Sunday, May 3, 2009

DB Post Sunday 5/3/2009

Free At Last.....Free At Last .... The Kermit , fish hook saga began 11 days ago, when he showed up at Makai Research Pier in Waimanalo, on 4-22-09, with a fish hook in the left side of his mouth. He'd been seen on 4-16-09 at Nimitz Beach without a fish hook. Thereafter the saga moved through Rabbit Island, Waimanalo, Sandy Beach, Diamond Head, Ala Moana Beach Park, and finally back to the SW quadrant on 4-28-09. There were tons of manhours spent by both volunteer and pro to try to intervene with Kermit and finally today at 1450, the moment came. The capture and dehooking occurred at Kalaeloa Campground between 1450 to 1515, when Kermit finally hauled out to join Irma at "Last Bench" .

The actual deed was all because of Jenn Maldonado's car. After an unsuccessful capture attempt at White Plains the capture team returned to Nimitz Beach, and I took Jenn to pick up her car at the campgrounds. One of my fisherman posse got our attention and advised that there were now 2 animals where only Irma had been before. Once I determined that it was , in fact, Kermit, the mission was on, It was a Battle Royale, but ultimately a complete success.

While the end to the Kermit Saga was the highlight of the day, there are some other high points that need to be acknowledged. Firstly, Rocky is back. She showed up in Ewa Beach last night, and I found her this morning at Kalaeloa Campgrounds. She would later move to Nimitz Beach. She weaned her pup on Kauai on 4-28-09, and his home again.

Lastly, today is the 6th birthday of my first born, RIP !!! Happy 6th kid !!! Aloha, DB


Rocky looking thin after leaving the weaner
Irma
The CREW - NOAA and Volunteers to Kermits Aid
Da Hook - Ouch that had to hurt
Happy 6TH Birthday to RIP (Rabbit Island Pup)

5 comments:

Laura said...

Yippeeee!!! :)

Bill said...

Glad you were able to finally connect and get that nasty looking hook out.

Kim said...

And I am thrilled to hear "Rocky" made it back to O'ahu safe and sound. It doesn't look like she ate much en route, though. I spent almost every morning with her and her pup during her time on Kaua'i. I also posted a daily photo on my blog about the experience. If you're interested, the address is http://www.outriggerhawaii.wordpress.com. (I purposely posted a week behind for safety/security reasons.) Mahalo, Kim

Dana Jones said...

What an honor it was to work with all the people involved with extracting the hook from Kermit. It took a multitude of people and dedication for success. From people on the phone to people walking the beaches and all the non-volunteers that showed so much concern and called in sightings. The NOAA group of folks have a place in heaven for all they do. DB will be the one at the gate.
Mahalo nui loa.

Barbara said...

This day, Rob and I just returned to Oahu from our Sausalito Trip. We went from the plane to White Plains hunting for Kermit. It was then we saw all the crew team and DB. But Kermit was not caught yet. A call said Kermit was with Irma at Campgrounds and sure enough, there he lay snoozing with Irma. The team went out, Kermit was in deep snooze, The Team caught him, a brief fierce struggle began, Chad never gave up and tossed the net again, this time trapping that Fat Kermit. One by one Littnan, the other guy, Schofield held that seal down. Shawn came in with his tools, cut the hook couple of times and Kermit was FREE. What BRAVE Souls you all are, Fantastic work. So glad we stopped to hunt for Kermit and witnessed the whole process. Thank you all for such extradinary work.To all the rest of the volunteers who followed Kermit all day, God bless each of you for your dedication and persistence. Wow!!!!!! And as for Kermit, hope you'll feel better and come back to the SWQ soon. Glad you are FREE!!! DB, you are the seal whisperer, THANK YOU for all those long hours,tracking Kermit and finding him in the nic of time!!! As always you are simply AMAZING and LOYAL to your kids. God Bless you!!! Now go on a break and relax. Ya all done good!!!