26 days until launch

Ahoy Mate,

26 days until launch…everything that can go wrong is…lol…

Why do I laugh?

It is not problems that make or break you, nor do they tell who you are as a person…it is how you approach the handling of them…never let them take your ability to laugh, use it and the worst situation becomes manageable

My emotions are like a perfect storm…I am excited- this trip will be epic (good or bad)…I am sad to leave my family and friends- I will miss them…I will be overjoyed to see my granddaughter (Lindsey, 8) and my niece (Abigail, under a year)- it will be my first time to hold either one…I will get to meet my new son in-law for the first time (Matt)…worried over the folks and Walter- I am leaving Dale behind to care for them, but he is not me…stressed about doing school while on the paddle- at least it will be subjects I am familiar with…I could go on, but you get the picture…

I passed my boater requirement test with an 97%...I have posted all over the internet in hopes of finding other paddlers to paddle their area with me…though I do not mind the solitude of being solo, it is nice to meet new friends:)…the tech people in my life have been helping me learn all the new gizmos…all this stuff is not new to most, but I have not owned a cell phone for 3 years- I did not even know how to text…lol…Thank You Marilyn for being so patient- her husband Steve is sweet and puts up with my many phone calls…the vehicles’ need tires…I found the truck tires- still looking for a topper, we can use tarp but a topper would be nice…still working on the camper- could use an extra rim, 10 inch…a BIG Thank you to Harold and Walter for getting the lights done on Wilma and Betty…Dennis has been great help with my SPOT tracker…Mary Rowell of Maine donated a printer with extra ink- how very cool…I have been practicing at Anclote and Hudson as they are both close and there is much to be done…packing, packing and repacking- in my anal heart I know this will happen a few more times…do you know how much stuff we need or how much room it takes???

I have called every state, checked back in with everyone we had already…some places went under so we have had to adjust the route and I am sure as we go along we will need to adjust it again…fingers crossed it will not be by much…we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best…a trip like this takes planning, training and communication…it makes my hear sing to see how many people are pitching in to help…

This whole trip is run on donation…most of our equipment is old and used, to me this is a beautiful thing…these items may not be worth much money, but they are gold to us and have been given new life…our safety equipment is brand new and works well…this was done with Monetary Contributions from- Matt Le Hann, Mary Irving- Fantucchio, Tim O’Hara, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Cooper…we are now working on money for gas and food…all donations help…gift cards, quarters, dimes- it all helps…I am also looking for Velcro- please check your draws and cupboards’…

We appreciate your support in this endeavor:)

Thank you,

Captain D

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

Power in the Paddle

Merry Meet My Crew,

As we draw closer to Yule, life has become hectic…none of the children will be home for the holiday… the start of the week found me staring at my guitar……9 months ago I quit smoking cigarettes…I had  purchased the guitar to keep my hands busy while I quit...I can not play a song, but can run scales really well...lol…I read a book about being a good sea captain…they always brought the spiritually back to shore…with this in mind I called the Lutheran Church (no I am not Lutheran, but they do the most for the community in my area- food bank, welfare sign up, etc….and I thought they could use the help)…I spoke to Preacher Scott and offered the guitar as donation as long as it was used at the church…he agreed and I offered to bring it by later in the week…he also spoke to me about the special tree covered in special angels and he was worried for the older children as no one was worried over them and they were boys…NONE of the young men I raised have ever hit a woman…if a young man in my community needs a hand to grow strong in mind and heart…I will be here

After checking for gator content, I found a few big retention ponds and Yum Yum and I snuck in a few workouts …I felt like a teen going cow tipping, sneaking around trying not to get caught- I am not sure if I am using an area I am allowed to be in…Massage has picked up, holiday shopping and I had Midterm Test in Naturopathy with a paper due…all of this left me pressed for workout time…(passed my exam, turned in my paper, shopped and handled all clients…still able to workout…YEA!!!)

I called Economy Tackle to get an ETA on the Blue Horizon…George said he had been swamped and I told him that I would be there on Saturday…I called Siesta Key Bike and Kayak….Lance was off, but Scotty was a big help…he booked my weekend rental and referred me to Gayle at Siesta Key Bungalows…

        Time again had come to head back to the doctor…all is well…he has been amazed at my tenacity on improving my health…being my doctor (since I have battered women’s syndrome) is not an easy task…Dr. Robert Casanas has helped me a great deal and it is through his wisdom that I now have the ability to pull the Sunshine Paddle off…

The 8^th Annual Peace Breakfast for the SunriseShelter was a rather nice fund raiser held at the Tampabay Golf and Country Club….it was a chilly morning and it was a beautiful spread…the food was tasted good…the speakers were very powerful…it strengthened my resolve for my journey

