tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13509117344096944452024-03-19T01:02:58.822-04:00KiwiBird's AdventuresA Kiwi who's lived a few places around the world who's mad on the outdoors.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-56975045719136342092014-03-05T20:26:00.001-05:002014-03-05T20:26:07.116-05:00Wrong Again<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD4o-hEJYIJW1WYDwdj4ecQTVvCcl8xZdR1UAIJztFwDycFqUakUzX1-rKCLuGBzuCAfI3Rwvk72qH_mk7zIWlV9hvrm5pVcUty98vPNIhNOr2rj53SM_nFky3bgRYtbBlYS5LwR7WA8/s1600/3-4pmc.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD4o-hEJYIJW1WYDwdj4ecQTVvCcl8xZdR1UAIJztFwDycFqUakUzX1-rKCLuGBzuCAfI3Rwvk72qH_mk7zIWlV9hvrm5pVcUty98vPNIhNOr2rj53SM_nFky3bgRYtbBlYS5LwR7WA8/s1600/3-4pmc.tiff" /></a></div>
She's almost to Flamingo. A moment ago, she was where the road crosses the canal. Two possibilities: Set up a tent near the fish cleaning shelter, or rest a bit and head on across Florida Bay. It might depend on whether the store is still open for a microwave cheeseburger, but no more prognostications from me.<br />
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If she forges forward, she could best her previous Class 1 Female record. She also doesn't have a designated place to sleep in KL, but I'm sure people will provide. She's almost certain to get to Key Largo before Southwest and Super Shuttle can get me there.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-40883757642959427002014-03-05T13:02:00.000-05:002014-03-05T13:02:09.662-05:00Beach Cruising<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOBnpkuxrCkth7ExyacNMIA7xayr0SDbHGw4AMPCgKgAhZOqDId5ZFd1hwY1vddmnth39dYaADygxN14W5tzLc-By5b4wNPayCbWjiTxunVDERlsRPU5pOLQrPvxFokrRgEL5sp9kQd8/s1600/3-5pm.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOBnpkuxrCkth7ExyacNMIA7xayr0SDbHGw4AMPCgKgAhZOqDId5ZFd1hwY1vddmnth39dYaADygxN14W5tzLc-By5b4wNPayCbWjiTxunVDERlsRPU5pOLQrPvxFokrRgEL5sp9kQd8/s1600/3-5pm.PNG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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KB and comrades are making good pace along the coast of Everglades National Park. The body of water you see at the lower right is Whitewater Bay, which they will cross to reach the canal that comes into Flamingo from the north. The question is, will they stop at Oyster Bay Chickee, which is inside the entrance or continue on? It's about 12 miles to Oyster Bay Chickee, so 3-4 hours at current pace. That's where SandyBottom planned to be tonight, but I can't check on her as her Spot has stopped transmitting. DancesWithSandyBottom is trying to get Santiago's track, as he thinks that's who she's with.<br />
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Other options for KB and friends include two chickees in the Joe River or going on to Flamingo. I'm skeptical that they'll push on to Flamingo. It's about 30 miles, and they've not shown much inclination toward late nights. As usual, we'll see.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-27398206906985353642014-03-04T16:45:00.001-05:002014-03-04T16:52:18.854-05:00CP2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ckdqWw01f6KSY58IcJNhD__-jAH-zls9WYmjOzZxzgR1WWfUw4cg20vWZABOz3jpt5Vb-1q52Q4OS-QpywL6aOqrx8GMsdEPGYouOQWx0lG2AaoSBEQ6nD-KxbpKTSmYZVcs3p8E5ho/s1600/3-4pm.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ckdqWw01f6KSY58IcJNhD__-jAH-zls9WYmjOzZxzgR1WWfUw4cg20vWZABOz3jpt5Vb-1q52Q4OS-QpywL6aOqrx8GMsdEPGYouOQWx0lG2AaoSBEQ6nD-KxbpKTSmYZVcs3p8E5ho/s1600/3-4pm.tiff" /></a></div>
KiwiBird and (presumably) Seiche stopped briefly at the ranger station, where we hope KB got the text message from FlieswithKiwiBird about campsite reservations. Then they proceeded on to CP2, where they spent about an hour. I'm hoping it was to visit the above. I need to get back there soon to replenish my stock of Havana Cafe hot sauce.<br />
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The reservation for tonight is for Rogers River Chickee, about 25 miles as the crow flies from Chokoloskee, and kayaks don't (or shouldn't) fly. They either didn't get the message or have decided it's too far for today, as they appear to be heading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Here's the track:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc2IKSpkAxf3NDcO7zufK8Sc4sXN-y2zXZybDXuiBgPB8ePXQIVX0AMHr0h9Yy31iTGzyUS2rXHhk9RJZraoEUlfIruLgPdGA8gVemo_r054uxMhgcmuKGlmAHach3CjBmZnWPM9xGWg/s1600/3-4pmb.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpc2IKSpkAxf3NDcO7zufK8Sc4sXN-y2zXZybDXuiBgPB8ePXQIVX0AMHr0h9Yy31iTGzyUS2rXHhk9RJZraoEUlfIruLgPdGA8gVemo_r054uxMhgcmuKGlmAHach3CjBmZnWPM9xGWg/s1600/3-4pmb.tiff" height="320" width="298" /></a></div>
As was the case yesterday, time will tell.<br />
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Update: They did have lunch at Havana Cafe and are heading out to Mormon Key tonight to battle the raccoons. The plan is to stay outside until Whitewater Bay. KneadingWater is also with them.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-33047475556037470912014-03-04T11:04:00.000-05:002014-03-04T11:04:12.851-05:00Into the 'Glades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8o2M9fbd7EVOoYCeTrCVmZiwT7xA4EmtZyXaPbR3OYKWREFiaLjSAhQwmHp5rLcOack_Db81TNMyJ3vpNn89GyboaHyjiiq_WvuymCWzPQ1uNwcMnga5KVaJ9TV4N82iSmKZ4rAGGtE/s1600/3-4am.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8o2M9fbd7EVOoYCeTrCVmZiwT7xA4EmtZyXaPbR3OYKWREFiaLjSAhQwmHp5rLcOack_Db81TNMyJ3vpNn89GyboaHyjiiq_WvuymCWzPQ1uNwcMnga5KVaJ9TV4N82iSmKZ4rAGGtE/s1600/3-4am.tiff" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
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As expected, KB had dinner at Marker 8.5 in Goodland and proceeded on into the 10,000 Islands, where she set up camp about 20:30, apparently with Seiche. This morning they were on the water by 07:30 and headed for Everglades City.<br />
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What they didn't know--and we hope they will find out--is that SandyBottom already acquired permits for camping in Everglades National Park. In WaterTribe, this what is called a "filter." The ranger station in Everglades City (marina at upper left, above) is open from 08:00 until 16:30 daily, and there are no advance campsite reservations. So the wise challenger times his or her arrival during office hours. <br />
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Checkpoint 2 is actually at Chokoloskee (lower right, where the causeway hits civilization), and each competitor must stop there. Besides, if at all possible, one wishes to arrive there during open hours for the Havana Cafe, which serves excellent Cuban food—worthwhile fortification for the two days about to be spent on the Wilderness Waterway.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-91982250631679179832014-03-03T15:37:00.000-05:002014-03-03T15:41:09.589-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgXHQIvHaGk7paQL6D988mBFi0h3EF46MDkDlG6NKSvxfxjS6jRqIGiSw7Xabc4OrEo7B8JEKScrA3G8iKVu-i3rI9tWVXon9L5OySmi7-6wzdOaewIUWJq4223PiP_TVGLbAwe4aeec/s1600/3-3pm.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgXHQIvHaGk7paQL6D988mBFi0h3EF46MDkDlG6NKSvxfxjS6jRqIGiSw7Xabc4OrEo7B8JEKScrA3G8iKVu-i3rI9tWVXon9L5OySmi7-6wzdOaewIUWJq4223PiP_TVGLbAwe4aeec/s1600/3-3pm.tiff" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's been an interesting day for following kayakers. Weather reports have not indicated much wind, although it's mostly been out of the SSE. I'm guessing that's why KB started hugging the shoreline around North Naples and then went inside with SandyBottom at Naples. They're now cutting over to McIlvane Bay presumably to follow the canal next to highway 951 down to Marco Pass. <br />
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Dinner at Goodlands is often a part of the ritual at Marco--particularly if KneadingWater and Seiche are nearby. Beyond that, I'm not guessing. I don't know the 10,000 Islands other than that Indian Key is at the entrance to the Everglades City channel. That's about 15 miles after dinner. Here's what that looks like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKK8KJY2UQsW7vc8zOEBpjqON-DVQK_uCSb1KQurPA_zEVUtDsTkRGOel_HdXDxba8_ja6vLbWkasRkksYX6_dsHCLoLegCFMmsYl0n6LLNJl9KhXsWo3sBLQte5VzxPsly-74V6G9xA/s1600/3-3pmb.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKK8KJY2UQsW7vc8zOEBpjqON-DVQK_uCSb1KQurPA_zEVUtDsTkRGOel_HdXDxba8_ja6vLbWkasRkksYX6_dsHCLoLegCFMmsYl0n6LLNJl9KhXsWo3sBLQte5VzxPsly-74V6G9xA/s1600/3-3pmb.tiff" height="223" width="320" /></a></div>
All will be revealed in the morning.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-55218162803667273362014-03-03T09:45:00.001-05:002014-03-03T09:45:51.255-05:00Arriving Naples<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BlB1gK0inlaRCtJtESCkoZr5hep8ioRqZf5DmNch63d3htf1BKUFkRVIq744BdjHkUMbKMVK3jpdcfnpdpvmJ8fkUK-rZDlPSKIWl98lLZ-yRCxsS3Y9UFkA4HsAkLbss3yF30qbwsk/s1600/3-3am.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BlB1gK0inlaRCtJtESCkoZr5hep8ioRqZf5DmNch63d3htf1BKUFkRVIq744BdjHkUMbKMVK3jpdcfnpdpvmJ8fkUK-rZDlPSKIWl98lLZ-yRCxsS3Y9UFkA4HsAkLbss3yF30qbwsk/s1600/3-3am.tiff" height="281" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was a tough day slogging into the wind (so much for the forecast), so KB stopped relatively early. She was on the water about 06:15 this morning and is currently approaching Naples.<br />
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KB, SandyBottom, KneadingWater and Seiche have been near each other for the past 24+ hours, appearing to paddle together sometimes and then separate slightly at others. Although all tend to get to the same place about the same time, each has a different pace depending on the conditions.<br />
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By now SewSew probably has already finished, as he was at CP3 midday yesterday, but I have had no confirmation of that as yet. Race management requests that we not attempt to use the WaterTribe tracking map, so that race personnel might be able to figure out where people are.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-22831779302743090042014-03-02T10:16:00.001-05:002014-03-02T10:16:11.015-05:00Charlotte Harbor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc5th8D7y0zUY_0954ntWnXBfpgBnlLCWh43oJ-xUKZy1q5tB_qNVZ7y8L7v9GXPIziFwqJp6_pSuDQzW_MaPpjs9wZb69Ih0ZZ4APVsDFwVvCKFYImkiaIi-PRh1H0fhvSkh_fFxFZo/s1600/3-2am.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc5th8D7y0zUY_0954ntWnXBfpgBnlLCWh43oJ-xUKZy1q5tB_qNVZ7y8L7v9GXPIziFwqJp6_pSuDQzW_MaPpjs9wZb69Ih0ZZ4APVsDFwVvCKFYImkiaIi-PRh1H0fhvSkh_fFxFZo/s1600/3-2am.tiff" height="158" width="320" /></a></div>
Kristen and Dawn were on the water by about 06:45 this morning and are now most of the way across Charlotte Harbor. They're heading for the Matlatcha side of Pine Island, which is the most common route for paddlers. Their speed has picked up a little in the last half hour or so, which may be the sun producing some wind.<br />
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Forecasts are for another relatively calm morning but no shift to north winds in the afternoon. In one way that's good news, since it will keep the seas down on the exposed passage south of Fort Myers to Marco Island. The paddlers, of course, always hope for favorable wind but take whatever the wind's whim offers.<br />
