Too Far Gone

I have been asked ‘what if’ concerning The Sunshine Paddle…we are just under the 66 day point…this trip is about to happen… I have the bulk of the stuff we need bought…

I have been training and studying for this for more than a year…the help from so many souls made my job easier…I have always felt blessed…as you have watched on the Website it has not always been as easy, but with such a good cause as Sunrise of Pasco- it has always been worth it…the side effect is educating parents and children…how can that ever be a bad thing...

I foresee an adventure…one hopes it to be a happy one…13 states, 39 stops in 39 days (the day count depends on weather) via kayak…I am not running for office…It is my hope to bring attention to the amount of women disappearing or hurt or dead and how high those numbers are climbing…not to mention what is happening in front of children…we need to stop the violence…Many people have said they want things to change…so please help me change them

I need help……if you have family or friends along our route, please ask them to check us out if they have time…any help at this point would be great…I am trying to put together food and fuel…this is not easy as prices keep climbing…we are grateful for every penny…if you can manage to help I would be thankful…if you cannot help, maybe you know someone who can and could talk to them for me

At this moment you can mail us a check or money order made out to Sunshine Paddle…you can also donate through PayPal on the Sunshinepaddle.com…as of Tuesday afternoon you will be able to go to any Sun Trust Bank and donate directly to the Sunshine Paddle…all donations are tax deductable…

We appreciate your support in this endeavor:)

Thank you,

Captain D

Less than 3 months to go….

Good Tidings Mates,

We are now under the 3 month point until the launch…much has to be prepared…fixing Wilma, supplies, gas, food, etc…it all runs on donations and we really need help to make this happen…every donation helps

Friday (02/17/12) found me at Withlacoochee River Park for The Primitive ArtFestival…walking among history was really fun…from Tee Pees to Old Cracker Houses…classes on how to make an arrow from stone…it amazed that I did not see a parking lot full of school buses…this would have been a cheap fieldtrip…with big impact on educational value…I walked down by the river and thought about how strong the settlers of this area had to be when I saw a gator splash in the water…the park ranger stopped to tell me of plans they had to make the park better…I thought it to be clean, good layout and well kept

Saturday (02/18/12) found me on the way to Siesta Key…Lance had asked Walt and I to come down…I felt it a safe first paddle since Walt’s surgery…we rented the kayak at Siesta Key Bike and Kayak…we did not paddle for too long as I did not want him to be too tired…the birds seemed to have care for Walt and came close in to make sure he was okay…it was quite funny to watch…The brown pelicans swim almost as much as they fly…they are like having a team of comedians hanging out…there seemed to be one every place we looked that day

Sunday (02/ 19/12)-Tuesday was time to do school work and treat clients…Janis reminded me that I need to be able to swim distance in case something happens…it has been a while since I was just made to swim…we hunted through the parks in Pasco…Janis offered to help me with a press release…she will also be releasing it to all news and media stations…if you live on the east coast, please e-mail me your local news and weather stations…this would be very helpful

Wednesday (02/22/12) Janis and I found New Port Richey Aquatics Center…this is a well kept secret…it is a well kept very clean facility…it has a weightroom, 2 gyms, tennis courts…kiddie pool, water slide, dive boards and heated lap pool…I could hardly believe the entrance fee for an adult was only $7 for the day…the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and polite…a young man was teaching his daughter to swim…Janis and I had to lend ourselves to help him…lol…being a good dad is so important to a young girl, that I always stop to pat one on the back…

As we grow closer to launch date my nerves are flying…I do not know if I could put in order all of the emotions I am feeling…I will be away from my family, friends and pets to accomplish my goal…they are all important, but so is my goal…

On Friday (02/24/12) I had to take my final exam in Political Science…I did well and finished the class with an A…my new class is dietary influence on disease…the phone rang and a friend recommended going to the ‘Little Everglades Combined Driving Event’ on Saturday…another friend mentioned the ‘Zephyrhills Cruise In’ in downtown Zephyrhills…I call Trish to tell her of the happenings and I got wrangled into a play…it is called the ‘Vagina Monologues’…when will I get to the water…the Horizon is calling me to the water

