Showing posts with label Under the Sea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Under the Sea. Show all posts
Unfortunately, when we got to the lower of the two pools it was disgusting. Overtaken by moss and water snakes, no waterfall, dirty, and not enough water. The drought just sucked that thing for what it was worth. So we kept on hiking to the furthest pool. Honestly, I don't remember how long it took but I would give yourself a solid half day for this adventure, if not morning into early afternoon. We weren't tracking miles, but it was lengthy. By the time we got to the top pools we were relieved to have finally make it! Heat can be annoying so definitely visit here in the winter ;). At the top pool, there was enough water and even a trickle of a falls! IT FELT SO GOOD to finally cool off and sun bathe on the warm rocks. We only ran into one other couple the entire weekend so felt stoked to have the pool to ourselves for most of the day.
The great thing about this top pool, are the amazing views and privacy. While there, we saw cute little mountain goats on the cliffs. It was beautiful to see the little guys hopping around so effortlessly. We also saw a hawk and lots of lizards. If you do this, definitely pack a back pack with food, water, a towel, hiking sandals, and a floatie. The floatie is so worth it once you're up there. I loved the desert oasis vibes, and I think you will too!
|| diving into the deep ||
|| cozy bed ||
|| kayaking with my cute mama ||
|| always so funny :) ||
|| beautiful school of girabaldi ||
|| exploring the caves ||
|| where you enter and exit the water ||
|| hi, seal ||
I remember when we first moved to California we visited La Jolla Cove and I saw all these people swimming and snorkeling right there amongst the seals. I was shocked people got so close to them, let alone swam through those thick kelp beds without any worries of all the lurking leopard sharks! I remember visiting the Oregon Coast as a child and being told seals were aggressive and rather territorial. Well, it was that day my Idaho grown self told Chase, "My goal is to overcome my fear and swim in this cove. I need to embrace my environment and overcome my ocean fears."
A year later I decided to take the plunge. We were kayaking with my mom and the water was abnormally warm and clear thanks to El Nino. I decided right then and there was the perfect chance for me to take a dip. I could see all the pretty orange girabaldi swimming around and they looked nice and calm so I knew I could be too haha. Chase was far off on his own kayak so I was on my own! I slid off the kayak and there was no turning back.
Honestly, I was rather proud of myself for swimming around without fins and without Chase! Mom was nearby in case I decided I was over it, but I was doing okay and started to relax and not fear the kelp and possibly lurking sea animals as much. I took a few dives and was really starting to relax and enjoy myself when I looked up and a seal was charging straight at me! Ha ha it was so funny you guys, I'm sure I screamed in my snorkel because when I came up for air my mom was laughing from her kayak yelling, "Lisssssssy, I'm over here!" You better believe I swam as fast as I could to her kayak haha. I mean that seal was literally inches from my face! I saw its little teeth but his eyes reminded me of my childhood dog so that was sorta nice I guess haha. Anyway, that was when I decided to hop on the kayak and call it a day.
Later in September Chase and I visited again and I decided I really wanted to snorkel with him. I'm so glad I did because it was gorgeous! We saw all sorts of beautiful and colorful fish and swam through schools of girabaldi. I saw seals this time but no run ins, so it was a great time. Can't wait to go back again! Slowly I can feel my self getting more brave and soon enough I'll be able to swim above those leopard sharks without constantly scanning for death threats haha. I know they aren't harmful, Chase says they are like big nice fish (ya real comforting). But considering for 22 years I only visited the ocean a handful of times, I've come a long way :)
My deep love for the ocean gives me the desire and curiosity to explore and embrace it in all its forms. I'm so glad I married Chase who supports and pushes that desire and lives that lifestyle on the daily. I feel like this mindset can apply to a lot of things in life by overcoming our silly fears through exploring in nature. It truly is a healer!
Chase and I house sat for a lady in our ward while she was on vacation for a week. Lucky for us, she had an amazing pool that we literally spent every ounce of sunlight we could swimming in it. I took the little girl I nanny there every day and she was in heaven. I loved getting underwater photos of her doing her first digs and learning how to hold her breath. Such precious moments we shared together that week.
More Hawaii pics to brighten your day :) This trip was much needed for me and came at the perfect time. I'm so grateful for all the wonderful friends I met while living in Hawaii of whom I will cherish forever and of course visit often ;). It was so nice getting some one on one girl time with my girlfriends and really getting to know each other more. I'm very grateful for each and every one of my friends and their hospitality they showed me. There's nothing better than beachin' it and swimming under the sea. Aloha Oahu, until next time!
xoxo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
