Deep Water Exploration

Swim Sunday dawned clear, sunny and calm after two days of torrential downpours, high wind warnings and school closures. The COLD had remained of the cold front which had since passed. This sea level, leeward, Kihei girl was bundled up warm, blasting the neglected car heater on the early morning drive to the beach.

Big Beach glowed turquoise waters with translucent shore break. The explorers of our swim group headed straight into deeper waters in search of the Humpback whales seen from shore. About a mile out, the whale song grew louder as we saw the whale fish which accompany whales in deep waters. Our heads were all down, expecting to see a gentle giant under us. As the song grew fainter, we knew the whale had drifted away. We turned to swim toward shore. Again appeared whale fish, now swimming in the opposite direction. The whale song volume increased until our bellies vibrated. Bubbles rose from the deep, we knew the 54 foot whale was just below us, stealth and hidden. Our anticipation was palpable, excitement of being in the presence of such a giant creature. Again the song grew faint, as our hopes faded. The adrenalin kept us jubilant and playful on the long swim to shore.

We played in the deep blue waters. Diving to hear the haunting whale song, long moans, short yelps, rhythmic whistles, serene calls serened us. As we turned to see the surface above, the light body of our protective angel, with it's wings spread wide, hoovered over us.