Saturday (02/25/12) for me at a dead run…first was reading for the play…this did not bother me and was really kind of fun…from there I was off to the Little Everglades Ranch…though they hold a steeple chase every year, this was my first time to attend an event there…It was very beautiful…well set up and had so much going on…it was well organized and offered a lot of entertainment for those of every age…

Later Saturday night, Walt took me to the ‘Zephyrhills Cruise In’…so many vintage and race cars…impressive engines sparkling everywhere…music filled the air of Main St and you were transported to a Hollywood movie set…what a great time

Monday (02/27/12) I went to International Auto Parts in Spring Hill…I brought Wilma over for Jessie to check out…he will be going to the junk yard in the next week or so to look for parts for her…

Tuesday (02/28/12), Walter took me to Weeki Wachee…this was his first paddle of the river...Curt at Paddling Adventures was ready for us…I tried to explain to him about the current and teach him to use the paddle as a rudder…the signs of spring were everywhere and there was a different group of wildlife…made for an interesting day

Wednesday, I spent the day processing pictures and upgrading the site…I spoke to several people about the paddle…this is all being done by donation and I am trying to do my best to make it happen

Today was a fun day at the Florida Estates Winery on SR 52…Walter was the designated driver and mom went with me to a wine tasting…I did not know we would have such flavorful wine…aye, I liked the orange and strawberry port the best…mom had a good time

Saturday, I have play practice and will be going down to Siesta Key after…if you want to join me, let me know…a busy Girly Pirate be I…time to hoist the anchor

Your Captain Dee

Every Day I See My Dream

Ahoy,

It has been such a long week and I am quite happy…let me fill you in…Monday and Tuesday I spent reading boaters safety and doing Political Science homework for school…a friend told me he had gotten laid off…I asked him to paddle with me on Wednesday…he said something about looking for work and I said he could do that when we got back…yes, I can be a bad influence…guess that’s what makes me the Girly Pirate…

So on Wednesday, I took Greg to Weeki Wachee…I am so used to Janis being on the front of my boat- it was a little strange to have a man there…Greg is from New York and a new member to the Florida Transplant Club…Paddling Adventures was ready for us…I am glad he was with me and he did well his first time out…the river current was strong and wanted to slam us off the bank, but I held us steady- this is where knowing strokes means the difference between a good paddle and a bad day…he took pics and video…give him credit- after 6-12 months in the water our camera equipment is no longer easy to use…lol…when I was downloading, I noted the difference at seeing things through his eyes in the pictures…please note that this is an intermediate paddle area- there were beginners that were getting slammed into trees and on the banks of the river due to the current, not a good or a fun way to learn…we had a great day on the river and got to see a lot of wildlife...

Thursday, I got a box donation from Paul and Cathy Cooper…it held a sleeping bag, tent and paddle float…I had been speaking to them about my trek through the outerbanks of NC and they felt this would keep me warm and safe…you see, at a few points I will be where the ground crew cannot reach me…also, the paddle float will aid in quicker reentry as many predators hang out off the coast…I am blessed to have so many who care for me…Paul even took me out to get a hitch for Wilma to be able to pull Betty:)

I was on cloud nine Friday as it was time for me to pick Betty up and bring her home…Wilma and I got there 2 hours early…ha ha ha…Dale had to meet me at the Waffle House…she pulled home easy and I had no problems…Wilma and Betty seem to belong together as a team…when we got home, I had Dale read the Instructions while I opened her up (she is a 1987 Colman Laramie Pop Up)…the inside is ugly brown-this needs to change…she is in good shape, she just needs to be Girlyfied…while I makeover Betty, Harold from Hals Auto Service has started working on Wilma…Wilma needs new rear shocks…I have also contacted Pete as her wire harness seems to need help…

Saturday brought me out and around town looking for fabric…I went to 5 different stores before I found what I wanted…Jo-Ann Fabrics saved me…they even had Girly Pirate fabric- I am totally stoked…I came home and called mom and Marilyn…Betty’s Makeover has begun…that afternoon came a heavy rain and high wind storm…I am happy to report NO leaks, though we do need to thread new rope through hereyes on the bottom band to keep her tent stable…

