La Ballena Gris - The Gray Whale

On Monday, March 10, I was privileged to take a journey to Lopez Mateo, on Magdelena Bay on the Pacific Coast of Baja California to view and even interact to some small degree with the incredible gray whale.
The yearly migration from the Bering Sea of Alaska brings the gray whales to one of 3 different lagoons in Baja where the young are born and nursed for their first few months. By April the mothers and young whales begin their long journey north to the lush feeding grounds.

But while in Baja the whales show a surprising gentleness and even curiosity about the many humans, in pangas, dinghy's, etc who come to have a close encounter with these incredible mammals. We spent 2 hours in their presence. They swam around and under our boats, scratching themselves on the bottoms, and frequently popping up close for a personal scratch on the nose, side of the head, or whatever whale body part the sometimes overeager sightseers could reach. What an experience! I personally was honored to be able to pet and scratch these incredible beasts no less than 6 or 7 times! I also was privileged (?) to find myself covered more than once with the aerosol mixture blown from the whale's spout. But it was taken in stride. Just part of the adventure.

Musica y Danza on Saturday Night in La Paz

There was this ice cream cone calling my name this evening. All the way down the Malecon. So what could I do? I went to answer the call. But I found, in it's place, a wonderful evening of Mexican folkloric music and dance!

The costumes were very brightly and beautifully decorated. The swirling and twirling of the dancers sent explosions of reds, blues, yellows, whites and pinks splashing and dashing before our wondrous eyes.

In Spanish it was the "Presentation

de la Banda de Musica del Gobierno del Estato y Ballet Folclorico "Aztlan", de Curtura Municipal. It was held on the plaza fronting the Wyland mural just off the Malecon.

Pelican Posts

This fellow looks as if he has been following our yoga class. This looks surprisingly close to our 'spinal twist' pose.

Just a little get together in the neighborhood, or local panga hangout. You know, - - -how's the fishing? Catch anything? Beautiful weather we're having. Did you hear about all that snow and ice up in Iowa? How's the family doing? Did you hear about . . . .?

Aloha Oahu, Hawaii

And Mahalo~~~~everyone.

For My Brother

Says it all:

Hike Up Diamondhead Crater

No, it's not exactly revisiting Mt. Fuji, (which the legend goes 'everyone should climb Mt. Fuji once, but only a fool will do it again' to paraphrase). I have vowed not to repeat the Mt. Fuji expedition. But this was the biggest climb I have had in quite some time. And I have the certificate of proof. As told in the brochure: From the crater floor to the summit of Diamond Head on Mount Leahi is a rise of 560 feet. It is achieved over a .8 mile long trail which is unpaved and has an uneven rock and dirt surface. It is loose and slippery in places. There is a steep stairway of 74 concrete steps which leads to the first tunnel. The tunnel is lighted and is 225 feet long. The second stairway is a very short distance away and consists of 99 steep steps. Another short passage and there stands yet another 98 steps up a narrow spiral staircase inside an unlit bunker. The reward for this strenuous hike, is an incredible panoramic view of south Oahu from Koko Head to Barbers Point. It takes about an hour and a half and is surely worth the effort. Easily said when I am safely down and full of Advil and Gatorade. ~~~~~~~~
Gorgeous sights and my last big expedition before leaving the Island of Oahu and heading back to La Paz. It's certainly been a wonderful experience. Wish you all could have been here!

~~Aloha~~Aloha~~Aloha~~Aloha~~

Papaya Post?

This was one tall, lovely, lush papaya tree. What a glorious crown of fronds encircle the fruit! On a stunning background of puffy white on blue. Why, it looked good enough to eat!

Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~

Now I am aware that Iowa is due to be hit by the latest winter storm, blizzard, in the next few hours. The Internet tells me so. Rain, freezing rain, ice, 8 inches of the white stuff, and falling temperatures. So I thought I would help you thaw a bit with the next few posts.

Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Aloha~Ahoha~Aloha~Aloha

Lest I Jest, It's Ginger!

Lovely Ginger growing in carefully cultivated beds at the Hale Koa Hotel ~

Hale Koa is a military Hotel here in Waikiki right on the famous beach. It is also home to the first rate luau we enjoyed on Valentine's Day. Excellent food, excellent entertainment, excellent weather, and most excellent company~~~!!!

Balmy Palms of Hawaii

As I am just standing around looking at the palms that are also just standing around~everywhere! Can you say "Love it?" Yeah, I can.

Lei Making

Most of the leis that we have been given, either at a store such as Hilo Hatties, or a casual function, are made of small shells laced together in often fairly intricate patterns. These are mostly made in the Phillipines. But the really nice, fresh floral leis, given for special occasions are handmade here in Hawaii. It was very interesting to watch the process as a prelude to our luau dining.

