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.

Turtle Time

Another day of snorkeling. I swam with two giant honu (sea turtles). The snorkeling is incredible. I keep wanting to venture further and further off the coast. But I keep in mind how many snorkelers have been swept out to sea. We had supper last night at the outdoor, ocean front restaurant. It was nearly empty. The wind was really blowing, so it kept many away. The girls and I hiked along the shore line yesterday. It was sooo hot. We visited a few of the traditional fish ponds. The Hawaiians made fish ponds along the shore line of all the islands. That way, baby fish would swim in, eat and grow and become too big to swim out again--the ponds were their 'kitchens' in pre-contact times. No whales yesterday--but the ocean was really choppy.
Today is our last day at the Fairmont Orchid--then we move to Waikoloa condos. We are ready for the condo experience. It will be nice to have our own kitchen. And the condos are right near "A" beach--which is supposed to be a great beach.