North Shore outing
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On Saturday we took a drive to the North Shore with Ang. We had a great time grabbing coffee at one of Dave’s favorite haunts, then went on to check out Laniakea beach for sea turtles. That is apparently a place they like to congregate for basking. We checked with a local for some landmarks to find the beach and within a few minutes of arriving, we saw sea turtles floating around gracefully in the water. Sam was mostly interested in romping and playing, but when one slowly crawled up onto the sand to bask, he was fascinated. We snapped a zillion pictures. (Turtles are such willing subjects!) I was moved by the experience since I’ve been hoping for a turtle spotting since we got here 7 months ago. Finally I got to see one, and a huge one at that! It was really special to share the moment with Dave, Sammy and Ang. This turtle’s name is Woolly Bully and he’s about 200lbs, maybe 50 yrs old, according to the Honu Guardians that volunteer for NOAA at the beach. They educate the public and help protect the turtles from harassment by tourists. I volunteered Sam and I to be Honu Guardians a couple days a month. I am looking forward to it very much.
After the beach excursion, we drove around to Turtle Bay resort so Ang could check it out and Sam could finish a nap (he likes to nap in the parking lot there). Just as we were pulling in we got some terrific news from my brother…but that will have to wait for the official announcements…Let’s just say it was a memorable day 🙂
Today we had to say goodbye to Ang after a wonderful two-week visit. It was so relaxing we hardly noticed how time flew by. She got to read a lot while I was working, and also enjoyed lots of beach time (something she hasn’t gotten to do enough of on previous visits). She even got to the Swap Meet (I’ve been calling it the Swamp Meet since it’s so incredibly hot there on the asphalt!). Saturday was our North Shore excursion and on Sunday we went kayaking then to the O Club for brunch. Our last full day yesterday was spent collecting sand, sea glass and shells for keepsakes – for friends and family. It was a nice time to reflect on the visit and gather some tangible memories. I just might make it a ritual with other visitors.
Alli – you might want to clarify two things for your readers. First that honu is the Hawaiian word for turtle and second which O Club you meant. I assume you meant the Officers’ Club given your ties to the military. However depending upon their demographic, locals would think you meant the Outrigger Canoe Club in Waikiki or the Oahu Country Club in Nuuanu. Both are locally referred to as the O Club amongst other names, with the demographics of the speaker and listener determining the understood meaning. Of course there are also several officers’ clubs on the island too with all of the military branches and the Coast Guard having their own bases.