Hoku in Hawaiian means “star” and the ancient Hawaiian navigators used a particular star they named Hokulea as their main navigational star they used when sailing north from Tahiti. This is an easy star to find, as the english nickname term is, “follow the arc to Arcturus”. The handle of the Big Dipper has an arc to it, so follow the radius and the first bright star is Arcturus or Hokulea in Hawaiian. This star is approximately 21 degrees north of the celestrial equator and Hawaii is approximately 21 degrees north of Earth’s equator. The idea at sea is to sail north from Tahiti until Hokulea is directly above and this is the same east/west latitude of Hawaii. 21 degrees north is the latitude of Hawaii and the sum of the above is resort #61.
This shrine is a really neat addition to the assets of 49 Degrees North.
MauiSkiBus arrived at #61 late at night to a welcome of fellow winter campers in the form of top of the line RVs. Electric was supplied and Gykaiya and Franklin had heat for their late night doggie naps. Franklin loves the warmth and stands in front of the electric heater. Of course the 49 Degrees North ski patrol loved Franklin, as he pulled an injured ski patrol in thier rescue sled for all to see. A first for the patrol and a start of a new career for Franklin with the ski patrol.
Up on the mountain, 49 Degrees has placed a shrine for a fallen patroller killed in Afghanistan, bird houses scattered around the slopes, and a ski/snowboard test to ring Swiss cowbells hanging from tree limbs. A new lift up to a copper dusted Angel will add some fantastic tree skiing and more views of the beautiful northeast Washington landscape. Ladies of the patrol here, Donna, Sarah, and Miss Jill greeted MauiSkiBus with smiles and a warmth to ward away any winter chills. Fantastic follow-up was done by Eric, 49 Degrees North PR manager, an asset that all resorts need.
Sarah was proud to write on 49 Degrees North as #61 resort this season.
This is a no frills, get out and ski, ski resort. The Indians and settlers of the west survived winter camping and the EZ access to the RV area here should be experianced by all that have an RV. A night or two winter camping at 49 Degrees will add a twist to family bonding or a warm cuddle of romance to a couple. Seeing the stars above you and finding Hokulea, while enjoying a winter BBQ, will add some delight to your winter life. Try it, you’ll like it.
At 49 degrees north this is a weekend common sight.
www. ski49n.com
Contact MauiSkiBus.com at mauistyl@maui.net
Facebook at Maui Ski Bus Steve