The boat launched at 9 and our group was composed of an asian family who fit every touristy stereotype, another small family, the typical boyfriend/girlfriend couple getting away from some hawaiian fun, and finally two swedish girls who smoked like chimneys. We cruised for about 40 minutes before the captain finally spotted a pod of dolphins. Our expectation was to swim with between 8-25 dolphins, but we got lucky. The captain stopped the boat, we threw on our fins and snorkel gear, and all of us plopped into the water. We were welcomed by over 100 dolphins who were effortlessly gliding through the water. We hate to admit it, but I think part of us expected those wild animals to swim up, toss their head as an invitation to grab on to their dorsal fin, and parade us around the open ocean like characters off of the rescuer movies. Fortunately, our expectations were surpassed as we watched and listened while dolphins cruised by, some coupled with little babies at their side. Lauren was lucky enough to have a small group swim within 6 feet of her, which was sweet because they didn't get terribly close to any of the swimmers. Whistles, clicks, and many other fascinating sounds permeated the water and made the experience complete. Imagine yourself effortlessly floating in the buoyant ocean water, surrounded by enormous, but gentle animals, listening in on their chatter and conversation. Looking back it really was an amazing experience that we'll never forget!
After our date with the dolphins, the crew took us to another sweet location they called the golden arches. The name comes from a giant arch, located 30 feet below the surface and about 15/20 feet wide. Surrounding the arch was exquisite coral, decorated with a variety of sea creatures. Our captain and his buddy spotted a shark, but it was tucked back in the coral and about 15 feet down, so many of us didn't get a shot at seeing it. But, there was a cool tunnel that ran directly into a giant island of coral and after about 15 feet there was an opening that lead to the surface. Like a little puppy dog I asked if one of the guides would take me through, just in case something bad happened, and the captain gladly showed me the way. Unfortunately, when I felt I could conquer the golden arch, it was time to go and I didn't get a chance.
We got back to the harbor, pumped and satisfied with the experience we'd had. It was definitely worth it. By this time it was 1:30 and we had a few hours til dinner, so we decided to hit up a more locally known beach called Kua Bay. It did not disappoint. It was every bit as majestic and cool as Hapuna beach, but without the tourist traffic. Lauren and I were lucky to stake out a spot under the lone tree that graces this smokin' hot beach and enjoyed another afternoon of snorkeling, reading, and suntanning accompanied by the rhythmic crashing of the waves. ( One of the best parts about recording this experience is realizing how wonderful it was. Day five, like all other days of this trip, was balanced with the perfect amount of adventure, relaxation and great food).
Speaking of great food, we heard about a restaurant called the Kona Brewery and decided to give it a whirl. Lauren and I both ordered pizzas and, holy smoke!, they were delicious. When we initially sat down, tired and hungry, we noticed our table was much to close to a group of people, in particular one person, that was course, vulgar, and downright brain dead; the kind of guy you want to go over and clobber. So we stood up, moved, and fortunately loved the rest of our evening there.
To finish things off, like most nights, we cruised home, made some snacks, and watched a show. Matt Damon dazzled us once again as he punched, chopped, and kicked through his enemies to get to the bottom of operation blackbriar.
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