January 17 - Goodbye Chris

     It seemed like such a long time ago, and yet just yesterday, that Chris was with us.  Amy's idea to place his ashes into Hana Bay was a fitting way to say goodbye.

     Breakfast at the Bamboo Inn.  The forecast was for 30% showers, and in fact Hana is on the rainy side of Maui.  We knew we might be kayaking in the rain when the day arrived.  However, we woke to nearly cloud-free skies.

Kevin from Hana Bay Kayaking was our leader.

Heading out into the bay to find the perfect spot.

     Amy selected a rock-salt urn for Chris' ashes, and brought it to Hawaii in her carry-on luggage.  It was heavy!  His ashes were sent earlier.  She lowered the urn to the surface of the water, then released it gently into the waves. I watched as it settled, upright, on the coral reef about ten feet below our kayaks.

      Kevin (from Hawaii) blew a long blast on a conch shell,  then said a few words fusing his beliefs about quantum physics and Hawaiian mythology.  Then he paddled a hundred yards away and left us to our own quiet, solemn thoughts.  We added a few tears to the bay.

     Afterwards, Kevin led us to another part of the bay, and we snorkeled with the colorful fishes.

     Incidentally, the prescription goggles I ordered for this trip worked great!