New Souls

She made it! I'm on a boat getting everything ready for a charter when a voice comes over the radio, "Is Meggan there? The authorities are here looking for her."

The captain stares right at me and says, "The authorities?" The look he gave me shocked me half to death.

I look to shore, literally thinking I'm going away in handcuffs (even though I haven't done a damn thing) (honestly), and there she is, standing on the beach, waving to the boats- my mom.

I look to the captain and crew (who all think I am going to jail) and jump in the Glass Bottom Boat to head to shore. What a surprise! I thought they were lost somewhere on the island.

She made it! I was so proud to see her there on the beach, toes in the sand, soaking up the perfect, sunny day. My mama, in Hawaii...who knew!

A couple of days off of work and some amazing adventures North to Pololu Valley and then out to sea on Seasmoke. The most incredible whale show I have seen in months, literally unbelievable. Great conversations, good food and me getting to play host on this island. I couldn't have had a better time.

The trip was short, but very sweet. I still cannot believe she was here. I am so glad she made it out to see where I am living for the time being. It was a very special visit.

Another soul has graced us with their presence on this little island... remember the tie dyed onesie? Well after 54 hours of labor (fifty-effing-four hours!), little boy, Wyatt, has made his debut. Happy and healthy. Mama is doing great and his Daddy could not be happier. So thankful that everyone is doing great.

The last couple of weeks have been filled with henna tattoos, ring shopping (not for me I assure you), lots of chocolate and fresh fruit (not together), a spa day at the Hilton, moving Manu Iwa (my favorite boat in the fleet) to Honokohau Harbor, obnoxiously unproductive crew meetings, learning British words, guitar hero, beer, trips to Hawi to buy pearls, stories from friends at sea, waking up to giant rainstorms, friends leaving on planes, lazy days, and a lack of whales.

The season is slowing down out here, but we are still enjoying our time. There's more time to hang out and relax, cook and laugh, play and go to the beach.

Cheers to the season! I hope everyone is embracing the day, even if it is cruddy, because it is still a day lived.

To all those who will be on the Kings River this week, be safe. I am there in spirit! I wish I could race over there for a run on the river, but I will just have to live through your stories when you return. Travel safe Reccers. <3

Aloha nui loa,

M.

Home is Wherever I'm With You

Sitting in one of my favorite spots on the entire planet (the Laguna couch) and thinking about all of the amazing things that have just happened over the past four days- it's my last day here. Countless faces, amazing stories and more laughs than I have had in months. I am happy as a clam.
As I lay here in my little nook in the corner of this big room full of guitars, blankets, tea cups, sea lions and beautiful artwork I begin to realize something- the constant motion of life never leaves things the same for long. The Santa Cruz that I know and love is constantly changing. Although I still love it more than I can explain, it has changed from that little place on the coastline with the redwoods and the surfers. However, the sea lions bark in the distance and the giant waves outside can be heard through the windows- it's still home.

This place has helped me to grow. It has been a place of comfort and retreat for so many people, literally from all over the world. It is always here for us. Yes, it's a house, but it is a family and one of the greatest communities in the world. The door is open and there are more blankets than you will know what to do with if you need a place to sleep for the night. Guaranteed there is about 40 different types of tea in the cupboard and about twice as many mugs to drink from. It's home. It's been home for many incredible people-slugs and non-slugs alike. The fact that it was finals week coming up did not change the fact that there was always someone going to the climbing gym or going surfing. "Want to go for a walk?" "How about a bike ride?" Love it. Miss it.

Picked up from the airport at o-dark-thirty by one of the most welcoming and missed faces. Straight to the lighthouse to see the waves (and freeze). To Laguna to stir up trouble and then to get some rest. The adventure began.

Paddle Fest (surf kayaking competition hosted in Santa Cruz) just happened to be this past weekend as well which meant plenty of faces from all over the world were present for the amazing (A-M-A-Z-I-N-G) waves at the Lane. A lot of familiar faces from my journey to North Carolina last October. Wonderful! Never in my life have I felt like I needed to be somewhere more than in Santa Cruz that weekend. Wow.

The rain was cold, but refreshing. The wind did not come like they said it would. There was an excuse to bundle up in multiple layers and not get out of bed in the morning because it was chilly. It is winter. Even though it is still a very warm winter, it is still a season other than summer, which I appreciated immensely. Hot coffee, hot breakfast and the heater on in the car. Y-E-S.

To the mountains next in June. For now, the last of the whales are migrating along the coastline and the winds are howling for the time being. We're gearing up for dolphin season (omg omg omg). My mom is on her way here on Monday- her first trip to the islands. I'm excited for her to (literally) dip her toes in the magic.

The refreshing visit home has given me the strength for my next adventures.

Aloha nui loa,

M.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul. -John Muir

20 Things

The Big Island is a place all its own. There are so many differences between here and any other place I have ever visited or lived in the world. I have been trying to put this all down in writing since I arrived (nearly 4 1/2 months ago already)(!) and this is what I have come up with so far:

1) The entire northern portion of the island looks like something out of Jurassic Park.

2) Geckos are the daddy longlegs of the islands- new friends have taken to naming them after their friends back home. (ha!)

3) Mangoes are 50c a piece while an apple is about $1.50... backward...

4) Food is expensive. Dairy ($9/gal) and cereal ($6/box) and trail mix...No Trader Joe's for over 2,300 miles!

