Jenni in paradise; that's before the climb back up the cliff
For those not familiar with rugby, that's what we loosely describe as a 'scrum for yellow bellies'.
A good boy scout knows that one should be prepared. In fact, any boy scout knows it. So there we were,
heading for what is known as the finest snorkeling area in Hawaii. Well, we all know that each district, each
island or city tends to exaggerate a little. The odd bit of hyperbole is not unexpected in the
United States—after all, the police in our hometown are known as America’s finest according to the same
police force. Anyway, you get the picture.
By the way, we thank the many people who wrote and offered advice, all sage of course, some criticism which
we need and others spiced with humor, after our little waywardness on Mauna Loa. We loved Barry Jahn’s email
most in which, after his initial comments, he concluded by adding: He couldn’t bear the thought we might not
return and then "I'd quickly fall into withdrawal symptoms if I went too many days without Lazarowhike pics."
Once again, we digress but we did feel it important to offer our appreciation and a little 'advertising'.
The best number in the world, a pair. Shot taken above surface although would like to drop the new camera
below surface.
Part of the cliff wall at back, yellow tangs in front, sparkling water all around.
We caught this lot while still in school...like 'shooting' at fish in the world's largest aquarium
We hiked down a rocky path of 1,300 feet to the ocean and on arrival noticed fish swimming close
to the submerged rocks on the shore. Fascinating, we thought. We put our heads together and wondered what
type of fish they were. We try to be intelligent about these things so we thought long and hard about it.
Finally, the editor in a moment of clarity, burst out with the an answer that we considered nothing short
of sheer brilliance—‘yellow fish’. That’s exactly what they were. There are no pretensions with us—we call
it as we see it. Later, we thought again and said should one eat the 'little fellas', it would probably have
a tangy taste. We thus named them yellow tang fish. We don't eat red meat, one of us stopped consuming
chicken and now the same person is thinking of not eating our little buddies, yellow or otherwise, either.
Pass the lettuce leaves, Jen.
Early sunset as sun breaks through clouds creating a silver lining.
A good indication of sunset in paradise.
The well equipped snorkeler preparing or is that prepared. At least, he has swim shorts, we think...hope.
Three days later, a contrasting picture from sunny Hawaii—a return to Mauna Loa, not far away
but 13,000 feet higher.
We still have not got to the part about the boy scouts. Our backpacks are always full so we only have enough
space for hiking gear. We are struggling with space for our new camera and the dozen or so lenses. Where would
we put the tube, ping-pong ball, facemask, frogs-legs and all that paraphernalia for snorkeling? So we entered
the water with at least one item that a snorkler uses—a swimsuit. Heck, you can’t have everything.
It turned out quite nicely, we thought. The fish were friendly; they didn’t disperse when we swam around.
We think they probably considered us one of the family. After all, we did not have all that funny equipment
which they normally see on humans.
As an aside, when we move to the next island, our son, Gavin will be there, too—quite a coincidence.
He is a keen scuba diver when on vacation. We're not an underwater couple (if we're not talking stock portfolios);
we're still struggling to find a ping-pong ball and a pipe now that we have the swimsuit.
Every evening, a different picture of sunset, a treat.
An incredible setting as a hint of mist creeps by. The great Mauna Loa is everywhere.
The hike up to the cliff tops is not long but quite a challenge in the heat and over a rocky surface.
However, the evening before, we did something similar when we went to the beach near our cottage. The climb
back from sea level is probably one of the steepest (short though) we have ever undertaken, also in four figures.
The only advantage is that it’s on a road so the surface is smooth. When we watched the cars passing us, it is one
time we empathized with motor vehicles. Wow! There sure are some steep inclines in this state.
Now we have a bird entering the scene, too.
Reflections and a single smiling fish while an insect keeps its distance above.
We confirm he does have shorts but besides that, not much else.
While we’re discussing this state, what is most interesting is how friendly the people are. It really is nice.
On the other hand, to give it some balance, there are some real strange people here, too. However, that of course,
is a subjective statement and has to be taken from whence it comes. We usually mention the preponderance of tattoos
on people in Hawaii—this trend seems to be growing although we haven’t noticed much availability of virgin flesh,
if you get our meaning. Most bodies are already well-covered.
It's hard to say goodbye
We have more to write about these fascinating islands, until next time…
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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