Jenny’s Journal: Big Island March 30th – April 7th

March 30th

The team is here! It is hard to believe that after 7 months of planning, e-mails, phone calls and skype meetings, it is finally time to go!
It is almost hard to believe. It didn’t really sink in until I got to the teams hotel rooms and saw everyone and ALL the gear. We have SO much gear. Cameras, video cameras, pelican cases, computers, cables, clothes, flashlights, stickers… so many things!
It’s a bit stressful now that we are all together and we have only a week left to get everything ready to go. We had to come up with a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate for the Alenuihaha channel. I really don’t want to have to use our backup plan but the weather is beyond our control. We have to learn to go with the flow – I guess this is what makes it an adventure…

One week and we will be on our way.

March 31st

The winds are gale force. Our forecast isn’t looking promising. We need a break in the trade winds Tuesday or Wednesday or we have to go to our backup plan.

We haven’t given up hope. Things can change. I really believe the winds will back off enough for us to go. We have to believe.

April 1st

The key to surviving this trip is accepting that nothing will go as planned…

We were hoping to check out South Point today but with the strong winds we decided it would be better to go to Kealakekua Bay and the City of Refuge. It was an AWESOME water day. We explored underwater caves and arches. The visibility was phenomenal. We got great shots and video but I doubt it will do justice to how beautiful it was. At City of Refuge, Morgan and I paddled around the bay. Had a pod of dolphins play with us for a bit. I regret not having my camera with me – I need to keep it attached to me at ALL times!

The morning and afternoon were great. We had lunch at the Coffee Shack – so good and hung out with the Kona Boys crew.

VERY STRESSED AFTER THAT!

All of a sudden it is hitting me that I have so much to do and so little time. Pat (Caldwell) thinks our chances are best for Tuesday morning. So all of a sudden I have a million things to do and nothing seems to work out. Couldn’t find a jet ski for Keokea on Saturday, didn’t hear back from the cultural advisor about a blessing on Monday. The banner still isn’t printed and no luck with the shirts. In a few hours my day went from great to overwhelming beyond belief.

I am hoping tomorrow will bring better news.
I trust that everything will work out – always does.

April 2nd

Talked to the boat captains about our departure date. Feeling a bit discourage by their reactions. They seem worried about Tuesday because it is sandwiched in between two very rough days. They are concerned that the window is too small. I trust them and know they know what is best for us.

I just hope we can get a good day to cross.

I was supposed to meet the team and go to Mauna Kea but I had a physical therapy session for my shoulder and didn’t have time. I was bummed I couldn’t make it up there. Maybe we’ll get another chance!

Keokea downwind run tomorrow – conditions should be good!

April 3rd

KEOKEA

We drove up North today to meet Jerry Bess at Coastguards and then up to Keokea. The wind was smoking! We could see some big wind waves – not a good day to cross. It was rainy and gusty as we drove further north. Got to Keokea and it looked MESSY! With the help of Morgan’s dad we were able to safely time the sets and make it outside.

It was a good run! Not the most fun I have had in regards to surfing but it was challenging. The groundswell was hitting us side on which made it difficult to stay on our boards but we did well. I’d say it was average 6ft with sets over 10ft.

Saw a shark (similar to the one I saw at the race 2wks ago). It was small (luckily). Also saw the largest turtle… I was sure it was something else. I don’t know how a turtle that size has survived along that coast.

It’s always a long day to paddle up there but it is so worth it. The sights, the conditions – every time I finish I feel great. It was a good training run.. especially for Morgan on her new board. I could tell she thought we were crazy when we first paddled out. It was not the most inviting conditions.

Looks like we could leave Tuesday! Crazy. Can’t believe we’re days away from our first crossing. Excited and nervous but ready to go!

April 4th

Kiholo Bay.

Met the crew and we 4wd down to the beach. It was a fun afternoon – lots of photos/video. Hoping we get some good shots. The water in the lagoon was beautiful – turquoise, aqua – it reminded me of Lake Tahoe. So many turtles – they were everywhere. Checked out the Queen’s bath on our way out… didn’t hang out because there were other people in it.

Tomorrow we find out if we leave Tuesday or Wednesday!
Excited to know… a few more days.

April 5th

Wednesday April 7th forecast for Alenuihaha channel : wind 20 kts, wind waves 6-7ft

“We boogie” – Capt. Mike Nakachi

So, it looks like we will be departing on Wednesday. I’m really happy about that because we still have SO much to do. It was a productive day – still have some things to do tomorrow but hoping it will be quick!

I need to remember to hydrate and rest… Wednesday is a BIG day!

Worked out with Mary this morning. Last workout for a few weeks. It felt good to be in the gym.

ONE MORE DAY!

I am feeling surprisingly relaxed. I’m not as nervous as I had expected. Maybe it is because I know that everything will be alright.

Our dream is about to become a reality….

April 6th

It’s late – so I will keep this short. I NEED my sleep.

Busy day. stressful. So many logistics – no time to be nervous about tomorrow. Can’t believe it’s really time to go.
It’s going to be amazing.

I know we can make it across. Let us be safe and enjoy the experience.
It’s going to be a beautiful day.

Dinner with the team and Paul and Cassandra from Brazen Hazen. Nice to spend time with them and forget about the stress for a little while.

CANNOT BELIEVE TOMORROW IS THE DAY!
This is it!!

April 7th

ALENUIHAHA CHANNEL