Well, the Grand Wailea (photo right) maintained its preeminent tackiness with lots of gaudy oversize decorations in the lobby area, but it was the only one. The Four Seasons was so subdued and their tree was so poorly done that I couldn't bring myself to take a photo - it was that embarrassing.

Please don't tell me that the only way I'm going to get into the holiday spirit is by watching "Die Hard" again.

Super Slow

2011-12-23T12:53:00.002-10:00

I got to swim with my buddy and champion bodysurfer, Judith, this morning. She was sweet and swam super slow so that I could keep up with her. She was nice enough to take a photo of me too. Thanks, Judith, it was fun.

Farthest South

2011-12-21T18:22:00.003-10:00

I haven't posted recently because I've been photographing a house for the past two days, and what could be more boring than seeing my photos of houses? But I'm feeling perverse at the moment, so I'm going to subject you to this photo (above) of the house's back yard.

And below (and right) are photos of my back yard at sunset. Really posted because later in the year we will repeatedly ask how far south the sun sets in the winter. Here's the answer from the shortest day of the year.

Stingray Visit

2011-12-19T14:11:00.002-10:00

This morning was only the second time I've ever seen a Stingray here in Maui waters. It got curious and swam up from the ocean floor to check me out, then scooted back down once it saw how ugly I was (in stingray terms, that is). Poor guy.

This Silverback (below) was one of the few SCUBA divers that I've ever seen looking anywhere but down. Usually divers never notice the cool things going on right over their heads because they only have eyes for what's below them.

Place for Pills

2011-12-17T13:44:00.002-10:00

Pill Boxes from World War Two still guard many of Maui's finer beaches. At seventy years old, they have been around longer than me. I know, hard to believe.

Mutated Caterpillars

2011-12-16T15:04:00.003-10:00

Once a year, caterpillars dangle on silken threads from the trees here. I often don't notice them until I suddenly realize that my hair is full of squirming worms (and if you've ever seen my hair when it gets long, you'll know that I might not notice the caterpillars right away). I wonder if they've mutated this year? In the past they've always been green...

By the way, today is yet another glorious day in paradise.

Most Popular

2011-12-15T17:40:00.002-10:00

Lots of people were in the ocean this morning and we were mobbed by more than sixty Spinner Dolphins. I swear that the dolphins were actually posing for people carrying cameras.
And the bigger the camera the better. Which made me, of course, the most popular person there by far. Or maybe it was just my winning personality. Nope! Had to be the camera.

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

Front Yard Gathering

2011-12-13T13:27:00.003-10:00

I swam an entire hour this morning without seeing a single turtle. Until, that is, I got back to my house where I saw at least six along the shore.

I wonder what they like so much about my front yard? Or maybe they had just gathered to wait for me. That must be it.

Die Hards

2011-12-11T16:16:00.003-10:00

The gloom and wind kept all but a few people from the ocean this Sunday morning. Then several turned back when they couldn't find the arch through the murk. For those of us who kept on keeping on, the water cleared up and even smoothed out on our return. Thank you, die hard swimmers, I had fun.

Big Beach Captive

2011-12-10T16:12:00.003-10:00

Hawaii - the land of simultaneous sunshine and rain.

It did not rain a drop here in South Maui but the rainbows off Kihei this morning were spectacular.

I still do not understand why I am fascinated by Kiawe (a kind of mesquite) trees, but here is another. At this place a tall cliff dropping into the ocean terminates Big Beach. There is something about the pure blue sky, the red cliffs, the green kiawe scrub and this lone dead kiawe tree which takes me captive every time I walk past.

Christmas Classics

2011-12-08T20:48:00.003-10:00

Tonight we cranked up the air conditioning, put up and decorated the tree, drank some eggnog and watched that Christmas classic "The Lion in Winter" starring Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. Tomorrow night we will watch the other Christmas staple "Die Hard" starring Bruce Willis. We are in the spirit of the season now.

Not the Real World

2011-12-08T15:15:00.003-10:00

Once upon a time, long, long ago, I lived in Chicago where it is now 34 degrees and dropping.

I love living on Maui where it is a pleasant sunny 80 degrees out. All Year 'Round.

I saw many visitors this morning, here for only one or two weeks before heading back to the real world. I am so glad that I do not live in the real world.

Break Time

2011-12-07T13:24:00.002-10:00

The monotony of my swim workout was broken by a quick swim-by visit of a group of Spinner Dolphins this morning. Thanks for the interruption.

