For those of you devoted enough to still be here:

I formally apologize for the severe lack of upkeep on the blog in the last month+. We, as a six member family, have been through a great deal of ups and mostly downs resulting in us moving out on less than good terms with our previous land lord. That resulted in no internet connection for a few weeks and well its all starting to work its way out but as of yet we are still in the fray. So let use this opportunity to talk about something of much more light and happiness eh? Here we go *drumroll*

SHARKS COVE: come with a smile and leave an appendage.

Ok not really. Sharks cove is a large outcropping of rocks and reef. To include tide pools, a huge, real blowhole, places to jump off small cliffs, sea turtles, and a whole flock of aquatic niceties. The last time we were there, truth be told, was in early July. Fortunately for you the reader of afore mentioned lacking blog, we took a bunch of good photos with a nifty underwater camera. For those of you who have never been snorkeling for real, this was our activity for the day. There were four of us there that day, and we have been back one time since when Chancee Stoker had paid us a visit. On this occasion we were graced with Mary Jane Dunkley's presence. Now, keep in mind a few things:
1st, April volunteered to stay home with the kids due to a broken toe that wouldn't let her swim or much less put on flippers.
2nd, Its illegal to harass the sea turtles.
3rd There are sea urchins in nearly every crack and crevice and they have a very painful sting if you try to handle them or sit on them (so I am suited up for the occasion).
4th I don't pretend to even guess at what all these types of fish are or are named so do the research if you'd like to know.
5th most colorful reef fish have toxic skin, they get this from the toxic algae they eat off the reef. So the majority of these babies would likely be the last tasty morsel you'd eat.

Now, in effort to better describe the fauna of this place, Think of jagged lava rocks creating a natural cove and reef on the north shore. It is about a 45 minute drive from where we used to live in Kailua. It is deffinetly worth the time in the car. There is ample parking and on the weekdays its not too crowded. It is not only good all day excercise but it is a hobby that mainly the locals enjoy. There really aren't that many tourists there. Most of the visitors on the island snorkel in Waikiki. Maybe because its a bit of a drive. I enjoy the drive because of the fruit stands and shrimp shacks that litter the highway between here and there. Some of the best shrimp I've ever had, and trust you me, I've killed more than my share of crustaceans in my day. Its fun to visit the different stands and find the cheaper ones. Funny thing is that you can still buy most of the fruit they sell at these roadside stands, cheaper at costco. The North Shore also has a lot of Kama'ina shops that sell towels, flip flops, cheap japanese snacks like imitation scallops and wasabe peas. There are scores of fish at sharks cove. They come in all sizes shapes and colors. Its like swimming in a huge salt water aquarium.Most of the fish and life in the reef are so accustomed to humans, they will swim right past you and stay close unless you reach out too quickly. The sea turtles are also pretty friendly but its against the law to get friendly with them. Its fun to go to the pet shop in the mall and oogle the fish and pick out the ones you saw while snorkeling. There is a real downside to this mayhem though, as I learned the hardway. There are predators that wait for you to leave your gear on the beach. My most expensive backpack was stolen, not on this trip but the subsequent one with Chancee. I was lucky, I had left my keys, wallet, and cellphone PDA in the car. The bad part was that my wedding ring was in the backpack. To date I have had two rings stolen and lost one. Looks like its off to walmart to get an aluminum one that easier to replace...&(*%$#>..........
So without further adeiu, enjoy the slides.

PS Coming soon: details on our hairy situation with previous landlords, what we did to remedy it and what we learned from the ordeal. Also an update on our new housing situation inclding any rad 70's style furniture that (april lets me) we get, and what I call "adventures with the uncles" (Uncle Don is a stud, by the way).