mermaid soiree

I just got back from Cabo, where two of my great girlfriends and I enjoyed our first annual Mermaid Soiree (surf trip). What a fun trip! It was so nice to get away from everything for a few days to hang out with some friends I've known for years and spend time relaxing, eating, drinking, talking, sunning, and surfing together.

We stayed at the gorgeous Cabo Surf Hotel, with an infiniti pool and hot tub facing the surf break. We basically never left the water--running from the pool to grab our surfboards and jump in the ocean, then back to the pool again. We made a lot of fun friends in the pool while watching the waves come in!

The service at Cabo Surf Hotel was amazing, and everyone there from the staff to the visitors were so friendly. It is a very convenient little resort, which has basically everything that you need right there so you don't have to rent a car if you don't want to. The food and drinks at the restaurant were delicious. There is even a surf shop below the hotel on the beach where you can rent your boards, making it very convenient (since taking longboards on a plane is not only a hassle, but very expensive).

The surf ranged from 2 ft to 12 ft while we were there. Mornings tended to be a little more mellow and clean, and the currents seemed to pick up a bit more in the afternoons and evenings. The break was very challenging for us, and pushed us out of our comfort zone which was a fun change. The water was incredibly warm (yes, 80 degrees warm), which was such a nice break from our freezing California water. Everyone out in the water was so nice and encouraging--I felt like an amazing surfer, while I'm sure I looked far from that riding some of these big waves. 

There isn't a bad view from any of the rooms

On the last day, a storm came through so we couldn't surf. Instead, the hot tub on the balcony got filled up and pina coladas were ordered!

Besides my sunburned lips, and getting stung by a bunch of jellyfish while paddling in from an evening session, the trip was amazing. We couldn't have asked for a more fun spot for our first soiree!

maui day 4: revisited

I've become slightly obsessed with anything macadamia nut, pineapple, or coconut related. This morning I had macadamia nut pancakes with coconut syrup at Gazebo restaurant in Napili (last night I had macadamia nut ice cream--also delicious!). Good thing I surfed all afternoon to work those pancakes off.

my friend at breakfast, eyeing my pancakes

Yes, I finally got to surf today. We went to Lahaina Harbor--the waves were small but fun, and the water was so warm. A couple of local guys were out there too, and gave me some tips. Lahaina is my favorite town so far--the water is warm, the surf is fun, the people are friendly, and the town reminds me of a larger Balboa Island in Newport Beach with all the fun shops and amazing waterfront restaurants.

looks flat, but there were some small waves off the break wall to the far right

first wave caught of the day

3 hours later and happy

So we had to do the touristy thing and go to a luau, The Feast at Lele. It was a fun experience (one-time). The food was incredible--prepared by Chef James McDonald (I'O & Pacific'O). They served four courses, with each course being celebrated by a dance unique to that island. We were done by 9:00, the town shuts down around 10:00--and that is the late crowd. My kind of people!

the people on the paddle board enjoyed the show from the water

first course

journal entry, day 4

Lahaina on Dwellable

nothing says spring like...

...a little trip to MAUI! 

Don't be too jealous...I've only been waiting my whole life to go, and finally get to in April.

In keeping with my love for planning (thanks, Mom), here's the proposed itinerary:

Tuesday:
Arrive in Maui
Lounge at the beach, and maybe get a little surfing in before dinner

Note: I have never surfed in warm water...it's winter wetsuit weather all year here in "sunny" SoCal

Wednesday:
Farmer's Market
Hit up Lahaina & the Maui Brewing Co. (shopping too, of course)

Thursday:
Snorkeling with Trilogy

Friday:
Surf
Feast at Lele Luau

Saturday:
Lounge at the beach and surf

Sunday:
Hike
Any suggestions on a good hike? 

Monday:
Head home
That's a big maybe

the ocean's secret

But more wonderful than the lore of old men and the lore of books is the secret lore of ocean. 

h.p. lovecraft

a little jack johnson for the ride home

After all this time after all these seasons
After your one decision to go to the water for reason
Now it’s only the ocean and you
After all these lines will all be erased soon
They go out with the tide
Then come back with the waves
It’s only the ocean and you

You don’t want you don’t wait
You don’t love but you don’t hate
You just roll over me and you pull me in

When this work is done and this coat is dry
When this world is too much, it will be
Only the ocean and me anekatips

When these sails go up, mountains fade away
Stars come out, I’m finally free
Now it’s only the ocean and me

You don’t want, you don’t wait
You don’t love, but you don’t hate
You just roll over me and you pull me in
And you pull me in
You don’t want, you don’t wait
You don’t love, but you don’t hate
You just roll over me and you pull me in
And you pull me in
You just roll over me and you pull me in!

jack johnson

happy friday

the siren

I love these bookends, and just might have to get them for my living room bookshelf! 

I have seen them riding seaward on the waves

Combing the white hair of the waves blown back

When the wind blows the water white and black.

We have lingered in the chambers of the sea

By sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown

Till human voices wake us, and we drown.

t.s. eliot

mermaid's view

my view

Born & raised in Los Angeles, I was never far from the ocean. My grandfather took us to the beach almost every weekend during the summer months. Once I got my drivers license, I regularly made trips to the beach--even if it was just to get a coffee and walk on the sand at night. When I started surfing, I'd meet my girlfriends every weekend and couldn't wait to jump in the cold water. 

But it was never close enough. 

Now I'm almost 30 and this California girl has finally gotten her wish--not only do I live near the ocean, but I can see it every time I look outside my windows or lounge on my water-front deck. 

This blog is dedicated to those who LOVE the ocean, surfing, health, nutrition, & fitness.