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Kristen called home from CP1 last night and reported a great day on the water. She saw two porpoise and a sea turtle, had favorable afternoon winds and made good progress. She was off the water last night by about 22:30, which should have given her ample time to get her necessary five hours of shuteye. Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-12510506834602987942014-03-01T17:01:00.001-05:002014-03-01T17:01:46.904-05:00Day One, Later Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbQtuyOlJRs3ZLZMDTdDtKVTpiBrqoCl8-f7nULbikKg_s9yDSUpOBgVq7moeI4kQjZc7K4WKkgT_yUXyo4sa1aQxQ-qTkjBfh9gIUlduCvBQJDMmsPiNgHqMy5iVC4jYxZTL5F-RkS0/s1600/3-1pm_2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbQtuyOlJRs3ZLZMDTdDtKVTpiBrqoCl8-f7nULbikKg_s9yDSUpOBgVq7moeI4kQjZc7K4WKkgT_yUXyo4sa1aQxQ-qTkjBfh9gIUlduCvBQJDMmsPiNgHqMy5iVC4jYxZTL5F-RkS0/s1600/3-1pm_2.tiff" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
KiwiBird did come inside at Venice Inlet. The track above is only a couple of minutes old, so she's right next to Venice Municipal Airport. I now have a track for SandyBottom as well, and the two of them have been together since going outside, if not longer.<br />
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This section of the intracoastal earns its nickname, "the ditch." It's a depression lined with rip rap. There's generally little breeze and not much to look at. Of the portions of the EC route I've seen, it's easily the least scenic. In roughly another mile, though, it opens back up, but I don't remember much about it, because it was dark when I got there.<br />
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KB and SB are making good time today. They're about 16 statute miles from CP1, with an ETA of around 21:00. I expect they'll only stop briefly to get water and check in. They'll camp a little farther along, before the Charlotte Harbor crossing.<br />
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Until morning....<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-70938076891910396592014-03-01T12:58:00.001-05:002014-03-01T12:58:22.517-05:00Day One PM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduck0a_dK88v0Jm3i8_Eqh_G5odYcC9W678vGs5NFxW-sgbE6HubEt1QQgaARf-YamY_ndkQEevD8p5LgVBdPHFvQBJFcNEdhDwCeliJn3XFYmQfCA3CLFiApwt8Y6eu-EpxVd6mNpks/s1600/3-1-pm.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduck0a_dK88v0Jm3i8_Eqh_G5odYcC9W678vGs5NFxW-sgbE6HubEt1QQgaARf-YamY_ndkQEevD8p5LgVBdPHFvQBJFcNEdhDwCeliJn3XFYmQfCA3CLFiApwt8Y6eu-EpxVd6mNpks/s1600/3-1-pm.tiff" height="146" width="320" /></a></div>
Those of you attempting to follow Kristen (or any other competitor) on the WaterTribe mapper are no doubt aware that it's not working. Fortunately, I'm able to log into her Spot account and follow her there. The above screenshot is her position as of 12:32--just off the inlet to Sarasota.<br />
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I had a Spot Check/OK message from her at 10:11 this morning, which I thought rather odd. She wouldn't normally send one of those unless stopping for the night or making a major course change. When I checked her position, however, I realized she was going outside at the inlet between Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. This (and the weather report) tell me that conditions are quite calm. Winds are less than 16 KPH and predominantly controlled by the diurnal onshore/offshore swing.<br />
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To the best of my recollection, she's never before gone outside at this point. I suspect the rationale is some mix of novelty and avoiding powerboat wakes in the intracoastal waterway. Most likely she'll come back in at Venice Inlet, but she might stay out until Stump Pass, which is shortly before checkpoint 1. There are other alternatives as well should conditions change.<br />
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She's making quite good progress thus far, and at the current pace she should arrive at CP1 around 20:00. I'll update later this afternoon before heading off to a wedding.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-71795116311269881702014-02-28T14:24:00.003-05:002014-02-28T14:24:38.334-05:00Once More unto the Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjmtuB9GM1I6bsG9CvdZt_lSWfErACwOKbX3fjAaxnVBDQAh3EPiaaiHFNJfxC7p4ftNtixz1SoGJg5rvSDnRy0mE-1I9NgJznLg1_vQYHmXBqsCYNeNBMRaYztk3zrzLLMB4BDOYeKU/s1600/0228041312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjmtuB9GM1I6bsG9CvdZt_lSWfErACwOKbX3fjAaxnVBDQAh3EPiaaiHFNJfxC7p4ftNtixz1SoGJg5rvSDnRy0mE-1I9NgJznLg1_vQYHmXBqsCYNeNBMRaYztk3zrzLLMB4BDOYeKU/s1600/0228041312.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's boat-loading time. Besides KiwiBird and SandyBottom boats, I think I recognize the CWolfe avatar on the green-decked Tiderace Pace in the foreground. The wooden boat just past SB might be FeralCat's Pygmy, making the next boat DeadCat's Eddyline, but I don't know; could be the wooden boat is StripBuilder's or even SaltyFrog's. That does look like Dolphin Gal's Nemo with the red deck three boats behind SB. Where are KneadingWater and Seiche?<br />
<br />Most participants try to pack everything the day before--except possibly food, which must be defended from racoons assiduously--which means having redundant camping gear or a vehicle to sleep in. A spare stove will likely be used collectively in the campsite to boil water in the morning for vital fluids and a spot of porridge. <br />
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All of the folks mentioned above are what are called "elders," which means they have finished a Challenge (it's just a coincidence that there's no spring chicken among them;). Elders can self-inspect, but every first-timer must undergo an inspection of required gear by an elder. About now, the local West Marine is likely doing a land-office business. <br />
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By the way, credit for both of today's photographs goes to KiwiBird, although the breakfast shot obviously involved a helper.<br />
Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-1799803923491961722014-02-28T11:20:00.001-05:002014-02-28T11:20:58.423-05:00Breakfast at St. Pete Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since the the beloved Cottage Inn closed a few years ago, IHOP has become the go-to place for registration-day breakfast. I can't be certain of it, but I'd almost guarantee that someone's having eggs benedict. On the left, we have John (aka Jake, aka PopTarp), who sails with <a href="http://sailnaway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Alan</a> (aka SOS) second from right, Dawn (aka <a href="http://www.sandybottomkayaker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SandyBottom</a>) at right, and, of course, Kristen.<br />
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I'm sorry to report that Dawn's father passed away yesterday morning. You can get details at Dawn's blog, linked above, but suffice to say that her mother and sister insisted that she continue with the Everglades Challenge. He had been sick for quite some time, and Dawn has flown to Hawaii every couple of months to see him and help out with care. In any case, our thoughts are with her.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-30126955907813459702014-02-27T12:59:00.000-05:002014-02-27T12:59:02.151-05:00Everglades Challenge 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's time for round eight of KiwiBird's Adventures goes to Florida. If all went as planned, KB picked up <a href="http://www.sandybottomkayaker.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SandyBottom</a> at 05:00 this morning, and by now they've feasted on fried chicken at the stand at the back of the BP station (above) in Midway, Georgia, and should be near Jacksonville. And all in such luxury--in the new-to-KB Toyota Venza with (imagine this!) cruise control.<br />
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Prep for this year's EC has been minimal, what with the demands of work and school, but she'll paddle her way back into fitness within a couple of days. At this point, the weather forecast looks fairly benign: A bit chilly, with highs having trouble threatening 21C (70F) at Fort Desoto, and northerly winds at 16 KPH (10 MPH) or less.<br />
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As has often been the case in previous years, your faithful correspondent is Floatsome. I'll be with you daily until Thursday, March 6, when I fly to Tampa to ferry the Venza to Key Largo. Recall also that you can follow progress at the <a href="http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ChallengeGMapper.aspx" target="_blank">WaterTribe Tracking Map</a> once they start on Saturday morning. You may also find some worthwhile commentary at the <a href="http://www.watertribe.org/forums/" target="_blank">WaterTribe Forum</a>.<br />
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Until tomorrow....Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-88158907296510432952013-09-08T21:19:00.000-04:002013-09-09T07:56:38.509-04:00A Christening<br />
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FliesWithKiwiBird finally let me take out the (NotSo)WeeOne (6) for a long weekend kayaking expedition, in the Seda Tango tandem kayak we'd bought a wee while ago. Floatsome joined us in his solo Mirage, and we decided to spend three nights/four days camping on Shackleford Banks, as I've often regaled Andrew with stories of the wild horses I've seen there when I've solo camped. And it's just a beautiful island, eight miles long, wonderful fine white sand, gorgeous ocean views and clear night skies, and you can wild camp any where. <br />
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We didn't want to drive the three+ hours to Beaufort without testing Andrew out first, so had taken him to my local training lake--Jordan--for a 30 minute spin, just to make sure he wasn't going to baulk--thankfully we left with him begging for more.<br />
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We left from Harker's Island with a beautiful clear day, though a 5-knot wind against us, as was the tide. Fully loaded with gear and a lot of water, I'd often have to remind Andrew to keep paddling, as there were times we weren't making any head way! 9km and a few hours later we rounded the point opposite Cape Lookout lighthouse and meandered down the island to find just the right camp site.<br />
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The crazy thing I never get used to on Shackleford is that we're on the east cost of the US, but the sun goes down over the Atlantic--it's the odd shape/angle the island is.<br />
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Cooking dinner up for the first evening. Never thought I'd bring a sieve/colander away on a kayak camping trip, but I hate soggy pasta and it packs flat--a great find.<br />
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Lookout Bight in the background.<br />
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A view of behind the sand dunes looking east, and back to civilization. We counted 15 wild horses in the distance, seemingly munching on the sea grass.<br />
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Sunday morning, we paddled over to Cape Lookout Lighthouse, another sight high on Andrew's want-to-see list. <br />
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We wandered around and then over to the seaward side of the Outer Banks.<br />
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We returned to the camp site via an inside loop of Lookout Bight, to paddle among the 50 odd mostly yachts and a few launches moored for the long weekend. The night before we'd sat on the beach gazing at the mass of masthead lights--it looked like a scene from <a href="http://video.disney.com/watch/lanterns-4be386311a66ba0e1266b068" target="_blank"><i>Tangled</i></a>, when all the lanterns are released--stunning.<br />
