Colombian Naval Tall Ship - 06/10/2013

I saw photos in the Star Advertiser of the Colombian Naval Tall Ship ARC Gloria's arrival to Honolulu Harbor, but unfortunately, I am now back to work so I couldn't go and visit. Luckily my good friend was in the area and took pics to show me so that I could be there via osmosis. These photos were shared with me by "Aunty" Shirley and she graciously gave me permission to post them. These are those times that it really doesn't matter what you shoot with but it's the photos that tell the story. She took these w/ her iphone 4S and sent to me via email. I just adjusted the coloration a little in photoshop to bring out the colors.

She went on Monday to the pier at Aloha Tower and was able to go on board for a free tour of the ship. 

She found info and went to check it out again on Tuesday when the ship was preparing to leave for the next port.  This was what I was wanting to see.

And as amazing as their arrival looked, the sailing crew got on the sails.

Then they sailed off.. what a beautiful day and a beautiful sight.  I'm glad I got to see it, even if it was only in picture thru someone else's lens.  I hope they come back next year.  I'll be sure then to take off and see them with my own lens. :-)

Recuperating with the South Shore Big Surf - 6/5/2013

I've been home most of the past week but felt it would be good to go out for a short walk. Being that there would be the rare big surf on the south shores today, I had to take my camera with me. I took my trusty Lumix since I'd need quite a zoom and walking w/ a large lens on the beach makes me feel weird. When I got to the beach, I saw other guys w/ long lens trying to capture surf, etc. 
It seemed like it was high tide so the waves looked even larger to me.  Lots of people were out and I decided to go closer to the water at the Groin at the end of Kapahulu Ave .   

The waves were so high, even the walkway was wet.. I was hesitant to go to the end since I had no intention of getting wet.

There were mostly body boarders but I could see a few surfers out there. I was out around 3pm and the sun was still beaming so it's difficult for the camera to meter correctly and most of my surfers/body boarders came out dark.

This was the best shot I got of a body boarder.

Kids love to jump off as the waves roll in and I waited and waited for him to take the leap.. 

The jet ski was out for rescuing.  With so many out there and the large waves, I don't see how they can see those in trouble. The news paper said there were 126 rescues today..wow..

I was watching this group sitting on the edge catching the large waves as it crashed all the way up to the walkway.  I tried not to get wet as I was taking the shot.  I saw others photogs trying for the same shot.

Some people came right in front of me.. then I realize she's w/ the Star Advertiser!  To my surprise, she was going after the same shot I was.. I heard her say something about the water got really blown out.  It's so cool to know that even real Professionals have the same problems too..I've been checking the site to see if I can see her final pics..

I was trying to get the surfer, but my shutter press is a little delayed so I got a wipeout instead..I thought it was pretty cool anyways.  As I was standing around, I got a wipe out of sorts when a large wave hit the walkway.  I got all wet and so did my camera.. I quickly wiped it w/ my shirt and was happy that it still works.