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July 2, 1999 Start from Akuseki toward Suwanose

At 8:20 AM today, Kohno telephoned the Expedition Office,

"We are leaving at 8:20 toward Suwanose. Today we have to detour around the shallows between Akuseki and Suwanose. Although the direct route is 20 kilometers, we will row about 30 kilometers to reach Suwanose. The weather is cloudy with southwest wind. We are both vigorous."

Some people can remember the next island's name "Suwanose" from the works of beatnik hero Allen Ginsberg who used it as a symbol to advocate the protection of nature.

While praying for their safe voyage, Kohno called us again at 8:58 AM.

"We left Akuseki, but the waves were too high so we returned to Akuseki. We will stay in Akuseki today.."

Well, safety first.

At 8:30 PM the Expedition Office received today's second contact. They said
"We left at 8:25 AM but as soon as we got underway we faced large 4-5 meter wave with swells coming at very quick intervals. The wave lifted the kayak's bow out of the water dangerously. So we decided to return. I'm glad to have Yoneda as partner. He is the best, so I can have peace of mind. The Sea Kayak's condition is very good. The paddles and all other equipment have no problems. We've been trying the HAM radio but could not make communication." "It was seriously so danger situation. If our judgement was delay little bit, we were in trouble".

"When we rowing the kayak between Naze to Tokara, we saw a shark. We were so busy  rowing that we had no fear."

"The office staff guided us to look around the island. We visited the cenotaph (photo right) of Tushima-maru (the ship SS Tushima. Hull has been found under the ocean near by Akuseki 1997 ). We prayed for the spirits of the dead. On August 22, 1944, 700 of the Okinawan children and 1000 of civilians were being evacuated by sea from Okinawa to Kagoshima. Northwest of Akuseki island, The Tsushima-maru was hit and sunk by a American submarine."

Four of the elementary school (photo left) children are available in this island. But no junior high student. They left island and goes to Kagoshima  to been highschool. "It is cloudy and now it begins to rain. We spend the night in the tent at port. Supper was steamed rice, canned boiled mackerel with miso flavoring. We think it will be impossible to leave tomorrow."

So, we will report how they doing again. They are safe and enjoying their stay on the island while they wait for the weather to clear enough to continue their adventure....

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