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And this is sometimes how I'd see Andrew paddling... "Andrew, I really need your help about now." Amazing what a difference he would make!<br />
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And then a wild foal gamboled onto the beach, and back up to its guardians, Andrew chasing along below them in utter delight.<br />
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Lovely sunny evenings...<br />
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We had planned to spend three nights on the island, but Monday morning around 0700 a huge bank of black headed our way from offshore. We quickly dragged our tents, full of gear, to behind a couple of sand dunes and within about 15 minutes we were each tent bound for over two hours as 35 knot winds and lashing rain hit us--what a racket! Nothing fazed Andrew as we played a few imaginary games and chatted away. It was so noisy that I couldn't even yell over to David to check how he was faring.<br />
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When we finally surfaced, after a fair bit of discussion we decided to head home. Tomorrow's forecast wasn't too hot, and a fair incoming tide would be much later in the afternoon. We also knew we'd gain lots of browny points, acting so careful, like.<br />
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It was a terrific paddle back, even with Andrew "napping" every now and then, with a slackish tide and 15 knot winds astern. With Andrew paddling we even hit 5.1mph!<br />
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It was a sleepy chappie on the way home...<br />
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But a happy one, who'd even lost his first tooth the day before...<br />
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-39335815808151309112013-03-22T15:52:00.001-04:002013-03-22T15:52:37.510-04:00Today I became an American citizen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A very nice ceremony this morning, at Raleigh-Durham's new US Citizenship and Immigration Services offices. I was one of 57 new citizens, representing 37 countries. One of the best parts was the Call of Nations, when every country represented was called out and those from them asked to stand. There were folks from Afghanistan, Syria, Nigeria, Kenya, Panama, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Ireland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Canada, Britain, India, South Korea, and others<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>a real representation of the American melting pot. That brought a tear to my eyes.<br />
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Of course, what really set me awash, was the sign off, with a video of Lee Greenwood's song, <a href="http://www.brownielocks.com/godblesstheusaWAVE.html" target="_blank"><i>God Bless the USA</i></a>.<br />
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As we left, Andrew held my hand and said, Congratulations, Kristen."<br />
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Next steps: registering to vote, and applying for a US passport!<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-34723425047516805902013-03-20T21:49:00.000-04:002013-03-20T21:49:24.717-04:00EC2013 Days 6-7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Homeward Bound, as that great ol' song goes!<br />
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With FeralCat still snoring soundly as we packed up over him—later moving to a bit more space where SandyBottom's tent used to be—and me feeding DeadCat an apricot as she snuggled in her hammock—we headed off as dawn broke. Destination Flamingo, and Flamingo's WaterTribe-famous microwave hamburgers.<br />
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In true EC fashion, the tide was roaring out against us paddling up the Harney River, so we hugged the southern side of the mangroves to find some slack. It's always terribly exciting turning that last long right hand bend of the Harney into Shark River. Often, for some bizarre reason, if you've had the wind against you heading west up the Harney, you'll often still have it on the nose paddling east out the Shark. Not today. We caught the tide out, and even a breeze woke up, to pop sails. <br />
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In only one previous EC—my first—have I had the weather opportunity to have a decent paddle/sail down the long, wide expanse of Whitewater Bay. Normally, the winds have been atrocious, and we've had to head right across east to snake down Joe River—which may shelter you from the seas that kick up on Whitewater Bay—but the winds are only slightly reduced, with only low grasses offering some protection. This was the second time, and what a lovely, sunny ride we had down the Bay, averaging around 4 knots.<br />
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Around 1400 hours, we arrived at Flamingo, with Seiche and KneadingWater's family to greet us. We'd decided on the way down to not stay the night at Flamingo—hey, we're not <i>that </i>much on holiday!—but to keep on paddling the last 55 kms (34 miles) across Flamingo Bay, perhaps resting on a key for the night, on the way to the finish at Key Largo. So we took off our for'ad and stern hatch covers, and with four of us hanging on to each side of the rim of each hatch, one-by-one slowly carried our four boats the 200m or so from the northern side of Flamingo's ramps, to the ramps of the southern marina. It was the most walking we'd done in a week.<br />
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Then it was burger time! And waiting for SandyBottom to reach Flamingo, to check what her plans were.<br />
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One day I'd like to visit Flamingo, in clean, dry clothes, and try one of the Flamingo microwave burgers, just to see if they taste as incredibly good as they do after six EC days. Just 45 seconds in the microwave et voila, heaven on earth. Down we scoffed those, watching SandyBottom arrive. She decided to stay a few hours to rest, and then perhaps head across Flamingo Bay later that evening. We mentioned that we may be on Rankin or End Keys, if she felt like stopping by.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamingo Bay. We paddle left to right.</td></tr>
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And we were off. The first hour or so felt as though I was paddling in treacle. The tide was heading out, and there's a lot of water moving with that tide. It took us some time to finally reach Tin Can Alley, to truly head south. Flamingo Bay is around 99% very shallow—we're talking 30-50cms or mostly less in many places—with a few strategically placed windy channels—perhaps 60-70cms deep—to make one's way across. This is why speedboats have to stay on the plane to get from Point A to B. And one never leaves one's craft—the mud can suck you down. And without a chart for the day (or great local knowledge), and a GPS for night, you've pretty much had it trying to find your way across. I've never seen a pleasure boat on Flamingo Bay at night.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seiche powering along.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KneadingWater, I believe pointing to the heavens...</td></tr>
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Once past Tin Can Alley, we popped up sails and in dead calm, glassy waters, sped along. The sunset behind us was superb. We reached Rankin Key just before dusk, so decided to keep paddling in such superb conditions. KneadingWater shot ahead, and as night fell, we donned warmer jackets and turned night lights on. It kicked up a bit as we neared End Key, KneadingWater trying to find an appropriate place to make camp for four. HammerStroke, Seiche and I had pretty well decided that we'd keep paddling, but once we hit the beach, KneadingWater was a little less gung ho, mentioning that it would be safer to stay put. Hey, I'm back on holiday!<br />
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I was glad we stopped, in no hurry not to miss another last night of camping with great pals. We each found a wee place to pitch a tent in the scrub, and gathered together in the dark to cook a meal and yarn. It was nearer 2200 hours before we hit our pits. Everyone seemed to sleep very well. I was happy to lay there resting, dozing off every now and then. At 0400 I asked KneadingWater to stow his FEK sail, flapping as the wind increased, and around 0500 we were up and packing. The wind had changed more around to the NNW, and I realized that strategically, we should have taken Crocodile Dragover as our route across. If anyone else took that more NW route, they'd be well home before us.<br />
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With the wind coming in kicking up the foam in the shallows, the beach looked as though it had snowed in the night.<br />
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Of course, once we rounded Manatee Key, the keen NNW hit us, making a fairly typical long, wet—yet satisfying—ride to Key Largo. It's no fun if the last 10 miles or so are too easy!<br />
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As always it's great to paddle around that final point and slowly see—and hear—everyone waiting on the dock and beach at the finish line, cheering you in. Just makes you want to come back again next year...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very happy KiwiBird, at Key Largo.</td></tr>
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<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-45938344830146266712013-03-19T22:34:00.000-04:002013-03-19T22:34:22.285-04:00EC2013 Day 5<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squeaking through the Nightmare at pretty well low tide.</td></tr>
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A really fun day! Only a 46.6 km (29-mile) paddle today, to the next chickee on our permits, Harney River, but we still had to navigate the Nightmare and the eastern reaches of Broad River—all narrow, gnarly, overgrown channels, even more of a challenge when the tide's out...<br />
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Knowing that we only had a short paddle—but, hey, I'm on holiday now!—we all decided to sleep in until dawn, around 0600. But, as we have all come to know, as soon as that first zip goes off... Alex O was off first, and then SandyBottom. I soon followed, just as dawn peaked, knowing that HammerStroke, Seiche and KneadingWater would catch us up pretty quickly.<br />
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Dawn in the Wilderness Waterway is spectacular. As the mangroves are fairly low, you see everything—and that low sun in the morning can be pretty hard on your eyes as it reflects off the water so low. I hardly wore my sun glasses this year, and could see so much better, not fighting against salt-stained lenses. I found that with my Kokatat sun hat brim low, and my Buff up high under my eyes, I had no problems against the glare; and wearing a Buff, it meant my sunnies didn't fog up.<br />
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I shortly caught up with SandyBottom, with AlexO tagging her. The wind picked up, and we had some pretty close sails across the wider open bays. Until we hit Broad River. In true EC style, we doused sails as the blast hit us full on, and for what seemed like hours, hugged the southern side of the mangroves, trying to find shelter from the wind, and some respite against the very strong incoming tide. It's a long stretch of river.<br />
