Whales and Turtles

     The four hour time difference always leaves me ready to get up at 4 am when I first arrive in Hawaii. Despite a very comfortable bed I was up before the sun today.  Terry, Connie and I sat on the lanai drinking coffee and watched the sun rise.  Soon after we saw our first whale, and then another, and then several more.  In the couple of hours after sunrise we saw dozens of whales in the warm waters between Maui and Molokai.  It was wonderful. 

    We also saw a bunch of green sea turtles "honu."   There is a rock ledge about 40 feet from shore.  It provides a natural barrier from strong wave action.  The turtles come to feed in this area.  They are big guys with strong flippers which end in a sharp claw.  They are a protected animal so we have to stay away if we see one swimming.  

     We drove along the shore for a ways to show Connie and Terry more of the view they missed in the dark last night.  We stopped at several overlooks to watch some surfers and see more whales.  We ate  an early lunch, did more grocery shopping and had a nap.  

    Then the ocean was calling my name.  The shore just in front of the building is rocky.  There is a small swimming pool, grass, palm trees and lounge chairs.  A the end of the grassy area is a walkway to a small sand beach in front of the building next door.  Just perfect for a nice dip in the warm ocean.  

    We had an early "happy" hour and then grilled some pork chops on the fancy gas grills.  Soon it was sunset time and many of the residents head out to the sea wall to blow a conch shell as the sun sets.  A beautiful way to say goodbye to the sun, say, "mahalo" for the wonderful day, and give a salute to the evening.  The perfect way to end our first day on Maui.