KAUAI OCT-DEC 2013

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.  We did manage to make it to the annual Halloween party.  

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.

            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


Gil was grounded again with fever and lethargy and while he was recuperating I went back to California’s high desert two more times – to visit my brother and then to do deep body work on a favorite client (and to see my brother again).  We did find time in between events to be very grateful at Thanksgiving.

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 for a short visit at the landmark Las Casuelas.

 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

It is really good to be home




PS: Many people have asked us about Midway.  If you want to keep up with the nest counters there, check out Marilou's blog:

kauaimarilou.wordpress.com











            




No comments:

Post a Comment