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HammerStroke, Seiche and KneadingWater stopped off at Broad River chickee—another favourite of ours—with KneadingWater immediately falling in. SandyBottom, AlexO and I declined and headed around the corner for the infamous Nightmare, afraid the tide would be falling even further. And it was.<br />
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There's only one real obstacle in the 13 km (8-mile) Nightmare when the tide's down—a pretty good sized log, right across your path. In a previous year, the tide had been high enough for me to just run it, up and over. Not this year! With SandyBottom and AlexO waiting patiently behind me, I tried to run it—raised about 10-12cm above the water—but got firmly stuck not even half way across. No pushing with my Greenland paddle was going to push me over—in fact, I had to stop trying to pole as the mud kept going on forever, swallowing up my paddle. Not wanting to break the back of my boat, SandyBottom paddled up and brought her sturdy Kruger bow aside my cockpit. I lifted myself out of the ocean cockpit—not as easy as a keyhole cockpit!—lowered my bum onto the bow of the Kruger, and stood up on the very muddy, slippery, narrow log. I then tugged my boat over the log, and managed a variation on a cowboy entry to regain entry into the cockpit. Et voila! AlexO very kindle captured the sequence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnv1gZ6MwwDC3pN6fRQsAJ9XirqBKnIL_P_v2Dh0GdDFI6VRjePVqZdLk22wSFwpYhO71fZ11V7NTprY6eKJFpVWvT5Jw9gMxI243UnkbUHF5SwXXep8YiBKk-CS5pk-E6kIjgo5cOwk/s1600/IMGP0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnv1gZ6MwwDC3pN6fRQsAJ9XirqBKnIL_P_v2Dh0GdDFI6VRjePVqZdLk22wSFwpYhO71fZ11V7NTprY6eKJFpVWvT5Jw9gMxI243UnkbUHF5SwXXep8YiBKk-CS5pk-E6kIjgo5cOwk/s320/IMGP0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And from my angle, with AlexO in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then it was Dawn's turn. She had it down pat, until she slipped off the log and fell in. It was amazing to watch her. She said later, knowing how deep and thick the mud was, no way was she going to touch bottom, instead springing right back up, wet to below her midriff, and not a speck of mud on her!<br />
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We both turned around and said, "Okay, Alex, let us help you over now." Alex just waved and said, no thanks, he would paddle back and find another route. He ended up heading out to the coast via one of the Nightmare's earlier tributaries, and then coming in Broad River.<br />
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Then it was on to the eastern reaches of Broad River. I've always believed that this stretch is far more difficult than the Nightmare. Most of the Nightmare you can paddle; not this section of Broad River. It's more hand-over-hand pulling yourself along. And it's even more fun trying it at night!<br />
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A couple more miles and we made Harney River chickee. The tide was a little low, which makes it a bit more difficult to unpack. We got all Dawn's gear out first—we weren't going to drag her Kruger up on to the chickee! By the time we were ready to unload me, HammerStroke arrived, and helped me drag my boat up, gear and all. By this time, Seiche and KneadingWater arrived. We put the boys on one side of the chickee, and Dawn and I on the other. I'm not too sure how long this chickee's going to last. It was starting to groan and sway a bit with us all decked out.<br />
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We ate dinner even before the sun went down. AlexO passed soon later, and waved on as he kept paddling to Flamingo—quite a paddler.<br />
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Pretty much asleep, we heard a couple of boats arrive, and the voice of FeralCat warning us to move on over! DeadCat strung her hammock to the side of Dawn and my tents, and FeralCat just hunkered down on a three-quarter length of 2mm foam, threw a space blanket over himself, with his paddling boots as a pillow, and slep soundly through the night. I could tell, as his head was only a foot or so from mine, and his snoring loud enough to scare away any pythons. Had to admire the bugger!<br />
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Near midnight or so, I could hear someone calling out "here, kitty, kitty," anticipating that the Cats were on the chickee. Seeing everyone else sound asleep and not an inch of chickee to spare, Scareman and OneEyedJake slowly paddled off, looking for a bit more room. Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-59615421360258443762013-03-18T20:59:00.000-04:002013-03-18T20:59:04.024-04:00EC2013 Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wide awake far too early from the thrumming roar of the fishing diesels (an engine sound I normally enjoy), I trotted around to the Rangers Station for a pit stop. Thankfully, the Rangers leave the toilets open 24 hours. It was around 0530, still dark, and very cold, and I got the shock of my life. Two chaps were already standing in line for their permits, ready for the 0800 opening of the station! Fully spooked, I went back to my tent, grabbed my breakfast (one Ensure, seven apricots and a Luna Bar) and fleece liner, and wrapping the liner around me, made two new non-WaterTribe friends over the next couple of hours; very sensibly—and I must try this one day—they were meandering through the Wilderness Waterway on a 10-day kayak paddle. <br />
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Over the hours, a couple more WaterTribers showed up, and not as spooked as I, trotted across the road for a more civilized breakfast. I hate being in charge of the permits. <br />
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While I cannot for the life of me fault the Rangers at this station—they truly are committed to WaterTribe and helping us through the Wilderness Waterway as efficiently as possible—their booking system for chickees is downright archaic and utterly inequitable. Without going into too much frustrating detail (but I must say that even Google docs could help in this respect!), SandyBottom and I ended up with Lostman's Five for the first night, and Watson River for the second—the latter being out in the middle of plurry nowhere; in fact, I'd never even heard of it before. I normally also pick up permits for Seiche and KneadingWater, but had no idea where they were.<br />
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Permits in hand, I trotted back to my tent, packed up the boat and changed out of my dry clothes into damp. While the night sky is out of this world in this part of the world—a Milky Way to salivate over I only remember from my nights in NZ—the dew is not damp, but downright wet.<br />
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Just about to paddle off, and who should turn up but Seiche (above) and KneadingWater. They headed off for permits, and returned with Lostman's Five (yay) and Harney River, a chickee I'd asked for but had been told was full. I headed back upstairs to the station and was granted another two berths for Harney River—not ideal, but, hey, I'm on holiday now!<br />
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Mid-morning by now—having surpassed all previous records for obtaining permits—off I paddled up the back creek to CP2. This route is a find from years back—it means you don't have to portage your boat over the road at CP2, to start the Wilderness Waterway.<br />
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Arriving at CP2, I found that SandyBottom had left a half-hour earlier, as someone in the know had leaked to her which chickee to paddle to for the night. Thankfully, she had left a fried egg and bacon sandwich for me, and all was forgiven.<br />
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It's always a glorious paddle through the Wilderness Waterway —I never seem to tire of it. After an hour or so, I caught up with Dawn, who was paddling with Macatawa and his dad, Passaic Paddler. Good company. They were headed for Roger's Bay chickee, and then Joe River—perfectly spaced, which effectively put them about 24 hours head of us to the end, but, hey, I'm on holiday now!<br />
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We mostly paddle sailed the 24 or so miles to Lostman's, arriving an hour or so before dark, waving Macatawa and Passaic Paddler on. Dawn and I chose the best campsites and set up a brew of water for a freeze dried dinner. Just before dusk, Seiche and Kneading Water arrived, with HammerStroke for company. The pack was together, again.<br />
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One of the many reasons I really like Lostman's, not just because it's a ground site, is because of the marvellous sunsets. With not a breath of wind, and just the sound of porpoises feeding, it's a very special place.<br />
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And in the dark of around 2100 hours, AlexO joined us.<br />
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Not a lot of sleep my end this evening, as per usual (our fellow male paddlers do snore somewhat), but a very restful evening, and gratefully, my first warmer night. I've come to appreciate that my annual EC fix, while not only feeding the rat, is the only time I have to actually day—or night—dream, while I'm awake.<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-87104651437159081012013-03-17T20:41:00.000-04:002013-03-17T21:01:00.837-04:00EC2013 Days 1-3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>DAY ONE:</b></span> Normally, the IntraCoastal Waterway (ICW) running from Tampa south is pretty busy over the weekend, with pleasure boats of all sizes kicking up a sloshing wake, particularly in the narrower channels. I wondered why it was so quiet, until someone at Checkpoint 1 mentioned that there was a Small Craft Advisory out. And that was the reason for the pretty quick 100km (60 mile) run from the 0700 start at Fort De Soto beach, down to Cape Haze Marina, the new CP1.<br />
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Using the <a href="http://www.flatearthkayaksails.com/" target="_blank">FEK sail</a> I had a nice run across the very open eight miles of Tampa Bay, the forecast northerlies pushing us along. Half way across it steadily grew darker as a wide band of showers ran over, but quickly clearing. The winds calmed a little in the lee of the first bridge, and as we entered the big open expanse of Sarasota Bay, I was wondering if the stronger northerlies had faded out. I didn't have to wait long. About half-way across the bay, they kicked in, and it was all downhill from there. Running down Sarasota I hit my second top speed of the EC, at 8.9 knots, and was consistently running from 5.5 to 6.5 knots, averaging 4.5 knots over the entire day—in fact 4.5 knots for the next three days. Occasionally, the bow of the kayak would submarine, but the surfing was superb. (I so wished I had a GoPro camera to film it all!) A number of times the rudder couldn't cope, and I'd use my Greenland paddle to help steer. <br />
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I had one four minute pit stop along the way, drank three litres of 50% diluted Gatorade, and ate about six bars—it was the only day I was really hungry.<br />
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11 hours and 50 minutes later—after 100km (60 miles)—and still in daylight, I landed at the new CP1, at Cape Haze Marina (blue roofs, bottom right of the image). I made sure to stick to the channels coming in, as the oyster bars protecting the entrance are pretty bad. A few folks had taken a short cut, and a couple had run aground.<br />
