Early Christmas

 Now that winter is here, the streets I walk are festively strewn with flower petals. This special consideration by the trees makes me feel appreciated. How nice.

And this morning besides seeing the usual stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers, I saw someone flying on water jets. I think someone's Christmas present came early.

Drivers License Revoked

Green Sea Turtles have been missing from the scene the past few weeks. Where did they go? Have they all been eaten by sharks?

Not to worry. This morning they were back, in abundance. But they've obviously been out partying somewhere, because two of them actually staggered right into me. Yes, turtles are often oblivious to their surroundings, but I've never had them actually run me over. If they carried drivers licenses, they would have had them suspended by now. Watch out for those holiday parties.

This Pillow Starfish (photo below) is in the holiday spirit, being all decked out in bright red.

Thrown by Waves

 I don't know which is scarier. The threat of attack by Tiger Shark, or the risky spots my swimmer friends take me.

This morning we explored the cliffs along Ahihi bay, peeking into every nook and cranny along the way. Well, not just peeking, but swimming into them to see where the waves would throw us when they crashed in.

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

New Spectator Sport

I couldn't resist the juxtaposition of this sign with these chairs. Whale watching, maybe; but shark watching?

Only a few years ago there was no public transport (except private taxis) on Maui, and now there is regular service with double-decker buses. Things are a-changin'

Enjoy the Swim

 This morning was my first ocean swim since Monday's fatal shark attack, and my mind was working against me the entire time. In fact I even cut the swim short because of my worries.

None of the turtles I saw, who are prime food sources for big sharks, seemed the least bit concerned. And after my swim I noticed several snorkelers who were having a great time, laughing and joking amongst themselves.

So, I've decided that it is time for an attitude shift. If I commit to a swim, I need to banish all worries about being torn apart by big ocean predators. I need to just enjoy the swim.

Time for Action

This morning yet another person was killed by a shark in my back yard. Two deaths in the past few months in my neighborhood plus several bites within a couple of miles. This is getting out of hand. If the sharks don't get back in line I'm afraid that I am going to have to take action.

Fewer and Fewer

 Because of a recent shark attack just a little way down our South Maui shore, turnout was sparse for this morning's ocean swim.

And the crowd grew thinner as the swim through murky water progressed. From the nine who began the swim, only four of us emerged together at the end. Don't worry, the other five all got out safely, but only minutes after getting in.