A Fish in the Sea: DOLPHINS!!!!

The first time I swam with dolphins I was about 6 yrs old. It was with my sister and it wasn't really swimming, more just floating as we held on to the side of the boat.

My dad owned at 13 ft Boston Whaler that he'd take us out on anytime he got the chance. On that particular day, my dad, mom, Kimi, and I all piled into that little boat, and headed out to the Lighthouse Islands, a favorite fishing spot. On our way out, we saw a large school of dolphins running with the boat, and Kimi and I excitedly shouted that we wanted to swim with them. My dad raced the boat up ahead, and told us to quickly put on our masks and jump in the water. He positioned us perfectly, and Kimi and I hopped in and held on to the side of the boat watching the dolphins as they passed through us.

It's a memory that always sticks out in my head as one of my favorite ocean memories. I swear I made eye contact with some of those dolphins and that they even smiled at me. And I can still remember with vivid detail, the look of Kimi's smiling face in her bright pink mask and the sound of the dolphins. I can also remember and our own sounds of excitement as we squealed in delight and tried our best to imitate the dolphins.

I'd be curious to know if Kimi has the same memory of this event as I do...

Anyways, fast forward to yesterday.

Ahhhh, big fat dopey smile, hand claps, sighs, jumping up and down, and more squeals of excitement.

Yesterday was pure bliss.

Yesterday is another one of those moments that will be forever ingrained in my memories.

Yesterday, Erik took me out to his dolphin spot to swim and take pictures and it was sooooooo much fun.

Whether I'm 6 years old or 30 years old, there is something about dolphins that has me giddy and excited past the point of any composure. That has me so happy I drool.

The night before, excited and hopeful, I continually turned to Erik and said "Ohhh, I really hope we see them! Do you think we will? We will won't we?? Please tell me we will. I really really really want to see them!!!"

He cautioned me about not being too expectant and gave me a quick lecture about the fact that I shouldn't have the attitude of going out looking for something, but instead, should just take enjoyment out of the day and whatever it would bring. He might have even said something about the ocean being filled of so many things both big and small and to appreciate it all. But I can't say for sure, because I wasn't listening.

Instead, I waited till he was done talking (or quite possibly, cut him off mid sentence) and continued my conversation... "We'll see them, right? And Do you think they'll like me? I love dolphins. I hope they love me too. I hope they want to play with me and get close to me. Ohh, Erik, I hope they like me, they will won't they???"

He rolled his eyes, groaned and then ignored me.

The next morning came and I again stated over and over that I really hoped we would see them. Erik gave me that "don't get your hopes up too high" look, again reminding me that we'd see what we would see.

I felt nervous with expectation.

When we arrived at location, I crossed my fingers as I looked out toward the ocean. Within seconds my eyes made out the sight of dolphins swimming and jumping from shore. My heart immediately jumped into my throat. I hugged Erik, thanking him profusely, while he laughed at me and said "but we haven't even gotten in the water yet." I then shot him a look, stated "see, I knew we would see them!" and then nagged him to hurry up as I got my gear on as quickly as possible, and he readied everything.

I was frantic with happy excitement.

The swim out to the dolphin spot was about 200-300 yards and as soon as we got in the water, I took off quickly. Occasionally looking back to see where Erik was, but being too excited to slow down and swim at an easy pace. He warned me not to burn myself out, but I couldn't help it. It was impossible for me to slow down.

Funny thing is, that as much as I was rushing, we made it to the spot at the same time, him calm, me huffing and puffing. I reminded myself of one of those drivers that speeds in front of everyone only to be stuck at the same traffic light up ahead.

And then we were there.

And so were they.

And it was so so cool.

Before I knew it, I was in dolphin soup. The water was churning with dolphins podding up and swimming all around us everywhere. I first saw then from above and then watched as they came into view underwater. Instead of letting them surround me, I chased after them quickly, trying to keep up, and get as close to them as I could.

It was such an amazing experience. Tons and tons of dolphins all around me. Dolphins jumping, swimming, mating and playing with one another. At one point, swimming behind them, I even got pooped on, and yes, even that, as gross as it may sound, was completely wonderful to me.

As time when by and my legs burned from kicking so hard, I learned to copy Erik and calm myself down and allow the dolphins and come and go as they pleased, taking shots of them when I could. Which actually allowed me to get closer and get better shots.

In moments, I completely forgot about my camera, too mesmerized by their beauty and playful spirits. And just floated, slack jawed, in complete awe.

It was soooooooo much fun.

And that's all. I want to write more, but it will all the the same thing.

Cool. Awesome. Amazing. Wonderful. Fun. Beautiful. Cool (again), Etc. Etc.

Ahhh, I'm so happy though. Still giddy and drooling and feeling so lucky.

It's an experience I hope everyone can have. Maybe not dolphins, per say, but any experience that has one filled with pure excitement and joy.

Okay, enought of my rambling. Here are some pictures from the day: