Whats Under the Surface

     During this journey we have discovered the beauty, strength and wonder under the surface of the ocean. We have encountered a world that is new and exciting to us.  This experience has served to remind us again of how little we really understand, or know, about many of the things we think we see.  We have found snorkeling to be a spiritual reflection of our life experience. Although we still know little about the new world we have discovered here on the Hawaiin islands, it has reminded us again and again of how much beauty is under the surface of the ocean, in the caves, or under the canopies of the forests and jungles, and in our brothers and sisters. 

     We have snorkeled numerous times, and each experience has been so distinctly different than the last.  One of our more challenging experiences was swimming two miles in the ocean to snorkel from Kealakekua Bay State park to the Captain Cook Monument. We spent 3 hours and 45 minutes swimming in the ocean fighting the currents and in water, so deep in parts we couldn't see where the bottom could possibly be. I saw a sea snake and different types of fish than other times. Rick had a boogie board attached to his ankle so we could stop for breaks. At one point we realized it had come loose and floated away in the waves.  I swam my fastest to catch the board, with success and a feeling of relief(it was kind of our security blanket). On our return, we got stuck in the current with the waves coming in and out. We were kicking for about ten minutes and not going anywhere. We had to head for deeper water, away from the shoreline to get into a current that worked with us, rather than against us. We enjoyed our challenge and were glad to see the shoreline . My ankles are still a bit sore from kicking in flippers for so long, but it was worth the discomfort. The coral forests and fish were fabulous.  We were hoping to swim with the spinner dolphins, as we had seen them in this bay before and watched them jumping over the snorkelers. We were hoping for a repeat performance over us, but are still very satisfied with our experience.

leaving for Captain Cook Monument

     When we first arrived in Hawaii, our friend Jeff picked us up at the airport and shared his beautiful off-the-grid home with us for a few days. He took us to some of the great beaches and beautiful swimming spots on the east side of the island, and also took us up in the high country to Volcanoes National Park. We went to a warm pond, which is a mixture of fresh and salt water, heated from steam vents to about 90 degrees. Jeff, and his wife Lani, made us delicious vegan meals and shared great conversation over several days. Their son entertained us with his creative mind in the evenings. We were so grateful for all there love and help getting us oriented on the Big Island.

 

Bob and Rick

   We moved to the Kona(west) side of Hawaii and met up with our Ashland friend, Bob. Bob is here for a month for some r and r, as well as shooting footage for his photography business(Wilderness Video).  We enjoyed dinners together on his deck overlooking the ocean, with beautiful sunsets. We went searching with him to find places to film other sunsets and scenic spots around the island.  Bob showed us his favorite beaches, and we enticed him to snorkel with us for his first time.  We enjoyed playing games in the evening, watching film taken during the day, took evening walks and enjoyed the night life and activity below the deck. We watched "just married" couples with their honking cars, and screaming fans passing below us on the "strip", as well as roller derby gals, and all types of passerby.  It was just great to be able to share good   conversation, food, friendship and time in Hawaii together. 

The Roller Derby Gals

     We had a local farmers market across the street from where we were staying, art galleries and live musical bands and performers in the open air restuarants around us. We ate papaya and passion fruit for breakfast and fresh tropical fruit smoothies in the evening. We saw spinner dolphins in the Captain Cook area, found an Avocado Festival and ran into another Ashland friend there. 

      We have been amazed at the diversity in scenery on the island. I had pictured it very differently in my mind. There are lava fields. grassland, high altitude in the volcanoes and craters, lush tropical areas, dry open areas and forest lands, as well as the beautiful coastlines and beaches.  I found Hawaii not to be as touristy as I had thought and not as flashy as I thought. It is real people living and working here, with the tourists thrown into the mix, and has the largest population of native Hawaiins. 

Julie in the Huge Banyan Tree

      I also realize that part of this feeling may come since we frequent health food stores and farmers markets, instead of restuarants and don't stay at resorts. One day, we hitched a ride back from one of the beaches and had people tell us they came here for a vacation and never went home. We have had lots of special moments with people as well as the sea turtles we saw on land and in the water. Our conversations with locals and the folks at the farmers markets were special and educating. We will be leaving Hawaii tomorrow for a day in Oahu and then onto Kauai.  Until then, enjoy life and stay warm.

Beautiful sunsets from Bob's deck