Sightings of the Loch Ness Monster are...

commonplace compared to seeing me geared up for playtime in the ocean.

This event is extremely rare. Haley's Comet rare. 

First off, I don't swim. I dog paddle or side stroke at best. I'm not a fan of putting my head where air can't enter my ample nose or mouth. 

Second, I'm afraid of water. People drown in it. There's living things in it who would love to make a kosher appetizer of me. You should have seen me get onshore when I spotted a moray eel today. I swam real fast!

Third, I do get seasick. No further explanation needed. I'll spare you the details. 

But today, it was fun. I saw the mentioned eel, a sea turtle, a clown fish, flocks of parrot fish, thousands of yellow tangs (very pretty) and one blow fish. 

I was hoping to whale watch but there were none around. 

I have the gear rented for a week. By that time, I'll be like Mike Nelson of "Sea Hunt" fame. You will be showing your age if you can remember Lloyd Bridges in the starring role.

Maybe I'll get serious and rent a harpoon!

PS. I didn't see Nessie either

Jeff

Why I didn't summit 13,796' Mauna Kea.

Let's see, the dog ate my  PB&J bagel and I was starting to Bonk, so I ate the hound? Nope that won't work. 

Here's the truth. It was too freaking frigid and body slamming windy for a guy who prides himself on avoiding the Season of Death at all costs. My extremities were getting numb (my nose is an extreme extremity of mine). 

There was White Death on the trail. I didn't step on it.

I missed my mark by two miles and 680.46' of the summit. Half of the distance would have been road miles. Yes, I not a total wimp, most Haoles (white folks) drive to the top. 

I did make it to Lake Waiau sitting at 13,115.54' (I love "My Altitude" app). There were no bikini clad beauties there. Maybe a few hardy Ski Bunnies if conditions were right. 

The lake is another Hawaiian sacred place. There's a gazillion of them in the Aloha State. Jerusalem might be the only area on Earth with more sacred places. When in doubt in Hawaii tread softly. 

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and it too is a sacred place. It's so special there's a paved road to the top! 

I am still coughing from VOG. In one photo I captured the culprit spewing noxious gases. Everyone hacks here, even non-smokers like me. It was a first for me to be wheezing at altitude. Clean air is so overrated!

Sleep well Mainland and beyond.

I'm knackered!

Jeff

Where Captain James Cook...

Met his Sailmaker. 

All was quiet, scenic and serene at Kealakekua Bay today. There was one history buff (me), snorkelers and three Humpback whales. It's a lovely place.

It wasn't  so peaceful for Captain Cook on February 14, 1779. This cove was the site of his brutal murder. In fact, the perpetrator is known. It was Prince Kalaimanokahoʻowaha (wouldn't Prince Kal be easier to say?) who struck the first blow swinging a mighty club. His accomplishes finished the great explorer, navigator and cartographer off. 

Those Hawaiians sure have funny gift giving ideas on Valentine's Day!

I'm think Cook would have preferred chocolates or flowers.

So what caused this fatal skirmish? 

Stuff! The Natives took a small boat from the Brits and by golly, they wanted it back.

I'm a guy who jettisoned 98% of his stuff. I never miss my former belongings, although having a printer would be handy at times. So take it from me, it's just stuff. Don't get hurt over it.

Good night on Super Bowl Sunday.

PS. Those are yellow fishes in the saltwater picture. Can't you tell?