Wonder #15

It's unbelievable what you can find wandering around a volcanic island, especially when roads were only introduced there within the last 150 years.  The question you have to ask yourself?  How do you get to the ocean from atop a cliff without scaling the lava rock?  Easy, you painfully carve steps out of the lava.

These jungle stairs lead to the Wai'anapanapa (glistening waters) Caves at the state park of the same name, on Maui. Here's the Legend of the caves...

Once upon a time a Hawaiian princess named Popoalaea fled from her cruel husband, Chief Ka'akae.  She hid on a ledge just inside the underwater entrance to this cave.  A faithful serving maid sat across from her fanning the princess with a feather Kahili symbol of royalty.  Noticing the reflection of the Kahili in the water, Chief Kakae discovered Popoalaea's hiding place and killed her.  At certain times of the year, tiny red shrimp appear in the pool, turning the water red.  Some say it is a reminder of the blood of the slain princess. 

In case you want to see the shrimp, you need to visit in spring.

Ta!

Wonder #2

This shot was taken in Maui in April 2008.  Patrick and I were joined by 50 or so of our closest friends for our wedding-moon.  A couple days before the wedding, I took a drive up the coast to take some shots of the northern part of the island.  Most people take the southern or eastern route from Lahaina because it takes you toward Hana.  Although Hana was beautiful - and you'll likely see some shots from our day trip there later on - I thought the northwestern coast was much more beautiful.  I love how the waves were a touch more violent than we'd seen elsewhere on the island... made for some really great shots.

This shot was taken early in my trek that day, and again I find that there are flaws. Ideally it would have been reversed, and I didn't quite catch the depth of the color of the ocean.  I am not a trained photographer, so I'm OK with that.  It's one of those shots that reminds me - sometimes you have to do what you can and move on.  For me that thought brings me some peace.

This morning I definitely needed a post about peace.  Waking up this morning, I realized I still have some anxiety about a past life (and no - I'm not waxing Buddhist). It's funny how things continue to haunt you after you've left them behind.  Why is that?