Gotta love a seal pup...

In my previous post I told you I observed a mom monk seal and her pup on my visit to Kalaupapa.

Despite all the physical suffering and hopelessness of those suffering from Hansen's Disease at Kalaupapa, the beaches have become a perfect nursery area for the critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. 

I sat in amazement watching the tender moments between this 400lb mom and her one week old pup. At the time of birth this young one weighed approximately 30lbs. and in 6 short weeks he will tip the scale somewhere between 150 -200 lbs. Jet black at birth, his fur will change to a beautiful silvery color at the time of his weaning.  During my visit I observed 4 swim sessions and 3 feedings. This little seal was very active and mom, well let's just say she was very patient and PROTECTIVE!!

my first view of mom and pup

Such a feisty little bugger....kicking up a flipper!!

he lost mom for a short bit...let out a holler for her

still looking for her

He found her....mom did you have a cheeto??

mom, I'd really like some lunch, please mom, please!!

Hey mom, who is this guy??

The seal to the left is known as a "crusier" just hanging out
in hopes of mating with mom.

pup taking a little snooze, while the cruiser continues to prowl in the area.

mom left the pup to deal with the cruiser...

pup wanted to follow...mom insisted he stay on shore.

Now get up there little one!!! 

okay mom, I'll just play with my flipper

Mom, are you coming back, what about a snack??

Mom did return--pup found a "new toy" a piece of driftwood.

they are very inquisitive
sometimes too, as they get caught in beach debris causing injury or death
One of the reasons it is so important to keep the beaches clean.

When I left...a feeding session
notice the cruiser was still hanging around.

Linking to camera-critters

Last Tease......

 Okay, today will be the last "tease" photos before our trip to Molokai in 2 weeks. I am looking forward to seeing good friends, eating ono food, hiking the beaches and just enjoying the quiet pace of life on Molokai.

Spotted manta ray...these guys are huge and just glide thru  the water.

Not all the beaches are white sand :)

My hubby doing one of his favorite activities

The critically endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal
unfortunately at the hand of man this old boy was murdered last fall.
He was identified as RR64.  Bless his heart, he was a sweet ole soul.

Sweet ay?!?!

Look even Monk Seal have belly rolls 

 This last picture is of my Schatzie....some have asked if the girlz lived in Hawaii with us...Yes, they did! It is quite the process to get them there and no they will not be going back with us on this vacation--Gramma  is coming to dog sit!!
Schatzie is going to the vet today for some tests, I am fearing she has hip dysplasia--common in big dogs, hopefully we will be able to get her some relief from her pain. So just keep her in your thoughts around 4CDT. Thanks.

A surprise visit to Molokai Ohana by Ron...

Aloha....I had  orginally planned to share some photos from my trip to Minnesota today until I received this great photo of Ron, Barbara and Justin. They had no idea Ron was dropping by--oh, I love surprises. Ron made a quick weekend trip to visit friends on Molokai since he is working on Maui for a couple more weeks.

Barbara and Justin are some very special people that became part of our Molokai family. I met Barbara and Justin while walking my girlz to the Kalaupapa Lookout every morning. During those walks we solved all the worlds problems, had lots of laughs and even a few tears. They also had a beautiful dog named Annie.

Surprise... photo by Julie

pretty girl Annie

our meeting place for the morning walk

In our book, a Molokai visit would not be complete without a visit with Barbara and Justin....wonder what kind of wine they enjoyed last night?????   :)
Thanks to Julie for taking and sharing the great group photo....