Day 25: July 13, 2013

North Shore day! The North Shore is known for turtles, big waves in the winter and shaved ice.. The waves at the beach we went to have 20 to 40 foot waves in the winter! Our plan was to go to Waimea Bay but the parking was full so we back tracked 2 beach access points before it. Others have called it "first beach" because it is the first beach from the main road at north shore. It was a small cove with tons of turtles and fish to see while snorkeling. The volunteer there said the turtles only beach themselves every few days and we didn't see them on the sand, but we did swim with them!! Mitch, Dan and I got our snorkel gear and went out really far around the rocks on the right. I felt like I was in Finding Nemo. We swam with three pretty huge turtles and Dan touched them. We also saw sea cucumbers, urchins, tons of fish, an eel and another couple said they saw an octopus! It was so adventurous of me and Dan was super impressed at how far I went with the boys.. a little scary though! We left the beach and drove along the ocean to the little town. Towards the end of it there's a section for food trucks and there were about 6 trucks spread out with tables and tents to sit. It was such a local Hawaiian type thing to do! Dan got a shrimp meal and I got an amazing hot dog with homemade relish, a grilled bun and pasta salad. Dan said the shrimp was amazing (better than Giovannis shrimp truck). I think the hamburger and hot dog stand was called VJ's. We decided we couldn't leave unless we waited in the long line for shaved ice after lunch. There are two shaved ice places here: Matsumotos and Aokis. They are right next to each other so we picked the shorter line (about 20 minute wait). It was very good, but nothing can top Uncle Clays! We just got back from the movies and Dan is already asleep. We're very excited for the Cybulski family to arrive tomorrow. Goodnight all!