10,000 hours of Photography: January 1 2011

Yesterday we rang in the new year by driving to Hanalei, to Ha'ena State Park Beach, where we tried to snorkel. The beach was red flagged for snorkeling, which freaked me out completely. But still we found a calmer spot and gave it a try. Tom spent a few minutes beyond the rocks but I could not even get my body to try. I am either very smart or a big chicken. Maybe a little of both. But it could not happen for me. So we ditched the masks and played in the big surf in our wetsuits. It was great fun! I played with my water camera and truly enjoyed the freedom of shooting wave movies where the waves actually came up and hit the camera.

We will try the snorkeling thing again, next time at the baby snorkeling hole at Lydgate. I need to start easy.

At one point I tried to get out of the water to help Tom with his wetsuit zipper, and I had a VERY hard time getting out of the water. I got stuck in a bit of a washing machine area where the undertow was pulling me out and the waves were crashing me back in. I ended up with sand and salt water everywhere including way up my nose, and completely exhausted and out of breath when I eventually made it out. I blew a lot of adrenaline yesterday!!!

Had lunch and coffee and relaxation time afterwards in Hanalei, which is a cute little place with nice food and great views...