On a warm, spring day, we climbed in the truck and drove up the coastline of the island seeking the entrance to a trail we had not yet encountered. Inspecting the wooded landscape that lined the street, we searched for a gap in the trees. Earth that moved after rainwater runoff carved its path down the mountain caught our eye but didn't create the physical space needed to pass. Nearly ready to abandon our search and forge our own trail, we turned the corner and saw an incline and a clearing fit for a hiker. Thirty minutes of climbing up the mountain mirroring the one pictured here, and we stood happily on a new height. The sunset changed the colors of both the sky and the ocean as we stared on in appreciation for the island.
Tahiti calls. Where would you take a boat like this? The world is your playground. I woke up just after sunrise and hopped in my car with nothing on my mind but this destination. Parking on the side of the road and winding through a jungly path to the sea, two beach combers and a friendly, fluffy sheepdog smiled from further down the shoreline. I climbed across rocks, waded in the water with my camera above my head, and ducked under a dock to arrive at my destination.
While living in Hawaii, the one creature that has intrigued me more than any other is the Humpback Whale. Each winter they visit the Hawaiian Islands to give birth to their calves in the warm, protected waters here. With long breath holds and deep diving capabilities, the Humpback Whales are present, but not always visible. When I catch a glimpse of their tails slapping the water, their backs breaking the water’s surface, or the amazing motion that is the breach, it makes me so happy. These giant creature are amazing and I cannot wait to go to Tahiti where it is possible to free dive alongside them.
