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June 24, 1999 Starts from Tokunoshima, Arrives at Amami-Ohshima

The first stage has been completed !!

On June 24th, Kohno and Yoneda start at Boma, Tokunoshima at 7:10 AM.  They arrived at Yadori-Hama, Amami-Ohshima 3:00 PM.  Total time is only 7 hours 50 minutes! The local fishermen are  impressed at their speed!  This is the end of the first stage. Ehime-Shinbun Newspaper on 6/25 (reported by Minaminihon-Shinbun) reported that their arrival was 2 days earlier than scheduled. Kohno and Yoneda said with smiles "Beautiful ocean, very kind people - everything is fine."  They werer welcomed by local sea kayak club member Mr. Yanagisawa (31), Mr. Sakamoto (40) and Mr. Nishi (41).

(photo; the view at kayak)

At the islands where they've stopped, they've received beer or watermelon as a present. They also received the Islands' welcoming custom of "Yoron Kenhou."  It is a special toast with "Kokuto-Syochu" (Black Sugar Clear distilled liquor). "People are really kind to us," and "The voyage is great.  Because the weather is good we are not tired. We saw dolphins and sea turtles" they said.

The next day, June 25th, is the start of the second stage. They start at 7:00 AM as scheduled. Next stop is Oh-hama, Amami-Ohshima. They are scheduled to stay in Amami-Ohshima on the 26th. Leaving Oh-hama on June 27th, they will start toward Tokara. They have already found an escort ship. Kohno is very sunburned, but says "no pain, no problem."

Hyouichi Kohno Expedition Office
102-4 Higashiishii, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0932 JAPAN
Voice:81-89-905-1121 Fax:81-89-957-2274
h-kohno@mbf.sphere.ne.jp

©OverRevCo., & CAPA 1999