Packing makes perfect?

By Derek Levault
August 18th, 2024

I can scarcely go to the beach on the weekend without forgetting something- the SPF 45, the surf wax, the hydroflask I set on my car's roof for just a second while I unlock. So you can imagine the difficulty of running a four week operation to the remote Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. There are so many items and contingencies to take into account, and then worse, to keep organized. It takes dedicated people, great effort, and a good dose of adaptability.

Working at Kamole, in particular, keeps you flexible and on your toes. In addition to the biosecurity regulations that protect the rare flora and fauna, Kamole has status as a Proposed Wilderness, which precludes the use of power tools or wheels. Still allowed though are creativity and arduous work ethic.

It kind of feels like one of those cooking shows where the chef gets a basket of mystery ingredients: “Your task is to cook lunch using Spanish squab (ok, that probably tastes like chicken), artichoke roots (I guess thatʻs edible), and spearmint toothpaste (what the…).” At Kamole you might find a wrecked boat, 30” diameter corrugated pipe, and oversized plastic crates, and your job is to remove them with a quarantined mini-shovel, a folding pocket knife, and some duct tape. Today the team even pressed marine debris into service, using polypropylene pipes as levers, sled harnesses, and boat framing.

The packing was worth it, and I won't be forgetting the teamʻs effort and spirit.

A Day at the Beach

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