Monday, April 20, 2009
1 Week to departure and counting...1...2...3...4
Well everything has happened incredibly quick since returning from New Orleans in early March and deciding kayak the Florida Cirumnavigation Saltwater Paddling Trail instead of the Appalachian Trail. From Randy joining me on the trip to taking on the challenge of using the trip to raise money for Sierra Factor who has "Spinal Muscular Atrophy". Sierra needs to travel to China to receive stem cell injections that will hopefully improve her quality and length of life drastically. Randy and I still have a few little wrinkles to iron out, but just about everything seems in place. We'll leave one week from today, April 27th and plan to take about 3 1/2 months to complete this. I will be the first female to complete the trip, if I complete the trip and Randy will be the oldest at 53 (ha, finally someone older than me). We've not had much time to train but I think it'll end up being a "train as you go" process, which is fine, it means I can focus my energy on getting equipment ready and raising money. Randy and I have gotten out to paddle a couple times, one 10 mile trip and one 20 mile trip. Randy's usual comment is "slow down, I didn't know we were racing". Hopefully his paddling pace will gradually pick up to mine. Our immediate plan is to have a laptop with us so everyone can keep up with us through the blog and we'll also have a "SPOT" so you can follow our progress nightly when we set up camp. At this point.........everyone, wish us luck (and Sierra!),
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I certainly hope that you will be wearing PFD's. Your header image isn't a good example to paddlers.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you couldn't see the real beauty in the photo instead of focusing on the negative. The water on the trip was no more than 3 feet deep for the entirety of the trip. I did have a PFD on the front of the kayak for easy access if I fell in up to my knees. I am a seasoned paddler with guide experience and CPR certified, paddling with other guides in the photo.
ReplyDeleteContact us when you are in the area. We will be happy to help you with your paddling expedition if we can. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRobin and Rama
www.expeditionsinhell.com
The SPOT link just goes to a blank page for me - no map.
ReplyDeleteI am going to try this again. ---How are the two of you doing? Did you run into that little storm? Are the winds rough? How is the old guy? Just kidding everyone knows Randy Rules! Na Na Na Na Da Da Da Da Da Na Na Na Na Da Da Da Da
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa!! Hi Randy!! It's Shay ~ Sierra Journey ~ Clinton & baby Violet!! Wish you all the best of Luck!! We have been watching spot!! How Neat!!
ReplyDeleteWe want to meet up with you all!! If you need anything or a place to sleep when you get near us we can come get you .. we can always put the kayak's on top of the van again!! We would love to have you stay with us if you want a shower or anything at all! We will be your followers .. everyday many times a day we will be tracking you!! We had a blast and can't wait to hang out again!!
Sierra says: "Thanks for doing your best to help raise money for me!" "I hope you have a wonderful trip ... wait up for Randy LOL" Good Luck!! Love Sierra
Please call if you need anything!!
264-4238
403-0226
Thanks everyone for the posts. We look forward to them and they help motivate us to get to the next power outlet!!! That usually means there's also a shower and facilities which are always a treat. We look forward to seeing everyone as we get to your section of the trail and we will definitely call when we get near, if for nothing more than a shower.....ha!
ReplyDeletehang in there Randy. you can do it
ReplyDelete