I have taken time to speak to several people about this trip and the reason for it…at 46, I never pictured becoming Captain of my own boat or making such a trip…so many right now feel powerless, it is causing an increase in violence…the worst part is the increase is happening in homes- not as much in public…think about that…here in Pasco County, Florida our Sheriff is our first line of defense and I am thankful for him…I have never seen one officer act other than professionally and fairly…if you need help, call Sunrise…e-mail them or write a letter…get help…why do I have faith in them…I am impressed with how they handle the situation and their viewpoints…you will never be the same, but life can go on and be amazing…the first step is to ask for help, the next step is to accept it

Please remember this trip runs on donations…I am thankful for every item and penny…for all who are pitching in to help have my deep appreciation…it is wonderful energy to be thus blessed

Avast Me Hardy,

 Captain D

What Would You Do With a Girly Pirate?

Ahoy Mate,

Monday at Crystal River went very well…Janis went with me…JC launched us from CrystalRiver Kayak……since there were so many snorkel people; I started to paddle out toward the gulf and came upon a basin…suddenly the boat was moving by itself…the calves’ were playing with my boat (kind of like a Tonka truck in the sand box)…all the cows were hanging out to one side (reminded me of women in a coffee clutch)…the kids were snorting hot breath up my back and tapping on the boat…Janis and I got to speak to many people about the paddle…we did good time on the water and was able to stop at Emily’s Restaurant…always worth the stop- good food/clean/friendly staff/fair prices…Yes, I do like the place:)

I spoke to Trish at the shelter…we need donations…she suggested I make some personal appearances since I cannot afford table fees at many of the upcoming events…I ran an advert in a local shopper type of paper called ‘The Flyer’ too…

I tried to gain some help from an RV company that could well afford it…the man spoke to me about one price- when I came up with money to meet his price he tried to double it…when this happens it is called ‘Bait and Switch’…people like this have very messed up karma- you do not want to be there when it hits the fan…even if he offered me something for free now I would not take it, NO bad Karma here or allowed near this trip:)

Our local hockey team may be terrors on the ice but, off the ice are well known through the community have been leaders among men…they take time for charities, community events and their families…their actions in the community speak so loudly that they can be heard throughout the Tampabay Area…

Saturday brought with it The Kumquat Festival in Dade City…many hands to shake and pictures to take…I got to try some kumquat jelly…the funnel cakes were great..Nathan went with me…we talked to several people about the paddle…the nice lady from the Pasco County fair knew who I was and had questions…the car show was really cool- so much muscle…Nathan brought the kids back to ride on the camels…what a really great day

I had received an invitation to paddle the Weeki Wachee from Curt at PaddlingAdventures…mornings like these are a true blessing and should never be taken for granted…around every corner was a new treat- animal, structure or nature…it was all Curt had promised and then some…you can never go wrong with a man who has a squirrel for a friend…

The Mermaidsof Weeki Wachee are real and I got to meet them…full of beauty and grace…this brings a whole new level to the term roadside attraction…I now understand why young ladies of Florida dream of being a Mermaid…the park was very clean and well organized…The Mermaids were very supportive of my goals and send their positive energy with me on my quest…

Every day I see my dream…

 Your favorite Girly Pirate,

 Captain D

Ahoy Matey

Welcome Aboard,

            It has been a busy few days for the Girlie Pirate…Friday seemed to take forever…I had a hard time sleeping, I was so excited…It was Saturday and time to head for Sarasota…YEA!!!!!!

            A happy Girly Pirate I was to find George had taken her to the beach for me when I got to Economy Tackle…I paid young Lee and off to Siesta Key we went…poor Walter had to put up with the VERY excited Girly Pirate

            As we drove down the street I could see her on the rack…I swear she was calling to me…she wanted to show me all her new goodies…she wanted to be in the gulf and not the bay…quickly I untied her and Walter helped me carry her over the dune…I could feel her excitement at the waves…the big blue girl likes big blue water…

After a few minor adjustments, we were off…the improvements had shifted her center of gravity- in a good way…it did take some time getting used to and I think we were both nervous…I was happy to have the Lady Blue Horizon home and she was happy to be here…I faced moderate chop and I was okay…she was making me a better sailor and a better person...the school of dolphins were happy to swim beside us:)

            On my way off Siesta Key we stopped at the Orange Octopus…Kim makes ice cream as good as mine with the same fresh ingredients…I had the espresso chip in a cup and Walter had the mint chip in a waffle cone…YUM

