Writing has always been one of those hobbies that I turn to when I find myself in a pensive, creative place. I once had a goal to write something on my blog every day, but sadly I lost interest.
When I stopped blogging consistently, I had been going through some crazy life experiences that inundated my world and left my creative well dried up when it came to writing.
As with most of my hobbies a passage of time came, and the spark of interest that created my drive to do something began to smolder and I have been able to fan that spark into a creative flame.
So here I sit in Maui Hawaii, some might say Paradise, managing a Scuba Shop and diving for a living. The ultimate dream as it were, and decided to start a new blog. For myself, and for you, the reader (if there are any of you out there!).
I began posting pictures, on Facebook, of the animals that I was seeing while I was scuba diving here in Maui. I realized that there are many friends and family that have never and may never get to see these creatures up close in the ocean. I always use the phrase "Look what I found on the reef today!" in my status update and then attach pictures for people to look through. Hence the name of the blog.
I had the notion that maybe I could make this an interactive blog for divers that want to post photographs and share their experiences of diving. Logistically I have not thought this through, and it may not even come to fruition. However I will attempt to utilize my new found desire to write on a regular basis and post at least weekly, no promises though!
Regardless, here is my first posting on my new blog "Look What I Found On The Reef Today!!!"
This is a Green Sea Turtle. He is not named Green because of the algae that you see growing on his shell. Actually it is not the outside of this species of sea turtle that they are named for, rather the color of their insides, the meat, of which was at one time considered to be as the native Hawaiian's say, "ono kine grinz brah!"
In redneckese that would roughly translate to, "that's some good eatin' right there."
If you look at this little fella right here, it appears that he is just resting on his elbows. I like to think he is meditating down there at 25 ft. below the sea, centering his chi pondering his place in the universe and perhaps what he is going to have for lunch today. What to eat for lunch is one of those age old questions that we all try to answer every day. Of course Praka Lahsa here, (I named him that because he is a turtle guru) he has the added stress of hoping there isn't a big ass tiger shark out there asking himself that same question, and thinking to himself, "some turtle sounds pretty good right about now."
At least young Praka here doesn't have human beings as a major threat to his well being any longer. I say major because although we may not use them as a food source, Human Beings are still damaging them indirectly. The Green Sea Turtle has been a protected species and as a result they have made a strong come back in the world and now have numbers that no longer require protection by the federal government. Fortunately they are still protected and we as divers have the good fortunes of spending time with Praka Lahsa and his family while we are visiting their under sea homes.
As a Dive Master, I have the pleasure of seeing a lot of creatures while I am doing my job, and turtles are always willing subjects for having their pictures taken. I also consider myself an ambassador to the sea, and feel a responsibility to Praka and others that make the ocean here in Hawaii their home.
It is important to remember that despite their come back, despite their good nature and willingness to accept human beings into their homes, we must act as guests and protect our oceans.
Millions of people visit Hawaii every year, and I am fortunate enough to have a job that affords me a platform to educate and share experiences with people traveling through our islands.
So if you are a diver or not, come enjoy the sea vicariously through this blog, hell come on down to Maui and lets go diving! It's not as difficult as you make think!
AlooooooHA!!!!
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