Signed, SEALED, delivered....

Today was a great day. I picked up my moped rental and headed to Diamond Head State Monument. It is Hawaii's most recognized landmark and is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views and military history. This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible on trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s. The trail to the summit of Le'ahi was built in 1908 as part of the U.S. Army coastal defense system.

Now I must admit that it was a bit intimidating negotiating all the cars and buses while I was on the moped and there were some a few tense moments, but it did allow me one of the coolest moments of the trip outside of Wakiki. In the afternoon, I was able to access a beach down on a steep part of the island. I walked down a ways and starting taking pictures of a lighthouse. When I lowered the camera down I saw an enormous Hawaiian Monk Seal laying in the sand, which blended in with all the black rock formations on the beach. At first I thought he was dead, but as I approached him he lifted his head just quickly enough to make me jump back five feet in a very embarrassing fashion. I thought he was hurt or not feeling well, but someone informed me that he was just taking a nap. After I realized he was okay, I felt better about taking some pictures. He kept waving his flipper and seemed to be annoyed by my presence. I was able to get really close. Hawaiian Monk Seals are one of the most endangered species of all seals and I feel extremely fortunate to have had this encounter. Fun fact: Adult males are 300 to 400 pounds in weight and at 7 feet in length while adult females tend to be 400 to 600 pounds and at 8 feet in length. (Someone I know thought that I had actually seen a walrus by my description over the phone.)

I moved those pictures to the beginning of the slide show. There is also a picture of a wild rooster I happened on walking down to the beach. Yes, there is a wild chicken hunting season.