Shooting the Apolima Passage

Shooting the Apolima Passage BY J. V. NELSON Apolima, a mile and a half long and three-quarters of a mile wide, is an island rising sheer out of the sea to the height of prob- ably one thousand feet. It is no more nor less than the crater of an ancient volcano, and some idea of its shape might be obtained by placing the hands together as if to catch something. It is only on one side that a landing can be effected, as there is just one narrow passage through which a boat can enter, and "shooting the Apolima pasage" is a sensation never to be forgotten. In bad weather, it is impossible ; in fine weather, it is a feat. If you are wise you will not attempt it without a picked crew. There is scarce a white who has dared to pilot a boat through the passage. A false move of the steersman means the loss of the boat, and a very unpleasant experience to its occupants. Some- times the natives wait for hours for the right wave to come in ; at last the wave they are looking for rolls in, and along with it you go. A false move now means catastrophy. Every eye is alert, every movement is conducted with the greatest precision. You are swept onwards towards the mouth of the passage, and you enter it shivering, as you feel certain that nothing can pre- vent you from being dashed to pieces on the rocks, on which you feel you are being shot as from the mouth of a cannon, so swift goes the boat. But suddenly, just as all hope has departed, and the deafening noise of the sea, beating upon the rocks, sounds loudest in your ears, and your eyes are almost blinded from the spray, the pilot does his work. The boat takes a rapid turn ; lurches, rights itself, and you shoot over into the stillest of lagoons. You are in calm waters, a quiet and beautiful lagoon, therefore you heave a sigh of relief as the danger is past. Almost before you know it, you are being assisted out of the boat by the Apolima natives. There are not many natives here, but those who have made it their home, live in a delightful place ; a small valley surrounded by high walls of rock forming as picturesque a scene as can be imagined. As you waited your opportunity to enter the passage, so you must bide your time for going out ; and if the element of risk is not so great, it is hardly less exciting. Once you have "Shot the Apolima Passage," you are glad enough when you have left it far behind you, and it is seldom that one wishes to repeat the experience. APIA, SAMOA