A sailboat framed by driftwood on the Kohala coast.
Distant sailboat
High surf
This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Power of the Elements.’ See more responses here.
For the past couple of weeks or more, we’ve had a series of sizable WNW swells reaching the Big Island. What this has meant is lousy snorkeling conditions on the west side of the island and a surge in calling in sick to work amongst surfers.
The photos below show surf from one of these swells crashing ashore along the North Kohala coast. The first of these photos was taken from the parking lot of one of the parks there. In the bottom corner of this area is a metal boat hoist and concrete barriers blocking access to the corner of the lot, where it’s no longer safe to park. When big swells wash over the lot, these big concrete barriers get pushed around, such is the power or the surf.
The top photo is from a previous event of this kind several years ago, which dwarfed the recent swells. This particular swell not only washed over the entire parking lot, but also engulfed the boat hoist, swallowing it from sight. As the water receded, two portable toilets in a recess near the top of the lot, started sliding down the lot towards the water. Luckily, some people watching from nearby were able to corral them before they fell over or were washed into the bay. The boat hoist wasn’t as fortunate. After the waves subsided, it was discovered that these powerful waves had twisted the metal frame of the hoist, rendering it unsafe for use. It was several months before repairs made it usable again.
Cane grass seed heads
I was taken by how different these cane grass seed heads look to those bordering my yard, but there are many different varieties of cane grass so such variety should be expected.
Honoka’ope black sand beach
Honoka’ope black sand beach is reached by driving into Mauna Lani resort or walking along the coast. I did the latter and this is a view from a rocky promontory bordering the beach
Abstracts: Balconies on fire
The setting sun glints off the balconies of the Hilton Hotel on the South Kohala Coast.
Snowflake Moray Eel
A Snowflake Moray Eel slides over the rocky bottom off the coast of North Kohala.
Kohala hillside
Most of the day, this Kohala hillside looks dry and washed out. However, when early morning sunlight illuminates this slope, the gullies and ridges jump out in sharp relief. I’d often noticed this effect, but it wasn’t until recently that I was able to take photos to show it.
What’s he looking at?
The clue is right there in front of him. Is that bird food? I think not, but the photos below clear things up.
I first came on this scene from the other side and saw Smudge, the cat lying down, with an intense look on her face. Another pace brought the Spotted Dove into view. I took photos, but they were into the sun and not great. So I walked around the building to get the sun behind me.
The bird was still busy pecking at the food, the cats staring intently, but doing nothing else. That inactivity wasn’t surprising. These cats are very friendly when they’re hungry and utterly indifferent once they’ve been fed. And after the cats have eaten birds move in for the leftovers. The birds remain wary, but have learned there’s not much to worry about at this time.
In the end, Smudge decided she had to do something about this brazen intrusion so she got up and wandered away to the front of the building where she plopped down in the shade, serenely out of sight of the feathered affront taking place on the lanai.
Graham's Island 