Maui, Surfing and Photography 101.

Sitting on what I would pretty much call a deserted stretch of sand on a beach in Maui. Listening to the waves looking at lava rock sculptures coming out of the ocean, seeing all these little yellow butterflies flying everywhere (an occasional goat through the bushes), seeing God's creation. Enjoying the peace and tranquility, feeling a breath of fresh air down in my soul. This moment was brought to you by the Maui tourism board kidding -  not really but we're in a place called La Perouse            bay and Mike is out surfing in a place that not a lot of surfers get the opportunity to surf, that makes it unique. So unique it was only Mike and two other guys.

Being the brilliant photographer I am....Mike hands me his new GoPro and he wants me to capture this unique moment. It looks dangerous to me just walking over to the spot he is surfing. Over some lava rocks out to the point and standing on all these burnt pieces of earth and white coral on the jagged coast line. Waiting.... Waiting, waiting for Mike to find his wave. I am ready to go GoPro in hand. I have decided while standing and waiting that watching and waiting for someone to find their wave is like fishing or whale watching. A lot of down time in between nibbles, sighting and sets.  

Those way out there dots in the water... Mike and his surfing buddies. 

Oh great looks like he is going for this wave... Fire up The GoPro, oh no where did Mike tell me that ON but was? oh here it is OK - it doesn't look like it is flashing. Didn't Mike say something about a little red light flashing on the front. OK let me just flip it over and look at the front - ahhh a close up picture of my nose, it was blinking. Mike will love that. I don't know - I don't know -  OK well now I'm aiming at the water I think it is blinking and on? better check flip it over.  Oh no this time it is a close up of my eye and nose… Oh no why am I squeezing the off button, again I missed it. Back to waiting waiting waiting... Next wave set is coming in just another few short 8 minutes…. (it is hot standing on this lava rock) hoping I will get it this time… Here he goes, I will capture this and it will make the sulfide videos of the week… Oh no not my nose again - again the same out come! Where was that on button…  Absolute GoPro fail. 

 I did manage to get a few with my big girl camera.   

Mikes review.  Loved it, good water, he wasn't alone in the water  (you should never be alone in the water you don't know what lurks underneath and it is just a good idea to have someone in the water with you.  Trust me besides not being a GoPro expert, I am not a lifeguard).  He said it was really amazing to look at the coast line from the water and see NOTHING man made and to surf such a unique spot. He called it the most unique spot he has every surfed.

This was a new place of discovery we had never been past Makena.  Great Hike to the surf spot, flat (my favorite).  If your on Maui we give it  4 pineapples.  Next time we need to snorkel here and look for the dolphins that the spot is known to have frequent it's waters.

My Date. Defiantly suffers from multiple personality disorder - so many faces. 

Met up with these lovely Irvine friends. 

Last nights Sunset. Beautiful - Love blue water but throw in a little pink and it is eye candy.... 

Found this in the lava when Mike was surfing.  Yes, thinking of Rich always with me.  It was 4 years ago on September 18, 2011, we stood on the beach steps from where I am blogging at this moment and renewed our wedding vows.    

Thanks for your legacy of showing us how to live Rich Hyland.  Aloha for now.  

Family Reunions and Vegas

For those who know me, you may or may not know that I have eleven siblings. Due to circumstance, distance between where we live and life we just don't keep in touch or even know each other! Then sometimes life gives you an opportunity that is just to good to pass up! Introducing my younger brother Bob (Bobby) and his wife Janel CARR...  They live in Ohio and we all met up in Las Vegas this weekend along with Kathi celebrating her birthday and Lorraine...   What a way to end the year.

Photo blog of the weekend...

Wynn Las Vegas - Kathi got an amazing deal in the mail for our stay, loved being on the strip and able to walk anywhere although there was a frosty nip in the air.

And if your walking you might see Elvis or perhaps two....

27th floor.  Amazing view day and night... 

Belliago conservatory was decked out with decorations and people. 

Way to soon we had to say goodbye to Bob and Janel back home to Ohio. I hope I convinced them to come to California and Hylands Island for a visit very soon.

If your out near Red Rock be sure to do the amazing loop drive of Red Rock canyon. Take your "big Girl camera". Photographers paradise.

4th time I have seen the show La Reve...."the Dream" at the Wynn.  It just gets better every time.  Highly recommended and child appropriate too. 

Performers flying, jumping, swimming, music- non stop energy it hits all your senses. In a very good way. Hard to explain you have to see it to dream it and feel it. 

Janel, Bob, Kathi and Lorraine.. Wow wow wow.... What a great weekend making new memories. 

Happy Birthday to my DEAR friend.

Celebrated with Blue Eyes himself and had a 5 star meal at Sinatra's in the Encore... 

Hugs Happy New Year everyone... God Bless