Coral Colored Cooler Inspired By Outdoor Adventures
It was my first experience snorkeling in the ocean! As I floated face down the sea could not have been any calmer. That's what I needed, a break from my crazy, busy, work schedules and family obligations! Goodbye to baseball practice being at the same time as soccer practice. Goodbye to a voicemail box full of calls I need to return! I need some calm. I'm guessing you and your family do as well.
Hawaii's sunshine warmed my back and I was amping myself up to take my first dive down under the cool, salty water. I'd pretty much forgotten the world above me and was totally invested in this coral metropolis below me. The reef was like a city with highways of fish moving in and out. Anemones latched onto the pink coral walls like local businesses waiting for shoppers. Sea fans seemed to wave hello to a school of angelfish that was swimming by. There seemed to be a whole culture, or society of ocean life underneath me, going about its business without a care in the world.
A coral reef is a complete underwater ecosystem supplying everything its different species need to thrive. They are formed of
colonies of coral polyps glued to each other with calcium carbonate. Don't be fooled, they aren't just a bunch of rocks, they are teaming with life. Everything from clownfish, triggerfish, and hawkfish on the smaller end to Whitetip sharks, Tiger sharks, Moray eels, and barracuda on the larger side. Not to mention the millions of plankton and algae that feed so many of these animals. The largest thing I saw was a Loggerhead sea turtle that I probably could have hitched a ride with if I tried hard enough. Flashbacks to "Finding Nemo" abound!
For me, I'm after shells! My family loves them. Puka and conch shells. The puka is for necklace making and the latter is just because it's awesome to bring up such a huge shell. Conch shells leave an impression on the kids for sure. The more shells I dive down and grab the bigger of a hero I am to my son and daughter. I'm aiming for at least 100. Time to move from relaxing swim to diving for shells. I've placed a quota on myself that I have to meet. It feels a little bit like work, but it's a lot of fun. I'll think of it as an adventure!
While the reef looked amazing from above, all its characteristics became richer the closer I got to it. My lungs felt like they were going to burst like a balloon but I was able to stay under, longer and longer, with each dive.
Different sections of the reef were colored in varying tones. There were some greens and blues, but by far the most impressive was the orange overcoat with underlying pink shades that this coral has come to be known for.
Coral gets its color from the algae in it, called Zooxanthellae. Chlorophyll from the algae usually gives it a greenish-brown color but depending on water and light conditions corals may adapt and show off the rosy-peach color we call "coral." On this reef, water temps and sunlight must have combined to make the perfect environment because there was "coral" colored coral everywhere.
Hawaii was the trip of a lifetime. After our snorkeling adventure, we picnicked on the beach. My wife had stocked our Grizzly Outdoor Cooler with the most “
Perfect Picnic Sandwich!” Steak and cheddar on a tropical beach. Dang, that was good! The scent of Hibiscus from the leis hung around our necks mixed with the sounds of waves crashing upon the shore will be ingrained in my memory for a long time. (True confessions, I only found 8 shells, so I guess next vacation I need 92 more! Maybe I can buy some at a local shop?)
One thing I love about Grizzly Cooler's limited edition colors is that they mimic the colors of the wild. Outdoor coolers represent the best of the outdoors. This coral colored cooler line from Grizzly serves a purpose bigger than keeping food and drinks cold! It takes me back to my Hawaii adventure every time I open it. Thanks for helping me relive the adventure Grizzly!
The bright and sunny
coral collection includes Grizzly hard-sided, American-made coolers in perfect-for-the-beach 15, 20, and 40-quart sizes. Grab a handful of sunshine with coral Grizzly Grip insulated drinkware available in a slim can koozie, regular can koozie, pint, cup, bottles, rocks, and camp cup models.