On Saturday Walt and I headed for Sarasota….did you know it was named for Sara De Soto…interesting story/ worth the Google…I got to EconomyTackle to find George swamped due to a current sale…he said he has to call perception- currently they own the Dagger Brand, and see what they recommend…I was disappointed that after 2 weeks she was not ready…safety comes first…even young Lee was swamped so I will not complain…I am happy they are busy

             After checking in with Lance and setting up for the rental yak to be delivered, we went to the hotel…I was expecting some shlumpy room as I had booked last minute and due to the paddle Gayle (she owns the place) was letting me have it for free…we got there and got given keys to the dolphin suite…OMG…it was so beautiful…an intimate courtyard led to the most lushly appointed room…the open living space layout gave it a homey feel…the bed was so amazing…felt like I was climbing back in the womb…all I can say is AWESOME…the landscaping around this property was fantastic...Gayle at Siesta Key Bungalows has set a new standard in guest room:)

We headed down to Turtle beach Launch…The Neville WildlifeReserve is an amazing place at sunset…we had a wilderness 12 foot Yak…since it was windy, tracking was a challenge…Walter is feeling better about the water…I think for most people, the more you Yak the better you get…we were out for hours and the sun seemed suspended in the sky…we got back and ran over to Turtle Beach (over a sand dune) to catch the finishing of the sunset…we parked our behinds in the sand to watch, when suddenly appeared many birds….this was quite funny as one little guy tried to go home with Walter

We got supper at Captain Curt’s Crab and Oyster Bar upon Lance's recommendation…the staff was sweet and gave good service…they offered a nice variety on the menu, it was very clean and the food was really good…it was here I really noticed how green people here were…if a room was empty lights were shut off, nothing on unless in use, recycling here was normal...as we wandered around we noted most of the island is this way…I have to admit, it made me feel better to spend my money in an area that is attempting to be eco friendly

Walt and I got up to take pics of the sunrise and found a crew of seniors cleaning the public beach- please note the public beach at Siesta Key is kept spotless…not suprising at all that this is the #1 beach

We worked our way back to Siesta Key Bike and Kayak and it was still early…we noticed the Orange Octopus had someone working at the early hour and she offered exquisite pastries…she was also sweet enough to watch the gear until Lance arrived so Walt and I could get on the road…how cool is that?

Though I am missing the Blue Horizon, I am glad she will give me a chance to go back to that area and visit with my new friends…in the meantime; Yum Yum will continue to build me up…All hands on deck…this trip is being done solely on donations…if you have any boating or camping equipment in the garage or attic that you might could donate please call (813)907-6279 …every penny helps, please feel free to donate through our website…we are always open to accepting positive thoughts too:)...we are thankful for all help

Captain D

  "May the Lord fill your sails with fair wind, support your hulls in inviting seas, guide your hands upon the tiller toward pleasant places and bring us home, O Lord, to a safe and loving harbor."

Surf Dreams

I have felt in hell all week with The Blue Horizon in dry dock….I am ready to have her back in the water…I know George and Walter are going to make sure she is fixed properly and that it is best to have patients, but I feel the pull of the water and I can feel her straining for it too…

I have been sitting down on a table out back, working with my paddle to keep my shoulders from freezing…it gave me a chance to work on issues with my stroke…I got to video myself out of the Yak, play it back and adjust myself…I also put together a standing workout with my paddle…it builds coordination of body parts and builds paddling muscle…becoming one with the paddle may sound quite Zen, but it may save my life…

Marion is back to pushing safety videos…I have read every safety manual she can find, then we did safety blogs and now I have graduated to videos…yippy skippy

Janice and I took Yum Yum to Honeymoon Island…lack of salt water was getting me depressed…Janice got plenty of video and I was able to see how my stroke had improved…the water was around 72f….brrrr…I have to paddle through winter this year so, I better get used to it…air temp was about 88f…the water was CRYSTAL clear…Fred came out to greet me…he had a friend join him-though the friend was sent away quickly…Janice got to see him sitting just off shore waiting for me…I kind of think it funny- not too many women can say they have a pet shark, I DO NOT feed or pet him- he is wild…though I do talk to him and he does respond to me…very odd relationship

I am currently in class for ‘Detox and Healing’ at a cellular level (not from drugs)…I am finding the flush (they call it a fast) worth my time…my body is clearing out…glad I got to do this during fall…all my fave fruits and veggies for this are in season…feeding my muscles straight nutrient is giving me a clean burn

Next week will be quite busy and I hope to spend Friday in Sarasota…I am dying to launch off turtle creek again…it is my hope I will be able to take the Blue Horizon on this journey…fingers crossed…I need to see about making a cockpit cover…please remember all of this runs on dontaion...time, advice, equipment, help snd money...give us the ability to pull this off and we are thankful for any and all consideration;)

May the wind be at you back;)

D

If you want to Jump to our other pages-

The SunshinePaddle

Photobucket- paddle sites in sub-albums on right

YouTube

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