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I was a bit surprised to see a few Class 1 and 2 folks out of the water, setting up tents, and not heading on down the coast. After a royal greeting by Floatsome (CP1 manager), who very kindly brought me a cup of hot soup (yum!), and directed me to the water filling station, in about 30 minutes, I was up and off, gently lowering myself back into my boat—the new checkpoint doesn't have a ramp. It was just dark as I left, and Jarhead in his Sea Pearl paddle sailed out with me—with another Sea Pearl—I passed them as we set off south.<br />
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My plan for the night was to paddle the nine or so miles south, to sleep the night at Dog Island, my usual stop just outside the old CP1. I had a terrific calm paddle sail, making the island in about 90 minutes. A large party was camped where we normally pitch our tents, with a huge wind block awning up and behind that a roaring fire. I paddled around to the east, and found a beach and small path up to a raised area. Tent was up in no time. An hour or so later, SandyBottom arrived, just as it started to rain. and it rained all night. It was the best night's sleep I was to have this EC.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Top middle photo by SpeckTater. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Upper top and bottom top photos by G<span style="font-size: x-small;">len Hayes.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>DAY TWO:</b></span> Around 0400, the wind blew! It sounded like a mini hurricane, particularly with trees around us thrashing. I whispered out to Dawn, "Can you hear that?!" She could. We packed up in the dark, and by the time we were ready to leave, dawn had broken and the wind had calmed considerably. <br />
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Paddle sailing south, we took a route for Bull Bay, but in trying to make a bit of east for Charlotte Harbour, I had us meandering too far east, finally doubling up and over to the eastern side of Bull Bay. Though we did find some possible camping spots...<br />
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We'd decided to stick together this morning, to check out the conditions for Charlotte Harbour—there are times the open crossing can be a bit hairy. About a quarter of the way across we agreed it was nothing, and Dawn gave me permission to scoot on. I had a great run across, and with the wind easing, meandered down Pine Island Sound's Matlacha Pass. I was a mile or so south of the bridge, with a northly breeze pushing me on, when the bolt dropped out of my FEK sail, where the boom fits the mast. It fell about a foot and landed right at the base of the mast. I couldn't reach it, and there was no where to land near me to rescue it. I slowly lowered the sail, and sat there, not taking my eye off the bolt. Looking back, I could just see a Kruger in the distance, and thought it must be SandyBottom. After about five minutes I recognized it as CWolfe/Charles. And for another 20 minutes, I just sat there, too scared to move and roll the bolt overboard! As CWolfe drew up beside me, I explained my situation; he very kindly found his Leatherman (now on my to-buy-list!) and screwed the bolt back in, recommending I purchase a tube of Threadblocker. We paddled on a bit together, but I drew ahead pretty quickly.<br />
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I'd been considering whether I'd be running the inside or outside route to Wiggins Pass, which I was fairly sure would be my port of call for the evening. Once outside of Sanibel Bridge, I decided that the inside route—one I haven't made all the way yet—would be the safest—there was a pretty stiff northerly, with seas around a metre or so. A Hobie T1 shot out from under the bridge with me, and soon I could tell it was Chief, reefed down for the crossing to Matanzas Pass. What a ride over to Matanzas—I hit 9.8 knots sail surfing the couple of kilometres across!<br />
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It was a very pleasant paddle sail along the back way, passing Big Carol Pass, New Pass, and then on to new paddling territory. The chart has the channel markers stopping at New Pass, meandering on south, but they actually do exist.<br />
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And with the tide (going out), about half an hour before dark, I made Wiggins, seeing it from the rear for the first time.<br />
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Tent up, can of sardines down, dark fell, and a few more boats started slowly arriving. I hit the sack, and SandyBottom arrived a few hours later.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b>DAY THREE:</b></span> Up in the dark, Dawn and I headed off just as dawn broke. We decided to head out Wiggins Pass together, in the interests of safety, with the seas being against the tide. Heading out wasn't too bad, with some breaking waves around two metres. (We later learned that a couple of kayaks behind us had capsized.) I pulled away, and wouldn't see SandyBottom until the next day.<br />
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Jungle Jim was paddling his Epic 18Sport ahead of me, and a wee while later, CWolfe passed by in his Kruger, with full Balogh flying and a two-metre PAS. With a pretty consistent 4.5 knots paddle sailing, I later passed JungleJim and then CWolfe. With superb surfing skills, JungleJim was soon to retake the lead.<br />
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With the two to three metre swells rolling in along the coast, I stayed about about a kilometre or so offshore. It was quite something, and I kept an ever vigilant eye to sea. Which is probably why I missed Gordon's Pass, and then Big Marco Pass (how does one miss Big Marco Pass?!) and then nearly missed Caxambas Pass! With the conditions they way they were, Caxambas was Plan A, with Big Marco Plan B. I'd run it once before, years back with NatureCalls, and had it plotted into my GPS. And the moral of this story is, to always trust your GPS. As I've written, I nearly missed Caxambas Pass—in fact I was a kilometre past it, on my way to Cape Romano, when I figured out where I possibly was. My GPS said I was at Caxambas, but utterly amazed that I'd missed the huge opening of Big Marco, for some crazy reason, I wasn't sure. All the huge hotels were there, right on the northerly edge, and there were only uninhabited keys to the south—it sure looked like Caxambas... I called FliesWithKiwiBird on my cell phone: "Everything's okay (always good to start with that). Can you tell me where I am?" Having downloaded the app to her phone, the response was, "It looks as though you've passed something called Big Marco Island." I called Floatsome—he figured I was there, too. So back north I paddled, through some pretty exciting surf, and in Caxambas I went. Meandering through the keys, a little while later I passed CWolfe, who wondered how I'd got behind him, and then up behind me came JungleJim, who'd taken a wrong turn after making Caxambas.<br />
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I later realized that the reason I'd missed seeing Gordon's and Big Marco was because I was off the coast a way, and had been looking out to sea more, watching the sometimes breaking swells.<br />
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From Neal Key to the entrance to Chokoloskee, it's a run of about 12nm. I had a great paddle sail across, and could see PenguinMan inside a bit further, steadily making ground. And JungleJim was off. <br />
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Finding the tide coming into Chokoloskee, I just kept on paddling up to the Rangers Station, outside of Everglades City. Just before entering Chokoloskee Bay, a skiff with two Rangers powered past me, on their evening patrol. By the time I reached the Rangers Station, about 30 minutes before dark, they'd returned to the dock. I paddled up to them, took off my hat and signaled I wanted to chat. They spoke first: "Are you with WaterTribe?" "Is it my hair?" I responded. I explained that I was a night ahead of schedule, and not having anywhere to camp, would they mind if I left my boat at the ramp and pitched my tent behind the shed there. "It's against Park regs, you know. But okay." I thanked them profusely and paddled around the corner.<br />
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I called WhiteCaps/Toby, manager for CP2, and let him know where I was, and that I couldn't be bothered paddling all the way to CP2, to have to paddle back in the morning for the permits we'd need for the Wilderness Waterway, and then back again. He understood,even though it would mess up my CP arrival times (as soon as I hit CP2, I'm on holiday!), and was around with JungleJim in about half-an-hour to chat. Always good to see Toby. <br />
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I pitched my tent, cleaned up, and staggered drunkingly across the road to the fish restaurant, where I delighted in grilled scallops, shrimp and grouper, washed down with a Heineken. <br />
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Terrible night's sleep, and I don't think I'll camp there again! Around 0200, and for the next two hours, all the big dieseled fishing boats left Everglades City, less than a kilometre away. It was deafening!Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-84712764262336555092013-03-15T07:29:00.002-04:002013-03-15T07:29:19.482-04:00EC2013 Getting to the Start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chief has always written on <a href="http://watertribe.org/" target="_blank">WaterTribe's Everglades Challenge</a> website and forum that getting to the start is the hardest part of all. Once you're on the road, that's pretty much it—nothing can slow you down. But getting on the road... It wasn't as difficult as last year, with the WeeOne being pretty crook, having a colonoscopy on the Monday before leaving Thursday, and a grumbling stomach, which all meant I had to ditch my EC2012 into Day 1, and took another three weeks to regain some element of normal health after that.<br />
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This year, the few days leading to departure, I just had a US naturalization test (passed in flying colours!), EC packing, interviews at work for a position I'm replacing on my team, a major federal grant and smaller state grant to submit, and class until 9:30pm the Wednesday night before leaving 0500 Thursday (I'm doing another Masters at Duke).<br />
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David (Floatsome), manager for Checkpoint 1, was supposed to drive down to Tampa Bay with me, helping sing along the 12 hour drive, but was held up with some last minute blood tests. He ended up flying down Saturday, all healthy. <br />
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Of course, stopping in Midway, GA, has become a ritual now, for the local garage's fried chicken and potato wedges. I made sure to take a photo for those in the know, not with me this year, to express my satisfaction in the meal.<br />
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The last two ECs I have slept in the back of my 4-Runner, with an inflatable mattress. What a difference, compared with sleeping in the tent at Fort De Soto campground. Every EC I've lain there, hearing the wind stirring the palm leaves—it may be just the slightest hint of a breeze, but those palm leaves sound as though it's a hurricane, which tends to keep my mind all a flutter. In the truck, with the windows up (it was very cold!), I can sleep and not let my imagination race.<br />