5) It's windy here. No one ever tells you about the incredible amount of wind on this island- trade winds coming right down past my little village.

6) The water is pushing around 74 degrees F and the clarity is incredible.

7) Hawaiian time exists...everyone seems to be so much more calm here. I have not experienced any road ragers since I have gotten here.

8) Coconut Wireless exists...literally everyone knows everything about everyone else and news travels FAST.

9) The Big Island is a hard place to learn to surf...shallow coral and lava rocks everywhere- I'm not too keen on reteaching myself at this point in time.

10) Everyone goes to sleep early here- rise and fall with the sun.

11) There are many superstitions surrounding the islands like not bringing pork over the saddle road or not whistling or sweeping at night...the list goes on.

12) Everyone kisses each other on the cheek when they meet.

13) You can drive for twenty minutes in any direction and have your car washed by the frequent rainstorms in the hills. (I'm particularly thankful for this one as I live on the desert side of the island).

14) Pidgeon- local Hawaiian dialect- is so difficult to understand, however having been here even for the brief amount of time that I have, I have started to pick up on it a little... with my Cali accent and the subtle influences from living here I often get the question, "Are you from Minnesota? Or Canada?" Special...

15) Mauna Loa is so massive it could fit the entire range of the Sierra Nevada inside of it. Yeah. Soak up that one for a while. And it is not the tallest mountain- Mauna Kea- 13,796'

16) No one wears Hawaiian shirts here unless they work in the resorts (uniforms) or are a tourist...or my dad. ;)

17) Golfing is a thing here...even for folks that are in their twenties...I'm going to be the next Tiger Woods...you know...before all the shenanigans unfolded.

18) Police drive their own cars...literally any car could be a police car (stressful)

19) There are night marchers here on the islands. The spirits of the King's warriors patrol the coastlines and certain trails through the late evenings. Many people have reported hearing hundreds of pairs of feet marching past their homes that live along the King's trail and the major boundaries between districts. The Big Island seems to be filled with all sorts of powers and protections.

20) Fresh fish and rice is cheaper than anything else here on the islands to eat. A full meal of yummy raw fish and rice for about $3.50 Woo!

Spam count still zero (which nearly changed the other day, but I dodged it...like a pro).

Aloha,

M.

Glowing moments

Mauna Kea after this last storm...more snow than Cali! jk.

Alala- the Raven- 66' and 45 tons

40 knot winds. WE are holding on to the railings to get to the bow of the boat so we can have some hope of getting the mooring on with no delay- there are no guests on board, thankfully. The only other crew member on board with me turns and says slowly from the corner of his mouth, "this is going to be hectic." His cigarette glows softly in the wind as we approach the mooring ball. On top of everything else, we have all been on the water for 10 hours straight and it is dark now. Way dark. The captain is standing on the helm steering with his feet so he can see us at the bow and react immediately if something goes wrong. Perfect. We're on the mooring now. The wind is howling and instantly tightens the lines down over the cleats. We're using headlamps. Black diamond saving my behind once again.

We tie the skiff up alongside Alala and shut the boat down for the night. The winds seem to calm down immediately after we set the mooring. Naturally. The clouds are clearing showing Orion's Belt bright above- no better place to stargaze, other than the mountain tops. We are in the skiff and have cast off for the dock. Passing boats on their moorings, all sleeping for the night. Nothing but the light orange glow from the other crew member's cigarette and the stars above to light our path. The sea is calmer now. The three of us traveling in this little boat, all alone, heading home for the night.

I cannot help but feel the magic in this moment. I feel like the whole scene is something out of Pirates of the Caribbean. The soft glow, the dark sea, the silent boats swaying in the night. I'm in a magical place. It's little moments like this that keep me coming back for more. These little moments shared between new friends provide a bond. We all depend on one another to get home safely. The struggles, the epics, the joys and the nerves are all shared between the crew.

Although I am missing my crew back in Santa Cruz, I am enjoying my time spent with this crew for now. They're all nuts too. It's been entertaining- nonstop.

There are little gems everywhere, you just have to dig a little to find them sometimes.

Aloha,

M.

Pods and Paddling

I'm sitting on the boom on top of the cabin on our second largest catamaran in the fleet, talking to people over a microphone telling them all about humpback whales and how amazing they are...all of a sudden out of nowhere here comes 5 full grown humpback whales 100 yards off the starboard side of the boat- big and moving fast. We're talking 50 feet long and weighting in somewhere around 100,000 pounds each. H-U-G-E. The captain kills the engines immediately. There are 4 males chasing after a female- heat run. The ladies, as always, are keeping the men on their toes, even in the whale world. She's too fast for them and is sending them on a goose chase. She uses our cat as a barrier between her and the males. Pulling a full U-turn and going straight under us leaving the males wondering which direction she was heading in. Once they finally figure out where she is they ram and swim over one another trying to be the first to catch up with her. Right off the bow of the boat, we could have reached out and touched them. At this point we thought they were going to hit the boat because of their lust-driven, klutzy swimming. We all got sprayed with whale boogers (their spouts) and splashed by their flukes propelling them forward. She continues to use the boat to her advantage, swimming back and forth under the boat and then heading south for the long haul, hoping to tire out the males in her endless race. Nonstop breaches for the rest of the cruise, we stopped counting after 40. Unbelievable. I am on the cabin top this entire time, trying not to scream into the microphone because I am completely overexcited by all of this activity. The passengers are elated. I nearly fell off the boom.

