Travels To Hawaii, Day 5
Today we went snorkeling at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve . My son and daughter caught on rather easily, while Debbie and I were slower to learn. Soon, however, we found ourselves exploring all around the reefs. Peering through the top of the water one could see an amazing array of aquatic creatures. I saw fish big and small of a rainbow of colors. And I saw what looked to be eels and tiny squid-looking creatures. It was a mesmerizing world just below the surface. The fish seemed almost tame. But, whenever tempted to reach into a nook to feel what was inside, I would remember the little boy whom I saw earlier, screaming in pain and fear as something took a bite of his hand. I think he was o.k., but it was a reminder this was nature, not an aquarium. After several hours of swimming and exploring, I found myself quite tired but also quite happy. I would recommend this as a top place to visit for anyone coming to Oahu.
For the evening, we enjoyed a dinner cruise and show on the Alaii Kai , purported to be the world's largest catamaran. It is a large, three tiered boat. The trip was for two hours. The buffet was quite good. However, the tables of food were quickly moved so the show could proceed. And, I would generally rather eat than watch a show! The entertainment consisted of assorted Polynesian performers skillfully dancing. They were a portly bunch, and fun to watch. A gentlemen behind me, from Paraguay, was highly inebriated and insisted upon dancing with the performers. He was embarassingly entertaining, and I'm sure his wife kicked his tail the next day. We visited with some nice people, and also went atop the boat to enjoy the breeze and the setting sun.
Last night I was sitting on the porch of the cabin, looking out into the bay. I noticed lights coming up from the water. There were four pairs of lights, swirling in circles and moving slowly about the area. It was puzzling to watch, and I could not help but wonder what was happening. I determined it was either a scuba diving exercise by the Marines, or an extraterrestrial visit. But, since then, I've been thinking a bit more. These young men on the Marine Base are filled with energy, wonder, and foolhardiness! Likely some of them were out in the bay, at midnight, snorkeling with flashlights!
04.27.09 (4:41 am) [
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posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
04.27.09 (4:34 am)
Oh how nice!
Ahhh I remember it well!
I am so pleased that you and your family are able to spend time with your son and see our special state!
Aloha my friend!
posted by:
mimi (
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post date:
04.27.09 (7:22 am)
could it have been some glow in the dark birds doing a sunset dance just for you???? phonnnneee hoommmmeee!! xoxo
posted by:
bawdy (
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post date:
04.27.09 (1:18 pm)
Careful, getting anal probed by aliens could put a damper on the vacations of some people. Of some people...
posted by:
jesusisangry (
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post date:
04.27.09 (2:00 pm)
The lights you seen using underwater kenetics lights they were from free divers looking for a fish called an UHU because the fish sleeps at night, it's a easy kill. The fish won't move at night. The divers are also looking spiny lobster, slipper lobster, or octopus. Only reason why free divers use underwater kenetics is becuase of the candle power, it's easier for the divers in the event they get seperated at night. All they do is surface and flash the lights, and used a locator beacon in the middle on the ocean to locate each other.
The Marines don't go diving, that is the Navy and the Navy don't use lights at night.
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
04.28.09 (6:40 pm)
Reply to: jesusisangry
Seems to me there is not much sport is such fishing. I wonder if it is legal?
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
04.28.09 (6:41 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
Surrogate said it could be fun.
posted by:
PastorDave (
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post date:
04.28.09 (6:42 pm)
Reply to: mimi
Glow in the dark birds? I've been offered some exotic cocktails around here. Haven't tried them- don't want to see such things.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
04.28.09 (6:43 pm)
Reply to: auntconi
You remember snorkeling and Hanauma Bay? It is an amazing place, and will likely wind up being the highlight excursion of this trip. If I ever return to such a setting, I would like to try snorkeling again.
posted by:
auntconi (
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post date:
04.28.09 (8:47 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Yes I did go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Also at several other places around the island. It is so fantastic! I am pleased you enjoyed it so much.
We will have lots to chat about when I make my next trip through Georgia ~ and I'm going to visit your church as well; but I don't think I'll be traveling with any Catholics! :)
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
04.28.09 (8:49 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
"Reply to: bawdy
... Surrogate said it could be fun..."
~aaaaahahaha ~ good one!
posted by:
bawdy (
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post date:
04.29.09 (1:30 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
Haha..well, I'll just have to take his word for it.
posted by:
jesusisangry (
reply)
post date:
04.30.09 (4:27 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
It's extremely hard to spear that fish in the day, it's legal to spear at night. The fish is quick and if you can't hold your breath for 2 minutes plus you're not going to get the fish. Also the fish is a good fish to eat. The locals pay good money for that fish.
