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[animalsofkauai]

Hard to believe it was exactly a year ago that we visited the Mediterranean. Back to the more relaxed pace of Kauai this year. If my defibrillator continues to work, I hope to create a weekly edition of my blog this year.

These islands have always intrigued me. Partly because of their seemingly random discovery 1500 years ago by some Polynesians in a canoe, and partly because of their explosive but transient existence. More on those topics on another day.

We have been to the Big Island and Maui twice each before, but our last 5 trips have been to Kauai. In my opinion it is the least spoiled (least developed) with friendly locals, awesome hiking and scenery (NaPali Coast) and today’s topic….. wildlife.

As you can see below, the trip was pleasant and without any nasty animals in our row. Worth the extra $$.

Our villa is one of 30 units…..deep within a volcanic crater about 75 yards from the ocean. This little guy and several hundred of his friends provide music for our daily happy hour.

These NeNe below seem to be part duck and part goose. Interesting markings and much more pleasant than their Cdn cousins. Found only in Hawaii.

This island is also filled with wild Roosters and Hens from the deepest jungle to every roadside. Reportedly a hurricane in the 80s or 90s released a few thousand into the wild and the rest is history. All the islands have wild chickens but more here than elsewhere.

On Poipu Beach……. Giant Green Turtles make regular appearances for naps. About 5 feet long and 400-500 pounds, the pictures do not do justice to the enormity of these beasts. Strictly protected and adored by the local community.

The beaches here are many and mostly deserted. Here Princess returns to the blog to check out the Monk Seals

These 500 pounds seals are only found in the Hawaiian chain of islands.

Most reside near Kauai and further north along the numerous Atolls and very small islands(such as Midway) stretching north from here. The chain of Atolls beyond Kauai lasts for about 1000 miles towards Japan.

Not concerned at all with people. Just belly up and basking. These 2 guys were hanging out yesterday at different points along our swimming beach stroll. Walkers like us plant stakes around them for privacy so the rare numb nuts gets the point not to harass.

And finally Princess had her birthday dinner last week.

No need for hair curlers on the island and we love the open air restaurants.

Next week…….. the creation and erosion of all these beautiful places.

P.S. We are heading to Paris for a few days in August during the Olympics then cruising the Seine to see the historic beaches in Normandy. Stay tuned for a summer of WW2 sites and stories