The crew is giddy with excitement. We are all bouncing around the deck like little school children. Even the captain, who typically is rather composed and professional, is giggling like a little boy at the helm. We've just experienced the most amazing whale watch in years. One for the books for sure.

We tie up and are saying our goodbyes to our passengers. One lady actually hugged me because she was so happy to have seen those whales. It was on her bucket list to see a whale in the wild-her first trip to Hawaii ever, they had been saving for years. We are glowing for the rest of the day.

A night paddle is in order. 5 of us, one man short, are planning on taking the outrigger out for a long paddle-we need to do something with our energy after a whale show like that. We set off toward the sun, paddling hard and fast. Me and the boys, what a motley crew we are. Overheating at this point because the humidity is almost too much to bear, even after the sun has set. My body is aching but somehow I am able to keep the pace. We are fighting the sets to get out of the lineup. Watching these waves build in front of us, easily overhead, makes me paddle that much harder. A couple of times I had to just put my head down and paddle because the butterflies in my stomach were threatening to take over.

We decided since the sets were perfect and no one was at Parker's break that we were going to take this lil' canoe for a spin in the lineup. Paddling out and watching for a set. A manta ray swims by, it's flippers breaking the surface as it skims for its dinner, quiet and determined. Paddling in and being denied a couple of times. Nearly there. Paddling back out and getting into perfect position. Huge set. Again the butterflies. I don't watch and instead give myself a quick glance back and then put my head down and paddle. We got it! We are flying down the face of this wave and still paddling our hearts out-hooting and hollering. As the wave breaks we pull off to the side and discover the giant wave right behind us. "Paddle hard! Go, go, go, go, go!!!" That's all I hear from the steersman behind us. We are almost sideways, vulnerable. "Left!!!" We are leaning and still paddling trying to make sure we do not flip seeing as the reef is only about 6 feet under. We make it over, there was a moment where we were all thinking the same thing- we're going over. "Get me out of here, paddle hard!" The steersman is amped! We need to push it to get out of the lineup. Once we are in the center of the bay again we are thrilled, exhausted, but on cloud 9. Wow.

It's dark now. We can only see the lights from the resorts on shore. We're heading in. Once back on shore we turn the boat around and all have some moments of high fives and hugs to congratulate one another on the adventure we just had. None of us have ever been on waves that big before on the outrigger. Literally glowing again and it is dark out.

"It was a great day, we haven't haven't had a day that amazing in a while."

Ending with a quick pow wow grabbing sandwiches before we all head to our homes for some much needed rest...and showers.

A day off today and some time to let my body recover before the long week ahead.

Aloha from this little lava stone,

M.

Harmony

"Hey would you mind motoring over and checking on that surfer? He looks like he went down pretty hard and hasn't mounted his board again. Thanks."

"Sure thing, I'm on my way."

My gut told me something was wrong. More than just me liking to talk over the VHF radio made me make that call.

The surf was huge, 1/2 a mile offshore, the guy was obviously hurt and by himself out there and in a bad place. I couldn't help but start racing through procedures in my head as the boat approached the dazed surfer outside the break. There aren't designated lifeguards on this beach and the surf was unforgiving. He's aboard the boat and shore-bound.

"Call 911."

Paramedics arrive and race him away. Heart attack. His, Mike's, first one ever.

It's been two weeks. Family friends of his came and picked up his board from our hut a few days after the accident and to our surprise today, Mike and his wonderful wife, Joanne, came down to the beach bearing orchids and gifts for all that were involved in his rescue that day. Two major surgeries and two stints later, Mike is on his feet and although, to his wife's disapproval, is planning to get back on the board once his doctors give the approval. He's 63 years old.

I reinforced my belief that day to never take a single day for granted.

Yesterday I worked on the boat where a private cruise was chartered for a young man, 32 years old, who had passed away, away from home and his family. An accident. Ashes spread, praises given and flowers in the wind to gain closure and celebrate life. Not one person wore black. In the distance as we left the sight a whale tail splashing in the distance bid us farewell. Repeated slaps against the water, booming, even in the wind.

I reinforced my belief that day to never take a single day for granted even more.

Tomorrow our company is taking a little girl diving for her first time who is losing her battle with leukemia. She's 12 years old. This is something on her bucket list- scuba dive with fish and turtles. She's going to be Ariel for an afternoon!

I will reinforce my belief tomorrow to never take a single day for granted even more than today.

In life you have to make many decisions. We make decisions for many reasons and often times let way too many things influence our choices. I have discovered in order to not cheat yourself out of life you need to make decisions that will make you most happy. Happiness trumps all. You have to take care of yourself and keep charge of your life. People are very opinionated and will jump at the chance to get their two cents in. Ultimately however you are the only one who can make the decisions to get back on the board or not.

Mike's getting back on the board- I saw it in his eyes. This little girl is jumping on the board for her first time.

I don't want to have something dramatic happen to me that makes me choose to change the way I live my life. I want to look back when I am old and realize that I have earned every wrinkle, sunspot and scar on my body. I want stories that bring giddiness to my heart just thinking about them. I want adventure. I look to my friends that I hope to have for the rest of my life, they risk their lives every day they paddle, climb, hike, ski or bike. They don't hold back. They live.