Miracle Cure

2011-12-05T14:46:00.002-10:00

I went out to gargle with salt water this morning because I have been suffering from a cold and a nasty sore throat. Out in the ocean I ran into my buddy, Scott, and the famous photographers, Monica & Michael Sweet (check out their gallery by clicking HERE).

I almost ran into a jelly fish and pointed it out to them. True to form, Scott touched it to see if it would sting and Michael got close to photograph it.

We also briefly encountered at least twenty four Spinner Dolphins which zoomed by so quickly I was only able to get off a couple of quick photographs. Because of my cold I happened to cough at just the wrong moment and swallowed some sea water and dolphin poop.

I now feel better than I have in days.

Click HERE for more photos from this morning.

Horses and Rings

2011-12-02T16:01:00.002-10:00

On rare occasions I've seen Seahorses on my ocean swims, but today was the first time I've ever seen Horses on a swim. Too bad they weren't in the water, that would have been way cool.

Fortunately a group of about forty Spinner Dolphins did a quick swim-by, and that was cool enough. They were briefly entertained by a guy blowing bubble rings - although I was far more fascinated by the bubble rings than they were - then they headed off to parts unknown.

BFF

2011-12-01T15:11:00.002-10:00

These two fish this morning were inseparable. Every now and then they would drift a couple of feet apart before quickly swimming back until they once again touched.

What brings such obviously different fish together? Maybe they both like the same kinds of books or video games...

Stuck on Shore

2011-11-30T17:07:00.002-10:00

Above is the standing on my head view of some tree roots which I took this morning.

Today seemed to be a day for photographing trees and flowers, mostly because I just couldn't get inspired to take pictures of anything else.

Although I could definitely relate to this little girl (below) who wanted to be out snorkeling with the other kids.

Valley Access

2011-11-28T16:43:00.003-10:00

While on assignment this morning, I discovered that there is now a public valley access to Honolua Bay. Who knew?

The photo above is the old access across private property. The photo below is from a new access a little further along the road, just look for the parking area with portable toilets.

Welcome Visitors

2011-11-27T16:37:00.004-10:00

How great to have Jonathan & Cheryl back on Maui. Jonathan is one of the few people who understand my "sense" of humor, if you can call it that.

We also got to celebrate three birthdays this morning. Happy Birthday to Shaun, Kevin and Jonathan.

Unfortunately, most of my photos were out of focus, but if I shrink them down small enough (see photo to the left) they don't look too bad.

Click HERE to see the only other photo from today's swim which came out at all.

Relaxing

2011-11-26T20:34:00.002-10:00

The only shot I took today that I even halfway liked.

By the way, I did enjoy the movie "Hugo" and loved the movie "Arthur Christmas". Finally, some quality cinema.

No More Food - Please

2011-11-25T14:18:00.002-10:00

The fish were eating like there is no tomorrow even though it was the day after Thanksgiving. Who has an appetite after so much excellent food? Not me. Um . . . is there any pumpkin pie left?

My wifeless buddies Terry and Scott helped me work off some of that food with a swim to the aquarium this morning. Um . . . where are the chocolate chip cookies?

Early Busyness

2011-11-23T15:06:00.001-10:00

Even early, the resort beaches were busy this morning - the day before Thanksgiving.

This Ain't the Mainland

2011-11-22T16:24:00.003-10:00

Interaction between Spinner Dolphins and this human were nonexistent during my ocean swim this morning. More dolphins than I could count swam rapidly past me in one direction and then back the other way - over and over and over again. Slow down guys, this ain't the mainland.

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Incoming Hordes

2011-11-21T14:14:00.002-10:00

What was this old guy thinking?

Maybe something to do with the crowds which have arrived for the Thanksgiving holiday. The resort beaches were already packed this morning and personal valets were fighting over poolside cabanas for their employers.

Turning Back Time

2011-11-20T15:43:00.003-10:00

We swam backwards today to celebrate Josh & Lynne's Birthdays, the theory being that swimming backwards effectively rewinds time. And what better time to become younger than on a birthday. Superman is not the only one with special time management skills. Next week, however, time resumes its inevitable trudge onward. Click HERE for lots more photos from this morning's swim.

Snorkeling 101

2011-11-19T13:37:00.003-10:00

I forget that not everyone knows how to snorkel. Just down the shore this morning someone with much more patience than I have was showing these land lubbers how it is done.

