Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A Few Highlights From the Trip

Dave and I went on our Hawaiian vacation with our friend's Sharon and Jared. Here's the closest thing I had to a group picture. Sharon and I posing under the huge Banyan tree, with Jared sneaking in behind us.

Here's one with Dave so he doesn't feel left out.

The last time I went to Maui my favorite part of the trip was a whale watching boat ride. So that was definitely on our list of must dos this trip. This time we did a dolphin tour knowing that we would see our fair share of whales too. About 15 minutes after leaving the harbor on our way to see the dolphins, a humpback whale jumped out of the water about 20 yards in front of us. It took everyone by surprise. The captain quickly stopped the boat and turned off the engine. No one could believe how close this whale was to us. They usually don't pay much attention to boats, so it was pretty rare when he started circling our boat and flapping his fins.

Here are a couple of pictures I got just leaning over the boat.



The whole experience was pretty amazing. Just as the whale was leaving he did a full breech right in front of the boat.

We spent a couple days snorkeling and saw some pretty cool stuff. Sea turtles where definitely the highlight.

We drove the road to Hana and saw waterfalls and my favorite beach yet. The picture I posted yesterday was from a black sand beach near Hana.

Body surfing at Big Beach was a lot off fun too. Here's Dave and Jared giving it a try.


We had an awesome time. But I did learn a few things about traveling while pregnant that I wasn't expecting.
  1. Laying out while pregnant wasn't as relaxing as I was hoping it would be. I couldn't find a comfortable position. Dave and I tried digging holes in the sand for me to lay my belly, but it didn't work too well. So I could only tan the the front side of my body.
  2. Even though dolphin/whale tours are a lot of fun at first, about 2 hours into it expect to be sick. Yes I'll admit it. I did yack off the back of the boat. Not my finest moment.
  3. I know it seems obvious that body surfing should be a no-no for pregnant women, but I couldn't resist. Everyone looked like they were having so much fun. I only tried it once and thought better of it as I skidded across the beach on my belly then was repeatedly pummelled by waves because I couldn't manage to stand up. Sorry babies.

7 comments:

Beth said...

I'm assuming the Sharon and Jared you mention are the Neagle's? I am so jealous that you went to Hawaii! One of my favorite places to visit. Good for you that you were still out there hitting the waves with your pregger tummy! Welcome home to the snow.

Russ said...

I'm jealous. Our exotic vacations are going somewhere besides Mom and Dad's house.

Debbie Boyle said...

Ashley! You look gorgeous! If I can look as hot as you when I'm preggers I will be soo happy!

Tom and Annie said...

I'm so glad you had such a great time!! I would love to see the whales and dolphins--you're pics are awesome!

Kimber Bowen said...

Ashley your little baby bump is so cute. You look great. I am so glad that you had a great time, besides the hard time tanning and the sea sickness.

Jen Wade said...

sooo fun, cute picts and funny post. OOh I wish I was going somewhere warm right now.... our furnace was out all morning, it's fixed now but i'm still cold... Glad you guys got to do something so fun before the babies come....

Melinda said...

What a fun trip! You look way too small for being halfway through your pregnancy with twins - no fair! :)