Diagnosis in Charleston, Treatment Plan and the Expedition goes Forward!

One of the more expensive images of the expedition

We finally have a diagnosis, and a treatment plan.  Expedition hosts are surrounding us with love and care.  The expedition goes forward!

Injury Update: Salt, Sun, Oysters and Possible Plans

Melancholy at the McClellanville dock

What I thought was muscle injury is likely to be a spinal problem.  This will require some creative thinking about how to proceed.

What? Another Injury?

Bad news.  My shoulder was hurting near the end of my paddle last Wednesday.  I was so glad I was taking five days off to go to Chapel Hill to visit schools, churches, a retirement center, a radio station and supporters house parties.    Sharing the stories of Safe Passage instead of kayaking was a welcome rest that I had hoped would cure my shoulder.

But after the five days, the pain is still enough to make it hard to sleep.  So I've decided I need to rest a little longer.

Back to North Carolina: Speaking Blitz

Deb and Jemma at Carolina Friends School

I'm back in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  Arnie Katz organized a whirlwind tour with ten speaking engagements over three days.  I can rest in my kayak.

Paddle Day 87: Navigation Fail, Two Thirds Done and Maritime Ties Between Maine and South Carolina

Building Henrietta in Bucksville, SC

Passed the two thirds mark today, with over 1,500 miles completed!  Solved the mystery of the tides and currents in SC.  Learned about the close maritime connections between Georgetown and my coastal area in Maine.

Paddle Day 86: Cypress Bogs and Historical Homes

Peaceful cypress swamp

Pleasant paddling down the river through a cyprus swamp, to arrive at historical home in Georgetown.

Paddle Day 85: VHF, VGA and VSB, I Love Bogs and Power Squadren Generosity

Long Bay Power Squadron inspects my kayak

Pleasant paddle with the current to Socastee.  Staying in a little bit of paradise on the water 75 degrees.  Great company with my first Power Squadron visit, where the discussion ranged from VHF to VGA and VSB.

Paddle Day 84: TV and Radio Interviews, Kayak Surprise and more Southern Hospitality

Back in the saddle!

It was a mid day start to the paddling, so spent the morning doing a TV interview at the local Fox station WFXB.  Then a radio interview at WEZV.  It was hard to get back to paddling.  But the reward was more great southern hospitality at the end of the day!

SUCCESS! Money Raised for Third Grade. Starts in January!

Safe Passage student (photo by Debbie Grail)

I am so happy that the many people I have met along the way, and others who heard about my expedition to share the stories of the children of Safe Passage, have given generously.  The goal was to raise $150,000 to convert third grade in 2015 and fourth grade in 2016 from after school programs to full day school.  The supporters met the goal!   At the start of the school year in January,  the third graders will now attend the Safe Passage school!  Thank you!

Holiday Break: Grandchildren, New Plans and New Year with New Friends

Grandson Henry feeding the Chickadees.  Great photo by Chris!

Had a great holiday break with family.   The yacht that will take me from Florida to Belize spent the holidays sailing to Miami, and we made new plans for the sailing part of the expedition.  Spent New Year's Day with new friends.