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Another tradition we've developed is that every Friday morning before Saturday's start, SandyBottom and I have breakfast together. This year DancesWithSandyBottom and SOS joined us. This is the photo we send off home each year, just to let folks know we're having a rotten time.<br />
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The best part of any EC is catching up with old WaterTribers and meeting
new ones. And there were a lot of newbies this year, also evidenced by
the record number of boats lined up end of the day Friday, ready for
Saturday's 0700 start. Quite phenomenal. Over 100 boats from all six
classes, all sizes and shapes, with boaties rearing at the bit, waiting
for the bagpipes to play as the signal to launch. <br />
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After checking in Friday morning, packing all the boats up is a time to contemplate and ruminate, making sure all the gear's in the right place, <a href="http://www.flatearthkayaksails.com/" target="_blank">FEK sail</a> rigged correctly, spare paddle not likely to pop out, water hoses all snug. (I have to say, those <a href="http://www.cgear-sandfree.com/products/sand-free-mats/sand-free-mat.html" target="_blank">CC Gear sand mats</a> are the way to go with packing boats—sand just falls right through them, and doesn't blow around!) And then taking the time to tour all the other boats heading off with you, and attending the obligatory afternoon Skippers' Meeting—the largest ever this year.<br />
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IronBob took a terrific series of prestart photos, <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/103548875999425851930/albums/5855195163792002001" target="_blank">seen here</a>; as did <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28715664@N08/" target="_blank">Dana Clark, with Breathe Magazine</a>.<br />
<br />
And then sleeping that last night "on shore"... Not hearing the palm trees furiously scratching... But cold!<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-53563228767579745302013-03-14T07:54:00.000-04:002013-03-14T11:26:46.858-04:00EC2013 Gear Reflections<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln0w-PDQA08Biy6oTcyMQq6OZNRJ0-PNxfIFgzTiALbKXZVWt1b_bm8jzLCEAOuEgjUHttja7B7PEx8A_LjKiT8UqgL1heMBP1DsMPIJOMV7h751trUfBtfPoShlOJIMt3CZyqOrd_O4/s1600/KiwiBirdEC2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjln0w-PDQA08Biy6oTcyMQq6OZNRJ0-PNxfIFgzTiALbKXZVWt1b_bm8jzLCEAOuEgjUHttja7B7PEx8A_LjKiT8UqgL1heMBP1DsMPIJOMV7h751trUfBtfPoShlOJIMt3CZyqOrd_O4/s400/KiwiBirdEC2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
An excellent WaterTribe Everglades Challenge this year: terrific but cool northerly tail winds for most of the week; only a night and a few showers of rain on the first day; and best of all, catching up with old and new challengers.<br />
<br />
And my favourite post-EC task? Reflecting on what gear performed well for me this year—or didn't—my seventh Everglades Challenge.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The boat:</b></span> As always, I can't fault my 5.32m <a href="http://www.sissonkayaks.co.nz/blog/products-page/sea-kayaks/arctic-raider/" target="_blank">Arctic Raider by Graham Sisson</a>. Bitter sweet this year, knowing that Graham has recently retired, after 36 years of designing and making great boats. I cringed doubly, every time (twice) I hit an oyster reef. I really made an effort to keep the weight down this year, and I believe losing a few kilos of gear kept me higher in the waterline and thus less wetted surface, helping to keep the speed up on the down wind rides. (Though I can't be too light a load, as I'll be all over the place.) With the challenging surf conditions on Day 1, running down Sarasota Bay, for example, the boat performed flawlessly.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Greenland paddle:</b></span>
Still using a GP for the race, and loving it. Once again I used a paddle
made by EC challenger StripBuilder—a beautifully laminated
stick. It was particularly useful side steering when the rudder couldn't cope with fast following seas. And as my spare paddle, I packed along the smaller GP StripBuilder made for my five-year-old son.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Flat Earth Kayak Sail:</b></span> I cannot rave enough about the Australian <a href="http://www.flatearthkayaksails.com/" target="_blank">FEKS</a> (and I am an agent for selling them in North America!). I did more sailing this year—pretty well having the sail up every day at one time or another—than all previous ECs combined! The first three days, I don't even remember taking it down. Having a FEKS has added a whole new dimension to kayaking, compared with the Pacific Action Sail or other sails designed for kayaking. With the FEKS I arrived at CP1 half-an-hour before dark—100kms (60 miles) after 11 hours and 50 minutes paddle sailing; and did two more record days from Dog Island to Wiggins Pass, arriving before dark on Day 2; and again from Wiggins to CP2, arriving before dark on Day 3. I was beginning to worry I wasn't having a hard enough time! The sail points up into the wind very effectively, bearing in mind you have to keep paddling; the ability to self tack saves much time and energy; and the ability to reef the sail down from 1sq.m. to 0.8sq.m. is downright handy, particularly when beating up to windward, and for rudderless kayaks on a down wind rush. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">SPOT tracking system: </span>Thankgoodness for SPOT. Compulsory for some time now for ECs, this handy device means those at home worry far less. I don't paddle without it.<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Sleeping system: </span>I tried something new this year, in the interests of saving weight and space. I gave up the sleeping bag (1176g) and replaced it with a Macpac sleeping bag liner (214g), REI lightweight fleece liner (446g), Macpac down Cocoon sleeping bag (all zipless), and a <a href="http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=263&catname=Shelter&prodname=Escape%20Bivvy" target="_blank">SOL Escape Bivvy</a> (241g) (with an <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/830617/exped-air-pillow" target="_blank">Exped inflatable pillow</a> at 81g). I also replaced the Exped 7 down sleeping mat (which took up its own dry bag and weighs 1165g) with an <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/852717/exped-airmat-basic-75-air-pad-medium-2012-closeout?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-852717&mr:referralID=eaf53504-8c41-11e2-a969-001b2166c2c0" target="_blank">Exped Airmat Basic 7.5</a> (550g)—I really like this tiny mat; you can blow it up by mouth (I lie stretched out underneath it in the confines of a one-person tent), and it's not noisy when you move around like the down mat. Everything listed (except for the Cocoon) fitted into one large Sea to Summit dry bag. Most nights were exceptionally cold this year—downright chilly, in fact—often falling near freezing. With all my sacrosanct dry clothes, and all my sleeping layers, including the Bivvy, I was just right. My dry clothes included Macpac fleece leggings and merino socks, a <a href="http://us.icebreaker.com/Bodyfit-260-Long-Sleeve-Crewe/IBF126001M,en,pd.html?gclid=CNvultCB-7UCFRGqnQodR2EA6A" target="_blank">260 bodyfit Icebreaker</a> top, a Macpac merino top, a NorthFace fleece top, and on top of that a <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/womens-nano-puff-pullover?p=84025-0-868" target="_blank">Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover</a>, with an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Icebreaker-Mens-Pocket-Black-Cargo/dp/B006ZJGI06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363222919&sr=8-1&keywords=icebreaker+hat" target="_blank">Icebreaker Pocket Beanie</a> on my head (the only lightweight, warm beanie that really covers your ears!). All the clothing fitted into another large Sea to Summit dry bag and weighed in at 1195g.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #ff6600;">Tent:</span></b> As always, my <a href="http://www.macpac.co.nz/microlight.html" target="_blank">Macpac Microlight</a>,
which is not free-standing, but I can string up quite happily on a
chickee. At 1.8kg (I have the older version; new is 1.6kg), heaps of
solo room, and the inner pitches with the fly. I have been seriously thinking of replacing this tent with the lighter (680g/24oz) <a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tents/Trekker.html" target="_blank">Skyscape Trekker</a> from Six Moons Design (or even the slightly heavier and cheaper <a href="http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tents/SkyscapeScout.html" target="_blank">Scout</a> version at 964g/34oz). In fact, with my encouragement, SandyBottom bought the Trekker version for this year's EC and loves it. But with the very cold night temperatures, I was kind of glad my tent was not a mesh interior, which thus helped to keep a bit more warmth in.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Paddling clothing:</span> Kept
it to a minimum, wearing the same outfit every day. This year, I wore a pair of Icebreaker merino boy shorts for
underwear (still smelling good after a week!), with a pair of <a href="http://www.mysterioso.com/products.php?c=&g=w" target="_blank">Mysterioso</a> neoprene shorts over those. On top
was an <a href="http://www.travelcountry.com/shop/icebreaker/oasis-crew-womens-long-sleeve.html?RefId=29&RefType=Affiliate&gclid=CNmwwZeP_LUCFQmFnQod7i4Aqw" target="_blank">Icebreaker 200 Bodyfit Crew</a>
top, and for two days in the Wilderness Waterway it was warm enough by day to wear an old long-sleeved REI SPF 50+ polyester shirt. My paddling jacket is a Steve Gurney light racing jacket—sadly he
doesn’t make then anymore—and I wore that pretty much every day over my Icebreaker. When it chilled down in the morning and evenings, I put
on a <a href="http://www.mysterioso.com/products.php?c=&g=w" target="_blank">Mysterioso</a>
fleece top; and for the first time in an EC I actually wore my Mysterioso fleece trousers, over my shorts.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgslGHZKr51qdDPFiSKDUYefqcpC86N3pbpJPfUkPW7U0BTuWApWBXEVt4lxVXIElEXSp6DBjHplU4xmnipkJy2KDc-JlmmVUzAHAei1eBa7FIjPazvqt-8LFRc78km1fdnjFXSL6f_yk/s1600/Kiwi_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgslGHZKr51qdDPFiSKDUYefqcpC86N3pbpJPfUkPW7U0BTuWApWBXEVt4lxVXIElEXSp6DBjHplU4xmnipkJy2KDc-JlmmVUzAHAei1eBa7FIjPazvqt-8LFRc78km1fdnjFXSL6f_yk/s200/Kiwi_001.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Wet weather gear:</span> Once again, my <a href="http://www.chillcheater.com/aqshop/catalogue.php?id=3291&page=" target="_blank">Reed Chillcheater Coverall cag</a> was invaluable. With the cool morning and evening temperatures, I was snug and warm. The cag is measured to fit my ocean cockpit rim,
