The Fuzzy Slug

We were diving on the right side of the bay and it seemed that everywhere we turned we were running into sea turtles. Not a bad thing, mind you. :)
Technical Details
Aperture Value: f/4
Focal Length: 13mm
Exposure Program: Auto
ISO: 64
Shutter Speed Value: 1/160 sec
Location: Manauma Bay, Hawaii

These handsome fellows are convict tangs (a.k.a. surgeonfish or manini). This large school was swarming the reef in order to graze on patches of algae. The schooling helps them get to the food which is normally guarded by other reef inhabitants. Since the other reef fish find it quite the task to chase away so [...]

Technical Details
Aperture Value: f/4.1
Focal Length: 16mm
Exposure Program: Auto
ISO: 100
Shutter Speed Value: 1/160 sec
Location: Mala Boat Ramp – Maui, Hawaii

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) participating in a male competition group. There was at least a half a dozen of whales splashing around and head butting each other in this group as we watched for a good hour. They were still at it when the boat returned to the harbor. She must have been quite the [...]

These are my favorite memories from this trip.
Hearing the humpback whales singing underwater on nearly every dive was wonderful. At some spots they could even be heard while snorkeling. Also, I had the opportunity to see whitetip sharks snoozing under ledges during the day.
Amazing stuff all around.

Early evening, a group of six or so green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) were grazing on the algae covered rocks in a small cove next to the place we were staying. The surf was a little rough, but that didn’t discourage them from getting right up next to the most shallow rock outcrops. Apparently, having [...]

Technical Details
Aperture Value: f/6.3
Focal Length: 26mm
Exposure Program: Aperture Priority
ISO: 200
Shutter Speed Value: 1/500 sec
Location: Maui, Hawaii

The weather today is 24°F and with the wind chill it’s… well… colder. The good news? It’s sunny. :)
While I do love this winter weather, I don’t particularly enjoy the cold feet aspect. I like to fend off the cold with a fluffy blanket, some hot tea, and thoughts of Hawaiian palm trees swaying slightly [...]