These two old guys passed me - briefly - on my walk this morning. But they were no match for my power pace and were soon repassed and left choking on my dust.

Off the Wall

2011-11-18T15:01:00.003-10:00

Huge cliffs of columnar lava drop into the ocean at the turn-around point of one of my swims. I often joke about swimming to the "wall" and doing a flip-turn; and today I did just that.

Seven Foot Flower

2011-11-17T15:52:00.001-10:00

Today I have been in front of the computer all day and expect to remain there until I go to bed. Ah, the glamorous life of a professional photographer.

I stepped outdoors just now and noticed that one of our Agave is in bloom with a seven-foot flower stalk. It began blooming at the base and has worked its way about half way up so far.

Next Victim Please

2011-11-16T13:56:00.003-10:00

I am nearly petrified by the idea of photographing people. A while back I set a goal for myself to photograph somebody every day. That attempt failed in a record one day. I know that I can overcome this fear if I get out there and start taking pictures.

This morning I ran into my buddy, Russ, on his way to work. I was so nervous when he consented to let me take his photo, that I totally messed up the camera settings. Nonetheless, everybody meet Russ (above).

Chat Time

2011-11-15T14:26:00.002-10:00

My buddy, Vivian, and I had a lovely swim in clear water this morning. There were about forty-six Spinner Dolphins which kept swimming past us, but they left us alone for the most part. Which was very considerate of them since Vivian and I were enjoying our conversation. Click HERE for lots more photos from today's swim.

Perfect Swim

2011-11-13T16:05:00.002-10:00

Clear water and a glassy surface made for an exceptional Sunday swim with the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers this morning. Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

O What A Beautiful Morning

2011-11-10T14:24:00.002-10:00

When the big resorts host conventions, they often provide spouse activities while the members are attending seminars. This morning there was yoga on the beach, zumba on the beach and Plein Air Painting on the beach.

And this was a perfect day for painting. The blue sky was dotted with a few fluffy white clouds and a HUGE rainbow hugged the shore.

Give Me The Time Of Day

2011-11-07T13:23:00.003-10:00

Once again I had a choppy, windy, murky swim this morning. It was briefly interrupted by two rapid passes of quickly moving Spinner Dolphins who barely slowed enough to give me the time of day (8:13 a.m.).

Dollar Rich

2011-11-06T16:07:00.004-10:00

Evelyn's rich. She's holding the only Sand Dollar we've ever seen in Maui waters. Nice find, George.

The ocean was less than crystal clear for our ocean swim this morning, plus a bit choppy, but I still had a great time with my Sunday morning friends.

Click HERE for more photos from today's swim.

Here is Doug

2011-11-04T20:15:00.002-10:00

A fellow photographer and blogger has inspired me with his portraits, so I decided to give it a try today. So, without further ado, here is Doug.

Friends Galore

2011-11-03T14:02:00.002-10:00

I ran into my buddy, LA, this morning during my ocean swim. I still find it strange when I encounter a swimmer out in the middle of the ocean and they know me.

She wasn't the only one who seemed to recognize me. A group of fourteen Spinner Dolphins also swam by a few times to say "Hello."

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

Popping Mushrooms

2011-11-02T16:26:00.002-10:00

I live in the desert, an area with less than 10 inches of rain per year on average.

So why are mushrooms popping up everywhere?

Can't Get Much Wetter

2011-11-01T12:26:00.003-10:00

Sure, it was raining this morning, but so what? Since I was swimming, what's a little more water? It's not like I could get any wetter.

And while the sky was putting on a spectacular show, so were a group of fourteen Spinner Dolphins below the surface.

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

Not All Bad

2011-10-31T14:14:00.002-10:00

Civilization. That is what pops into my mind when I see people playing croquet (and not my first thought when watching hockey or American football). I passed a small ocean-front croquet tournament on my walk this morning. Chairs were neatly arranged under canopies to protect the players from the sun between turns, and everyone was wearing white. Like I said, civilized.

I also passed a plein-air painter doing his thing on the beach. I envy him and the others I often see here and there. Unlike us photographers they don't have to wait for the clouds to be "just so" or the beach to be free of people. On the other hand they can't get final images for their daily blog posts at the same time they are strenuously exercising. Hmmm. I guess being a photographer isn't all bad.

