I can't begin to tell you how much of that stuff I was popping, most likely destroying precious parts of my liver, all in an attempt to mask the pain I was feeling.  Obviously, paddling in the middle of know where means you generally don't have your own personal massage therapist to help you out, thus you need some form of treatment that can get you through until land fall.  My big mistake was thinking that pills were all I needed and that the problem would just go away by decreasing the swelling.  I guess you can say this is typical of the message our medical world has been teaching us; take pills and all will be well.

Had I searched out some physical therapy early on, and then spent a week or so in a single location getting several days of treatment, I would most likely have mitigated most of my issues.  As it was, I paddled up the entire coast line and did nothing until the end.  It still remains to be seen if there was any permanent damage, however right now it appears that all will be well.

Lesson: Put down the pills, go get treatment from folks that really understand how your body works.  I will be posting some links to stretches and self massage techniques that individuals can use if they are out and away from professional help.  At a minimum, the stretches are great for wrists, and forearms after you have received the appropriate professional treatment.

Thanks MJ, I owe you big!  Now, lets go paddle...

I do so love this paddle....

This morning, I got up early, around 5:30, to take a look at the incredible low tide.  It exposed beach and mussel beds that were previously unseen.  I then took a hike out to the reversing falls, where my hosts took me to walk around some pristine tidal pools, ones that are only exposed to these extreme tidal swings.  Within an hour the tide had risen more than a foot and you could hear the roar of the falls starting up as the tide began to flood in. 

Tonight their is a Jazz Festival going on in Lubec Maine, so we will head down that way for what should be some really good music.  A couple more days of rest and I will be back on the water for the next leg of the trip. 

the smell of salt is in the air

gulls caw in the distance -- unseen

awake now a new day is here

Off we headed to a local church on the edge of a beautiful harbor where the cars were lined up in the parking lot and people were entering the downstairs of the church carrying platters of food or gift donations for door prizes.  This particular church is in the heart of a small and close knit fishing  and lobster community.  I was instantly greeted at the door by a lovely woman and her husband who had been married something like 60 plus years.  She instantly had me laughing with goofy jokes and two warm and hearty hugs.  Introductions took place, and I immediately felt at home with the warmth and friendliness extended to me by those in attendance.

The hall was roughly filled two thirds of the way, what I would later learn was a modest turnout.  The tables were lined with all kinds of down home foods, deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, several dishes of gello and cool whip, one slightly odd popcorn salad and lots of other delicious home cooked food.  For someone used to eating such a bland diet, this offered up all fat, carbs, sugar, and protein that I longed for.  The drink table was made of water, lemonade, milk and chocolate milk.  This all proved to be an amazing feast only to be topped by an incredible layout of deserts.  Cakes, cookies, and other assorted treats capped a delicious meal.

I then learned what was to be done with the raffle tickets that were given to us as we entered the door.  The tradition of handing out tons of door prizes to almost everyone in attendance lasted more than 30 minutes and provided more than a few laughs.  The prizes ranged from potted plants to 10 pounds of lobster and everything in between.  After a bit, my number finally came up and I was awarded a lovely little stuffed doll which I later gave to an adorable young girl.  I asked her to take care of him for me and we named him Lolly. 

This whole experience once again reinforced the pure beauty of these sea side communities.  Made of people that live largely off the sea and the land, they work hard through the year and rely on one another to get by.  They may be incredibly protective of their waters and those that fish them, they are equally giving to those passing through, especially to those travelling by water.  I do believe however, this was the first time they had ever met a kayaker that paddled up there way from Key West.  Each time I experience these types of events, I realize how much I have longed for this sense of community, something I never experienced before beginning my odyssey. 

If you ever get the chance, make sure you dont pass up the opportunity to attend one of these fabulous events.  In the meantime, no matter where you live, why don't you create your own little Public Dinner and help foster a sense of community in your home town.

It was a very simple meal, but indicative of how folks up here live and eat.  Nothing can top the taste of simply prepared food that is caught, raised, or organically grown by yourself and neighbors;  eaten at a wooden table in a refurbished boat house surrounded by good friends, good food and great laughter and love.

These are the things that make life worth living.  These are some of the ideas, thoughts and inspirations that the One Ocean Project hopes to expose others to.  Living this life, simply done, does not have to mean living out in the country.  It is something that everyone can practice, no matter where you live.  It is time that we all take control of our lives, of the food we eat, and the way we approach our day to day happiness.  Go out and support your local food sources; laugh like it was no tomorrow; and give some random person a great big hug.

Simplify, simplify, simplify, surely it is time for a change.  Life Down East sure is sweet.

The town of St. Andrews is absolutely lovely.  I did not get a chance to explore it at length, but walking the small streets and seeing all the hustle and bustle of tourists made for a warm and fuzzy feeling.  The little harbor was definitely busy with sailing vessels and all of the whale watching tours.  The whales are starting to show up more frequently in the Bay of Fundy and this port is a major destination for whale watchers.  The Mackerel are running so the Seals are out in force.  This area is just spectacular and one worthy of checking out.

All is good, my body feels better, and yet their is a longing that civilization and its comforts can never satisfy.  The ritual described above is beautiful here, but not the same as being performed on an isolated island in the middle of the ocean.  A place created by the hand of God and the universal elements of the ocean, the wind, the rain.  I long for my spot on that island, watching the waves crash, the tide come in, the moon dip below the horizon or the silent cover of the fog.  Soon, very soon, I will set sail, and once again become one with the water and all its beauty.  All will be right, all will be well, for here on the Ocean, in the elements, truth is easily found; peace is easily felt; love is all that matters.

Peace & Love

G-