Johnny N.
Yelp
We docked at the Molokini Crater to rip a quick snorkeling trip. I've never been much of a snorkeler, as I have what is likely the worst case of thalassophobia that any human being has ever contracted. The ocean scares me more than I can put into words. However, if my Mom is going to go snorkeling, what would I look like backing out?
We got our snorkel gear on, and I made my Dad jump in first to make sure there were no apex predators waiting to swoop the first thing that came off the boat. Once I saw him chilling there for about 30 seconds, I jumped in hella nonchalant. But when my 5'10.5 176 lb orangutan-like frame submerged in the water, I went straight into fight or flight.
When you looked at the ocean floor below, you could see a submerged cliff that dropped straight down. All you could see was the vicious, unknown, and unforgiving deep blue. The most unsettling feeling I have ever had. What is down there? What is coming for me? I'm just floating here like a sitting duck? HELL NAH!
I closed my eyes and made a beeline STRAIGHT for the shore about 40 yards away, where there were 30+ other tourists snorkeling peacefully. Once I made sure there were at least 5 other people a shark would take out first, my heart rate started to stabilize.
I began to appreciate the bustling life in this crescent shaped volcanic crater that is a protected marine life conservation district. I saw 100s of fish that I didn't know existed.
When the rest of my family and local Hawaiian tour guide, Bailey, caught up with us, I began PEPPERING him with questions. 'What fish is that? How about that one? Why is it named trigger fish? What's the coolest thing you've ever seen here? Does it get old doing the same tour over and over again?" Bro HAD to be so annoyed with me, but I just couldn't help it. He was so passionate, engaging, and knowledgeable. Shoutout to Bailey.
My favorite fish I saw was this vibrant, multicolored fish that genuinely looked fake. It looked just like that Rainbow Fish from that book. I followed it around for 10 minutes, and asked Bailey what type of fish it was. "That's a Parrot Fish! It actually is one of the few fish that can change its gender as a part of its natural life cycle. They also eat algae off of rocks that smother and kill coral reefs, and then they poop fine sand which is a major reason for many tropical beaches."
I asked if Parrot Fish tasted good and he said "OH YEAH... well they are a bit of an acquired taste, but I love them." Bro is an encyclopedia.
I arrived at Molokini Island scared to death of the deep blue, and also left the same way, but with a good amount of knowledge on Parrot Fish. This is what life is all about...
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