Mauied - Part 2
Ever since I we was a very young boy I have loved sharks. I know most people might find this odd, or even a little disturbing, but the mysteriousness of this predator excites me. In fact, I have always been interested in ocean life - tropical fish, dolphins, whales, octopi - anything in the deep blue sea. So our plans to go snorkeling at Molokini, a small island off Maui with a beautiful bay, sounded like a trip I would never forget.
We left early Monday morning for Lahaina, a popular port on the southwest side of Maui. Both families were along for the ride and everyone was pretty excited. After getting some breakfast on the boat and a sales pitch for the underwater digital camera, the cousins chipped in for the rental. We cruised around the island and then pulled into the bay joining a half dozen other boats. After a few more instructions from “Cappy”, a retired Chicago Bears fan, we were gearing up for the clear blue waters. I think I was the first or second in of a hundred people and soon screaming in my snorkel at every fish I saw. Yes, I was like a kid in a candy shop. There were triggerfish and parrot fish and angel fish and butterfly fish and sea urchins and wrasses and all the fish I used to study in my Field Guide to North American Fishes. I even saw a White-Mouthed Moray Eel. But after documenting all the fish with the underwater camera, I headed back to the boat to pass it off. As I was about to get out, there were a few guys investigating something towards the front of the boat which was facing deeper water. And then I heard the magic word: Shark.
Now, this wasn’t a panic-like Jaws is coming our way with his 3 foot dorsal fin blazing through the ocean top. But nevertheless, it was the feared creature of the deep. So I cautiously swam around the side of the boat, but couldn’t get a glance. Apparently, it swam out to deeper water. So I went to the other side of the boat to see if it might have tried to sneak around back. Sharks are like that, you know. No shark there, however, so I headed back to shore.
Continuing to marvel at the many fishes I swam along the corral-laden cove. And after a short while, there, right in front of me gliding over the bottom of the ocean floor was a man-sized shark. About 6 feet long, this fearless predator was swimming 5 feet below me. So after a quick pause of amazement, what did I do?
You bet. I followed it. And as I did I was screaming “Dih ih ahhum” in my snorkel. Translation: This is Awesome! The shark was cruising the shoreline so I followed close behind, every once in a while glancing back to see if the few others who initially followed were still within sight. After playing Follow The Leader for about 50 yards the shark must have been a bit curious about the mysterious mammal accompanying him so he turned around. At this point, I stopped dead in my tracks. Remind you, I am quite naturally a risk taker, but I decided to tread some water for a moment while he decided what to do. Now, I’ve seen sharks do this on video footage, but never heard the phenomena explained. After turning back my way, he continued to look around and eventually turned a full 360 degrees. I imagine he’s watching his back, but there may be some other explanation. But he seemed content with his investigation so I began to swim behind him again. But after another 20 or 30 more yards I was quite far from the boat, even though I was approaching another group of snorkelers. I decided it would be best that I head back. I think I’d used up the past 3 months adrenaline and my senses were coming back to me. But as I retreated to the designated area, I couldn’t help but repeat, “Dih ih ahhum, ahhum!” I spent a little more time finding some new fish I hadn’t yet discovered and then it was time to leave.
You bet. I followed it. And as I did I was screaming “Dih ih ahhum” in my snorkel. Translation: This is Awesome! The shark was cruising the shoreline so I followed close behind, every once in a while glancing back to see if the few others who initially followed were still within sight. After playing Follow The Leader for about 50 yards the shark must have been a bit curious about the mysterious mammal accompanying him so he turned around. At this point, I stopped dead in my tracks. Remind you, I am quite naturally a risk taker, but I decided to tread some water for a moment while he decided what to do. Now, I’ve seen sharks do this on video footage, but never heard the phenomena explained. After turning back my way, he continued to look around and eventually turned a full 360 degrees. I imagine he’s watching his back, but there may be some other explanation. But he seemed content with his investigation so I began to swim behind him again. But after another 20 or 30 more yards I was quite far from the boat, even though I was approaching another group of snorkelers. I decided it would be best that I head back. I think I’d used up the past 3 months adrenaline and my senses were coming back to me. But as I retreated to the designated area, I couldn’t help but repeat, “Dih ih ahhum, ahhum!” I spent a little more time finding some new fish I hadn’t yet discovered and then it was time to leave.So that’s my shark story, complete with pictures. I’ll try to finish up recounting the rest of the trip in the next few days. For those of you interested, I did some research. I would identify the shark as a Whitetip Reef Shark. They’re pretty common in the area and will only bite if aggravated. Or maybe they’d bite for no real reason. Remember my rabies scare? You never know…
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02:39:02