Clear, Gloriously Clear

2011-10-30T17:32:00.002-10:00

Gloriously Clear, Flat & Warm. The conditions could not have been any more perfect for my return to the Maui Pink Cap Swimmers. We did not see any unusual critters this week (unlike last week's Monk Seal and Giant Manta Ray and Big Turtles) but Lynne and Rich found lots and lots of Sea Urchin Tests (photo on left).

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

Bumbling Bumblers

2011-10-28T14:15:00.003-10:00

We have huge black bees here (Sonoran Carpenter Bees) which should have been named the Midnight Bumble Bee. They truly bumble along, bumping into one thing and then the next. People, who are not used to seeing them, freak out when one of these giant bees runs into them, but they seldom sting anyone. They were brought to Hawaii to help pollinate passion fruit and today I saw lots of them in this field of wild Aloe plants.

Below is yet another fragrant cluster of Plumeria flowers.

Electric Patterns

2011-10-27T14:08:00.004-10:00

I had a long and lonely ocean swim this morning, seeing only a few tropical fish along the way.

When I arrived back at my starting point I was suddenly mobbed by over sixty Spinner Dolphins. Thanks for celebrating my finish, guys.

When the dolphins swim near the surface, sunlight plays in unusual patterns over their skin. I usually don't post any of those photos because I find it to be too distracting; however, in this case the effect is striking, so I couldn't resist sharing it with you.

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

Make Lemonade

2011-10-25T13:17:00.002-10:00

As someone who has a lemon tree in their yard I know very well how to complete the aphorism: when you're stuck with lemons...

Apparently, someone with a similar mindset found a way to deal with all the stones which have recently appeared on our sandy beach.

Fully Energized

2011-10-24T17:17:00.004-10:00

What an amazing world! Yesterday morning I was on a boat in Greece and this morning I was surrounded by playful dolphins on Maui.

Some friends from the beach got to see the Spinner Dolphins too. The dolphins were extremely active, zooming back and forth past us several times. Even though I was/am jet lagged, they managed to fully energize me. What a great welcome home.

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

They're Back

2011-10-23T20:35:00.001-10:00

30 hours since we walked out our door in Athens and we're actually on the ground on Maui. The First Class upgrade was really worth it. Thanks Nancy! And Lynda & Bob- how can we ever thank you enough? MAHALO

Ready for Winter

2011-10-22T06:11:00.002-10:00

We did some more hill climbing today. Although we did not summit all seven of Athens' hills, we did our fair share. And saw some mighty purty things along the way . . . and some ancient things too.

Our butts saw the seat cushions of several outdoor cafes as we continued preparing our bodies to see us through the upcoming winter cold with a nice layer of fat. In fact we should be ready for the next several winters.

Too Much Food

2011-10-20T10:34:00.003-10:00

Striking public workers here on Corfu were loud, but also very polite. Shops were open as usual, but we were not able to change money because the government is responsible for publishing exchange rates. No government workers = no exchange rate = no money exchange.

Unfortunately, we had more than enough cash because we spent most of the day eating, eating and eating some more. We did not have fond memories of greek food from a previous trip, but today changed all that. Delicious.

The Next Big Thing

2011-10-19T09:04:00.003-10:00

We have a new favorite spot - Corfu in Greece. Or maybe it's the warm weather. Until now we've been huddling in cafes wrapped in sweatshirts under jackets trying to keep warm. But here the air is warm and not even the slightest breeze was blowing. Heaven.

Being a small island with many narrow streets requires a different kind of transport. You, like me, were probably amazed when the SmartCar hit the streets. What an amazingly small car that was. Well, that was then and this is now. Miniaturization continues in the automobile world and we stumbled across the next "big" thing here in Corfu. Until next year, that is.

Tacky Third World

2011-10-18T07:00:00.002-10:00

The stone roofs of Gjirokastra in Albania today brought me back to our trek long, long ago through Nepal. Unlike south-central Albania, Nepal had few trees so homes had to be built of materials other than wood. Such as stone, stone, yak dung, and more stone. While other construction materials were present in Albania, the extreme excess of flaky sheets of limestone couldn't be ignored.

That was then, this is now and Albania actually has roads (of a sort). So cheap concrete and tiles have found their way inland and are replacing the traditional stone walls and roofs. Albania has moved from "quaint" third-world to "tacky" third-world status.

Our visit a couple of years ago to Pompeii opened my eyes to the magic of archaeology. Seeing the way that absolutely normal meadows and pastures can hide sophisticated cities underneath their soil was amazing to me. Today I got to see the obfuscation process in action. The hilltop castle in Gjirokastra was impressive from outside, but inside the fortress plants have taken over the upper levels. I have no difficulty imagining this citadel as nothing more than a tree covered hill in a few decades. I'm glad I got to experience what is still standing.

