Of SCUBA and Seafood

If the only thing we got to do while in the Islands was scuba dive, it would still be well worth it. We have had so much fun this trip, but diving is always my favorite part. Part of it may be that it the guys' chance to hang out together for a while, but mostly it's because we get to go, do, and see what most people never get to. Some people may look at the tank, mask, vest, weights, etc., and think "How cumbersome and awkward that must feel." Quite to the contrary, scuba diving for me is very liberating. I practically grew up in the water, so the ability to freely move in any direction for as long as you want almost makes you feel like you're flying. On top of all that, the scenery simply can't be beat. Today definitely did not disappoint.

Before going on, there is one thing I should get out of the way. None of us ever get seasick -- except for today. I'm not sure what it was, but something about waves and the wind and the boat (powered by 100% recycled vegetable oil) just didn't sit well with us. I won't name names, but some of us were only mildly bothered while others spent quite some time hanging over the side of the boat. Ironically enough, as soon as we got into the water, everybody was just fine.

Our first dive was just off the coast of Lana'i at a place called Sweetheart Rocks. About 60 feet below the surface is a large dome shaped cave called "The Cathedral". It is so named because a large rock settled close to the center, and there are several openings in the sides that let light from the surface stream in, giving the illusion of an alter surrounded by stained-glass windows. It was amazing inside, and because of the dark nooks and shelves we saw several types of nocturnal fish.

The marine life in and around the Cathedral was nothing short of amazing -- I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

The second dive was called "Sergeant Major" because of the preponderance of Sergeant Major and Soldier fish. But the best part of that dive actually happened while we were getting in the water. While the first group of divers geared up and got ready to enter the water, we saw several slick, shiny fins out ahead of the boat. Dolphins! And not just one or two, but and entire pod of dolphins -- there were easily 25 of the them. They swam about 50 yards off the bow, circled, and came back around for another look. Brett and Chris got some good photos and video, and then it was our turn to gear up and get in. Fortunately for us, the dolphins decided to hang so we could see them underwater. Now, I've seen octopus, lobster, turtles, and even a shark or two while diving, but a close-up underwater view of so many dolphins was just unbelievable. We could have gotten back on the boat right then, and it still would have been a fantastic dive.

After we got back it was pool/beach time, and then the girls went out for their favorite meal of the trip: Mama's Fish house. Apparently on the menu each day they not only tell you where on the island the fish was caught, but also what time that day! Again, a picture is worth a thousand words!