The following are photos of Molokai that very few people (even the locals) ever experience....enjoy!!
Sunday, October 30
Friday, October 28
Hawaiian Monk Seals
Ron and I lived on the island of Molokai for 2.5 years and were involved heavily in the monitoring of the Hawaiian Monk Seal. There are an estimated 1100 seals in the islands, with approximately 150 in the main Hawaiian Islands. The population of this animal is decreasing at an alarming rate of 4% per year--thus making it one of the rarest species in the world. We would normally see 8-10 seals on each of our treks, with 18 seals in one day being the highest number. We would identify the seals by their tags, body marks or bleach marks and then report our findings to NOAA. Our efforts helped NOAA officials to have a better understanding of the travels and behaviors of the seals.
Ron and I would make a weekly trek to an area called La`au Point. Now it's not easy to get there---it's a 8.3 mile hike round trip. It's long, rocky, sandy, hot, but absolutely beautiful. It really has to be one of my most favorite spots on the planet...the water is blue, the sand is white and you rarely see another human being on this trek. This is a perfect place for the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. I could post literally 1000's of photos of these awesome creatures. If you care to know more about the seals check out Monksealmania .It's listed over on the right. Lots of amazing photos there.
Each seal is tagged in both hind flippers after they are weaned at the age of 2months or so.
The letter indicates the year of birth and the number is their id.
Here you see a yearling...a favorite pose by these critters...snoozing on the beach.
This is Kaiwi, an Oahu seal that was born this summer. At birth she weighed about 30 pounds and now weighs around 150lbs...the thing on her back is a cell phone transmitter allowing scientists to be able to track her position and diving depths.
Hard to believe there's only 1100 of them left :(
"Monk Seal Hug"
This is what we called a "cruiser" just checking out the beach areas for other seals
Seal...
Been spending LOTS of time with our new foster dog Molly.
I promise, I will have more monk seal photos like this one posted later today!!
Monday, October 24
Sunday, October 23
Pupdate....
Update on Miss Molly
- she loves pepperoni and pizza crust
- still prefers sleeping/hiding behind the sofa
- afraid of the TV
- enjoys playing with balls
- loves walks with her foster sisters---so many smells :)
- prefers to be outside
- I have to carry her back into the house :(
- seeing changes in her facial expressions--not so much fear :)
- finally ate a whole bowl of kibble tonight.
- looks alot like Miss Gracie, especially her profile
much more relaxed today--her facial expressions tell a new story |
Gracie or Molly?!?!?! |
LAB Butts....very thirsty after our walkabout |
Molly enjoying one of the many bones in the yard... life is good |
Saturday, October 22
Meet Molly....
I would like you all to meet Miss Molly, a 14 month, 56lb yellow lab.Molly has lived most of her life chained up in her backyard. She arrived at the ranch today after her owner surrendered her to a rescue. I must give the owners credit for contacting a rescue and not "dumping" her.
We are fostering her for the same rescue (Paws 2 Love) that we adopted our girlz. Our job is to get her ready for her "furever" home. She is very timid and doesn't trust men, so she will need some confidence building and socialization. She is getting along well with Gracie and Schatzie, in fact she prefers Schatzie's secret spot behind the sofa. We took 3 long walks so she is pooped and so are her sisters.
So be prepared for pupdates on our new girl, Molly!!
We are fostering her for the same rescue (Paws 2 Love) that we adopted our girlz. Our job is to get her ready for her "furever" home. She is very timid and doesn't trust men, so she will need some confidence building and socialization. She is getting along well with Gracie and Schatzie, in fact she prefers Schatzie's secret spot behind the sofa. We took 3 long walks so she is pooped and so are her sisters.
So be prepared for pupdates on our new girl, Molly!!
I picked up Molly in Kansas... we headed north to Nebraska so she can experience "a good life" |
Molly--hiding behind the sofa (her safe spot) |
Molly~~"I don't want to open my eyes, please tell me this isn't a dream!" |
Look at me, I'm FREE....... |
Life without my chain.... |
Good Night Miss Molly.... welcome to the ranch, where dogs are family! |
Friday, October 21
Molokai....day 1
We arrived on Molokai at approximately 6:30p.m.(we left our home at 3 a.m.) on Sept. 30th after nearly 12 hours of travel time, 2 layovers and a 5 hour time change. Since the body doesn't adjust quickly to the time change we were up before dawn ready to explore the island we called home for 2.5 years. On this visit, we were blessed to be able to stay on the Health Centers Property, in which we enjoyed an up close ocean view. The plumerias were in full bloom and their sweet aroma filled our room every morning. A stroll to the wharf area gave us shots of the boats, fishermen and the relaxed lifestyle one experiences while on Molokai. Like the saying goes, "if you're in a hurry, you're on the wrong island."
Tomorrow~~learn more about the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Life is good, enjoy it!!
Val
Tomorrow~~learn more about the Hawaiian Monk Seal.
Be sure to check back here later in the day when
I have a special announcement to share!!
Life is good, enjoy it!!
Val
sweet plumeria, can't ya just smell em?? |
huge banyan tree on the Health Center property, just outside our cottage |
boats at the wharf |
busy morning for the fishermen |
some of the catch |
yep, here was our view every day...you can see the island of Lana`i |
An Aloha Morning
Headed to the airport with the in-laws in a few minutes for their flight back to Phoenix. They were good puppy sitters. I am sure the girlz will miss all the extra attention and treats they got over the last month. Many thanks to them for coming and staying with the girlz and watching over the ranch.
This was the sunrise the first morning we were on island (Molokai). The dark area you see to the middle area of the photo is the island of Maui covered in clouds.
Thursday, October 20
A Break for Fall....
Tuesday, October 18
Monday, October 10
1 more week...
Aloha,
We have one more week on our favorite Hawaiian island of Molokai... I have taken 100's of photos that I will share once I'm back at the ranch on my own computer. I have even been able to cross a couple items off my bucket list during this trip. I will wait to share those, you know a picture is worth a 1000 words. Life is good.
Til next week.
Aloha, Val
We have one more week on our favorite Hawaiian island of Molokai... I have taken 100's of photos that I will share once I'm back at the ranch on my own computer. I have even been able to cross a couple items off my bucket list during this trip. I will wait to share those, you know a picture is worth a 1000 words. Life is good.
Til next week.
Aloha, Val
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)