Updated at 8:59 a.m., Saturday, March 10, 2007
Voyaging canoes Maisu, Hokule'a reach Chuuk
Advertiser Staff
The voyaging canoes Alingano Maisu and Hokule'a, along with escort boat Kama Hele, arrived at Chuuk's northeast pass at about sunrise Saturday morning Chuuk time, late Friday morning Hawai'i time.Navigator Chadd Paishon steered the Maisu from Pohnpei, as the Maisu was the lead canoe on this leg.
The vessels moored at Moen, Chuuk, fronting the College of Micronesia, at about 11:30 a.m.
After clearance from immigration, crew members were shuttled
to shore, where an estimated 500 people gathered to welcome them.
After a speech by the governor of Chuuk, Maisu navigator Paishon, the crew, the college's director and the community were treated to a performance of the dances of Chuuk.
Crew members then restocked the boats with water and settled in
for the night.
On Sunday in Chuuk (today in Hawai'i), a local hotel was scheduled to host all crews for breakfast.
Some crew members were to go to the local churches, as Christianity is strong in Chuuk.
In the afternoon, more packing, provisioning and preparing was to take place while public tours of the canoes were to be provided.
Monday will be devoted to replenishing supplies aboard the canoes while several crew members visit three schools.
