And So It Begins

Ahoy,

My husband took me and the new Yak to Hudson Beach…I was so excited…he prefers river paddling but, knew I wanted to see 2 Notch…it was a beautiful day…2 Notch found us, she seemed to want to check out the new yak by banging on the bottom…my husband pointed out the personality of the Yak and came up with the name ‘Shamrock’s Avenger’…as we got close to shore the dolphins came out to play

Bri Indo joined the paddle…young, smart and willing to learn…I let her take the lead seat for a open-water 3 mile paddle around Anclote River Inlet…the day was overcast with a low chop on the water…it gave me a chance to see how she would fare when conditions were not great…she did very well- honestly I was impressed…

It was Bri’s second practice session at Weeki Wachee 5 Mile Paddle…this is a great place to teach paddle technique and build control…it was a lovely day and the water was really clear…it was cool to watch Bri really connect with the kayak…there were lots of fish but, no manatee

The ‘Shamrock’s Avenger’ was brought to Atonement Lutheran Church for her blessing…I am ever so thankful to this congregation for their love and support…such amazing energy keeps me safe and brings us home in one piece…

The last practice session before the paddle was a 12 Mile open-water paddle…the day was overcast with light rain off and on…the chop was at a medium height…this was Bri’s first time being over a mile off shore…it was so cute to see her a little nervous…she was really doing wonderful and I was glad she was with me…a very talented young lady...glad she join on

Here we are less than 48 hours until launch of the paddle…all shore bound paperwork is caught up…I have done the shopping…all equipment is here- just need to put it together…I have collected all pledge sheets…a few weeks ago I sat with Karen at the SBDC and she suggested I reach out to C.A.S.A. of St Pete and Hands Acrossthe Bay- finally got that done…my brain is running over lists of lists…Yes, I am that type A :)

If you have the ability to donate you can do so through PayPal (email: dee@sunshinepaddle.com), it should give you a tax deductible receipt...all donations will be split between Helping Hands Food Bank and Sunrise of Pasco...if you want to cheer us on we will leave Hudson Beach at 6 am on April the 20^th…well time to go through my lists again…

Carry On,

Captain D

 

Blow Me Down

 

Ahoy Mates,

     It has been a busy start to 2016, we started January with our first donation drop to Sunrise of Pasco Abuse Shelter…2 Notch went to my friend’s dock and let her know to call me…so off we went to see her at Crystal River…she was happy and wanting to play when we arrived…her daughter brought the new baby to show me…I feel very blessed to be included…

 

    In February, we were able to complete a donation drop…the first was to Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center of Lee County…practice took place on a windy day off of the islands of Sanibel and Captiva…the dolphins were beautiful and wanted to play…the diversity and population of birds and seashells was amazing…the lighthouse was an interesting structure…

 

    March has proven to be a busy month…a donation drop was taken to the Sunrise of Pasco Abuse Shelter…practice has been busy…Fort De Soto, Homosassa Springs and the Weeki Wachee River…I saw 2 Notch at the mouth of the Weeki Wachee and expect to see her at Hudson on Friday…pledge forms have been made and e-mails have gone out, we are getting ready for this year’s paddle and it is getting exciting…we have made appearances at the Tampa Outlet Mall in Wesley Chapel and Clearwater Beach…Go daddy called us early in the month to break the news we had to update to a new site and the old site would be wiped out...it was a good deal of work but, the new site is up and running…before I clicked the button, I took one last look at the old site…how far we have come over the last six years and how much work we have done…

    A very nice woman who believes in the work we have been doing was so wonderful as to buy us a new kayak…she knew what I had been going through in attempt to get a new one…she got me a tandem as she doesn’t want me on the water alone (lots of laughs)…it is beautiful but, we have not named her yet…I am ever so thankful and feel very blessed

Carry On,

Captain D

 

The Girly Pirate

         

Hail Me Mates

 

Hail and Good Day to You,

            The year of 2015 has been productive…eighteen donation drops in twelve months goes above and beyond our goals and hopes…at the Sunshine Paddle we are so thankful for all of those who have helped make it so special- our ability to give is because of what you do for us…it was really amazing to be the one to make the drops, a really humbling feeling…

 

 

            The birth of 2 Notch’s baby was so special…the kayak breaking in the middle of 25 miles during the paddle was a challenge…The Blue Springs and Exotic BirdSanctuary were fun appearances and I learned a good deal…Crystal River, WeekiWachee, Hudson Beach and Anclote were great places to practice and build skill…SunWest and Grand Prix were not only great appearances but, a lot of activity…a great year

 

 

            Onward to 2016 we go…we are looking for a new kayak…sit on top 14L or bigger and not yellow…our 5^th Paddle will launch from Hudson Beach on April 20^th at 6 am…Our goal last year was one donation drop a month- I would like to continue the number of drop but, enlarge the amounts…if you have a kayak for sale or want to join me on the Paddle or would like to donate…I am always thankful for help

 

May you have a great New Year!!!!

