Menehune* give, menehune take away

[rosaw]

Snorkeling is my new favorite thing to do. There aren't really any waves to speak of, more like the ocean makes little watery sighs that push gently toward the shore and eventually expell on the beach in a small, soft sploosh of surf. But this matters not at all because -- cue music -- Under the Sea is this amazing abundance of fishes!
Just look at the world around you
Right here on the ocean floor**
For example, I saw seen -- up close! near my own eyes! -- these fishes.

Orangespine Unicorn fish


Kihikihi Moorish Idol fish


Manini Convict Tang


Orangeband Surgeonfish


And last but certainly not least, White Spotted Sea Cucumber


I also saw a parrotfish and a fish called anela-ia (maybe aka Potter's Angelfish) but I can't be certain so I have to go look again. I couldn't find pictures of those fishes that match either my memory or the waterproof card of Hawaiian reef creatures that I bought yesterday to aid in describing what I saw to Rwr and anyone else who would listen!

I also found a fantastic hat, that even fits my fluffy-haired head. Great gifts from the menehune.

However, remember those figures I described a week or so ago that were on a small island off the point, visible from the bathtub beach? They are gone.

Gone, I say. Rwr thinks I maybe made them up because he never saw them and finds it unbelievable that mythical creatures would move them after the solstice. I, however, think they were there to greet the sun back and now are somewhere on the west side of the island bidding the sun farewell until the next solstice when they'll be moved back to the east. I am sad that I didn't hike back up there and take a picture. I got so caught up in the turtles and fishes that I forgot about some of the world above the sea.


*Menehune are a race who live in the deep forests and hidden valleys of the Hawaiian islands. The menehune were said to be superb craftsmen who built many temples and fishponds on the islands.

**Apologies for any ear worms that result from the disney infection above.

Comments

[melodymuse.livejournal.com]

Pretty fishies! :)

[rosawestphalen.livejournal.com]

They are so very colorful!
XOXO!

Huaka‘i po

[markcronan.livejournal.com]

Just don't upset the huaka‘i po (Night Marchers)!

Those are some cool fishes! I once mentioned to Melody that it would be cool to capture your own aquarium of fish from the ocean. Of course, transporting them back to the mainland safely might be an issue...

How is Rwr's prescription mask working out?

Re: Huaka‘i po

[rosawestphalen.livejournal.com]

His mask is great -- he's really enjoying being able to see everything clearly.

I think you're right, it would be cool to capture an aquarium from here. There are so many amazing fishes. There's this rainbow fish that I can't find in the book or on the card that is just so cool to watch. Her little fins are periwinkle almost, with orange and green sherbet colors on her body with some yellow sprinkled liberally over her. So cool. I took a picture with the underwater camera we bought, so I have some optimism I'll get to show you what I'm talking about.

I was wondering if you were tasted by a Coronet fish
http://www.csua.berkeley.edu/~msm/images/Coronet.jpg
which I saw several of swimming about.

I can't find an image of the hauak'i po -- are they fishes? I did read some scary stories, though. ;-)
http://www.ghostvillage.com/encounters/2004/01112004.shtml

[(Anonymous)]

I have a workmate who dives every weekend, and is longing for the reefs of Carribean Belaire. She snorted when she saw your pictures, and said that that was exactly how she got started diving - a little snorkling here, a scuba class there, now she and hubby lead dives all over Puget Sound.

Beautiful pictures!

[gattagrigia.livejournal.com]

hey, i was logged out- wierd - that was me!

[rosawestphalen.livejournal.com]

Hey you!
Yeah, I signed up for a scuba lesson a year or so ago but it was a little overwhelming. I think the guy offering the course was a bit of a swindler and it put me off the idea, at least for a while. However, looking around here made me rethink the idea, at least a bit. There's so much more snorkeling to do before that point though. So many fishes!!! I just can't get over how close I am to them, though I am not tempted to touch them.

I love your icon!

And I miss you. I need to plan a fall trip up to your end of the world for some quality hanging out and talking. I did get the library card you suggested and that has been a Very Good Thing (tm). Give my love to your SO.
XOXOXO!

[sheepsclothing.livejournal.com]

It's a good thing my 2 goldfish can't see your pretty fishes or i think they might get a bit jealous! I'm really enjoying reading all about your vacation, and wish I was there too. What a beautiful place (sigh) I remember feeding fish in Hanauma(sp) Bay a long time ago, but the fish were a bit too aggressive, and started to nibble me with their pointy beaks!

[rosawestphalen.livejournal.com]

Haven't gone to Hanuama Bay yet, though probably will next week. There are so many places to snorkel here on the north shore that I haven't really ventured down to that end of the island. I really can't get over how beautiful it is here, so lush and verdant.

I hope to see you at Mona's bash next month and we share compare fish sightings!