WWOOFing: week 4; high on life

"Here, we made up a way to figure out whether or not there's sharks in the water. Put some water in your mouth. If it's salty, there's sharks."

That's the local attitude towards your mainland mindset. A week ago, a man and woman picked Sophie and I up as we hitched to the beach in Kona. As we got to know each other, we explained our needs to explore and see more of the island, while avoid creepy men who had been preying on us. Like good  Hawaiians, they completely understood and left me with their number, assuring me that they would love to take us on the adventures they go on weekly. 

Well, we decided to call them. After much assurance of fun and their innocent intentions, we met, once again, in Kona. 

We had no idea what was in store for us. 

Friday afternoon:

The plan was to go on a sunset boat cruise, but to kill time before we went to the beach. After watching Cory gut the huge Awa fish he speared earlier that day

We walked over to a man weaving baskets out of palm leaves. We asked if he could teach us how to do that. 

Instead, they he crowned me as their Hawaiian princess 

Oh and then played with a baby pig. Because that is what people take to the beach with them in Hawaii when they are currently nursing an abandoned baby boar....

This was only the first 30 minutes. 

Then, the most epic sunset I have ever watched. After sitting at the front of the boat while it drove towards the horizon, allowing my feet to dip in the water as the sails constantly flipped direction, we all jumped into the ocean and swam in the bath water. 

It was as if God was trying to show us the best possible time; the water was full of bioluminescent algae that glowed when we decided to night swim. Then, on our way back ashore, Spinner Dolphins swam and jumped right next to the boat. It was a beautiful glimpse of the ocean life.

The night ended with us all eating the Awa fish the boys fried up for us. Sending us to bed full, exhausted, and unprepared for the next day. 

Saturday:

A bigger group met up and we were off to Kipolo towards the Pololu Valley. While most tourists hike down the valley to the black sand beach, our tour guide led us to a hidden waterfall up it.

It was the best shower I've ever taken. 

The group included some wonderful photographers.

Of course, on the way back home we stopped for the famous Kona sunsets 

The night ended with a three-person motorcycle ride in the country.

(just use your imagination) 

Sunday:

Wake up, paddle out to see Dolphins.

No Dolphins. Therefore, snorkeling and free diving since you are already half a mile from shore. 

After that we went to see LAVA TUBES  

It was so dark once you got under ground. The only light we had was flashlights and candles. The water in the tube was completely pure and, also, pitch black. We swam with reckless abandon 

We were supposed to leave after that. Fine with Sophie and I since I was on the verge of passing out and very much over any idea of night swimming, but somehow ended up in the plans.

Our final adventure was with some beasts I know very little about... 

Manta Rays.

Night swimming along the rocky shoreline, a group of nine swam out about a half mile, all shining their lights down towards the sea floor. Fifty feet of blue light- a perfect area for plankton to swarm, thus attracting their predator: the Rays. 

It was like watching silent ballet. They dive deep and cirlcle back towards the surface (and you) with their mouths wide open, swallowing their meal. Once you attract the nearby ones, the rest catch word of easy food (since all of our lights are concentrating the the plankton into one place) and soon you're surrounding by a whole family of rays. 

Even though we had such a big group, no on caught good footage. Sad, but I will never forget this night. It sparks such appreciation for Nature's beauty. It reignites my love of the ocean and all She holds. 

The overload of mental and physical stimulation has left me immobile in my room, blogging this, on the verge of sleep, preparing for the next weekend, since we have been invited back for more adventures with our new Hawaiian ohana.