Jodo Mission, Lahaina, Maui -- (above) 12' high bronze Buddhist statue dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii; (below) pagoda at the Jodo Mission.

Of course I had to get some flower photos today, too.  These are hibiscus around the condo.

Whale Tale

This morning I boarded a 20' rigid inflatable boat off the shores of Kihei, Maui in hopes of seeing Pacific humpback whales.  The little boat is powered by two 225HP motors so it zooms along at a pretty good clip.  The wind has been blowing hard and made for a bouncy boat ride so photo opportunities were slim.  When the boat was under power, it was a choice between hanging on for dear life or taking photos.  I chose dear life.  I only took four pictures before deciding to stow the camera in the waterproof bin on the boat rather than risk having it splashed or sprayed with saltwater.  I, however, was not allowed to stow myself and shortly after closing the bin met face first with a wave that promptly soaked me from head to toe.  Saltwater tastes disgusting!!  Naturally, the other three or four waves coming over the bow found me just as I was drying out from the first onslaught.  Oh, well, with temps in the 80s and the sun shining and whales breaching 100 yards from our boat I won't complain.  It was fun!!!  So much fun in fact that I'm going to go out again when the winds calm and I can keep my camera out.  Keep your fingers crossed for a good whale breech photo.  It could happen.