Same Ocean, just not in Oregon

I've been in Maui for the last few days enjoying warm air and water temperatures. The beauty of the warmer ocean temps is having the opportunity to be submerged for good lengths of time. We snorkeled Honolua Bay on Maui two days ago and spent at least 90 minutes in the water.

The visibility was decent for this area and we were pretty much the first people there. Because of our good timing, and the expertise of our guide Jeffrey of Ed Robinson's Dive Shop we were fortunate enough to see at least ten different sea turtles, amongst other sea life. Just before we left for Maui I purchased a waterproof camera (Pentax optio WG-1.) This, to me, was worth it's weight in gold, as the pictures turned out amazing! The turtles seemed very calm and unafraid. We tried to be respectful of their personal space (not touching, or chasing) and still managed to be within a few feet over and over again. One turtle in particular, "Lucky" (identifiable by her missing a left front fin) seemed to be as curious of us as we were of her. At one point she was face to face with us! As we backed up she came closer. I'm not sure how Lucky lost the fin, but it didn't seem to hinder her maneuverability in the water.

We did eventually get cold while snorkeling. I imagine the water temperature was 70+ degrees, but still quite a bit lower than our body temperatures. Fortunately upon returning to the beach it was sunny and 85. I can say for sure nobody suffered today! I feel fortunate to have had this underwater experience. Thanks, again to Jeffrey for his knowledge and help! If you are visiting Maui anytime soon give Ed Robinson's Dive Shop a call. They were truly great to work with. We will definitely be back for more!

Add this to your "MUST DO" list. If you don't have one make one!

I had an opportunity yesterday to do something I have waited nearly five years to do. Thanks to my experienced paddling co-worker and friend, Dusty Trost, I was able to paddle out to the Three Arch Rocks just off the shore in Oceanside. There is, of course a good reason it has taken five years for this opportunity. You can't {shouldn't} just jump in a kayak and head out there on any given day. The ocean conditions, current weather and short term forecast must all be conducive to ocean paddling at the same time. We have been {patiently} waiting for a day like yesterday: calm winds, small ocean swell, small surf break at the shore and nothing lurking on the horizon.

Simply put: we got lucky! The important details were in-line, and on top of that we had beautiful blue skies and a decent ambient temperature -- close to 70 degrees.

There is one more factor to consider: We are Real Estate Brokers and work pretty much every day. We decided to close the office at 4pm yesterday {an hour early} and took advantage of what was before us. Turns out it was a good call!

If you are not familiar with the Three Arch Rocks you should become so. This particular rock formation was the first designated National Wildlife refuge West of the Mississippi. It is is also one of the smallest covering just 15 Acres. The rocks rest about 1/2 mile offshore, each with a unique archway through the middle, thus the name Three Arch Rocks. The arches are not visible from most locations. Paddling out is the very best way to lay your eyes on them, as they are oriented North to South making them difficult to see from the beach to the East. For a very good reason May 1 - September 15 watercraft must stay within 500 feet of the monolith formations, as they provide a breeding habitat for Oregon's largest colony of tufted puffins, along with about 100,000 Common Murre {and too several other colonies of sea and shore birds.} Additionally this is the only pupping sight on the North Oregon Coast for the federally threatened Stellar Sea Lion. We saw several swimming in close by waters on our sea adventure. They were very curious, as well as large. My kayak suddenly felt small when one swam near!

So, we did not paddle through the archways, though I have to admit it was very tempting with the seas as calm as they were. We respected mother nature and the Federal governments request for a 500 Foot setback.

I believe it was just as enjoyable from this distance. The rocks are much larger up close and personal than I imagined. At times I felt as if I was watching a National Geographic documentary. And, then suddenly it would hit me we were actually out there! It was quite surreal.

I haven't told Dusty yet, but am assuming he knows by the look on my face for most of our paddle yesterday, I have BIG plans to return to the Three Arch Rocks. I realize this may require some patience. I am willing to wait -- again. September often brings calm weather. I can only hope this year will be consistent with years past. I am very interested in paddling through each of the archways once the watercraft restriction is lifted September 15. It is nice to have something so wonderful to look forward to! As the title reads, "Add this to your "must-do" list," but keep in mind the importance of getting good instruction if you are not experienced, and/or to paddle with someone that is. Also, never paddle alone. The ocean, while beautiful and exciting on a day like yesterday, remains powerful and can be unpredictable and dangerous. People are caught off guard every year -- some lucky enough to be rescued. Don't let that person be you. My advice is to be respectful and smart, but not afraid. Oceanside is the closest beach to Portland and has more to offer than most. What are you waiting for? Get out there and do something fun!

Visit my blog often! There is much more to come! And, you can always find me, view recent photos and of course all of my current Real Estate listings at www.iWantABeachHome.com.