Polynesian Hula Dancer at the Luau

Feel warmer now? I'd bet some of you do!

Dog Day At The Beach

I don't know what the title of this picture is. I saw it on the wall next to an elevator and knew I had to take a photo of it. I love this little fella watching "?" on the beach. Waves, another dog, his master or mistress? Who knows, but it is a dear picture and I wanted to share it.

Polynesian Cultural Center

With a few of my new 'cousins' at the Polynesian Cultural Center where I spent Saturday. I not only enjoyed getting to know my new 'cousins' but loved all the gorgeous costumes, dances, canoe pageants, and the wonderful food, especially the evening luau. The evening was capped by a Horizon song and dance extravaganza with the most incredible extras, such as the fire knife dancers and the fire walkers. Wonderful day of family entertainment and education as well.

Elvis Presley sat HERE

This is taken at the Polynesian Cultural Center which is an incredible place. Different Polynesian villages are highlighted with exhibitions and activities. Among these are Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, the Marquesas, Tonga and Easter Island. Along one of the numerous waterways that run through the center was this stream. The rock I am sitting on was sat on by THE Elvis Presley to sing some Hawaiian love song to some co-star in some movie long ago. Obviously I don't keep up with Elvis movie history. Lovely spot.

Yikes! Got to watch those Yokohama Waves!

We toured the north part of the island today. A goodly share of the drive was just along the beaches and the views were incredible. This wave didn't get us but the next one did. I wasn't expecting it to get to me, especially as I had on a good pair of leather shoes I really didn't want wetted down with salty sea water--but no matter, the next one came at me as I was trying to get a shot. It was on me before I knew it. Thankfully it was only up to my knees and didn't knock me down. Wouldn't have done my camera any good that's for sure. Just afterwards the lifeguard showed up on his 4 wheeler to warn us about the high waves! Only a couple of waves too late. But it was absolutely breathtaking--and the shoes will dry.

Shopping in Waikiki

We headed to Waikiki today, not to go to the beach, although we were there a very short time, but to go shopping. But I caught this little guy peeking at us from the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Actually he was probably 6 feet tall and trying to hide behind some of the lush green landscraping at the hotel. He's probably there for good luck. Everything in Hawaii seems to be for 'good luck'.

Stained Glass Nautilus Shell in the Waves

On our travels today we stopped by a condominium complex where Ron used to live in Hawaii Kai. Lush beautiful landscaping everywhere. And this was a stained glass window I found in one of the public rooms. If I could only find a smaller version that would fit on Argo. I did buy a nautilus shell yesterday, but it isn't quite so impressive as this. Except that it is the real thing.

Byodo In Temple

Yesterday we were able to experience a bit of Chinese culture, and today it was time to turn to a bit of Japanese style culture. And a more beautiful, serene environment would be hard to imagine. Set in a valley of steep slopes called the Ko'olau mountains is the Byodo In Temple and grounds. Byodo In translates as " Temple of equality-not to discriminate". It is home to an 18 foot tall golden Buddha, Arnida, that is thought to be the largest carved figure since ancient times. The temple itself is a replica of a temple built over 900 years ago in Uji, Japan on the outskirts of Kyoto. This temple was established in 1968.

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It was a warm, rainy day but Jackie and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit here. We also made sure to ring the enormous bon-sho, or sacred bell. It is 3 tons and 5 feet tall. A person who is able to ring the bell, using the soft wooden log, called a shu-moku is said to gain good luck. Even the sound of the bell being run was awe inspiring and amazingly tranquil for such a large emanation.

Chinese New Year 2008, Year of the Rat, Celebrated in Chinatown

After a full 4 hours of shopping at the immense Ala Moana Shopping Center, we were off to see the celebration of the New Year, 2008, in Chinatown. This happens to be the Year of the Rat. The parade with the lion dancers, bands, Honolulu's mayor, kung fu martial artists, ethnic dance troupes, etc. made for a wonderful parade to mark the New Year--at least until it started to rain on the parade. Well, this is Hawaii and that is to be expected.

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As I read somewhere "Anticipating problems and finding solutions are traits of the Rat."

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In the year of the Rat you are smart, clever and chatty with a very long tale. Happy New Year!

Jackie and Joy Del Join Us in Paradise

On day 7 of my visit to Paradise, I mean Hawaii, Ron's mom, Joy Del, and his sister, Jackie, joined us from Santa Cruz, California.
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Ron greeted the two ladies at the Honolulu airport with gorgeous and incredibly fragrant traditional Hawaiian leis. As he had also greeted me almost a week previously.

After a tour of Hickam Air Force Base we were chauffeured by Ron to the Sammy Snead Tavern for a scrumptious mid- afternoon meal. We were perched on the balcony overlooking the 18th hole of the golf course. It was so good and we ate so much that dinner was not necessary later. --- All right, I will admit to a large slice of Passion Fruit Chiffon Double Layer Cake later before bed. But that's my Red Hat training coming out. Eat dessert first. If you are hungry after that, try the entree.