I'm not saying everyone should go out and start some new crazy extreme sport or drive their cars super fast, rob banks or go nuts. I am simply saying every once in a while you need to take a step back and make sure your life is the life you want for yourself. People's minds change. People's wants and needs change and in order to satisfy those wants and needs, there must be harmony between actions and the ultimate outcomes. Reevaluate from time to time, stay in tune with yourself. Make a list...I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sitting in front of a giant one as I write this.

New outlooks, as new as the snow on top of Mauna Kea.

An awakening? Perhaps. Who the heck knows...I don't.

I hope your day is full of wonderful things no matter how big or small.

Sending love across the ocean deep,

M.

Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars.
-Henry Van Dyke

Boats

Lack of sleep, surplus of whales.

That sums up a majority of the past few weeks here on the Big Island for the boat crew. It's a beautiful thing. When everyone around you is working just as hard as you are on just as little amount of rest it seems to make it easier to work through the long day. I've been whistling "The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding for three days straight now.

On top of these long days, there were also preparations being made for a wonderful little boy to come into the OS boat crew Ohana. One of the captains, who is a California native, is going to be a daddy in about two months. I deemed it completely necessary as the hippy auntie to get this little boy his first tie dye, or rather have Skyla send him his first tie dye onesie...straight outta Santa Cruz. It was a hit. Mom loved it, dad hated it (but secretly loved it, I could see it in his eyes). This kid is already so cool, lemme tell ya. Thanks Sulla. It's very interesting to see the excitement and fear in their eyes as the due date draws near, both being brand new parents. And yet, it's incredibly unnerving to see a tough captain so freaked out at the thought of this crying, pooping little wonder coming into the world at the beginning of April.

Ah life.

As the rookie on board, there has been no wasted time in making sure I make a fool of myself (within reasonable measure), but I'm a good sport about it and learn fast. I have been studying up on all things whale over the past couple of months to prepare for the time when I will become the Marine Naturalist on the catamarans as we take people out to sea. This includes sitting on top of the cabin, on the boom, with a microphone, spouting out all kinds of facts about humpback whales for about 2 hours. I know I can talk a lot, I know this, but 2 hours straight is incredibly hard to do.

On a different note, I have had the pleasure of working with many school kids over the past week. I was fortunate enough to have my first "whale talk" with a group of middle schoolers and then a group of second graders a few days later. I got them ALL to speak whale...Dori-style. Picture 40 school kids yelling out to these whales using their best whale impressions. I was in heaven. The whales really respond to young voices. It has to do with their decibel ranges, so needless to say it is amazing to watch those whales actually turn to check us out when there is a group of kids on board yelling, "Heeeeeerrrrrrrreeeeeeee wwwwwwhhhaaallllleeeeesssssss!"

I love my job.

Valentines Day came and went. I worked for most of it and had the pleasure of being surrounded by happy couples as they sailed into the sunset. I'm not bitter. Chocolates and beers (in order of importance) after with my single coworkers as we traded stories of past loves and how amazing our jobs are. Crew bonding. *By the way, I hope that everyone had a wonderful day with at least some chocolate involved regardless of relationship status, because chocolate is important.

This week was full of new experiences for me. 12 hours straight on a boat (which is new for me), longer sails down to Kona (equivalent of heading from SC to Monterey across the bay), no longer being treated as a newbie- having to hold my own with all the guys...this one has been interesting. There are certain novelties that come with being a female in an area of work where the majority of crew are male. There are also an increasingly large amount of hardships that come with this as well. I have learned and so has the crew that, there may only be two female crew members on the boats, but we can hold our own (Damn it!) and are valuable members on the team. I am grateful for the patience that has been given to me as a new member on the crew, who also happens to be a girl, but I also realize that this patience is not going to be there forever, which makes me work that much harder to make sure I learn everything quickly and efficiently. This team is absolutely incredible and I cannot picture working with a more wonderful group of individuals.

I'm lucky to have them.

I have discovered in the world of climbing your fingers and toes get worked. Your muscles ache and your back gets burnt. There are times when you know you should have drank more water or at least eaten a more decent breakfast. There are constantly new cuts, bruises and gashes that turn up and if anything they just irritate you because they bleed or cause you to move slower. It is the same on the boats. Digging coral out of your feet, slicing fingers and gaining new bruises regularly...not from being klutzy (give me some credit here), but from the nature of the environment. You push through it because it is something you love. You work hard to play hard and put up with the pains because you know it's worth it.

No samsara, no nirvana.

My body may need a chiropractor soon or at least a massage (any volunteers?) and some good stretching, but I am loving every second.

Spam count still zero, going on 3 1/2 months.

Bed before 8, turning into an old lady,

-M.

Shores north of Kona

Manu Iwa

Wyatt's SC Flair

Lethargy and Bliss

As I type this I can already feel my arms getting heavier and my back starting to ache. 10 hours on two different boats today and a backbreaking paddle out to sea.

I think I may have found a new addiction- outrigger paddling. My body aches in places I didn't even know I had and yet I cannot wait until daylight to head out again tomorrow. I am already in search of a one man (or in this case one woman) canoe for myself. For those unfamiliar, an outrigger canoe can come in all different sizes-the one I was paddling was a six person canoe. There are two little arms that reaches out on the left hand side and hold a float for stability. You use a paddle very similar to a canoe paddle (only one paddle head, instead of the normal two for a kayak) (sound familiar?). I have only ever seen these beauties in Santa Cruz a few times, but had never gotten the chance to paddle one until Hawaii.

