Calm after the storm

It took tropical storm “Flossie” some time to get to Maui…..but when it hit yesterday, it packed a powerful punch!  I haven’t seen rain like that in a long time, but it was just what the island needed.  Luckily our shore didn’t get the large surf as anticipated, but the wind was wild and last night I watched the lightning from my kitchen and heard the booming thunder!  I could see the lightning hitting right in the street behind our house!  The storm was moving pretty fast and before long, only the wind and some light rain remained.  This morning it was the “calm after the storm”….and to my surprise, the conditions were perfect for paddling!  The skies were still somewhat overcast, but the ocean was glassy and inviting!  Hardly anyone was at the beach either, so I had the beach and the ocean almost all to myself!  It was nice paddling down to the boat ramp and when I got there, one turtle popped up to greet me!  I stayed for a little while, but the rest of the turtles must have been hiding somewhere.  I wouldn’t doubt it with all the rain, lightning and thunder the night before.  Just a slight wind began to blow from the north so I headed back.  The conditions stayed nice all the way back with the sun just peeking out from the clouds every now and then.  I could see that the water wasn’t clear at all and I paddled though some run-off from the storm consisting of leaves, brown dirty water, twigs and branches along the way, so I didn’t expect clear water for my swim.  There was no visibility at all!  I swam anyway but I never enjoy as much when I can’t see more than two feet away from me.  The day continued to get more sunny and people started to come to the beach, so I went home.  I am really glad I got to paddle today though!