On Our Way To Alaska But First . . .

06 June 2009
Hanalei, Bay, Kauai

Our stay on Molokai was very relaxing. We walked into town everyday, rode the local bus around the island, met locals and watched co-ed Little League games on the weekend. On Friday evenings, we went to the Hotel Molokai for their Sunset Celebration where locals play the ukulele, sing, and dance the hula. The Kaunakakai Harbor small boat ramp was busy with sport fishing boats and day boats. Every evening the local canoe clubs were out practicing in their 6 person outrigger canoes, each team made up of all possible combinations of members - teenagers, seniors, all women, all men. The stern paddler would call out every eight or ten strokes, the group would repeat the command (a Hawaiian word), then switch their paddle to the opposite side.

"Vog" is a weather term unique to Hawaii. It is a smog-like haze created by the out-gassing from the active volcanoes (Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa) on the Big Island of Hawaii. The lack of the Trade Winds and a southerly wind allow the vog to drift over the islands, common during our stay on Molokai. Normally the islands of Lanai and Maui were clearly visible across the ten mile channel except when the vog moved in. The lack of Trade Winds seemed to dominate our stay in the islands, causing very hot and humid conditions. Even the locals were complaining.

After 15 days on Molokai we sailed onto Oahu where we had parts and equipment waiting for the never ending maintenance routine. Jeanne, a classmate of Nancy's from the American School in Japan, and Joe, an Alaskan crew mate of Mark's, were very helpful during our stay. Jeanne drove us around several times for parts and supplies, a very helpful and appreciated act.

Our marina, the State run Ala Wai, is in Waikiki and just inside a very popular surf spot. We also met up with Ken on SPINDRIFT who we met in Ushuaia and Puerto Williams two years ago (has it been that long!). Most of our time on Oahu was spent getting ready for the passage to Alaska, but we did manage a day off to visit Pearl Harbor, visiting the USS Missouri, the battleship on which the Treaty with Japan was signed in Tokyo Bay.

Joe sailed with us to Nawiliwili Harbour on Kauai and spent four days on board before having to return to work. He rented a car and we spent a day at Waimea Canyon and another day driving up to Hanalei Bay. Joe was good company and great fun to have onboard. There were two other boats at Nawiliwili that we had met in the islands, PANDORA and TEKA NOVA, both also heading for Alaska. We also got together with Nancy's cousin Jim who lives at Poipu Beach, who she hasn't seen in 20 years! It was fun catching up with Jim and getting to know his girlfriend Deb.

We moved TAMARA up to Hanalei Bay after four nights at Nawiliwili to enjoy the beautiful scenery and await weather to jump off for Alaska. On our car trip to Hanalei, Joe had pointed out the dragon shape formed by the mountain ridges made famous in the song "Puff the Magic Dragon". We met some 60+ yrs old locals at Hanalei Park who've setup a day camp where a regular group meet daily to bar-b-q, play horse shoes, surf, and just "hang" out, living the dream.

Next stop Alaska, 2000 miles due North.