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A new post, finally!  How many years has it been? My second book, which I started working on soon after my first book was published in 2008, has finally been published.  Hallelujah!  Time to celebrate with a new post. Why has it taken me almost twenty years to write Waking In A Sea Of Dreams? After writing Between The Deep Blue Sea And Me, it occurred to me that this would a trilogy.  I had no intention of writing a second book, but I suddenly (yes, suddenly!) realized that the dad's story (Moana's father) needed to be next.  There were too many unanswered questions about his life in the first book. I started writing, thinking it would begin with his birth in 1942, but  realized after a couple pages that the story needed to begin at the beginning of time.  After arguing with myself that I know nothing about ancient Hawaiian history [Read More...]

Another regatta paddling season has come and gone, and notwithstanding the typical drama, it was a good year and my crew and our club, Hui Nalu Canoe Club, did well overall. I was invited to be on a crew to do the 25 mile Dad Center race, which starts at Kailua Beach, goes around Makapu'u cliffs and Kawaihoa Point, and finishes at Kaimana Beach. It is the most exciting and funnest of the long distance races. The other races, including the Moloka'i to O'ahu outrigger canoe race, are mostly just long and for the most part, flat water, or at least, can be. In any event, there are no challenges of going around cliffs, daring to get as close as possible to the ocean crashing on the steep and unforgiving walls to surf the backwash. Having a great steersperson is a must for this race, especially one who knows the nuances of [Read More...]

Yesterday I finally got my chance for an overnight sail on Hōkūleʻa. Since coming out of dry dock, Hōkūleʻa has been under sail constantly, going around Oʻahu and traveling to the neighbor islands as well to make sure all old and prospective crew members start getting sailing experience. Last week I went for a mid afternoon sail on Hōkū and by the time we came back to shore about 3 hours later, I could barely contain my seasickness. It did not leave me immediately enthusiastic about going out again, but having always wanted to be on Hōkūleʻa in the middle of the sea during the night, I signed up. First thing I did was borrow a prescription ear patch that helps with seasickness. I am happy to report that in spite of a very dry mouth, which is one of the side effects of the patch, it worked beautifully, and that made [Read More...]