Trogir Again

2011-10-16T08:56:00.002-10:00

Just a couple more snapshots from our final day in Trogir, Croatia.

Trogir

2011-10-15T04:10:00.002-10:00

Today found us out hiking again. First on a narrow rutted dirt and limestone road across a nearby island to a secluded beach. The air was too chilly for us Maui guys to even consider getting into the clear clear water, but the view was enough to make us happy.

Then we wandered the quiet medieval streets of Trogir (Croatia). The day had even warmed up enough so that we could enjoy lunch at a small outdoor restaurant. [yawn] I think it is time to take a nice afternoon nap.

Dizzy Leaning

2011-10-13T09:15:00.002-10:00

Whoah! I got more than just a little bit dizzy leaning waaaaay out from the spiral staircase to get this photo of the bells from above. I'm glad they didn't begin ringing at that moment, it probably would have scared me out of my shoes.

It turned out that this view of the tower from the ground was a lot more interesting than the views from the top of the tower. Zadar was a lot more fun than Porec and I am sad that the ship is moving on tonight.

Freaky Blue

2011-10-12T09:00:00.003-10:00

Today we hiked along miles and miles of boardwalk around some freakishly blue lakes in central Croatia. The water in Plitvicka Jezera national park is saturated with dissolved limestone which settles out to create travertine - and colors the water various electric shades of blue.

Fall colors were just beginning to emerge and reflected gloriously in the glassy calm water. And waterfalls were cascading everywhere. We could easily have spent several days exploring the area.

Conditions were idyllic and I could not stop snapping photos. Lucky for you I am only posting three

Gone Underground

2011-10-11T04:40:00.002-10:00

Today we hiked (and hiked and hiked) out of Porec (Croatia) in search of a cave I had discovered online (thank goodness for the internet and for an activity called Geocaching).

Finally (!) out in the middle of a vineyard we found this hole in the ground (photo right) and began our climb down. Once inside the cavern we discovered that the walls were covered with small crystals which sparkled brightly under our flashlights. So beautiful! There was also debris scattered about from various people who had once upon a time made the cave their home. Fortunately, none of them were home today.

I wonder what adventures tomorrow will bring?

Liquid Chocolate

2011-10-10T02:52:00.001-10:00

Every time I arrive in Venice a tear comes to my eye and I get a little choked up. Sure enough, the same thing happened yesterday. Yes, Venice really is that breathtakingly beautiful.

This morning we stopped at a small cafe for refreshment during our wanderings and ordered hot chocolate to drink. I was caught completely by surprise by what was delivered to our table - liquid chocolate! Yum, yum, yum. Amazing. I have never had anything like that before.

Amsterdam in Short

2011-10-09T00:19:00.000-10:00

29 hours into our trip found us wandering the canals of Amsterdam during a brief flight layover. Next stop Venice!

Day One

2011-10-07T20:51:00.001-10:00

How is it I'm already jet lagged and we don't even leave Maui for another hour? Only 34 more hours until we arrive in Venice...

Gloomy But Beautiful

2011-10-06T21:26:00.002-10:00

Gloomy but beautiful - that was today.

Phone Toys

2011-10-05T20:05:00.000-10:00

I got an app for my phone camera today which takes fun square photos. Fun being the key word. I had a great time wandering around pointing it at everything and marveling at how cool everything looked. I am obviously easily entertained.

Tossed Ashore

2011-10-04T17:26:00.001-10:00

Big south surf kept me out of the water today, well, mostly. It also tossed quite a few sea urchins and shells up on my beach.

Hazy sunshine provided perfect conditions for photographing flowers.

Friendly Shark

2011-10-02T18:10:00.001-10:00

Our buddy, Bruce the shark, swam with us for quite a while this morning. Right up until we approached some guys who were spear fishing, Bruce quickly retreated to one of her favorite hiding spots and kept a low profile. Click HERE for lots more photos from today's ocean swim.

Combo

2011-10-01T20:23:00.000-10:00

Just goofing around today. I decided to combine two photos I took this morning.