Makapu'u Point

This was day 6 of being in Hawaii and I can't say that I am a bit tired of the scenery yet. Thank God for digital cameras or I would soon be broke paying for film and processing of photos. Not only do I love the ocean views but the mountains are spectacular in their own right. The mountains show a variety of greens that rivals the blues of the water. A person could soon run out of superlatives to describe the beauty of this State of Hawaii.

Pyramid Island on Marine Corps Base Honolulu

This was an especially beautiful place. The wind was blowing fiercely and throwing sand like a sand blaster. I probably lost a layer of tan to the sand out there, but I also hated to leave. Mesmerizing.

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The current was so strong that the guard would not allow anyone to try to swim out in the ocean. I can't imagine anyone being foolhardy enough to even want to. But a few brave souls took on the sand and the sun to play volleyball and make sand castles, or who knows what. Really a magical view.

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Hitting the beach in Hawaii

Yeah, you see, someone needed to help out Frank and Cait so they could go see their kids in the States. But having two dogs unable to travel with them, they needed a house and dog sitter. It was a tough decision but Ron decided to sacrifice his time to the cause. I agreed to help out as well. So here we are, staying in Kailua, on the windward side of Oahu, about a 30 minute drive from Honolulu. A nice place to stay, a few minutes walk from this beach, a vehicle to transport us around the island, --and carry our shopping finds back home. Not to mention two very sociable dogs, Grunt and Bagle for my frequent doggie fixes.


The top photo is my first view of the Kailua Beach. Not too shabby. The most gorgeous turquoise color of water I can possibly imagine.


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I would guess I don't look too put upon in this photo. And, little brother, I want you to especially notice that I have my hat on in the tropical sun!

Dia de Los Muertos fashion II

Instead of buying the figurines, which are fragile and take up space, I found these two T-shirts with the figures in a form I can easily handle. In fact, I figure someday to turn them into artwork by framing them. They'd make quite a statement on a bare wall. They are not looked upon morbidly, but with fun. I haven't decided whether I will wear them, but I will find a space on a wall for them someday.

Dia de Los Muertos fashions

Dia de Los Muertos -Day of the Dead

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Actually two days, November 1&2 of each year are very important holidays here in Mexico. Ancestors are honored with gifts on home altars and parties in the cemetaries.

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There is also quite a bit of artwork devoted to the creation of skeletal figures made of wood, plaster, and various other materials. The figures can be human or animals. The variety is incredible and most frequently show the figures having a good time or doing routine daily chores.

Off-Malecon Musicians

Apparently this trio of musicians was created by the same man, Guillermo Gomez, who made El Viejo y El Mar, or The Old Man and the Sea that I enjoy so much. The trio sits at the head of a plaza where open air concerts are frequently held. The building in the back has since been razed.

Pelicano Posing for Picture on a Post Preparing for Passage

And Liftoff--in a split second he was gone. Guess he didn't want to pose for another picture.

Pelicanos Posing on the Panga

Some of our neighbors, waiting for the fishermen to give them an easy meal.

Yoga With Annie

Since returning from the Sea of Cortez I have joined Annie's yoga group. We meet every morning at 8:30 in front of the Marina office. Annie, in the blue T-shirt, puts us through about an hours worth of stretching exercises, yoga poses and weight training. With the way Ron cooks such delectable meals every day an exercise routine is a must. And starts the day off right. What's more, while Annie puts us through our paces she also makes it fun. I have felt so much better, more limber, toned and stronger since starting with Annie. Poses that I thought were impossible or leg lifts that I could barely finish are no longer a problem. Though I admit the 'tree' and the corpse pose at the end of each session are still my favorites. Thanks Annie!

Where in Mexico is La Paz?

Love this little map. Not too much detail but just enough. So,- - - La Paz is down toward the tip of Baja. North about 75 miles on the Eastern side of Baja. This also shows Cabo San Lucas- - -famous tourist destination. One of my favorite towns is Todos Santos, half way between La Paz and Cabo. Santa Rosalia is where we spent a lot of time on our trip up the Sea of Cortez this summer. It was the jumping off place to head across the Sea to San Carlos almost due east on the mainland. ( Unfortuneately not on the map ). We also remember Santa Rosalia as the harbor we were headed for when we lost the engine--and where we were towed from-all the way back to La Paz. 250 miles. Muchas, muchas gracias to Jim of Sun Hunter. Bahia de Los Angeles was our northernmost destination on our 77 day voyage.
One main highway--and that's it. Stay on the highway, away from the cows, and get where you're going before dark---rules of the road.