Beaching It

A crazy day at 69 Beach. The locals call it that. It does have a Hawaiian name too: Waialea. The waves were HUGE! T's crew joined us and everyone spent the day playing in the waves that sent one crashing into the shore. I saw a big sea turtle swim right by the beach and 3 humpbacks jumping fully our of the water and crashing back down with a big splash! Everyday is an adventure. I love that whales and sea turtles are an everyday part of our lives here--not to mention the chatter of geckos. 

The evening was spent having an Italian dinner ant Joop's nephew Harlan and his wife Donna. They live in a huge, modern, Hawaiian mansion overlooking the ocean. It truly is one of the most luxurious places I've ever been to. The view is unbelievable. They have an infinity pool perched on the edge of a cliff too.  Even though the home itself is most luxurious (with an entire open side on the house that seamlessly blended the outdoors with the interior of the house, mahogany hardwood floors, woven seagrass ceiling, and a bathroom sink carved out of a big lava stone) the most amazing thing about their property is that as we ate dinner at the dining room table (which was outside), we heard very loud whales--blowing the water from their spouts and smacking their tails just off shore below--this went on all night.

And again, I have to mention my love affair with astronomy. The night sky is so amazing. I am speechless as I desperately try to take in all the stars. I am seeing constellations I never have before. I can see every star up there. I saw Pegasus last night! How can I ever leave this night sky?
I never expected to love Hawaii this much. I've vacationed to a few tropical places before--but never have I found myself so in love. I believe it is because the big island is so rural. The beaches we frequent are still down long, twisty foot paths. It is not spoiled by tourism.
Visited Northern Hawaii Hospital yesterday morning again. This time with Tabitha. She got a huge wave in the face, which must have jared her eye( in the afternoon). Then I gave her Motrin at night for her sunburn. The result was her eye bled in the night and formed a big blood spot on the white by morning. It was frightening to see but the doctor assured us it will heal on its own in about 3 weeks.

Humpbacks in Love

I promised whale pictures. It took patience. I saw one splash out of the water periodically, but every time I grabbed my camera, she disappeared. Finally two decided to dance. They were totally in love as not one of them felt the need to thrust themselves out of the water completely. They were content to just be close to one another.

Another amazing day at a new beach: Hapuna. The most beautiful beach in N. America, apparently. We did some serious boogie boarding and some serious snorkeling. I LOVE boogie boarding! It is amazingly good fun. And Theresa and Joop and Kyran led Mist and I out on a very long snorkel in the ocean--in deep water--no where to rest one's weary flippers. The closest shore was shear rock, no beach. I felt triumphant that I was able to snorkel so far. T and Joop continued on even farther, into a bay. But being a relatively new snorkeler, I headed back to shore with Mist and Kyr.

Pip so wanted to boogie board--so I helped her. All was fun and games until a big wave capsized her sideways and she rolled off and under the surf. I decided perhaps she is still a little too young to boogie board. Tabs isn't that keen on snorkeling--when she actually sees fish she becomes afraid that they'll attack. However, she spent alot of time out, playing the the waves.

Theresa had our family back to Morning Fire Ranch for a most delicious Hawaiian meal. SO good: Hawaiian chicken, rice, papaya salad, green beans and oranges. Tabs got burnt yesterday despite sunscreen and I broke out in a horrible blotchy, itchy rash all over my body. I think I got too much sun--a type of allergic reaction to the intense heat. The afternoon heat is intolerable for us fair skinned orchids.

We are supposed to go to another amazing beach this morning. I am definitely sitting under the umbrella all day when I'm not snorkeling. And poor Tabs cheeks and nose are the worst--I don't even want her in the sun today. But this is Hawaii--we want to be in the ocean all day. What to do?