I went out with the guys I sail with today (female paddlers in our company are few and far between). We did a three mile loop and were in some big water today-we almost flipped twice which is rare for this crew. It was exciting needless to say- I would have laughed simply because it would have been such a ridiculous situation that far out in that swell.

While we were out there we spotted a mother humpback and her calf (a newbie, probably only two weeks old or so). We kept paddling and got an incredible show as mom was moving her baby all over the place and playing (or so it appeared to me)- lots of tail spins, spy hopping, lunges and splashing. We paddled on and looped back to head back to shore. Out of nowhere, here comes baby...right toward us! She was very curious. We pulled our paddles out of the water and sat leaning on the Ama (the arm of the canoe) just in case baby came in too close (we actually had a moment where we were bracing for mom to surface in between us and her calf, which would have given us some major rocking). You could actually see the little bumps (tubercles) and ripples on the whale-all of its birthmarks and unique characteristics. It was the closest I have ever been to a calf and definitely the most vulnerable, we were eye level with her and her mom, talk about a humbling experience. If mom had decided she did not like us she could have done away with us with absolutely no effort (although whales are not typically aggressive toward us, we were definitely in the vulnerable position). I will never forget this day.

This day was a day where I was especially grateful to be alive. Everyone was happy, worked hard and paddled hard today. :)

Full moon is rising and so are the swells. The waves are supposed to be unbelievably huge for the next couple of days. Pro-status. People are buying their plane tickets to come over here and to Oahu to surf this swell- 25' waves. I cannot wait to see it....from shore...or the boat....not from a surfboard.

New discovery made this weekend: Talk Story at the Mauna Lani

This little piece of heaven takes place on the weekend closest to the full moon and is a different type of live entertainment every month. It all takes place on the porch of a little old cabin just off of the beach under the palms. People bring their picnicking gear, jackets (please...it's Hawaii) and their Aloha spirits. The show can be anything from live music, to hula dancing, to fire spinning to ghost stories and legends. I am thrilled to have gone. Brotha Nolan and Ohana played- bluegrassiest music I have discovered yet out here. Great stories and great laughs. You could feel the warmth radiating from this crowd under the moonlight. I plan to make this a regular happening from now on.

My birthday was spent out on the water! I'm embracing my old age by sailing and paddling often. Cheers. A wonderful dinner and homemade peach-blackberry-apple cobbler for dessert. Y-E-S. I could not have spent my day with more wonderful people. I am so thankful.

Tomorrow is a day of rest, and by rest I mean paddling and laundry...in that order.

The rain is starting to fall outside and yet the moon is still shining bright. Here's to a wonderful day spent living life.

Be well and soak up the moonlight tonight,

M.

"What day is it?" asked Pooh

"It's today," squeaked Piglet.

"My favorite day," said Pooh.

Density of Thought

(Decision-making spot- Hawaii to stay for a while)

Today was an all day affair on the boat. We were not cruising around with guests the whole day, which meant we had a lot of down time on the boat (once it was sparkling clean). I'm reading several books right now- High Infatuation (Steph Davis' autobiography), Saltwater Buddhas, sailing articles and reef guides. There is something about being on a boat all day that really allows for deep thought, regardless of how busy you may be. Maybe it has to do with the two books I am reading (labeled "the boat books") right now, but I have been deep in thought about impermanence, using the ocean as a direct example- ever-changing.

Today on the boat I could not help but think as I watched the waves roll by how small I am compared to the ocean and all of its incredible energy. Not insignificant necessarily, but definitely small. It made me want to try that much harder to make a positive influence on the lives of those I interact with, no matter how brief. I have realized it is all in the little things that you do every day that add up and end up making the difference.

I meet people from all over the world every day out here. Vacations, business trips, escapes, you name it. I am delighted to say most of them have left me with a smile on my face. People are genuinely happy to be on this island, away from the chaos of their lives and hardships. It is incredible to see what warm sand and clear water does for people's souls. I am so thankful to live here.

I have discovered in life that things just happen. The universe is chaos. I believe in karma, but I also believe that random things happen that have nothing to do with anything else. It is through a series of chances that I am where I am right now. I am so thankful for the randomness.

To my friends still in school, do not be discouraged if your school careers are coming to a close. Do not be afraid of the unknown ahead (or maybe you have everything figured out, in which case, eff you...jk). Be so excited for the journeys ahead. Don't stress out, it's a waste of energy, I promise. You truly are in charge of your next steps.

Ok enough with the deep advice from a crazy chick working on boats. I am exhausted from the all-day sunny adventures and am calling it a night (yes it is not even 8pm here)- a whole new type of island time- sleep early and rise with the sun.

But first...I may or may not be eating yummy chocolate covered mountain macadamia nuts while listening to John Mayer...some things will never change, no matter where I am.

Sending love from me to you,

Be well.

Aloha nui loa,

M.

PS. Please don't forget to embrace the day. I don't know what it is about this place, but it has made me thankful for every single day.

PPS. Wear sunscreen. It is awkward when you get a sunglasses tan line.

<3

Whale Season

A lot has happened since I last updated this thing, I promise I will try to be more consistent.

