Mata Ray Night Snorkel

On our second to last day we signed up for a night snorkel session with a company that Racheal and Christian are guides for in their spare time - After the sunset you take a boat out to a very specific spot in the ocean where the Manta Rays come to feed on plankton. It is apparently one of the top 10 dives in the WORLD!

This first video gives you a good idea of the whole process. (Click on the videos to see them larger!)



This second video gives you a better idea of how big they are - also look for the Manta with the broken fin in front. We saw her a lot during our dive and she looped under us so close that her belly brushed ours! Brian had to pick up his flashlight so she didn't run into it!

Critter Videos!

Our last day in Hawaii

On our last day we made one final trip in a last ditch effort to find the elusive dolphins. Our first stop was to a place called "2 step" (above).



As we swam out in the ocean be began to hear some chirping sounds. And then all of a sudden we were surrounded by dolphins! We counted at least 24 swimming with us!



We were so close that one almost hit Brian! *NOTE* we didn't take these pictures but someone else who was at 2-step did!


For our last dinner we tried Poké, from Da Poké Shack. Poké are large chunks of raw fish that is seasoned over rice. It was actually really good.








Last sunset from Christian and Rachael's apt. there view was amazing! This is LITERALLY the view from their living room!

Rainbow!

Here is Rachael and Christian in front of the rainbow


This is the lobby to the King Kamehemahe Hotel that we stayed at in downtown Kona

Here is our room. It was beautiful and super close to the downtown strip, which we walked to many times for frozen yogurt and dinner!

Our ocean bay view from the hotel room

Brian at the infinity pool

LAVA! Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This particular lava flowed between 1999 - 2004. They have different areas that they have mapped out for each year the lava flows. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution! It is very weird to walk on land that is younger than we are.

The wind was insane

Brian in a lava tube

In the lava tube looking out

Palm Fun!

BEAUTIFUL HAWAII

This is Kaekalakua Beach


Here is Brian being silly with the tiki. He camouflages in so well ;)

We found Hermit Crabs right by the beach. There was around 20 of them. The one below is one of the larger ones the the second image is one of the tiny ones. They had blue eyes and black/white stripped legs. Really cool looking!

The Coffee Cafe

Today we when snorkeling in the morning and saw 2 sea turtles! We also so saw a puffer fish as well. We then when out to eat at the Coffee Cafe south of Kona, located by Keakalakua. It was great! This is the view from the cafe

We also had geckos running all over the porch! They are beautiful and were just hanging out and sun bathing.

The Seahorse Farm!

We are staying with some friends of Brian's from Holland, Christian and Rachel. We have been having such an amazing time here and all with their help! Our first morning we had the privilege of being woken up by one of the local roosters. I named him Johnathon Livingston Chicken...that ones for you Ingrid!



I also have some images of our trip to the Seahorse Farm! It was really amazing. Christian works there and give some of the tours as well, he did such a great job.


Here is Christian as our faithful tour guide!


We were able to hold the Seahorses too!
Brian's was named Jupiter


My little guy was named Brutis


Brutis was so cuddly :) He hung on for such a long time and relaxed and reclined in my palm.

One ring......

For those of you that don't know yet - we are ENGAGED!

This is Renee's ring, which is from a high-end antique jewelery store literally around the corner from us. It's from the 1940's! You can click the images for a close-up if you'd like.

Quote of the Day! 8.11.10

"Where's the stick of butter?!"

- Brian after we both left Olive in the room with dinner leftovers on the coffee table. Only the paper wrapping was recovered.

Brian's New Computer

Brian's new widescreen 27" iMac is quite the beast!



It has a completely wireless keyboard AND mouse which gives Brian more room to work on his drawing desk.




And of course the screen is HUGE! Which offers great space to work on illustration work...or view the coolest websites ;)

Quote of the Day! 8.7.10

We're starting a new thing here on Hands On Portland - a 'quote of the day'

Here's one from today.

"I've saved your life three times today, at least let me buy you a cup of coffee"

- Strange foreign/homeless looking man talking to Renee after getting out of his BMW - Renee declined.

Package Arrival!

Brian finally felt the need to upgrade his laptop for a slightly more professional design computer. These two boxes just came in the mail! Stay tuned to see what's in them!

Salem Art Festival

A few weekends ago we took a trip to Salem, OR for a three day art festival. Apparently the Salem Art Festival was named one of the top 50 in the country, so Renee was very flattered to have gotten in. It took place in a beautiful park in Salem and we spent three perfect days hanging out in the shade of the gigantic trees.



Here is the artist herself; hard at work.



Over 200 artist from all over the country set up there.



This gate ran along the entire perimeter of the park. Gotta keep those crazy artists contained!



It took us two car trips to haul everything down to Salem. On the last day we were nervous about trying to fit get it home in one trip. Fortunately Renee had apparently sold just enough work that it was possible. One more painting and we might have had to come back for it!