Tuesday

I'm starting to get it all mixed up in my head. So I have to get going on this.

Tuesday we went to Captain Cook's memorial. It is in a lovely bay and the memorial is where he was killed by the natives. The only problem is that you have to go there by boat. Last trip it was the others favorite site.

This time, the environmentalists had scored a  victory and it was off limits. Only very limited people had permits to go to the memorial, and there was no snorkeling. I took a few pictures.

This was as close as we got to the Captain Cook Memorial. It seems pretty silly to me to have a memorial that nobody, or very few people -- depending on your political connections -- can go see.

This was a sacred spot to the islanders. There was a temple, or the remains of a temple. You couldn't climb on it. But I got a few pictures.

The little monument in front of the temple is where a crew member from Cook's boat was killed. This created a problem, because the natives started thinking that the Europeans were perhaps not gods after all. They had been received in a similar manner as Cortez and Pisaro. Only the Hawaiians got off a lot better.

The walls around the corner.

The walk way to the point.

Not a sandy beach. It had these black round stones. I think it was still lava, but not the jagged kind.

The experienced vacationers were trying to figure out how to get out on the bay. I looked at it and thought it was very big and a whole lot scary.

When absolutely no way was found, we drove around the point to two-step. This was open water -- a lot like Cook's Bay. I started getting ready. Really, it was a determined, teeth-set, get a hold of your self moment. I put on the glaringly yellow vest, my mask and went to the steps. The rocks formed a two step ledge into the very deep water. This would be the first time that I would not be able to stand up if I got a bit freaked out.

Sandy was already in the water, Craig said he would follow me in. Sandy had a boogie board, and that is all I thought of. Get in the water, swim to the boogie board, and don't let go. Sandy was my buddy for most of the swim. But eventually she had had enough of me bumping the board into her, and she transferred the board over to me.

That meant I was in water way over my head with just a mask and a boogie board. Craig saw the transfer and he swam over and became my buddy. This was the best swim for me so far.

The most fish that we saw on the whole trip were the yellow tangs. The biggest fish in these from the shore swims were the parrot fish. I got a few images from the web to share.

One of the more elusive fish was the coronet fish. They blended in with the water. The right angle really helped to spot these fish.

I was so excited to see these parrot fish. They were the largest fish I saw. I think Brad was disappointed to not see a shark. But I was relieved.

Craig and I saw the yellow trumpet fish only once, and only for a few seconds. I was very excited about this one.

The water was this clear, and this is kind of what the reef looked like. It was down deep (for me), and only a few fish swam anywhere close enough for me to think that I might be able to touch them. They were just teasing me, but I was enchanted.

After a while, the vest was more of a nuisance than a help. I deflated it and then I took it off. It disappeared.  I think Brad took it away. It was just me, the boogie board, Craig and the ocean. It was magical.

We swam out looking for fish and then we noticed we were at the drop off. I was not brave enough to look over that, and then we headed back. Craig showed me how far out we were, and then I focused on getting back to the far away shore. He had to keep getting me back on track, I just started kicking. He tried hard to steer me, but we made it back.

I was awkward getting back up the two steps. Total strangers literally pulled me from the water and Craig pushed me out. I was exhilarated and exhausted -- but triumphant.

Monday

Monday I learned how to boogie board. I have no pictures. I was too busy getting all sandy and trying to make sure my suit was still covering me.



It was way fun. The surf churned up the sand, and that churned up sand got everywhere. Brad later called it "Sand in Your Crack Beach". Another day we were there, I saw a sign that said that this was the beach with the most spinal injuries. I am glad that we survived it twice.



Lunch and then we snorkeled again. I was very interested in getting some good practice in because Brad had booked us an open water snorkel trip. More on that to come.



The beach we chose was a little out of the way beach. We just pulled off the road and saw a local family there playing. We only saw one couple snorkeling. I spoke with them, and they said this was their favorite spot. Sounded good.



The water was murky. Too much sand on the bottom. I saw a few fish, but there were at least 9 turtles. I was able to swim with them a bit. They had plenty of room to avoid me and get away, but they seemed oblivious. I enjoyed it and practiced snorkeling without my bright yellow life vest. This time Craig stayed close, but I didn't hold his hand. Obviously I was growing up fast in the snorkeling world.



There is a picture of us girls standing by a turtle in the water and making the turtle sign. I think it was from this beach. But the picture will live here in my blog. :)

I know this picture is not centered well, but you can see the turtle (who looks like a rock) and us girls laughing. Poor Kris is partially cut out.

Sunday continued

We continues up the Western Coast. Brad says we turned the point and started a bit south. The Big Island is a bit amazing. There is a bit of everything. The black lava flows, a bit of a desert, and then back to the tropical landscape you would expect. We got into the tropical area. There are lots of ranches -- cows. We passed a statue of King Kamehameha. I didn't get a picture. But I did get a picture of a wonderful little valley.



It's on my tablet, and I'll have to experiment a bit to transfer them to the blog. I wish I was more tech savvy.


I'm not sure why, but the process of posting from the tablet seems to stretch the pictures. Sorry.

The little bay that the valley runs into.

The valley. It is protected -- that means no development.



Sunset on the fly from the car.



Sunset on the beach.



Brad and Kris.



Sandy and Alan.



Sandy and Alan, they humored me and turned around to watch the sunset.



Craig and I. (I know my hair looks crazy. It's been in the back of a convertible with the top down all day.)



Kris



Sandy



Me


I happen to love this picture. :)

Here are a few pictures from the camera.

This is proof that Craig and I were in Hawaii.

A nice family took our picture up at the little valley.

Brad and Kris. I don't have a picture of her with her eyes open, so I have to use this one.

