Evylee turns 4

And what a DOLL of a grand-daughter she is!

Love You, Sweetheart!

Maui Revisited - A Somewhat Closer View

So... If this was a photo excursion to Hawaii, where are all of those amazing photographic art pieces we have come to know and love from Master Photographer, Randy Collier? Can you blame me if I want to save the VERY BEST for last?

There is nothing quite like an Hawaiian Sunset. The sensations of paradise, the warmth, waves, colors just seem to culminate at the end of each day. This is the time Randy and Wayne wait all day for; and there is no way of knowing until the sun actually sets weather the sky will be brilliant or as they call it, "a bust." 

I get comfortable on a rock and do what I do, all the while watching it all progress. Besides the opportunities I have to be "one with the water" (ie. snorkeling, sailing, swimming) this is my favorite time of the day.

... and Randy works his magic

(same image, different effect. I can't decide which one I like better, so I've decided to post both.)

This trip, Randy chose a closer, more intimate approach.

Light reflecting in the ocean water. Such an amazing design, don't you think?

Thank you, Randy, for helping me SEE and FEEL more completely. You truly are a master at capturing the world's true beauty. My life is richer because of what you know and express in your photography. I love and appreciate all that you are.  

A New Maui Experience - The Maui Ocean Center Aquarium

We checked out of our rooms at 10:00 a.m. Our flight for home didn't leave until 11:00 p.m, so we spent some time at the Aquarium...

... with its not-so-strange...

... and VERY strange sea life!

YES, this is REALLY a fish!

A New Maui Experience - The Haleakala Crater

Haleakala is an "active" volcano that last erupted in 1790. The crater is 3000 feet deep, 7.5 miles long, and 2.5 miles wide.

The switchback road to reach the summit rises 10,023 feet above sea level, less than one hour in a car. That's a pretty steep grade. We were more than a little dizzy and short of breath at the top. The temperature outside went from 85 degrees by the beach to 40 degrees at the summit! I sure wish I had brought a sweater!

The summit of Haleakala is home and the ONLY home to an endangered plant called Silversword. 

This plant can live up to 50 years in this cold and windy place. It produces maroon flowers when it reaches 1.6 feet tall. After it flowers and produces seeds, it dies.

At over 10,000 feet in altitude, the summit of Haleakala is above one third of the Earth's atmosphere and has excellent astronomical seeing conditions, so it is also home to the Haleakala Observatory, Maui's first astronomical research observatory. I would love to see through these telescopes! Sad that it is not open to the public.

A New Maui Experience - Tobi's Shave Ice

Wayne and Marsha had a favorite shave ice location in Kihei that, to their great disappointment, closed a few years ago. They were more than excited to hear that a new one had opened up in the little "hippie" town of Paia.

Oh No! It was Jenni's fitness challenge "no sweets" week! Randy hadn't made it even one day, but I was on day FOUR! What's a girl to do....

One look at the giant scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with Guava, Passionfruit, and Strawberry shave ice, covered in cream, and I was a GONER!

BEST five points I've ever lost!

A New Maui Experience - Julia's Banana Bread

We drove over the north shore of the island to explore a bit. We attempted this drive in October, but nearly ran out of gas and had to turn around. This time we were prepared.

We had heard there was a place to purchase the "best" banana bread.

There was no mistaking it when we came across it!

Yes, the bread was DELICIOUS!