 

The Girly Pirate

 

 

 

Endless Summer

 

Ahoy,

            It has been a long summer. So much has happened and we have grown. The excitement grows when we think of the amount of people we have been able to help in their hour of need and the number of children that are safer is heartwarming. I am so proud of all who volunteer and donate. I am thankful and blessed to be the conduit that facilitates such good works.

 

            We have been busy practicing for next year’s paddle. The Weeki Wachee is a great place to learn paddle control, speed and endurance. The five miles is a beautiful backdrop for such a workout. I was called to Crystal River by a friend because 2 notch wanted me. My heart stopped to know a manatee thought of me as such a good friend. I was so amazed. Anclote is the place where I can feel the pirate blood pump in my veins. Sam the eagle likes to ride on the front of the kayak. This is a beautiful place with loads of wild life. The dolphins like to play with me here and I enjoy their company.

 

Hudson beach was calling my name and I had to answer. I got to see 2 notch and her calf and Sam the eagle. I paddle into the gulf from here and got to play with a dolphin pod who have recently settled in the area. Always fun to be had. In September, I turned 50 and we celebrated at Sun West Park. I made a new friend with an osprey who felt he needed to hang out and observe the humans (lots of laughs). I also found a new secret spot on the Hillsboro River to put in. It is closer to the gulf so there are much fewer gators.

It was a great summer to make appearances. The Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a wonderful lively place in Hudson. Every parrot needs a Pirate. The birds were happy, clean and clung on to me. This was a visit that was all of that and a bag of chips. The Grand Prix in Tampa was really entertaining. Feeling the wind whip across my face as I sped around the track was wholly exhilarating.  The whole crew had such a good time.

Donation drops are why we are here. So far this year we have done one drop for Pasco County Parks and Rec, one drop for State of Florida Parks and Rec, ten drops have been made to Sunrise of Pasco Battered Women’s Shelter, three drops went to the baby shower for indigent mothers held at Atonement Lutheran Church, and four drops at the Helping Hands Food Pantry to help people of our local and state level communities. The website we maintain is to give hope, help educate and to bring a positive note to our global community. Donations are always a blessing time, money or goods. We are an all-volunteer staff and no one gets paid but, we do have a lot of fun and it is nice to watch whatever we give have a direct effect on so many levels. If you wish to donate to us, we have a PayPal account under dee@sunshinepaddle.com

What are you doing to make your space better? If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Please take time to reach a hand out for those who need. If you can’t please give a hand to those who do. Over the last 20 years we have watched the once mighty fall. The aid you give, may be the help you or a loved one may one day need. Think about it.

 

Carry On,

Captain D

The Girly Pirate

 

Giving it Away

 

Ahoy Mate,

            The paddle being extra hard this year took a good deal out of me. It took almost 2 weeks to recover, I am not as young as I once was….lol. Many things are going on. The Blue Horizon has been sold to young Britney who will be making a 100 mile trip to survey and raise money for river clean up. It killed me to do it, but I could no longer ride in her due to my hip. The Horizon has gone to a good home with an awesome purpose and a great new owner- I could not ask for more. I am looking forward to obtaining a new sit on top.

   Our fourth Donation Drop went to Sunrise of Pasco. For in-shelter we brought a check, diapers, sheets and sippy cups for the kids. For shelter workers we brought 2 bags of pens and many prizes that will be given in office to brighten spirits. For the police we brought in phones cases with super protection or extra battery life for them to aid shelter clients. We also dropped off 2 bags at the thrift shop along with half a truck of cardboard. To see how happy this made the workers was an amazing feeling- in the end we have become part of the healing process:)

 

            As a new experience we went to Blue Springs Park in High Springs. We drove down a long sand road and the woods opened up to the most beautiful spring. The fish came over to check me out while I was snorkeling. This is such an amazing place with crystal clear water and a great deal of bio-diversity. We got neat video.

