It’s always a bit strange anchoring in a new place, particularly one like Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor. There’s plenty of room to swing at anchor, but the breakwater was clearly built to house the marina. So, it’s never clear how the local folks will view the strangers who come in and drop anchor in the midst of their moored boats.
Anchored in Kawaihae Small Boat Harbor
After finding a good spot and observing our usual anchoring rituals (alternately peering anxiously at the anchor, our chain, the chart and the surrounding boats and landmarks to confirm that we’re no longer moving – we must look like prairie dogs), we hopped into the dinghy and cautiously rowed over to the only folks we saw in the cockpit of their moored boat.
Our strategy in situations like this can best be described as “preemptive friendliness” – we ask if it’s OK to anchor, chat about their boat and how long they’ve been in the marina, and generally try to leave an impression that we’re not poaching on their territory. In this case, we had nothing to worry about. The first folks we met offered us a ride into “town”, and the second set offered us a key to the marina and an afternoon at their guest house!
The icing on the cake, however, was Ralph and his crew of Veronique, Nathan, and Heidi. A longtime resident of the Big Island, Ralph formerly ran a charter sailboat business and has also fished and worked on research boats in Alaska. He was a super-friendly and open source of great information – about the local sailing conditions, about the gusty winds cascading down the side of the volcano (which we learned were mumuku winds), and especially about our upcoming attempt at crossing the foreboding ‘Alenuihaha Channel between the Big Island and Maui.
Veronique, Nathan, Ralph, & Heidi
Ralph has made that crossing more than 70 times, so it was comforting to hear him agree that the forecast for the next several days looked good for the trip. In addition, he lives on a farm overlooking the channel – each of the next two evenings he emailed us reports based on current conditions.
To top it off, Nathan borrowed Ralph’s truck and drove us to the local gas station so that we could top off the fuel tanks. And before he and his crew left for the day, Ralph gave us a present of smoked salmon and home pickled vegetables.
Another great example of aloha spirit alive and well, and a great reminder for Mike and Angie about the proper way to welcome strangers into your space.
