Mysterious animal connections?

I have a close encounter of a magical kind on a trip home to Maui

Some of you know that we’re from Hawaii,  originally, and I return to visit family and friends as often as I can. On this particular trip, I flew to Maui to house-sit for my sister, and on the second day of my visit, went for a walk along a familiar path I enjoy. It begins at Paia Bay, leading along the beach, and around a rocky headland to Baldwin Beach Park on the eastern side of the island.

I was intent on reaching a serene corner where sea turtles came up to sleep. Saying hello to them was a little ritual of mine whenever I returned.

The sun was hot and all along the beach, surf pounded and surged with a large swell on the outer reefs. The colors were unbelievable: aqua, ultramarine, Prussian blue, turquoise, and the palest robin’s egg, all contrasting with the yellow beach, red soil, and black rocks.

The ocean churned, filling the air wit…