July 17, 2015
Most of the time, when I see a pass that looks really tight on the chart, the real-life version, when we get to it, is wide open. Not so with this pass into Mana Island. I wish I’d taken my blood pressure after getting through but I’m not sure the gauge goes that high!
To make matters worse, as I was tootling along at less than 2 knots, a huge ferry came up behind me and started honking. I felt like I was back on an LA freeway. (OK, in retrospect, I think the ferry was trying to help guide us in: one honk – go to starboard, two honks – go to port. Thanks!)
Then we got a lot of help in anchoring by way of semi-frantic arm waving. We finally interpreted the arm waves as “anchor out near the reef” and when we did, we got thumbs up from the local boat drivers. So confusing. We didn’t end up anchoring anywhere near where the “Sloppy Johns guide” suggested. (Those who have used it on your iPads probably know what I’m talking about!)
Oh well, now we’re in. Time for the fun to resume. -Rich
