My best day

Yesterday was the best day. We got word that the pill form of the meds we’d been giving the cat were working and he seemed much better. I also got a massage (gifted to me by our friends for my belated birthday). At the house we’re staying at. On the “linai” (a partially walled in patio) where I could hear actual waves breaking in the background.

And finally, I got to swim with sea turtles.

You may remember that last year I was on a mission to swim sea turtles. I did end up getting to, but it definitely felt like everyone else was having an easier time of spotting them than I was.

This year I wasn’t as obsessed with the prospect, but knew I would be thrilled if it happened. So yesterday I asked to be dropped off at a spot that is known for sea turtle sightings, while my family scratched my son’s coconut cream pie itch.

The spot I picked was close to another spot where we snorkeled. I didn’t know much else about it. When I walked out to the water, I found a finger of lava rock jutting out into the ocean, and one family fishing off it. The surf was breaking hard on the rocks and there wasn’t anyone in the water anywhere. If my family hadn’t had driven away, I probably wouldn’t have gotten in.

But I had an hour and I could see the snorkeling would be beautiful so I went for it. And almost immediately I came upon two sea turtles, munching on coral in a long, slender strip of water along the shore.

At one point I was filming one and then turned around to see where the other one went and he was right behind me. He just floated there and we regarded each other for a long time. It was the most amazing moment.

I wish I could post the actual video. Maybe when I get home and have my computer.

The other snorkeling of the day was also great. The spot we wanted to go to was closed (locals said a monk seal was molting there), so we went to a nearby cove and liked it better. The water was less choppy and there was so much to see.

This last guy swam right up to me, just staring into my camera. Most of the fish are darting away from me, so I really loved this encounter. The snorkeling this year has been so great.

Today is our final full day. We had a long drive and a big hike planned, but we think we’re going to scratch that and hang out at the property with friends instead. I’m sure we’ll head out on some smaller adventures, like Ululani snow cones in Paia.

Tomorrow our flight is at 4pm so we’ll have time to hang out in the morning too. Which is wonderful, because I never get tired of this place.