Monday, April 2, 2012

Hawaii - Part 3 - The day we celebrate the birth of Ian - Hawaiian Style

Yep - it is official.
Ian is 40!!!

Chris and I were up early to hang streamers for the birthday boy. Not much time to celebrate astook had to take off for a day of kayaking on Kealakekua Bay.

We had about a 45 minute drive to the Kona Boys shop, where they loaded 3 kayaks to the tops of our cars. And where the girls loved on Billy the surf shop cat.

And that's pretty much it for photos of that adventure. Of course there are more, but not on my phone. Dang it! But we had a great time kayaking and snorkeling in Kealakekua - except the near death experience of Mike and Chris. Definitely could have done with out that!

Once on the water it is a mile and a half paddle over to the Capt. Cook Monument. The only way to get to the monument is to hike or paddle in. We were hoping to see some dolphins on our paddle in, but no luck. We beached the kayaks, had an awesome lunch (we packed), and did a lot of snorkeling. It was a beautiful reef with a big wall drop. Made me wish we were diving instead. All girls loved it, except Sutton - who wouldn't look in the water because she could see the all the fish moving. The near-death experience happened on the getting out of the water after snorkeling.

Chris had a hard time getting out of the water because it was a rocky, lava filled exit. No easy way out. And she got caught in the waves going in and out. Mike swam over to helpand got caught up in the same lava rock and coral washing machine. By the time they got out there was bruising, bleeding, and sea urchin barbs for souvenirs. So sad!!! But they were amazing and acted like it was no big deal. Of course they still had to paddle out a mile and a half, which they did with no problem. They were amazing!! Ian earned a couple of cuts on the coral trying to help. Memories that last!

All that black discoloration and Mike's ring finger are sea urchin barbs! Ouch!!!

When we finally made it back to the house most of us were pretty hammered, but some of us love a good sunset so we took off to see one. And it was totally worth it!

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