Posted at 3:30 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2007
Hokule'a ends 8,500 mile journey across the Pacific
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Staff Writer
"We're about to pass under the Yokohama Bay Bridge," skipper Bruce Blankenfeld said by satellite telephone at 3 p.m. Hawai'i time.
He said the canoe experienced head winds during much of its final transit north from Uwajima to Yokohama, and has largely been under tow from escort vessel Kama Hele.
Polynesian Voyaging Society president Nainoa Thompson, who joined the canoe last night, said there is a packed schedule for the canoe and crew over the next week, with school presentations, canoe tours, public talks, and more.
"Every one of our opinions and biases about Japan, whatever they were, have changed. We visited the islands and rural parts of the country. We found Japan to be extraordinarily beautiful. The people, their generosity, their aloha, and their kindness has been striking," Thompson said.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.