I'm on a boat. It's official. I am working my butt off on the boats (and the beach for the time being) (overtime ftw). Time's a-flying and I am exhausted. I am the rookey on board, but have been holding my own. I would like to take a moment and say that climbing has helped me out immensely on the boats. Flaking rope/line, bowlines, clove hitches for the win, thank you climbing gods. The crew is already getting used to my music choices when we are cleaning up the boats or sailing them home. The Pirates of the Caribbean theme song may or may not have made an appearance on the boat the other day while we were sailing her back to port... Aside from that little moment, the captains have not complained about my tunes- who knew a bunch of guys from Hawaii would be fans of Mumford and Sons and Bon Iver...I was surprised.

Beauregard the sailing schnauzer and his master (the propeller)

I had my second familiar face show up on the Big Island a couple of weeks ago-Jared Mednick and his lovely gf, Emily. I am thrilled to say they got their booties on the boat and had a whale of a time drinking pink pirates and watching the whales go by. Coincidentally, we also saw a 12' tiger shark out there as well...wow...I hope to never meet up with one of those guys while I am swimming in the mornings before work, talk about a day-ruiner. It was nice to see a familiar face and be able to show them around a little bit.

(Coffee date with my favorite man in the world-my dad)

Thank someone Almighty, I have found a taqueria on this damn island. Sure it's on the other side of the island, obviously, but the burritos are huge and delicious and worth the journey (provided I get a day off to trek that direction)...it actually would hold it's own against taqueria SC I am surprised to say. Speaking of food, I have found a hippie-dippie store here on the big island. Bulk food, organic eggs and good chocolate. I have slowly been easing my coworkers into the world of trail mix, granola, quinoa and mason jars...ha! It's awesome. I feel like I'm really getting through to them...hahaha. They, in turn, have been teaching me the best fish to eat and how to prepare them...I'll get back to you on that one.

(SOJA at King Kamehameha Hotel, Kona, HI)

SOJA, The Green and some other chick...

First concert on the Big Island- it's going to be hard for other shows to measure up to the epicness that was this show. Outside venue, on the coast, in Kona, with the handsome drummer from SOJA and the early release of their brand new album. The crowd was amazing, the bands were incredible and the night ended with me not getting a ticket on my car for parking not-entirely-legally. Happy camper!

(Henry or Henrietta the humpback)

Friends on mountain tops please stay safe, catch a snowflake for me (now that it's actually snowing) enjoy every moment.

Spam count still at zero.

Be well, aloha nui loa.

-M.

When the tides of life turn against you and the current upsets your boat, don't waste your tears on what might have been, just lie on your back and float.

-anonymous

Wild Horses and Waterfalls

The pool
As much of the main waterfall as I could get in one picture- 1200'
Our hike in.
This incredible valley.

A day off from work...yesssss...an adventure ahead.

A trip to a valley so dense and green you can nearly taste it. Full of bamboo, rouge coffee plants, marijuana patches (luckily we did not run into any of these) and untouched, mysterious and powerful rain forest. From the top of the road you come to a lookout point where a waterfall streams straight into the ocean near a black sand beach. It looks like something out of Jurassic Park. It looks fake- no pterodactyls to be seen thankfully.

Below, on the valley floor, a few tiny specks can be seen-people. The road is a mile long and loses over 1200' in elevation. A 25% grade. No car is allowed without 4-wheel drive even down the road (which is completely paved). We abandon the truck and walk down the hill. Never in my life have my muscles actually hurt from walking down a hill before. I could not believe it. Little did I know this was just the beginning, not to mention I realized we were going to have to walk up that horrendous hill to get back out. About half way down the hill we turn a corner and can see two spectacular waterfalls inland at the end of the valley, at least half a mile back. 1200' high- the tallest waterfalls on the island. This is our destination for the day.

Once on the valley floor we follow the road down across a couple of small streams and pass by a few homes (yes people live down here and tend to their crops, traditional and very sacred, only about half a dozen very small bungalows can be seen). Walking along we are greeted by a horse, wild, I am told, or at least semi-wild. She doesn't want anything to do with us. Her colt follows close behind her, maybe four months old at the most and gives us a curious look and then hurries behind his mother, off to find something to eat I am sure.

We follow the road for no more than a quarter of a mile. All of a sudden my friend darts left into the underbrush and disappears. Apparently the "trail" we are taking is right before the first major river crossing. I didn't even see it, although to my defense I did not know where exactly we were going in the first place.

The trail meanders along the river, which is relatively mellow as there had not been any major storms that day. Over thick roots of tall trees, around boulders under low branches and under fences we go. We are on a mission. We are the only ones out here, everyone else goes right heading toward the beach. We pass one sign, handmade, stating to be cautious of rock slides near the waterfalls, no where within 100' is safe at the pools. We think nothing of it, although it is odd because my friend has never seen this sign before and has come out here often...hm...

moving on.

