Postcards from Maui - Day 5

Local Hibiscus

Lay day. Waves were small and fading.  But Maui's fascinations are ever present.

Our run found us traversing a trail along the ocean, including a trip out on one of West Maui's many points. Focusing on the trail and the stunning scenery at the same time was a little tricky, but we made it through just fine. 

Our friends from Minnesota wound up in the condo next door to ours, making it highly convenient to share morning coffee.

We're in a great location for whale watching. Kanesa Duncan once remarked that baby whales are a pain if you're out paddling. They'll pop up anywhere, including under your paddleboard. Yeah, kids are like that. So mom has a lot to do to teach baby about the ways of bluewater living.

Yesterday, maybe a half mile from shore, momma whale showed baby how to ditch a guy. We've learned over several years of Pacific Whale Foundation cruises that a hopeful male "escort" will often attempt to associate with mom. Well, this mom wasn't having any of it. As I watched the trio glide to the south, suddenly there was a swift about-face, jet-assisted lunge in the direction of the unwanted suitor. End of story.

Large amounts of white water frequently means a breaching whale. We've seen several this trip, including an airborne whale so high over the water that it's fluke reentered the water last, not far offshore near Ma'alaea Harbor. What caught my eye today was, I thought, pectoral fin slapping. Nope, it was fluke slapping, displacing enormous quantities of water. Then the calf started to mimic mom, with a pint-sized splash that diminished as practice progressed.

Magical Maui produced yet another unique and spectacular sunset. The photos below were taken just after. Can't wait to get back in the water, maybe have a look around while the swell is dormant.