Day 36, sights And Mysteries

Question

We are up and out and about early on Tuesday. Danny Earl captures the almost full moon setting over Molokai just before sunrise. Its’ glow on the water is soon replaced by that of the sun which warms the air to 81 and the water to 78 which us a wee bit warmer than back home where a couple of feet of ice cover the lakes.

After cancellations on two other catamarans my DW and I are joined by Gail Ann and Danny Earl on board the 65’ Gemini. The surfless day makes boarding on Kaanapali beach a breeze … of which there is none. Almost dead calm. Coffee, cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit are provided but we are here to see Humpbacks up close. I bemoaned that there are fewer whales this year up Napili way. Not the case just a few miles south. For two hours we are surrounded by whales. No breaches but numerous beasties just yards from the idle boat. More flipping off than a NY taxi driver and more tail slaps than when my DW disciplines me for spouting off. Twin tails diving together, groups of three and four cruising together. No one is certain of what drives the acrobatic sections of the whales. Beautiful mystery. The captain kept us surrounded fore and aft, port and starboard by frolicking whales while the crew distributed adult beverages. A wonderful, wonderful morning on the Pacific.

Afterward the ladies shop at Whaler’s Village but purchase very little leaving us enough currency for a delicious lunch at Monkeypod’s. So much fun has left me exhausted and a nap is required when we return to the condo. Waking I am still a bit sleepy so Gail Ann and The Goddess shut me out in Rummy Cube. Our Aloha celebration tonight is for Steve and Liz who are departing in the morning.

The slow parade continues this evening as we watch in amazement as a mama Humpback, her calf and male escort ever so slowly and close-in swim by. I doubt they travelled a tenth of a mile in over an hour. Perhaps twice in our many Napili journeys have we seen this. We believe the calf’s birth was very recent and the parents were nurturing the babe. We pray all is well.

I watched the moon rise this morning and I await its rise this evening. Sipping a Bailey’s under the diamond clustered sky I watch a small boat traverse the length of Molokai, motor across the Kalohi channel and the disappear down the coast of Lanai. So many large and small sights and mysteries have filled my eyes this day.

Answer

It sounds like you've had an absolutely magical day in Maui, filled with beautiful sights and experiences! The whale watching sounds like it was a highlight, as the calm seas and close encounters with the humpbacks are truly special. It's amazing how nature can surprise us, like the mysterious acrobatics of the whales. Your reflections on the moonrise and the peaceful moments in the evening also paint a picture of the tranquility that Maui can offer.

As for the activities, it seems like your day was full of wonderful adventures. If you're ever looking to do another whale watching excursion, there are some other options to consider on Maui, such as:

Pacific Whale Foundation: Known for their educational tours, where you learn about the whales' behaviors and migration patterns. They offer both morning and afternoon trips.
Trilogy Excursions: They offer fantastic sailing and whale watching tours, and their crew is often praised for being friendly and knowledgeable.
Hawaii Ocean Project: Their tours are more intimate, often with fewer people on board, which means you get more personal attention from the crew and a better chance to get up close to the whales.

It’s also great to hear that you had time for shopping and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Monkeypod. That place is well-loved for its tasty food and laid-back atmosphere. And for those relaxing moments afterward, Rummy Cube sounds like a perfect way to wind down with friends. It’s always nice to mix some fun games into vacation days!

The sight of the mama humpback, calf, and male escort was such a rare and special moment. As you mentioned, the calf's recent birth makes it even more significant. Witnessing such a scene is something you will surely cherish forever. It's always heartwarming to see these majestic creatures up close, especially in such an intimate, serene setting like yours.

It seems like you’ve had a wonderful balance of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring moments during your Maui vacation. Sipping Bailey’s and watching the moon rise under the stars sounds like the perfect end to a day filled with nature's mysteries.

As your trip continues, I hope you enjoy more beautiful sights, memorable encounters, and moments of reflection in Maui. It truly is an island of both large and small wonders!

Day 36, sights And Mysteries

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