Peddle Day 37: Why do I keep going?

Paddler forced to become peddler

Biking again today instead of kayaking.  Makes the route a lot longer, but much faster.  Time left over to visit the aquarium to see the underwater life in the lagoon.  Time to ponder why I keep going despite so many obstacles that would be reason enough to stop.

Peddle Day 36: Biking the Beaches Under the Banyan Tree

Sunset at Jetty Park

Tried to rest my injured wrist and dry my damaged kayak by biking the route today.   Needed a gel seat because of the problem with my gel coat.  Hoped to bike two days worth of kayaking so I could make the future kayaking legs a little shorter in future.

Paddle Day 35: Paddle, Peddle, Paddle

Leaving Vero Beach Marina in a light rain.

Wrist problems led to a change of plans.  Paddled for six miles, then peddled for 12 miles and finally paddled briefly in the surf.

Paddle Day 34: The best of times...the worst of times

A yellow wooden boat bigger than mine

Started as a wonderful paddling day as I hopped from tropical island to tropical island along the coast.  Gentle rain and rainbows.  Then the wind picked up and I battled waves trying to find a safe place to land.

Paddle Day 32: Heading North and the Tale of the Fish and the Osprey

Approaching Cocoa

Not too exciting day along developed shores.  Interesting wildlife sightings none the less.  Large breaking waves from behind sound like freight trains.

Paddle Day 33: Christmas at 82 Degrees is Too Hot!

Under a bridge on Christmas Eve

Christmas in the subtropics is strange for folks from Maine.  Children say it best.  And a student from Guatemala expresses what Safe Passage has meant for him.

Paddle Day 31: Finally Successful Rocket Launch and Kayak Launch

Following seas and paddling backwards does the trick

This fully supported expedition provides many new options.  After three days of not being able to complete my distance for the day, I finally managed to complete a full day's paddle - by paddling backwards.

Paddle Day 30: Foiled again!

Kayak on vanishing beach at the base of a cliff

High winds sent me ashore about just a few miles of wild paddling and too many instances of accidental surfing.  Wish I could have found a better landing place than the base of a small cliff.

Paddle Day 29: 34 knot winds and Flamingo Bombed

Grey day crossing

Got up before dawn to try to beat the winds on a grey, rainy day.  Rapidly moving strong front got the better of me and I obeyed the NOAA advisory for small craft to enter harbor.  Not before having pulled some muscles paddling against the strong wind.  The highlight of the day was being flamingo bombed.

Paddle Day 28: Wildlife of Mosquito Lagoon and Paddling Failure

Manatee on the run!

First day of the fully supported expedition!  Only the forth time in nine months of paddling that I wasn't able to paddle to my intended destination.  Enjoyed the wildlife in Mosquito Lagoon.

Paddle Day 27: Now it's a fully supported expedition!

Flowery silk scarf so folks stop thinking I'm a guy, and for sun protection

Last day of the USA part of the expedition where I have to paddle with my gear!  Get to see my husband!  Went the wrong way for the first time!

Paddle Day 26: Birds galore!

Flock of Black Skimmers takes flight

Another nice paddle with lots of entertainment: first manatee sighting, tug goes aground, new on-water exercise routine, deafening speed boat races without mufflers, collected trash from the waterway, developed new technique to pee.  Then rest days filled with fun: carol service, walking the beach and working at a thrift shop.

Paddle Day 25: Fork lift the kayak out of the water??!!

Nice December paddling near Daytona Beach

Joined by Tom on his surf ski for the first hour.  Relaxed paddle to Daytona Beach.  Near panic when the dockmaster decided to use a forklift to lift my loaded kayak out of the water!

Paddle Day 24: Relaxed paddle and sail fail.

Color photo of the drama in the sky

Nice day of paddling.  Sail fail.  Another fun loving Rotary Club.  Sharing the Safe Passage stories and philosophy.

Paddle Day 23: Tinkling Shells and Palm Coast

Kayaking along a tinkling shell beach

Challenges of first day I've carried my full load of gear since I entered Georgia.  Seeing neighbors from home, and a warm Palm Coast welcome from a Rotary Club that knows how to have fun.

Paddle Day 22: Windy Pelican Flights and St. Augustine

Pelicans leaving their sand bar.

Wind and waves made this the roughest day I've paddled so far - with the Inuit paddle, that is.  St. Augustine tales were entertaining.

Paddle Day 21: High Winds in St Augustine

Training in the surf at St. Augustine Inlet

Really fast day of paddling with following currents and following winds.  Then watching the ACA L4 training in the inlet, since the conditions were too wild on the Atlantic beaches.

The Villages, Florida: Rotary Speaking Tour and Christmas Trees Galore

Receiving a gift of a wine glass from The Villages Evening Rotary Club

Took off five days from paddling to travel to The Villages to speak at Rotary Clubs and visit with good friends Roberta and Gary Walker.  Then back to Pat Ellis in Jacksonville.

Paddle Day 20: Still going through Jacksonville

House moved from JAX by boat to this ICW location

Another perfect weather day paddling the Intracoastal Waterway.  Great company with Sharon again!

Paddle day 19: Back on the water moving through Jacksonville, Florida

Pat snaps and Deb grunts.

Went flying down the ICW today with Sharon and Joey.  Following current and a tail wind!

Family Gatherings: My family and others

Thanksgiving with Pat Ellis's family

Lots of family gatherings.  Spent time in Rochester, NY with my daughter-in-law's family celebrating the life of her father.  Then Thanksgiving in Jacksonville with Pat Ellis's family.  It is so special to be invited to join in large family events.