I found a great place to shop in Sarasota...I even got a girlie pirate Tshirt...prices were great and the staff was helpful...had way to many cute swim suits...it is called 'Splish Splash'...I can hardly wait to go back

            On the ride home, Walter was telling me about the Metal Detector Book he was reading…I was so tired and happy; the miles seemed to race by…it did my heart good to see my big girl back in her rack (I think even Yum Yum had missed her) and I think she was happy to be home

            Sunday and Monday brought patients for me to work on, but I could feel the pull of the ocean to my soul…I made some changes and plans started to form for Tuesday…I would go over to AncloteRiver Park…Cooper (my 80yr old father) was going with me…he had never been to the area and never been when I went kayaking…I was in for an interesting day

            Tuesday came to find not such great weather on the water…I will not find everyday good weather on my trip, so I was going…We got there at high tide…the weather was about 58f air and 65f water, cloudy and windy, coming up on high tide…I paddled for the protection of the mangrove islands…even they were little comfort…they day turned sunny and warmed to 70f air, but the wind grew stronger…the cross current in the channel seemed to be hard for even the dolphins to maneuver…when my arms started to hurt I came in…just as I went to get out, a wave popped the aft end of the boat and I got flipped into the water…my dad would not let put on dry clothes until we had the Blue Horizon tied down…lol…what was even funnier is he had this psyko squirrel following him the whole time we were there and if I did not know better I would say he was trying communicate with him….hmmm

            On the way back, Dad had me pull into a stables he had once been to in the 1950s…I pulled in and the very kind woman made time for dad, she had been there 9 years…her name is Joy Lambert…she trains horses and people in Jumping and Hunting…the Windward Farms stables are beautiful…the horses are well taken care of…we ran into beautiful wildlife as we walked the property...a lovley stop

            This morning I was a sore Girly Pirate…going through the mail I found a lucky charm sent from a facebook friend and cowboy in Ireland…it will be placed on my life vest the morning I leave for my trip…as you know this trip is run on donations and any and every thing is helpful

May the wind be at your back;)

Captain D

Dancing in the Daylight- Felling Productive

The Blue Horizon is still in dry dock…though Walter has tried several times, since the repair could mean my life, he feels safer with her going to the Yak Hospital in Sarasota (Economy Tackle)…we both have great faith in Dr. George…I am excited as while they work on the Blue Horizon, I can call Lance (941)346-0891 and Rent a Yak...push off Turtle Beach…anyone want to go???

Janice helped me get some books ready to be mailed…people in this situation need education that applies them to a better situation…I called Trish to let her know to expect them and to request the ability to give some items to the local food shelter…we also put together the walkie talkies, digital compass (both are great for kids to learn-but they will not work for us at the moment) and a few books and sent them to the Lutheran Church on SR54 in Wesley Chapel…it is the food pantry in this area…I thought of how many children are in those VERY long lines….keeping their mind occupied gives the parents and staff some peace…educational toys and books give the kids knowledge…how can that be a bad thing???

Walter’s vacation has been spent putting together a rack of the Yaks…this will keep them off the ground and in the shade…also at a level I can work with…I am impressed with his design…it is quite solid, but quite arty at the same time…It is hard to believe it cost less than $30…this pic is when it was only half done, promise I will post full pic soon….

My old computer that handled the pictures died and it too will be on the way to the doctor also….I have been taking the card to Walgreens…they burn me a disk for upload…as this computer is not made for pics and has no card slots

Donations are a big thing for this trip (this is why you do not see adverts all over the pages)…we need all the help we can get…I am trying to be green as possible…Catherine and Paul Cooper of Wesley Chapel have donated all the land maps we will need for the trip and camping guides to the coast…in fact, the maps are just as important as those we got off the computer- with very different details…Mr. Cooper even took time to take my packages to the post office for me…

I have started calling several different schools to let them know this resource is available to them and how it works…it makes my heart swell when they find out that it is free to use…they are so happy…

We went to Fort De Soto to train this week…a really amazing place…the cannon were huge and look as though they could work again if needed…made me feel safe…this beach was loaded with all kind of shells…the fishing pier was busy and 3 fish were caught in front of us…birds of every kind all over the park…you can paddle to the  ‘Sunshine Skyway Bridge’…though please keep in mind the current can be kind of strong, make sure you have the muscle for this paddle

