Big Wave Day

 We were warned that the waves were going to be big today. Zero chance I would have been in the water under any condition. We are located on the northwest portion of Kauai and the warning was for us although the Northern point is where the largest waves typically are seen. 12-16 feet is big, but it is difficult to judge from the beach just if you are looking at something that large. 

For those who have visited us here, the following video was taken directly in front of our location. The waves were bigger at the second location, but I included this video because I think you can see some rip tide moving from right to left. The second video is from a different beach. Double-click on any image for a full-sized view.

Hanalei Wildlife Refuge

 

We are in Kauai this year in very unusual times. We were here at the end of the Biden term in office and for the beginning of the Trump administration. The early days of the Trump administration have been chaotic with many executive orders and the firing of many Federal employees. Without knowing what lays ahead in the next few days, it is worth preserving some of the experiences.

We stay in Princeville which is on the edge of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge. A few days ago I posted an image taken from the overlook with a comment about the concern of those working at the refuge because of cutbacks. Cuts were made.  I posted something about the cuts to Facebook and had some unusual reactions. One claimed wetlands didn't need to be managed.

Just for the record, we took a quick trip into the reserve today by car. No use of the hiking trails to take a few images. These are multi-use facilities that preserve the natural resources but also serve the recreational interests of locals and tourists and in the case of this space offers small fields for locals who want to raise taro. This plant has special meaning to native Hawaiians and has some commercial value. The water suppresses competing weed growth and serves as habitat for birds.

Aflac is still here

 Snow Geese do not migrate near Kauai, but one has somehow shown up here. Each year I wonder if Alfac has survived. Cindy does not think my prediction that Aflac has not survived the year is funny, but he/she has finally appeared and I managed to get a photo as I walked the trail past the golf course. 

Of course, Aflac was named for the television, insurance goose. He/She has been accepted by the NeNes so is among friends and somehow has survived now through several of our visits. I try to get a photo and here is the closest I have come this year,

Trump Cuts

 I happened on this description of cuts to federal workers on Kauai. We see one of these locations daily. 

Candy Hearts

 

The days after Valentine's Day is an opportunity to pick up some inexpensive candy. We visited several stores looking for one thing - candy hearts. This was it. There were two boxes and I bought one - half priced. There were all kinds of traditional candies trying to cash in on Valentine's Day, but a Reeses peanut better co\up in the shape of a smashed heart is still a peanut butter cup. I was looking for the large sized hearts because they are not as soft as these small ones, but these will have to do.