"Downtown Paddlers"

I mean come on, you can spot em' a mile away.

Well, especially at this time of the year.

Yup', they are the "Downtown Paddlers!"

Ya' see em' walking down Bishop Street clutching a bowling ball sized container of water (it's likely glued to their hand), their taking humongous swipes from it as if to say "I will burst soon, of this, I am sure."

They walk along side us, and get into elevators with us, and you can't help but say "Na Wahine O Ke Kai?" or "Moloka'i Hoe?"

The pregnant pause (always a little awkward), and ya' think for a sec, "Ouch, she/he must think I'm a kook on the loose!"

Happy to report, I've never been wrong (yet).

"How did you know?" (It's elementary my dear Watson!)

Besides the water bottle, the other tell tale mental notes I've already made is the paddle or really big fish hook pendant they are wearing, a half-eaten power bar in the non-jug hand, and a yesterday sun burnt body which is so fresh as to call out, "Duke's," "Kailua," "Dad Center," "Kona," and "E Lau Hoe." I swear, sometimes I can actually detect the smell of, perhaps a new fragrance which would likely be called "Paddler of Canoe." A whiff of the sweet and salty Pacific Ocean air, and no can wash off suntan lotion.

We exchange the customary-

Supah' Buff Paddler: "Lanikai."

Me Trying To Look Supah' Buff Too: "Oh, right on."

Me: "New Hope."

SBP: "Oh, right on."

Me: "Moloka'i?"

Responses vary, but if that big container of water or their favorite performance drink is still clenched in his/her hand, especially if it still is in the same hand, the answer is always a big smiley "Yes!"

SBP: "You?"

Me: "No, I taking one paddling sabbatical this year."

SBP: "Oh, right on, next year."

The elevator door opens, SBP walks out, and you wish him/her well by saying "Geev' Um," (translation- go and give them heck fella' for we know not what tomorrow will bring), or "Have a great race!"

To all of the Downtown Paddlers, and paddlers coming in from around the world this month and next-

Stay safe, stay strong, and have a great crossing!

-Uncle Hut