Adventures of Patito Amistoso: Chapter Six

At the "The Rocks" in Florida

Dear children of Guatemala and everywhere else,

It's been way too long since I picked up my quill and wrote a blog.  It has been so hard to be away from the water for so long.  So let me tell you the story about why Deb and I are not kayaking these days.  We did finally get out on the water in a pontoon boat and saw a garbage dump from thousands of years ago!  I'll tell you about that too!

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.

Getting ready to Sail to Guatemala

SV Polaris - my ride to Guatemala

Switching gears from rehabilitation to preparing for the sailing portion of the expedition.

Amelia Island: Landfill Art and Kayaking Disaster

Chris taking photograpghs at Ferandina Beach Rotary Meeting

When speaking at Rotary meetings, learned of interesting landfill art.  Visited the spot of one my worst kayak disasters from years past.

Jacksonville: Sharing the Safe Passage Story: Today and Yesterday

Deb on the First Coast Living TV show in Jacksonville

Safe Passage supporter, Pat Ellis, did an amazing job of organizing publicity and presentations in Jacksonville.  A great extra was speaking to the East Arlington Rotary Club.   I felt I was back in Guatemala when Pat shared lots of photos from Safe Passage from over the years.

Port Orange: Great Support for Safe Passage and PT Challenges

Deb speaking at the Port Orange United Church of Christ

Great hospitality and generosity from Port Orange, Florida!   But tough going with the rehabilitation - who knew it was so much work holding up a head!

Getting my Kayaking Fix by Watching Other Expeditions

Now that I'm not kayaking, I have to get my kicks by following some other kayaking events: circumnavigating South America, kayaking UP the Mississippi, and the Everglades Challenge.