BACK TO KAUAI
It
took awhile to adjust back to our climate and routine after the summer in the mountains. Gil had people waiting for him to help with
their projects. All those plans stopped
short when he got sick and it took several weeks to determine he had acquired
Valley Fever (a fungal caused pneumonia) while in Arizona
Hippy meets black belt
NOVEMBER 2013
Gil went paddling several times during a week of false remission – ocean and river – weather permitting. One evening, young boobies (birds) flew alongside the canoe for many strokes, probably trying to figure out how to count coup. They like to touch their bill to projections (like the spike on the lighthouse) as training for catching fish.
By the same token, when I paddled up the river late one day, I saw five buffalo along side grazing in the pasture. Really fun after all the herds in Yellowstone . Unfortunately these big boys are bound for the table. Soon after, with lots of rain the river became chocolate color and was best avoided.
One of the funny quirks of Kauai is that during heavy rains we get calls from the county warning us of flash flooding. Our favorite is to be awakened at 2 or 3 or 4:00am with a warning to not go out.
One of the funny quirks of Kauai is that during heavy rains we get calls from the county warning us of flash flooding. Our favorite is to be awakened at 2 or 3 or 4:00am with a warning to not go out.
I attended a meeting at Kilauea Point Wildlife Refuge – the first in months due in part to the senseless government shutdown this country was subjected to.
After the meeting, I went out for a quick visit to the point to see some moderate winter waves.
Looking west from the Lighthouse area
This is a sleepy cove in summertime
Looking east from the Lighthouse area
The power of water!
Juvenile boobies playing on the wind, teasing each other, the frigates
and generally behaving like the teenagers they are
The top one is older than the lower one - getting closer to his adult colors - more white
The top one is older than the lower one - getting closer to his adult colors - more white
Gil was grounded again with fever and lethargy and while
he was recuperating I went back to California
Snow in the desert
More snow in the desert - behind an outlet mall
Wind mills - there are now more than ever
Twice I had to drive through winds that were hazardous
I'm not fond of the desert in general but I love the Palm Springs area
I finally figured out it is because mountains frame the towns
My beautiful digs in Indian Wells at the home of Mary Frances
the Jetta was OK, but had no cruise control for driving the windy freeway
Back yard - outside my bedroom
My temporary quarters
With
great sadness my brother David George Bruffet passed away and I was so fortunate to be there for
him. My retreat was really important.
On a happier note, I did get a chance to meet with
our kids in Palm Springs
Shawn, Stacey, Ian, Tutu (me), and 4 year old Chloe
She was supposed to be snowboarding but it was too windy on the slopes so they met with us
Chloe Deer
from warmer days
Back Home, again
Gil picked me up and of course we went to Duke's for a
meal since it is one of the few island restaurants near the water.
Stand up paddle (SUP) boards for rent
It's hard to beat the barefoot bar at Duke's for a good salad with a view
You know you are back on Kauai when you can't read the road signs
And truly fresh produce from the farmer's market
Happy to say Gil got over the acute stage of Valley Fever and he is getting back into both his work and paddling - with caution.
The cattle egret have adapted to yard machinery large and small
They find a feast awaiting in the new mowed grass
Between rain storms the mountain across from us is loaded with waterfalls
It is about four miles away so that is a lot of water!
Antler orchid
About the only antlers I see are in my back yard
Pretty little guy in our lemon tree, loaded with yellow ornaments this time of year
Lumahai Beach
I borrowed these small fins to try out snorkeling later at Anini
They were great for the shallow water
So the three things that make winter in Kauai are the waves, whales, and albatross. First time ever, I didn't have the sandisc in my camera while I was taking terrific whale photos! I will have to go back. I figured it when I was shooting my favorite guys doing what they do, adults still on the nest and the youth in action.
What a beautiful nest in a perfect location
The chick (not hatched yet) will be able to run right off the hill toward the ocean next July
Laysan Albatross are so unbelievably charming practicing their moves
The one on the right is already on tippy toes, impressing those around him
