Even in calm waters, the crossing to Grand Manan is a big and challenging open water adventure.  Strong currents, huge tides (20 plus feet this week) and often thick fog, all conspire to challenge the senses.  Throw in swell that has been building up the east coast and mix in a little strong wind, well, you undoubtedly get the picture.  Sunday may end up being the day to depart, but if not, it will be Monday. 

For anyone that read the post about the rescued sea kayakers, you will know that erring on the side of caution is critical when planning these types of open water outings.  As the storm passess and the winds calm, I will re-evaluate my decision on heading out, only choosing to do so when conditions are safe but still challenging.

The report is a fascinating description of the events that occurred and their post trip observations of what went wrong as well as recommendations for the future.  It reminded me of a story from George Gronseth's "Sea Kayaker Deep Trouble" book.  A book by itself that all kayakers should take the time to purchase and read.

You can read the incident report at this link. 

Glenn

Many of these acts of kindness involved people opening up their homes to a complete stranger, paddling around North America in a simple orange, now blue, kayak.  Often tired, dirty and somewhat smelly, I was more often than not, quite a sight.  These warm, caring, loving people, did not have to open up their houses - but they did.  I never once asked for these gifts, they were just given to me from the heart and soul.  On most occasions I was taken in by people I did not know, immediately fed wonderful food and offered showers, shelter, and a soft warm bed.  Many of these people had young children in their homes; what a wonderful lesson this was for those old enough to understand; parents being kind to complete strangers, no sense of fear or doubt in their minds, simply what you are supposed to do for your fellow man.

Mainstream American media would have you believe that everyone you don't know is a stranger and a threat to you and your family.  They constantly tell stories of tragedies that involve an innocent person and someone they did not know.  The message they push is nothing more than Fear.  It is a sad time when the vast majority of people in this country would hesitate to give a stranger a ride to the grocery store or heaven forbid, invite them into their homes for a warm meal and the comfort of shelter.

I am here to reinforce the truth; good people are out there and they are waiting for your simple act of kindness to change their life.  We each have the power to dramatically change the world through these acts of kindness and compassion.  This is such a powerful concept that Michael J. Chase has written a book, 'am I being kind' and started a foundation called The Kindness Center that he uses to spread the word.  His belief that kindess can not only make you a better, happier and more compassionate person, but it also has the benefit of empowering others.  Those who receive your act of kindness are dramatically changed; their view of the world slowy begins to brighten.  If we all partook in  true unconditional acts of kindness, imagine the change we could make in our society.

Poverty, homelessness, descrimination, violence, all of these things would begin to wane.  Most of us, even in tough times have more than enough to give to others less fortunate.  I live on Peanut Butter and Oats, yet still give whatever is in my pockets to those in need.  If it is change then they get that, if it is a $20 bill, they get that, in all cases I simply give because it is in my power to do so.  My belief that others are more in need than myself, and my simple acts of giving and acts of kindness bring me more joy than anything else in life other than my children and my family.

My challenge to you is simple.  Make kindness a way of life, make it your passion and one of your missions each and every day.  Make these acts of kindness random and always unconditional. For it is in the spirit of unconditional giving that we can receive an incredible sense of joy.  Start small, find someone today and simply do something nice for them.  Better yet, make sure it is someone that is unknown to you and maybe even someone that you normally would avoid.  Watch the surprise, hesitation and then happiness that spreads across their face. 

We can all change the world, it really can be done and it really is that simple.  One act of kindness at a time.

Peace & Love,

Glenn

am I being kind - Michael J. Chase, Founder of The Kindness Center

More images can be found in the new gallery I just created, found here.

In an attempt to help the damaged coast, its people, beaches and wildlife, we will be undertaking a charity paddle late this fall that will remind the paddling community that tragedies like this, no matter where we live and play, affect us in dramatic ways.  The event will bring the media and major elements of the kayaking community together in a multi-state paddle to raise funds for one or more of the efforts saving critically endangered wildlife along the coast.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or paddler, please use the contact form to get us your information.  As part of our fund raising efforts, we will be auctioning off a used, but restored, Nigel Dennis (NDK) Explorer.  This NDK explorer has been a critical part of our success and has traveled through more than 4200 miles of beautiful and often pristine waters.  NDK boats are all about exploration of the worlds waters, and as such, auctioning one off will remind us what  is at stake if we as a people, and especially lovers of the water, don't protect and care for our natural water environment.  All proceeds from sponsors and the auction will go to the named charities.

