[feign]

My experience in Kauai was too good last year. We went back a year later on the 1st of April for two weeks. I have been meaning to post my experience, but work and more travel have distracted me. The anticipation to go to this tropical paradise was what allowed me to mentally survive this last winter, which seemed bitter and mean. Now as I write this, Edmonton is becoming a beautiful place, with lots of green and very long days to enjoy. It stays light past 10pm up here.

On this trip we spend several days in Honolulu, which was triggered by needing to accomplish some work related tasks on USA soil. It enabled us to see some of the sites in more detail on this island, but I was longing for Kauai again. I was amazed though, as I dove from shore right off the marina breakwater, right around the always busy Honolulu shoreline, that I found amazing life and reefs. Laying on a white sand channel with 50 foot visibility surrounded by rock and coral heads forming a canyon, I was greeted by close encounters of large schools of kala, multiple uhu and kumu. At this point I was wishing I had my speargun. I hadn't packed one with me, because one was being finished by Daryl Wong to be picked up the next day. This was a big highlight of my trip. Daryl graciously invited me over to his place to share in a bbq with his family, following which I was able to see his workshop and all the great guns in various stages that he makes. He is a great craftsman, and his kindness and customer service match the quality of his work.

Another highlight was being able to check out Maui sporting goods and Hanapa'a Hawaii, which are dedicated freedive spearfishing stores. I have been in stores that stock spearfishing equipment in California, but not to this level. We have nothing like this where I am from and it was a real treat. At Hanapa'a they were un-boxing and enveloping the next issue of Hawaii skin diver magazine. I was able to pick my copy early right there. The concept of the acceptance of freedive spearfishing as a mainstream sport (as it is in Hawaii), is so foreign to me. It made me feel a little more normal for a short time.

We then spent a week in Kauai. I was diving everyday. Only a 3mm suit was needed and the visibility was usually excellent. By our Alberta standards a bad day in Hawaii is awesome visibility. Again, the abundant life on the reefs was never boring. I was able to try some new spots, including off the north shore as conditions permitted. No monk seals this year, but there were more sharks. When I new there was some in the area I kept any fish catch out of the water strapped on top of my Omer atoll float. I was determined to not loose any fish this time. I only heard whales the first day as their migration must have taken them away.

We ate fresh fish every night while staying in a time share on the south shore. Some friends stayed with us and it is always more fun to cook and share the bounties of the sea with friends. Hiking again on the Na Pali coast was spectacular. We hiked this time into a 1000 foot falls to be caught in a torrential downpour and watched as multiple other new waterfalls appeared on the mountains and our trail turned into a small river. Now with the trip only a dream, I am already planning next year's trip. Although, life only got better coming home as I was soon off to Baja unexpectedly. More to post on that next time I get on here.

lee