 

   Donation Drop five was at the Helping Hands Food Bank. It was a blessing to be able to help. We brought them a check and a bag of dog and cat treats. The woman who runs the pantry has started to worry as she has been collecting to put together backpacks for the kids getting ready for school. To help here is humbling.

        I have started collecting for the holiday challenge. We have also added to the website with an updated ‘Friends and Supporters’ page. Yum Yum has been sent out for repair and then she will be given back to her owner. I will get to see one of the best kayaking trainers in the world, Mr. Greg Pflug from Adventure's in Florida, in the next few weeks. Then it will be time to paddle Ft. Lauderdale again and maybe a run to the keys. I am so stoked:)

Your Captain,

The Girly Pirate

 

Paddle 2015

 

It started like any other big paddle…the two weeks before, everything that could go wrong did and then some…my husband had to work so, my receptionist would see me off…the forecast called for crappy weather…many were counting on me so I had to at least try

 

When we got to Hudson Beach…the sky was black and clear…the water was smooth as glass…I told Dale, if I got past the rocks, I would complete the paddle…once I shoved off, I knew my next stop was Durney Key

 

I passed the rocks and headed for open water…it was high tide and though the water was like glass, it seemed to have quite a bit of movement…the dawn broke behind me and I was treated to a special surprise- 3 different views of the same sunrise…this was really amazing…it is here a pod of about 15 dolphins started swimming with me…the babies were so cute...I was in awe of how close the momma dolphins allowed them to get to me...

 

Suddenly, the waves began to build…I started to paddle hard for Durney key…the clouds were getting lower and lower…it was here the strap for my seat broke…problem: if I lean back even slightly, it would push the seat back into my milk crate and push it off the boat…the power equivalent of one stroke was now 10 strokes…Durney Key was now in sight

It was still not raining when I got to the Island…walking around to eat my sandwich, I saw a horseshoe crab and sea turtle…calling Dale, I found out it was already raining on land…at this point any shore point was going to take just as long and the dolphins had been good company so, I told Dale that I would continue…I tried to fix the seat to no avail and I shoved off

 

Dale was so worried, he tried to keep an eye on my from land…the rollers were picking up and unhooked part of the milk crate…so I was now trying to paddle while holding onto gear…my back screamed in pain…the dolphins would come and balance me so I could arch my back…amazing creatures…

Dale was waiting on the shore and got me to the truck as the rain came down…my sugar began to crash so, he stopped and got me baby food bananas…it was late when I got to the house and my poor husband was worried as it had been raining on land all day…he brought me in the house and took care of me…my arms and back hurt so bad…to make our community a better place, it is worth it…another year with another successful paddle:)

The Girly Pirate

Kickin at the Stall Door

 

Hail and Good Day Me Hearties,

          My nerves are starting to climb as we draw nearer to the launch of the fourth annual Sunshine Paddle. My mind is whirling. I expected to only do the one but, the job of the paddle is to raise money and awareness of domestic violence along with helping the community and the community still needs us. So here we go again.

          Practice has been hard and heavy. I have been to Anclote River and Gulf parks doing training in working with currents. Time in the training pool allowed me to work on stroke technique and reentry. Hudson Beach was so clam it was really a pleasure to do the five miles around the inlet.

          So far this year we have been able to do 2 donation drops to Sunrise of Pasco Battered Shelter. We have dropped off a pickup truck of cardboard to the shelter and the ALC youth group each. We have also dropped a few bags of cans to the food pantry to help feed the homeless. The Children’s Holiday Challenge will happen again this year, we have started collecting. We hope to do better this year:)

          It is a wee bit jumpy I am feelin. I wish I could afford a bigger sit on top but, it will not be for this year. Yum Yum will be making the trip with me. The Horizon is 17’ but with the damage in my hip, I just cannot do it. I wonder about the weather. Will I be able to secure enough pledges? I set up a pledge page and hope people use it. Any long paddle (even the best planned), has issues- did I think of all possibilities (Zombie Apocalypse- Zombies can’t swim, in my yak I will be fine…lol). I am trying to keep my mind busy or the rabbit hole would suck me in.

          Rose Bilton, Cathy Cooper, Judy Gavinski, Walter Rooney, Paul Cooper, Dale Thrall, Chris Bilton, Greg Lee, Greg Pflug and I make this happen. No one here gets a paycheck. We wish to make the community a safer, happier space and hope you will join us in this endeavor.

Carry On,

Captain D

The Girly Pirate