Len and I just returned from a tropical retreat in Oahu Hawaii.   While rain is a shortage in California, this was not the case in Oahu! Warm showers drizzled down on most of the days we were there. The scenery was still wonderful and the balcony of the condo gave a view that many could only dream of .  On many a night we were able to watch the setting sun glisten against the water indicating another perfect ending to the day.

We visited quite a few areas and one of the highlights had to be the hike to Kaena Point Seashore & Albatross Sanctuary on Oahu . Kaena Point is a natural area reserve where you can get up close to Hawaii seabirds and monk seals and is home to about 400 Laysan Albatross birds.

After the rains, the path to the nesting location was extremely muddy and partially flooded in areas.  The final stretch to the sanctuary was a little sketchy and had you climbing against the cliff on uneven ground.  Don’t look down!   I’m sure that more avid hikers would be laughing at this point but it was about 2 1/2 miles before we reached our uphill destination and Len and I were both tired! Within minutes after entering the wire gate enclosure we saw the white heads of the Albatross poking above bushes. ’The Laysan albatross is colonial, nesting on scattered small islands and atolls, often in huge numbers, and builds different styles of nests depending on the surroundings, ranging from simple scoops in the sand’.  This particular colony had simple nests scooped in the sand.

 Close to the road was a nesting hen with her chick poking out from under her feathery skirt.  There is only one egg laid so this little downy covered guy had a prime seat.  Overhead adult birds glided by keeping a watchful eye on us.  The view of an albatross, with wingspans of close to 6.5 feet,  in flight is nothing more than spectacular.   And yes, at this point I missed not having a long lens but this trip really wasn't about the photos, it was the experience.

All in all it was  a magnificent opportunity to get a glimpse into the wonderful world of the nature surrounding us.   An extra benefit was that the hike back down was a lot easier than the one up): Would I do it again?  Absolutely, but I'd look at taking the other entrance point.