Riding Turtles...

Imagine my surprise when this scrappy, 5'3" native Hawaiian man tells me he has ridden a sea turtle...

Just imagine...

"Oh your God," I exclaim. He is not the type of man that you would ever want to laugh at either. He may be 5'3", but he could kick your ass as soon as look at you...I tried my hardest to keep my composure as I pictured this little man gripping onto a sea turtle's shell and riding it like "one boogie board onto the beach." How un-freaking-believable is that? Not to mention how unbelievably illegal this surfing escapade is-the environmentalist in my head was jumping up and down saying "scold this little man for his wrongdoing..." (which also would have been a terrible idea, as I have only been here for a month and have no place speaking up about that just yet).

I must have been wearing my thoughts completely on my sleeve because he explained to me that the turtles were not on the endangered species list/ in any way protected when he did this, as he goes on to tell me he has done this several times.

Unreal.

My jaw drops just thinking about it...it was all I could do not to call him Captain Jack Sparrow or better yet Ariel the little mermaid...both of which would have been quite suitable, however not necessarily the most respectable of choices.

Never a dull day on the job I guess.

The seasons are definitely changing around here. The temperature has dropped from 79 and sunny to 76 and breezy... if it keeps this up I will be in a jacket by 2014. I joke, but I think the lack of seasons is getting to me. In my mind December means snow or at least fog and rain, not predictable weather every day with no variation. You are all probably thinking I am insane, but honestly, embrace the season wherever you are and realize the beauty of this time of year. I may be skipping winter this year, but a sandman does not compare to a snowman and Santa does not wear board shorts and no shirt (this should not be allowed, I don't care if we are on the surface of the sun, you wear your suit Santa).

I did however have a snow cone today to celebrate the change in season...

The wind is howling over here, however not as bad as in California. I hope everyone is anchored down and has not suffered any damages or injuries from the crazy gusts.

Waikoloa is being flooded by hundreds of brain surgeons for the next week, who apparently are all here for a big conference. Taking very, VERY smart people paddle boarding today was quite an adventure. Never have I had such an in depth conversation about brain health and activity while paddling around A Bay, or in general for that grey matter. (ha!) Apparently there is a lot to be said about doing the occasional cross word puzzle and eating a healthy serving of blueberries when you can. So much knowledge gained today.

Spam count still at zero.

No snow on Mauna Kea, but probably by the end of the week.

Mahalo for reading!

M.