Sunday in Hawaii

We got ready for Church -- the third day in a row wearing my dress. I was happy when I wouldn't have to wear it again for a while.

We knew the time and made it with plenty to spare.

It was fun to see people at church that we had seen in the temple the day before. One of the workers recognized us as well, and he came over and talked to us. He introduced us to his little granddaughter that had followed him over. She peaked at us and wasn't sure if she wanted to say anything -- cute, cute girl.

We chatted for a few minutes until they were ready to start the meeting. He said that before the Kona temple was built, it would take about $700.00 for a temple trip. The airfare to the other island, the hotel, and the food.

It was a good thing that we went on Saturday, because the next week, there was a ward from Maui (I think) that was scheduled for a temple trip. He said they come in mass, still paying that much money.

I've read The Other Side Of Heaven that talks about the amazing faith of the island people. I was excited to see it in action. And in my brief moments interacting with the faithful islanders, I think I did. It was Ward Conference, and to start it off, there were three confirmations. A dad with his two teenage daughters. His wife was there, clearly happy to witness the moment. The Spirit was strong.

The bishop spoke about reviewing our lives and working to improve ourselves. The Stake President spoke briefly, happy to give some of his time for the confirmations.

Kris saw her cousin in the congregation. She doesn't get to see him very often, he living in Hawaii and all. :) It was a really, good day.

After lunch, we decided to go on a drive. We piled in the cars and headed north. We snuck in a gated resort and took a walk around the pier. Kris was driving and Brad wanted her to just follow a car in. Finally Alan followed the car in and Kris snuck in behind him. I'm just glad that I wasn't driving. I hate doing things like that.

But in Hawaii, the beaches and water front are public. Hotels can't keep the public out.

We saw our first sea turtle there. So I was glad we went in, but it was a bit stressful for a minute.

The sea turtle.

I didn't touch him, but clearly I got a bit too close. Of all the behavior that was pushing the limits that day, I think I went the furthest with this shot.

He just lay there, sunning himself. He didn't seem too disturbed. I was thrilled.

Just communing with him for a bit.

We walked around a tidal pond. A little retaining wall had been built and filled with fish. We saw moray eels. I was glad to see them from the walk way and not in the water. I hear they have nasty tempers. One was golden in color and two more were muted green.

We returned to the cars and headed north again.

And  I have to go to work. So I will post the rest of the day later.

Small details

I was so excited about the fish yesterday that I forgot to tell about how I snorkeled.

I had a death grip on Craig's hand. I had to know right where he was. He was super nice (I've been hanging around my brother Joe, and picked up his adjective) about the whole thing.

I was trying to remember to breath and he would point out fish after fish after fish. I got to where I would look for fish to see if I could point them out too.

I was so proud of my self. But the whole experience was exhausting. Pushing down panic wears a person out. :) He told me, with a bit of wonder in his voice, "You are courageous!" I need to find more ways to make that a part of my visible personality. If after 14 years he was so surprised, I need to work on it. :)

Saturday in Hawaii

Our plan was to play in the water on Saturday, but it was drizzly and gray.

After much thinking and looking at the weather report, we decided to attend the Kona temple.

Brad had pointed it out to us as he collected us from the airport.

I only brought one skirt, so I put it on again and off we went. My green lava-lava was my jacket. I only took one carry on bag for the whole ten days. I was glad there was a washer-dryer. :)

Here is the little Kona temple. It is a bit difficult to find. It is on a dead-end road. We had a bit of an adventure driving there, but we arrived safe and sound. This time we knew when the session started and had planned accordingly.

Alan, Sandy, Craig and I standing in the front of the temple.

Brad and Kris in front of the temple. Brad wanted to be by the sign -- the Kona Hawaii Temple. He will always know which temple he was at. :) You can see in the picture that Brad is in flip-flops. He forgot his Sunday shoes. This is a better shot of Moroni.

Brad, Kris, Sandy and Alan.

We found a place for lunch. It was a popular spot. I had the roast pig with gravy. I love Hawaiian pig, but it was a bit heavy. I wished for more veggies when my plate came.

Then it was time to learn to snorkel.

Those that know me well, know that I am a bit frightened of the water. I am quite frightened when I can not touch bottom. The idea of snorkeling was a bit terrifying for me. But I wanted to see the fish and I wanted to conquer my fear.

So Craig got a blow-up, bright, yellow life jacket. I used Sandy and Alan's extra snorkel mask and I set off to learn how. The wind was still blowing a bit. The water was a bit choppy. The mask leaked water. I spent a lot of that first day emptying the water out of the nose area of the mask. I spent a lot of the day pulling my head up out of the water and blowing out the water in the breathing tube.

But I saw fish. I didn't get an underwater camera, and I was no where ready to use it this day, but I saw some amazingly colorful fish. Yellow Tangs were everywhere. These were the fish that you could see from the rocks. I saw parrot fish, Hawaiian spotted puffer fish, Hawaiian spotted toby, Coronet fish, reef trigger fish, Moorish idols, Lei trigger fish, 4-spot butterfly fish, teardrop butterfly fish, bandtail goatfish, milletseed butterflyflish and others. The fish like the rocks. I swam over some cauliflower coral and lava rocks and finger coral. It was simply amazing.

After perusing the internet, I found a few pictures. The Moorish Idol.

Hawaiian Spotted Pufferfish

 Parrot fish

Yellow Tang

Trigger fish

Courtesy of my leaky mask, I drained sea water from my nasal passages for over an hour after I got out of the water.

Sandy got some lovely pictures of me and my fluorescent yellow floatie. I still have to beg them from her. When I get them, I'll insert them in the post.

I took a break

I dashed off to Oregon to see Karly go through the temple. I will finish the Hawaii posts and then get to Oregon. The past two and a half weeks have been a bit crazy -- but fun.