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.

Guatemala Connections in Chicago and Rotary's Campaign to End Polio

At RI Headquarters:  The women of Chipastor!

A spur of the moment trip to Chicago led to more Guatemala connections, thanks to an invitation from Marga Hewko.

Global Women of Action at the United Nations

Deb and the other five "Global Women of Action" at the UN

I was so humbled to be honored at the United Nations as a "Global Woman of Action".

7790 PDG Deb Walters to be Honored at the United Nations

Dr. Deb Walters

Rotary International President K.R.Ravindran announced that six Rotarians from around the world have been selected as Global Women of Action.

Two More Awards for Kayak For Safe Passage Kids

Safe Passage children working hard!

I was so touched to be awarded "2015 Rotarian of the Year" by the Unity Area Rotary Club on Tuesday.  But even better was Gene Pfeiffer being awarded  "2015 Service Above Self" for his amazing role in finding me hosts every night as well as Rotary Clubs to speak to about Safe Passage.  Gene worked more than full time on the logistics to make the Kayak For Safe Passage Kids Expedition successful to raise awareness and funds for school for the children at Safe Passage.  And even more amazing, Gene is willing to do it all again for the next leg of the expedition!  

Jacksonville Again: Water Projects in Guatemala and Planning the Return by Kayak

Telling Etivina's story at the Zoo (North Jacksonville Rotary)

Fourth trip to Jacksonville post surgery!  The Rotarians just keep arranging speaking engagements for me.  While my presentations are about Safe Passage, we ended up also talking about Rotary water and sanitation projects in the highlands of Guatemala, comparing the ones I've lead with the projects they have done.  At the same time we are planning the speaking engagements for when I return to Jacksonville by kayak.

Paddle Day 78: Relaxed paddle with new friends, Turtle Hospital and Rotary Christmas Party

Jean Beasley with a sea turtle made from plastic garbage. 

Sunny day with two kayakers joining me, little help from the current, and relaxed paddling.  Then a rest day with a visit to the Sea Turtle Hospital and a Rotary Christmas Party!

Paddle Day 57: Weather Worsens Enroute, Rescued by Rotarians

Weather catches Deb

The 15 knot winds increased during the day to the edge of what I could handle, but I had a great evening with Rotarians and Kathy and Ted.

Paddle Day 11: Playing with navigation, Dancing with currents, and Relaxing at the yacht club

Hampton Harbor lobster boat

Storm in the forecast, so paddled on a scheduled rest day to be able to sit out the storm.

Paddle Day 10: Zen talk, Cheering boats, and Caught like a fish

Selfie with Rob, who joined me for a few hours

Great sendoff from New Castle Island, with Jewish and Muslim Israeli youth singing for me on the beach!  

Storms, Rashes and Blisters

Glad to be sitting this storm out in comfort

Glad I arrived a day early to New Castle.  Means I didn't have to paddle through this storm.   Inclement weather is so much more enjoyable when sitting on a lovely deck on shore!

One day until I launch!

Gifts from the Bangor Breakfast Rotary Club

My calendar sent me a message this morning saying "Begin kayaking! tomorrow".

Rotary Club of Unity, Maine is Sponsoring the Expedition

I am so pleased that the Rotary Club of Unity, Maine, my Rotary Club, is sponsoring the Kayak Safe Passage Expedition.