offering double protection from the waves over the sprayskirt. I've now learned to fit my PFD over the cag—though it's designed to fit over the PFD—as the wind tends to fill the cag and make forward progress pretty difficult.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Lighting system:</span> The head lamp I used the most is the <a href="http://www.brightguy.com/Petzl/Petzl+Tikka+XP+2+LED+Headlamp" target="_blank">Petzl Tikka XP 2</a>, which I was very happy with. (I usally use the <a href="http://www.uwkinetics.com/products/3aaa-eled-vizion-headlamp#.UUElljeNOSo" target="_blank">Underwater Kinetics 3AAA eLED Vizio Headlamp</a>, which is excellent—light and comfy—but my son has put it in a very safe place... somewhere.) For spotting camp sites in the pitch black I use a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Waterproof-Headlamp-Lumens-Black/dp/B0056HR4J2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363223901&sr=8-2&keywords=fenix+headlight" target="_blank">Fenix HP10</a>, which I recommend.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">GPS:</span> I use a Garmin GPSMAP 76CSx. For years I've had the GPS on a Ram Mount ahead of me, out of paddle hit reach. After a day or two of not being able to read it—a mix of light and older-age eyes—I just looped the unit to my sprayskirt and had it right in front of me, resting on my sprayskirt. I reckon I'll now pop it into a dry bag, and hopefully get a few more years out of it.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Food:</span> I really thought I'd cut it down this year—and didn't! I made up a daily pack of six Nature Valley Oats ‘N Honey (my favourite), a Cliff 20g protein Builder’s Chocolate Mint, a Honey Stinger Protein Bar, one Larabar (non-fruit), three gels and a small Ziploc of dried mango. That weighed around 670g of snack food a day, totaling around 4720g in total. In the end, I ate less than three days worth, which left a lot of weight not eaten.<br />
<br />
I did eat all my breakfasts: per day, 7 dried apricots, an Ensure (350cals) and a Luna bar. <br />
<br />
And for once, I nearly ate all my dinners: per evening, an Ensure (350 cals), and either a tin of sardines (2) or a freeze dried (3)—I never normally have the stomach for an evening freeze dried, but the shorter paddling days helped.<br />
<br />
And I still lost around 3.5k (8lbs).<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Hr-oRwTXk42AqHuw8YXZrn5gsahtpzCC_lmZ3JOYfaXhAYeHDwKTzNDYKlVtWqXQcyZ02TWMLWh2FIL09Jx8zSpQILpbEmoPJkjvxAKVzw7Jn8D8duW4svncak8LmWbtxty6uLwGeY/s1600/sol-ti-web-waterboilonly-1200x840.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90Hr-oRwTXk42AqHuw8YXZrn5gsahtpzCC_lmZ3JOYfaXhAYeHDwKTzNDYKlVtWqXQcyZ02TWMLWh2FIL09Jx8zSpQILpbEmoPJkjvxAKVzw7Jn8D8duW4svncak8LmWbtxty6uLwGeY/s200/sol-ti-web-waterboilonly-1200x840.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Cooking system:</b></span> For the first time, I used a JetBoil this year—a few months ago I was extremely lucky to snag a <a href="http://www.rei.com/product/813621/jetboil-sol-titanium-stove?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-pla-_-product-_-813621&mr:referralID=48af4b17-8c98-11e2-9389-001b2166c62d" target="_blank">Sol Ti</a> for $38—normally around $150. Loved it—had the water boiling in a matter of what seemed like seconds. Downsides: only boils enough water for one (hence the 'sol", I suppose), and the neoprene cover and handle is downright useless for lifting to pour. I'll be contacting Jetboil for a heavier handle. Having the Jetboil saved 555g on my cooking system.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Personal health:</span> I
worked really hard at this this year, and now have my routine down pat—and what a difference. In previous ECs, my derriere has
suffered. Every morning I lather myself with Desitin, and I really believe wearing the Icebreaker merino underwear made a huge difference (let alone keeping on smelling fine!). But the evening routine is crucial: pitch the tent; throw in the tent all the gear for the evening (and breakfast); strip and pile the wet clothes somewhere; wipe myself down all over with two wet ones; slap baby powder all over the body—particularly the feet and rump—making sure everything's dry; rub <a href="http://www.jtreelife.com/products/paddlers-salve" target="_blank">Joshua Tree paddler's salve</a> into my feet (and hands); and pull on all your sacrosanct dry clothes. Reverse in the morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbq1rxtPFS7aSgYD0m69DYwHyzDzUSTZWd7JEAMtXqqxtWrrwt8rLpFIASHmf2s6EZ2l4ofVnIaAoTi7pLzp3_EXxhBnsbtyFx7pV3Kz9x6U3SFxz2A2z68SJwHu60Yuxzh2kZ7oV8a5w/s1600/SunPaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbq1rxtPFS7aSgYD0m69DYwHyzDzUSTZWd7JEAMtXqqxtWrrwt8rLpFIASHmf2s6EZ2l4ofVnIaAoTi7pLzp3_EXxhBnsbtyFx7pV3Kz9x6U3SFxz2A2z68SJwHu60Yuxzh2kZ7oV8a5w/s200/SunPaws.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
As always, I religiously used my <a href="http://hydraulics-nz.com/image/sunpaws" target="_blank">SunPaws</a>, from Hydraulics in NZ—anything to cut out the sun on the back of the hands. And this year, I was not going to have my face or lips burned, and with a Kokatat Nor'wester sun hat religiously used a <a href="http://www.buffusa.com/sports/collections/uv-buff-reg/styles" target="_blank">High UV Protection Buff</a>. I cannot swear enough by the Buff. <br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Pre-race training:</span> I really worked at it this year. Having a competitive derby program to work for against many of my fellow challengers really helped this season, keeping up almost daily four-mile 0500 walks; 25 minutes of core exercises every other day (I can now do 100 full length push ups! in reps of 10), and a 25-mile paddle most Sundays. But much of an EC is all mental, and for that I am well
prepared.</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;">Coming up:</span> Day-by-day blows of the race.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Previous EC gear reflections:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://kiwibirdkayaker.blogspot.com/2011/03/ec-2011-gear-reflections.html" target="_blank">EC2011</a> <br />
<a href="http://kiwibirdkayaker.blogspot.com/2010/03/ec-2010-gear-reflections.html" target="_blank">EC2010</a><br />
<a href="http://kiwibirdkayaker.blogspot.com/2009/04/everglades-challenge-2009-gear.html" target="_blank">EC2009 </a><br />
<a href="http://kiwibirdkayaker.blogspot.com/2008/03/everglades-challenge-2008-gear.html" target="_blank">EC2008</a><br />
<a href="http://kiwibirdkayaker.blogspot.com/2007/03/ec-gear-reflections-from-kiwibird.html" target="_blank">EC2007</a> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-62639176389830203562013-02-27T07:10:00.001-05:002013-02-27T07:12:05.046-05:00It's that time again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://watertribe.org/" target="_blank">WaterTribe's Everglades Challenge 2013</a> starts on Saturday, March 2. Just seems like last month the 2012 paddled off!<br />
<br />
Above are a few images from previous ECs--the pain belies the enormous fun and absolute enjoyment of paddling 300+ miles from Tampa Bay to Key Largo, Florida, in the seven allowed days, stealth camping along the way, with very little sleep in between.<br />
<br />
This year's <a href="http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ShowRosters.aspx" target="_blank">roster</a> is the largest ever, at 107 boats. A huge part of the fun is catching up with old friends, and making new ones.<br />
<br />
You can <a href="http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ChallengeGMapper.aspx" target="_blank">follow us along</a>, as everyone has compulsory SPOTs to track us by. <br />
<br />
To add to the excitement, I had my US naturalization interview yesterday, and passed! As per my pre-interview instructions I was expecting a two-hour grilling, but was out in about 16 minutes. In a month or so I should receive information on the next swearing in ceremony. Figured as I have an American son, he'd better have a mum who can help vote for his future!<br />
<br />
Floatsome will be keeping up with the blog while I'm paddling. Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-89709176809048386882012-12-31T11:50:00.001-05:002012-12-31T11:50:35.878-05:00Green Machine Monsters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTtL5DukbnhCza6kWe4UUGI9sN-Sihg8nFm91T3J9WsDE4-3St46usYv-WQHizkrkqfmPlh-VdIQnNI-6eXRkgA-k1Z31x4bVmx_drUvy0WlB7iRBVcmFvAl5snDd1ljA84iIVtdrS6A/s1600/GreenMachines2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTtL5DukbnhCza6kWe4UUGI9sN-Sihg8nFm91T3J9WsDE4-3St46usYv-WQHizkrkqfmPlh-VdIQnNI-6eXRkgA-k1Z31x4bVmx_drUvy0WlB7iRBVcmFvAl5snDd1ljA84iIVtdrS6A/s320/GreenMachines2012.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The Wee One's US grandfather bought him a <a href="http://www.huffy.com/products/greenmachine.aspx">Huffy Green Machine</a> for Christmas. Had never heard of them before. It only took me about 20-30 minutes to put it all together.<br />
<br />
I then spent two days--Christmas and Boxing Day--standing in around C4/F40 acting as point guard while he rode it around our quiet streets. Thankfully the bucket seat adjusts very easily so I could have the occasional turn, to help warm me up every once in a while. But that made both of us frustrated.<br />
<br />
Enough was enough! The very next day I took matters into my own hands, did a quick Google search--could have waited ten days for a pink one (hmmm)--but two hours was long enough--jumped in the 4Runner, drove to the local Toys' R Us, and bought my very own Green Machine.<br />
<br />
On explaining my impulsiveness to FliesWithKiwiBird, I outlined the benefits of the WeeOne now being able to play with his mates.<br />
<br />
Have I mentioned how much fun these Green Machines are?! And what great exercise they are?!<br />
<br />
Oh, and you should see my spinning 180s...<br />
<br />Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-53928813713788202262012-03-21T21:54:00.017-04:002012-03-30T19:23:18.093-04:00Everglades Challenge 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiayHRojkzb7pFG3-cxCLrKDWQ3yPvspr9J0VX9474y1EeI2q7mHb0F2NuXLD4pLLWYVtPra8Tl32CdDx4HlxBjrhZjvIQh8I52KNde5n3drG86F-C3VydhgC_uXVocGAH1s_AwqKlbng/s1600/Beach2012EC.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiayHRojkzb7pFG3-cxCLrKDWQ3yPvspr9J0VX9474y1EeI2q7mHb0F2NuXLD4pLLWYVtPra8Tl32CdDx4HlxBjrhZjvIQh8I52KNde5n3drG86F-C3VydhgC_uXVocGAH1s_AwqKlbng/s400/Beach2012EC.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722534819716664722" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> 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New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]-->It was my sixth Everglades Challenge (EC) this year, and for the first time Chief’s words rang true: the hardest part of the Challenge is getting to the beach. My family was going to make a holiday around the race this year, seeing me off at Fort De Soto, and then spending a relaxing week on the beach at the finish line at Key Largo. But days before we were to depart our son was diagnosed with a rare and potentially fatal kidney ‘disease’, and the night before we were to leave my partner developed a terrible case of strep throat. It was only that Wednesday night before we decided I would indeed make a go of this year’s EC, leaving the next morning at 0500 for the solo 12 hour drive from Durham, NC to Tampa Bay, FL.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRUzJxKRToQD5uLkgBCRKeoTGQz5FJNzBnYk13yYNPbWZs1EN_mnORRroRRKMhn0XSnk7qg7i5bCTLbpM_86bytkMX8yyzgWSq9-peezCv5S1SKRfg83d2O6vuy1-VcGgCwFjKLUcMMY/s1600/2012ECBeachPacking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRUzJxKRToQD5uLkgBCRKeoTGQz5FJNzBnYk13yYNPbWZs1EN_mnORRroRRKMhn0XSnk7qg7i5bCTLbpM_86bytkMX8yyzgWSq9-peezCv5S1SKRfg83d2O6vuy1-VcGgCwFjKLUcMMY/s400/2012ECBeachPacking.