[Paddlewise] Makah Whaling Indians Learning Patience

"..........since Oct. 1, when the tribe was officially cleared to hunt,
 the Makah have yet to venture into the Pacific to search for a
 whale. Foul weather, inexperience, mechanical problems,
 disagreements over procedures _ all manner of obstacles have
 conspired to keep harpoon away from target."

For the latest update on the Makah Whaling story check out:
http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2557804914-c62


"The delay means the grays will come during the winter storm
 season, a dangerous time that can bring weeks of 25-foot swells and
 howling winds. The crew has most of the equipment it needs,
 including radios and wetsuits."  ( Now here is a very traditional way for
 them to hunt)

It appears that if any cold weather losses occur while attempting
to kill a whale me thinks the Makah will be content to enjoy the good life
and eating at McDonalds because they will require sorely needed
mariner skills to complement their lack of skill at hunting. So far the
score is zero zero and the whales are up on them (hooray for the whales).
Whaling skills on the open ocean are pretty well confined to the indiginous
populations of the Arctic now except for the giant Commercial whaling
operations. Going back to the past for the Makah is proving not to be
such a blast.

Just how bad are the seas in their area at this time of year?

Cheers,

Philip


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