If you have camping or boating equipment that you could donat or loan us please call me (813)907-6279

If you can donate money please click here, every dollar helps

May your sails be full of good Chi…

D

Make Safety A Priority

Since we had high wind on Sunday, I went to Philippe Park in Safety Harbor…It was quite beautiful at every view…this shares tide with Tampa Bay instead of the Gulf of Mexico…I pushed off at low tide and got to see the marsh grass;)…it looked far healthier than Dunedin Causeway and had many little critters above and below the soil/sand…

I spoke to Terry at Easy Kayaking…I ordered the books he recommended and find it was well worth the money…both books have been filled with very valuable information…the books stress the importance of Safety Training…I have never rolled my boat and wanted to make sure I knew what to do if it happened…We had several days of high wind and rain with lightening that kept me landlocked, so off I went to find a pool for practice…I also knew it to be important to have a bilge pump now…I got a cool one from Dick’s Sporting goods that looks like a water cannon…those guys find me the coolest gear:)

I was blessed…Dan at Meadow Point 3 gave me some pool time for Friday…okay so the temperature has dropped 20 degrees…I can do this…I started watching videos on YouTube on Kayak safety and the many different instructors who had so much information to share…I even watched the videos on what NOT to do

Friday Morning came…I was so excited, I woke up at 3 am…went through the books and videos just one more time before loading her on the car…I was expecting a small lap pool…OMG…I could paddle around this pool in the Blue Horizon and never bump the side…I felt truly blessed and wanted to cry, but there was work to be done…though it was a cold morning, the water was warm as I took my first roll…it was not as bad as I thought and not as easy as the video made it look…lol…the bilge pump worked well and she floats…the aft bulkhead is cracked…that made training difficult as the stern kept filling with water…Dan was kind enough to offer us use at another time and help me get her on the car

The Blue Horizon is currently in dry dock for the next few days undergoing repair…funny, I feel like a parent with a child in the hospital…she will be better than new…every woman deserves a spa day…lol…

May your waters be blue and flat for smooth sailing...please remember this is all running on donation and everypenny helps:)

D

Feeling Blessed

On 10/3/11, Janice and I took Blue Horizon down to the Kayak Doctor at Economy Tackle…the Yakima Foam System worked great…I went down I75 to Sarasota at around 60 m.p.h. and had no problems

Lee worked on her rudder and Allen decked her with new bungees…while I watched in fascination, Janice walked around the store…she got me a better PFD than what I had, 2 spray skirts (a neoprene and a canvas), reflective tape and an orange vest- all on sale…Allen spoke to me about Yakkin…very wise man with a lot of good information…when they were done Janice and I both got so excited and wanted to get her in the water…the guys sent us to Turtle Beach

Turtle Beach was a great launch…we met some guys from Ohio who helped us get the boat off the car and into the water…YEA…I paddled up, down and all around the canal to learn how my rudder worked and she had much more length than Yum Yum…OMG…she is so fast and powerful…I know she will be given to the museum…I am just enjoying the privilege to be her captain for a short time…we saw many lady fish jumping…the brown pelicans were interesting, I have never seen a bird dive so deep or for so long without being at sea…

On the 10/5, I put through all the web and picture updates…I have also stared contacting some of the groups recommended to me by other Yakkers…the Yak community is ever so helpful, it is one of the best things about this sport…

It was the 6^th when I heard from Greg Pflug…he and the crew are going to help me with my skill set…that will put me in Orlando next Thursday…I also sent a lovely book to my 2 favorite girl scout leaders...I hope to inspire them

I am getting to see a side of Florida that most people think no longer exists…it is very beautiful…if you plan to visit Florida, may I suggest spending ½ a day in a kayak…take only pictures and leave NO footprint, see the beauty of nature…it really is money well spent;)

On the 8^th you can find me at Dunedin Causeway…I hope to have some friends join me for a trek around the Smith Islands…Walter will be following me on Yum Yum…I am very excited, he does not get to join in often…

Tonight I will ride the wave to sleepy land feeling blessed...thank you all for sharing it with me;)

Blessed Be,

D