Exercise-Free Zone

2011-09-30T15:15:00.001-10:00

Thirty-nine Spinner Dolphins passed me going the other way on my ocean swim this morning. They did not seem at all interested in exercising with me, instead waiting to play with me when I got back. There was lots of chasing and spinning going on. There were also quite a few youngsters in the group, some of whom were a bit curious about the dorky guy with the new fins (me). Click HERE for lots more photos from today's swim (including first-timers from Utah).

Another Photo Shoot

2011-09-26T20:59:00.001-10:00

I Hate La Nina

2011-09-25T16:35:00.006-10:00

Oh no! La Nina is back. For yet another year. More cold ocean swimming. I hate La Nina.

Last week the water finally warmed up to normal late-summer levels but this week we were all freezing. In fact we had to huddle together as we swam to keep warm. This one-week summer was the shortest ever. Did I mention that I hate La Nina?

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

Basketball, Maui Style

2011-09-21T14:10:00.001-10:00

and the players here don't wear shoes, they wear slippahs (flip-flops).

Total Serendipity

2011-09-19T13:53:00.002-10:00

Total serendipity.

I was walking along the beach and noticed the couple in front of me take each others' hands. The combination of palm trees, blue sky, blue ocean and couple in love were perfect. So I pulled my camera out of my bag, aimed, and pressed the shutter release. Only then did I notice that the woman in the bikini had gotten close, and it wasn't until I got home that I noticed her pose. Nothing planned, nothing contrived, just pure luck. And this was the only photo I took all day (so I'm lucky it was in focus, whew).

Finally, Finally, Finally

2011-09-18T16:17:00.000-10:00

Finally, finally, finally. Warm water has returned. So today's swim was more playful than most.

I did not bring my camera this week (I needed to take a break and enjoy myself for a change) so these photos are actually reconstructed images pulled directly from neurons in my brain (hence the blurring and lack of detail).

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

Not Horrible

2011-09-17T20:33:00.001-10:00

As is so often the case, I was not feeling inspired today by anything around me - at least not enough to take any photos. Fortunately, Doug forced me to take this flower and bee photo. And now I have something not horrible for my blog post.

Didn't Mind

2011-09-16T16:30:00.001-10:00

I meet the nicest people on my swims. And this morning it was both people people and dolphin people.

The dolphin people included a rambunctious young one who raced, leaped, chased, and generally had lots of fun. The adults didn't seem to mind one bit.

The people people included someone I work with but had never met. And they didn't seem to mind me one bit.

Topsy Turvy Day

2011-09-11T13:48:00.001-10:00

This was a first! The crazy do-anything swimmers turned around this morning because the ocean was unsafely murky, while the overly-cautious jump-at-every-shadow swimmers swam off toward the horizon. Has the world gone mad?

Click HERE for more photos from today's non-swim.

Politically Correct Fur Coat

2011-09-10T15:46:00.002-10:00

Fur coats may not be politically correct, but she's exchanging last year's model for a new seal fur coat. She's been enjoying the warm sun at a beach just down the shore from my house for all of the past week.

And she deserves it. She is working hard to save the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal population, having just finished weaning her most recent pup (number five).

Friends with Benefits

2011-09-09T14:39:00.000-10:00

These two Omilu kept chasing this Moray Eel around this morning. Their strategy was to keep it moving until it frightened small fish from their hiding spots so they could gobble them up.

At night they follow White Tip Reef Sharks like the one I saw napping this morning (below) hoping to grab the fish that the sharks don't get.

Two Movie Bucket

2011-09-07T16:45:00.002-10:00

After his rotator cuff surgery Doug received many well wishes for a speedy recovery.

Today a HUGE bucket of the amazing Garrett popcorn arrived in the mail courtesy of a generous neighbor. Delicious!

This will hopefully last us through two movies (although I'm betting on one and a half movies).

Reflections

2011-09-06T16:27:00.003-10:00

I saw this reflection in a mud puddle this morning and couldn't resist taking a snapshot.

Then a little farther along at Wailea beach I saw a beach yoga class. What a great way to start the day.

But this being America where the competitive spirit thrives, I came across another beach yoga class at the other end of the beach. Can there be too much of a good thing?

Any Excuse

2011-09-05T20:10:00.002-10:00

I had the privilege of volunteering as a kayak escort for this morning's Maui Aumakua ocean swim races. It felt good to be able to cheer on my fellow swimmers, all while sitting comfortably in my teeny tiny little kayak (I look for any excuse to avoid physical exercise).

For a nice change there was no real drama and conditions were nearly perfect. Click HERE for more photos from today's race.