Knobby Knees

Met with a group from the local camera club who shared insight on taking macros at the Koko Head Botanical Gardens.  Short class, 2 hrs.  Unfortunately, after asking just a couple of questions, I soon lagged behind, finding so many things to look at more closely.  But that's OK.  Found out about 'P' setting as default, phooey, then I got sidetracked on mushrooms.  As I was attempting a low shot, guy walked by saying "you need a tripod".   I replied you can't get that low with a tripod.   Well  . . . .   of course you can, and  get a much better picture.  Asked him to show me his foto and turns out, his camera can shoot almost one to one.  He's a scientist and also has a keen interest in mushrooms.   So we kind of leapfrogged each other for a while on the trail, I enjoyed his conversation and tips very much.   He visits this garden often after consistent rains, as that facilitates mushroom growth.   Hope I run into him again.  
Another person I met was saying that mushrooms are excellent to remove toxins in the environment and that some scientists have come up with a type of 'mushroom suit' that potentially could be used to help dispose of bodies.  What a thought!
Strong winds, so I then went down to Sandy Beach to check out the surf.  It was a gorgeous day, but way too many people standing at the shorebreak to get good fotos of the action, without also including fuzzy heads and bodies in the foreground.  Didn't stay long.   Saw a white heron flying. 
 
I'd rather show you a slightly out-of-focus macro of a tiny green grasshopper.  It's a start, and I'm pleased.