Ben Oostdam's Autobiography: 1960-1963

page 67

Haleakala - LaPerouse Bay Maui : May, 1963

The next three weeks of May in Maui - till we flew to Honolulu on the 27th - were a mixture of coastal fieldwork and diving, some "commercial" diving, and "family/tourist" activities. Since the results of the fieldwork appear in my draft final report, I will emphasize the latter.

On a mushroom coral collection dive, Paul was bitten by a moray eel. He also continued his attempts to land onto the rough a-a lava coast, and - considering his bulk - did surprisingly well. We had more problems fitting the trailer under construction for Mr. Naganuma. Filling diving bottles took an extra-ordinary amount of time, driving us to free diving whenever possible. To celebrate Ione's birthday on May 12, I proofread 180 pages she had typed about her first husband and collected her stepson (Rose's half-brother) at the airport for a week's visit.

Willard Harwood and half-sister Rose Peterson

Since Willard was an ardent photographer, Rose a willing subject and Maui a most photogenic location, lots of film was produced. I also met Mr.Griffith at Maunaolu College who was teaching earth sciences but scheduled to become registrar next year, so I might take his old job. In addition to tons of Perry Mason, we watched 22 rounds of Henry Cooper on TV (against Muhammad Ali? leading up to June 18 left hand knock out)

Rose and I took bloodtests ($3) , bought a wedding license($5) and a double wedding ring ($35)...and we finally met Jason's wife Margie, surprisingly petite and energetic.