Our first river crossing of the day. I'm in about as little clothing as possible at this point as it is hot and humid. The river is calm as it has been dammed for irrigation in this particular spot. We take off our packs and slip into the refreshing, clear, cold water and walk upstream. I was up to my neck in one spot holding my pack high so I didn't ruin my notebook (which eventually became soaked anyways...oh well). We scramble up the rocks onto the adjacent side and haul ourselves back up to the trail which continues on the other side. Most people, I am told, turn back at that point as they are stumped and do not want to trespass on private property. A couple more river crossings, mossy rock scrambling (a climber's nightmare) and wandering through the tall bamboo and we are finally at our last corner before the waterfalls (about an hour later). They are absolutely breathtaking. I find myself nearly falling over whenever I try to see to the top. There are two main waterfalls flowing and a very small third just gaining its stream off to the left of the valley's end. We are completely alone here. The water has generated its own wind from its constant flow, chilly. It truly is unbelievably beautiful, I have never seen anything like it in real life.

We are in a basin now. The back of this valley is contained in a way that shows this waterfall was once much larger and much more powerful. This bowl makes me feel oddly comfortable and secure-everything is so green and beautiful, it reminds me of something out of jungle book now. We sit and rest and break out the jackets. It's cool enough here that if it weren't already so humid, you would be able to see your breath. We decide there is no better idea than to go swimming under this waterfall in the cold (mind you probably high 60's) water. I have never swum under a waterfall this large before- it's powerful. I have to swim backward to it because the force of the wind throws water right at me and causes me to lose my breath. I am under the waterfall. It is deeper than I can touch so I am treading water now.

Okay, we've made it to our destination and jumped in, it's time to get out, we're freezing. As we get out of the water another couple of people show up. They have a guide book and have found this place through sheer perseverance as the book does not tell you how to get back this far, I'm proud of them for sticking with it without knowing where they are going. We say hello and exchange congratulations at making it.

Sitting back, staring at this waterfall in all its glory I am so content. I am cold, but content. The rocks seem to be stacked here so perfectly, almost as if tiny staircases have been built all the way up the sides of these falls. The rocks are wet, green with moss and small flora and look to be each in their place. It's perfect.

We congratulate ourselves for making it out here too.

Another few minutes of enjoying this beautiful place and then a decision to depart. We bid the other two farewell and start our hike out. We pass five others who are on their way out to the falls, they're nearly there. Smiling faces and wet shoes, they continue on their way.

We are nearly halfway out of the valley when I hear thunder overhead. I think to myself, damn, we are going to be scrambling in the rain now and we still have rivers to cross, this is not ideal...I have time enough to get all of these thoughts out and realize that the thunder is still going. I panic. I realize the thunder I am hearing is a giant rock slide coming from the back of the valley, the waterfalls. My friend is ahead of me on the trail a few paces and once we realize what has happened, we start racing back- we can't leave them there. Covering ourselves in mud and muck as we fly over rocks and cross these streams back to the end of the valley. We stop just short of the last corner (there are many overhanging rocks we should check on before walking under them) and listen. Nothing. I find myself holding my breath to listen. We round the corner and suddenly are greeted by all seven of the strangers on the trail. Ashen faced and walking quickly they are departing. We explain why we came back and they proceed to tell us where the rocks fell- right where we were swimming half an hour before and thanking us for coming back. Apparently the larger group had just gotten out of the water 30 seconds before the rocks came crashing down the center of the falls. Truckloads. Everyone's okay. We realize how lucky we all are to be alive. Unbelievable.

Our hike out is fast, just the two of us again. We are mostly in silence, only exchanging a couple of glances of relief at one another the whole hike out. As clouds move in I realize we are at our first river crossing again. Dropping down to wash all the mud off of me I have a moment to realize just how fragile life is and how thankful I am that we are all still here. A very intense reminder to treasure every moment I am given, even the rough ones. We pass by the handwritten sign and stop to ponder how ironic it is that that sign spoke such truth.

We've made it out. We have a final look at the "trail head" and head out, toward the hill of doom. The mare and colt are snacking along the roadside, mom still wanting nothing to do with us. The colt on the other hand walks up to us and investigates. He is not spooked by us and actually lets us pet his muzzle. He's sweet, no taller than me and is happy for the attention.

Our hill hike is cut short about 1/10 of the way up by a very friendly man in a pickup truck who lets us ride up in the bed to the top. THANK GOODNESS! This hill is unreal. Even the truck ride was long. I am so thankful. Wow. We look at one another and realize what a great adventure we have just had. An adventure with a potentially horrible accident and a happy ending. Looking out at the wide open ocean, we say our silent goodbyes and jump into the truck to head back home.

What a day. What an adventure. What a lesson. No swimming under waterfalls. I can say I have done it, but I do not think I will do it again.

Thai food and green tea to warm us up and the heater on full blast as the sun sets on this little lava stone in the Pacific. Day well spent.

Be well and take care,

M.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Mele Kalikimaka from the Kohala Coast of the Big Island!

This year is the first year where I have been away from my family for the holidays. Although it is very soothing and quiet sitting here on this patio overlooking the ocean, I am sorry to not have them all by my side being loud and full of laughter...

That said I have spent this holiday season at the beach, working, but still with my toes in the sand every day. I've been surrounded by people from all over the world and am even picking up on a little Japanese since my arrival...I'll let you know how that one turns out.

My co-workers tell me I am finally getting darker, which I laugh about all the time because I considered myself to be pretty tan before I got here...oh well....

This week has brought many surprises...fabulous baked goods from family and friends, amazing sunsets and a captain as a new best friend. I do not have work on New Years Eve or Day, so my plan is to spend as much time out on the boats as possible and hopefully catch the fireworks from the water, maybe even spend the night on one of the boats out in the bay.