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722537035636475474" border="0" /></a>The best part of any WaterTribe event is catching up with all the old salts who are now firm friends. After loading up all our boats on the beach at Fort De Soto on Friday, everyone met up for that afternoon’s Captains' Meeting. This year was a record number of entrants with 15 boats registered for the 70-mile Ultra Marathon to Checkpoint One, 60 boats entered for the 300-mile EC, with another 11 registered for the 1,200-mile Ultimate Florida Challenge (UFC), all spread across five classes. <p class="MsoNoSpacing">My stomach developed a few grumbles that night, but I thought nothing of it. I’d had a bout of the norovirus sweeping Duke’s campus a few weeks previously, and a colonoscopy on the Monday before leaving, so attributed it to my stomach returning to normal. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Saturday morning, we were all on the beach before sunrise, waiting for the 0700 gun—or in this case, bagpipes—to go off. We were facing a pretty stiff southerly, so at least warm, of about 35 knots, so it would be a bit choppy heading across Tampa Bay. Chief even walked down the line, shouting that we didn’t have to leave the beach if we deemed it too rough. But we were off--not all of us--a few decided to stay on the beach, one of them being a UFC entrant.<br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">For the eight miles across Tampa Bay, it was quite a slog. Average speed was only around 1.5 to 2.4mph, and it was very wet ride, with waves rolling in around 3-4 feet at times.And then there were the tides...<br /></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">To keep me going, I need to eat every hour or so, and I sip regularly on my Gatorade. My stomach started feeling queasy after about 30 minutes of paddling. I know sea sickness, and this wasn’t that. After a couple of hours of hard paddling I was hungry, but could only manage a few mouthfuls of energy bar before feeling even more nauseous. For the rest of the day, every time I tried to eat or drink, I felt sick. One of my personal “challenges” is that I have a very sensitive vagal nerve: if I vomit, or inadvertently swallow something that hits the nerve, I pass out (and I’ve really beaten myself up in the past, with some uncontrolled landings). And I can’t do that in a kayak in the middle of a rough sea. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">After eight hours of paddling and only 20 miles of distance covered in very strong headwinds, I decided to pull over at Longboat Key, around 1630 hours. Little did I realize that this was Longboat Key Club & Resort, a gated AAA “luxurious and private setting for boating enthusiasts, resort guests and members at our exclusive Florida resort”.<br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fOXAmFWBvNL9tNLoIs9XyXVxxrOoDpuOVUbsxUoA7fL-GpyDDoyMyX87y-YNpaT57n9Gn9pOjocSXpzeCnG2N6e8cx6Z_43UB5gZyj5QHHg3fXt1jgNBXtkDuuc6QJxYYzyEKBHdt0U/s1600/LongboatMarina.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fOXAmFWBvNL9tNLoIs9XyXVxxrOoDpuOVUbsxUoA7fL-GpyDDoyMyX87y-YNpaT57n9Gn9pOjocSXpzeCnG2N6e8cx6Z_43UB5gZyj5QHHg3fXt1jgNBXtkDuuc6QJxYYzyEKBHdt0U/s400/LongboatMarina.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722537266264701922" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">I dragged my boat up a sandbagged ramp between the rip rap (to the left of the photo behind the shelter of the mangroves), and bumped into Doug and Leslie, who were on winter break from Minnesota, staying with Leslie’s mum, just a mile or so up the road. I explained my situation and did they think it would be possible for me to stay the night somewhere here, to see how I felt in the morning? Come along to the restaurant they said, and perhaps there’s someone there who can help. Come on in, said Kiki, the restaurant manager. You’d better come out here, I responded as I dripped all over the walkway (I’m still fully garbed in kayak gear at this stage). Once again I explained my plight and why I was indeed here. No problem, Kiki responded. Pitch your tent anywhere you like over there, and I’ll let the night manager know you’re here. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Saying good evening to Doug and Leslie, I wandered back to my boat, to find Whale pulling up to fill up his water bottles at one of the marina’s hoses. I let him know that I’d be staying the night here, to see how I felt in the morning. And off he paddled, around Florida. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">I pitched my tent behind the lee of an electrical box. Don waved at me from his 65 footer launch just across from me, and asked if I was okay. I told him my story. We have to go to the theatre this evening, but if you’re awake by 10:30, you can shelter in the cockpit here, and then have a shower<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and spend the night with us. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The kindness of strangers is extremely heartwarming.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">I was in my tent by 1930 hours, so missed Don’s hospitality. All I could eat, or in this case drink, was an Ensure Plus (350 calories), which with half of a Nature Valley oats bar forced down around six hours previously was all I’d eaten all day.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">It blew pretty consistently all night. Around 0500 the expected northerly front hit. First a few drops of rain, then some thunder and lightning, and then the wind. I had a bit of my tent inner zipped down for some fresh air. “The” gust tore up under my fly and not only unzipped the entire entrance but took down the inner of the tent and lifted the windward side of the fly. I lost three stakes. There was dust and sand flying everywhere, and for about ten minutes I lay against the fly to keep the entire tent—and me—blowing off the marina. During a lull I made a dash to my kayak—which had been turned 180 degrees in the wind—and dug out my deeper sand stakes to restake the tent. An hour or so later I emerged, to see some pretty impressive white caps running down Sarasota Bay. It would have been just fine to leave, with a following wind and sea, but I still couldn’t eat, and my stomach still felt terrible.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Don emerged from his boat and waved me over. Come and have a cup of tea and some scrambled eggs. And for the next four hours Chicagoans Don and Sue looked after me extremely well. I can’t thank them enough. Their heartfelt generosity and terrific life stories very much made up for the fact that I knew my EC had come to an end.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4Fcxnfb0sQN7owrYraErDQYREhtv0n13f2_-iQvQ20egWwutNMx3ud9WqeLNcuVgzGVhIN8z4xHZpntUaHoWPxaoUwRvmnzEZ4moOz_fNxXjDDcTxdT1h4onGbhxLmuxtCTLcuXpgvk/s1600/EC2012marina.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ4Fcxnfb0sQN7owrYraErDQYREhtv0n13f2_-iQvQ20egWwutNMx3ud9WqeLNcuVgzGVhIN8z4xHZpntUaHoWPxaoUwRvmnzEZ4moOz_fNxXjDDcTxdT1h4onGbhxLmuxtCTLcuXpgvk/s400/EC2012marina.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722538043711428322" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:78%;">On SandyBottom's trailer, with Don and Sue's launch in the background.</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">And to cap it all off, SandyBottom and SOS—in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Mosquito</i>—still hadn’t left the beach, and she would be at the marina soon after noon to come and pick me up. (Thank you, Dawn!)</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajTMNmVCzTwfaEkcJ_nWVF1Cjt9igiG_FiFIuXWwiJ-Kgwtt85Z3k7L0qnjbJct1wBk84xPJ0F2FKitJQsuYZlZJNXZZUJJ70y5XNrPI1JOGjVSz7yQprmXf70jmStWV2hyphenhyphencvd9_YTn4/s1600/2012ECTwinSpirit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajTMNmVCzTwfaEkcJ_nWVF1Cjt9igiG_FiFIuXWwiJ-Kgwtt85Z3k7L0qnjbJct1wBk84xPJ0F2FKitJQsuYZlZJNXZZUJJ70y5XNrPI1JOGjVSz7yQprmXf70jmStWV2hyphenhyphencvd9_YTn4/s400/2012ECTwinSpirit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722537558176624930" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:78%;">We also picked up TwinSpirit on the way back; with OneEyedJake helping.</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">I never thought I’d feel so… relaxed, about dropping out. I surprised myself. Perhaps because you have to be fairly rational in such a situation. If you can’t eat or drink when you need to be paddling at least 15 hours—mostly more—a day, if you’re feeling pretty damn crook, if you can at least drop out when there’s somewhere--and someone--nearby to help you and you don’t have to endanger other folks in the middle of nowhere, then it’s really a no-brainer.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">It took me another ten days to come right.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The conditions for this year’s EC were the worst ever in the ten-year history of the event. Only 25 boats completed the event, with eight of those entered in the UFC. More than anything, I feel a bit sad not having had the experience of paddling in those conditions, and completing the hardest ever EC.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">I can’t wait until next year! </p>Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-54954364852875652392012-03-04T09:42:00.003-05:002012-03-04T09:52:41.364-05:00There'll Be a Next Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVr0iVYCWfPjo9r2gQSbLO558_L5n4EBWVZqPJ-4a4jVJVz_ZzGsAQnIqmKnnChRdOWjPcgazylzsM1tesaP8SS-TvE7FTVL_yYT3-suS8FWMCnOrGyZ_PrP4b_DC06ra3uQE7COOFpdI/s1600/EC_2012_3.tiff"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVr0iVYCWfPjo9r2gQSbLO558_L5n4EBWVZqPJ-4a4jVJVz_ZzGsAQnIqmKnnChRdOWjPcgazylzsM1tesaP8SS-TvE7FTVL_yYT3-suS8FWMCnOrGyZ_PrP4b_DC06ra3uQE7COOFpdI/s400/EC_2012_3.tiff" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716054313559583490" border="0" /></a><br />KiwiBird called FliesWithKiwiBird shortly ago. She's still feeling poorly, her tent blew over early this morning, and the winds are awful--major white caps in the marina. The fact that she was having scrambled eggs on a yacht may have made that decision a little more comfortable.<br /><br />SandyBottom is on the way to pick her up and return her to Ft. DeSoto. SB and SOS don't plan to head out until tonight, at the earliest. It's not a long drive, as you can see. KB is on Longboat Key at the bottom of the map, and Ft. Desoto is on the spit of land at the top left.<br /><br />For now, I'm signing off. Hope to be doing the North Carolina Challenge with KiwiBird, SandyBottom, SOS, DancesWithSandyBottom and the rest of my WaterTribe friends in the fall.<br /><br />FloatsomeKristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1350911734409694445.post-37624970867141871642012-03-04T08:14:00.002-05:002012-03-04T08:30:37.925-05:00Sunday Morning UpdateI have not heard from Kristen this morning, but I'm not surprised. When I checked the weather at the Venice NOAA Data Buoy, winds were 32 kts. out of the NW, gusting to the 39 kts. For those not familiar with nautical winds, that's moderate to fresh gale, 32 to 45 miles per hour. Time to hunker down.<br /><br />Only a few boats are underway at this point, with only two competitors (Class 5 catamarans) past Checkpoint 1--and not far past it. My history with the Everglades Challenge only goes back to KiwiBird's first, six years ago, but this is by far the worst weather I've seen.<br /><br />Update: Just talked to SandyBottom, who is still at Ft. DeSoto and doesn't plan to leave until this evening at the earliest. KB called her this morning, to find out what they're up to. KB's still trying to decide what to do. Her health is still not 100%, but she knows it will be a downwind sail for at least a couple of days. KB will call in to Dawn or me at 0900 with a plan.Kristenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05033154146079455056noreply@blogger.com0