Over the coming weeks we will be posting more information on the event so please stay tuned and check back often.

"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools." - John Muir (clearly as relevant to our oceans as the woods)

The water temperature this time of the year is in the 40's, so on the rush of the flood, all of that incoming cold water combined with the humid warm air found on land creates a daily rush of fog.  You can sit on the shore and quickly feel the temperature change as the cold water begins to rush in.  The fog ebbs as well; sometimes thin and wispy, other times so thick you can barely see in front of you.  The weather dynamics are thus constantly in a state of flux as the cold water comes in and the SW wind comes up in the afternoon bringing in even more cool air.

Paddling in these conditions is sublime and yet difficult and often dangerous.  On the day I arrived in Lubec a young woman out for a paddle found herself caught in an 8 Knot current that was quickly pulling her out of the bay, into the narrows and points unknown.  A swift rescue by the locals averted what could have been a catastrophe.  The currents and fog are not the only problems.  Water temperatures in the upper 40s make immersion a true danger.  At those temps, a person without the proper clothing  will succumb to exhaustion and blackout in as little as 30 minutes.  Death can occur within 1-3 hours.

Proper training and the appropriate clothing become an essential part of your survival kit.  I personally wear a Kokatat Watersports Wear Expedition dry suit with various layers of icebreaker wool base layers.  My Kokatat suit has protected me in not only these cold waters but throughout my entire passage up into Alaska and the frigid waters of Glacier Bay.  With all of its use, it was a great relief to have Kokatat and Gore-Tex stand behind their product and provide me with a replacement suit this past week.  I am honored to be using a product made by companies that value their customer and stand behind what they manufacture.

The tide range the week I arrived in the Bay was upwards of 21 feet.  I arrived in Lubec on a high tide that brought me right up to shore.  Even though I timed my arrival to within 30 minutes of slack, I was soon to learn that during the higher tides, there really was no such thing as slack.  As I arrived, I was barely able to make it up the narrows and around the break wall as slack had quickly turned to an ebb and the tide was rushing out at an ever increasing rate.  That evening it was a dramatic site, looking out over the narrows that 6 hours before were filled with rushing water, now was a significantly smaller river of rushing water surrounded byseveral hundred yards of shoreline.  The picture of this scene is located below.

This journey has once again taught me that kindness and love triumphs over everything else.  That loving even those that would do us harm is the only way to confront conflict, for there is no other path.  I am truly blessed to have had this experience, and to have learned these lessons.  No one is perfect, we all have made mistakes.  The true test is how we live our lives at this moment, for it is only in the Now that we have any control whatsoever.  The past, good or bad, can never be changed and the future is nothing more than the path we create from each and every moment we live now. 

I am now forced to take a break due to a complete breakdown of my entire body and most especially my fore-arm.  Almost 6 months of paddling in big ocean water has worn me down to the point that I worry it is no longer safe to continue in the harsh waters of Nova Scotia.  At this point I will rest a bit, seek some treatment, and evaluate my options before making a final decision next week.

Peace & Love

Glenn

In the fog, it is hard not to notice both the silence and the noise.  Suddenly waves have new meaning as does the ding heard from a distant buoy.  The diesel engines on the lobster boats have a distinct sound when they are travelling away from you as apposed to coming at you.

Camping on islands in the middle of the sea, surrounded by water and waves, and an invisible blanket of white, is however, the most surreal feeling of all.  Last night I stood on a rock ledge watching the tide come in.  Waves were breaking high on the south side of the island and I could not help but be at complete and utter peace.  I had this continuing vision of looking down from above, me alone on the tip of this island in the middle of the sea.  A seal swam by and a few gulls made their presence known, but other than that, I felt completely alone and yet not alone at all.

In these moments, I am so grateful to have made this journey and to have accomplished so much.  My sense of peace and love is a guding force in how I see and interact with this beautiful world we live in.  I only wish that everyone could experience moments like this, seeing how a simple island in the middle of the big vast ocean can put everything that is important in life in complete perspective.

Live, Love, be in Peace, Laugh a bunch, and never ever Judge.....