It has been cold here...yes cold. I do not know how it happened, but my body has acclimated so quickly that anything close to low 60s feels like a frigid winter day in the mountains...I'm ashamed...it's a little ridiculous.

This new year has made my mind roll out a list of new years resolutions and I have decided to throw them all out the window already. I have decided that a positive change in life should not start on the first day of the year, it should start right away.

That said, I plan to keep any bad habits that I may have and maybe pick up a few good ones along the way...you only live once...or twice...or nine times depending on who you are...

As I write this one of my closest friends is getting ready to embark on his own amazing adventure to another small set of islands in the Pacific. I am absolutely thrilled for him and hope he finds nothing but great adventure and amazing new friends. New Zealand is lucky to have him. I cannot wait for all the stories.

With the wind howling over the mountains and lava fields, I cannot help but think that this adventure, no matter how much I have resented it at times, has been an incredible journey. It has been a change where I have learned so much about myself and about the person I have turned into over the years. I realize more and more that I am very different from the girl that left that little mountain town for the "big city." Although that big city did not turn out to be so big, it was still a great chapter that I look forward to returning to someday. And hey, I have even met a fellow Santa Cruzian here on the Big Island, AND he works for the same company as me... this small world just keeps getting smaller.

I'm not far away and can be back to the mainland in 6 hours if need be, so look out! It's a small world after all...(hopefully you are now singing...you're welcome).

Wishing you well on this clear cool evening.

Climbers keep climbing hard. Travel safely to the mountains and back home.

Spam count, shockingly, still zero...

Aloha,

Be Well,

M.

My new relaxation station is pictured above...15 feet up in a beautiful dead tree that has broken off into the ocean. Whales breaching in the distance, white sand and clear, warm water below. <3

Whale of a Time

Whales and Cocktails...minus the cocktails for us because we were being paid to experience this magic.

Several sightings, no breaches but quite a few tails to show off.

Perfect weather, great boat crew and a day well spent out on the water.

First tail of the day
Such a little dorsal fin for such a large creature.

The creatures in this world are absolutely incredible. I cannot wait to get back out on the water.

Love,

M.

Wool Socks and Snow on the Mountain Top

Steph Davis' autobiography has arrived in the mail. Countless cups of coffee, lazy voggy (yes voggy-volcanic fog) weather and decorations popping up around my neighborhood.

Lifeguard certifications received, nights at the harbor listening to new friends play the ukelele and sing from our tailgates, meteor showers on the beach.

Santa in board shorts...it's official, complete with metallic tinted sunnies and slippers. Good grief.

The whales are showing up finally. I'm going on a Whales and Cocktails cruise tomorrow...for work...nuff said.

It's all I can do not to go into a baking frenzy and befriend all of my neighbors by making them fat with cookies and fudge (Laguners- you're next)

Mauna Kea officially had a major storm hit it earlier this week. The other side of the island is currently flooding and the storms seem to be brewing up something fierce for the upcoming days...hence my wool socks...I'm ready.

Pipe Masters is going on on the north shore of Oahu and for some reason it is so much more exciting when you are watching it with people who grew up with the contestants and have surfed the break.

I am thinking of relocating to a town a bit higher up the mountain called Waimea (about 15 miles further from work, but worth the commute I think). Small mountain town-think the foothills of the Sierra with fog like Santa Cruz and rainforest...not too shabby. I'm on the hunt, as are a few of my friends for me. Maybe a small studio is in the works, I'll keep you posted.

With Jack Johnson playing in the background, I have officially decided to stop panicking about what my next moves are in life and enjoy my time here for what it is, right now, not for what it could be or what I want it to be.

I've always embraced this adventure, but I have to say I have not been too keen on accepting this adventure as anything permanent, so that is what I have been focusing on. It has done me absolutely no favors. Wasted energy being stressed about when to leave and what I am going to do once I get back. Instead, I am making a move to learn as much as I can while I am here and worry about the next few months later once I have given my mind and body a good rest.

I maintain that I truly am flying by the seat of my pants. I have no idea what I am doing and although it may seem like I do, I am in fact just as lost as the rest of my friends, but am choosing to at least be lost in a cool place for the time being (and have been lucky enough to make that happen). Being done with school means I no longer have time to stall and act like I know what I am doing with my life. The end of college instead has meant joining the real world with still no idea what I am doing with myself except living...

In the wise words of a dear friend, "you'll either figure it out, or you'll die." Simple. To the point. And incredibly true. I think we all are trying so hard to make something of ourselves (whatever that means) and are spending our time panicking about the future, when in fact we are alive and well (because we are panicking and that takes a great deal of energy, so we must be at least moderately healthy and very much alive) and should be enjoying the life we are living even if we have no idea what we are doing.

And this just in, adulthood and "joining the real world" does not mean you suddenly have all the answers to all of those tough questions we were all asking ourselves before we moved or finished school or started school; it means you have to put your big person panties on and work through whatever happens (while still having no clue what is happening) (very promising)

Own it.

And when all else fails, put your wool socks* on and stare up at the mountain tops* because it's a beautiful day and not even not knowing what your next move is will change that. (*replace with appropriate footwear and landmark of choice)

I'm sending you love with a lighter mind and heart tonight and wishing you all safe travels and happy memories with your family and friends this holiday season, wherever you may be.

Spam count- zero

Love from this little lava stone in the Pacific,

M.

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.