Looks like you are starting to get a rhythm going.

I talked to Jake on the phone today as he made shore an hour earlier than expected. He was in search of a laundry and a hot meal. It appears he has found a new appreciation for power bars.

From the short conversation, it sounds like Jake will have more than enough material to be able to write a humorous book about his adventure when he gets back.

Hi Jake
You're getting great distances the past couple of days. That's good. The river must be flowing great down there.

Are you getting chaffed? I usually get it under the arms and across the belly when I pound high miles. I use vaseline to eliminate that rubbing. The weather sounds ideal- maybe a little cool in the morning, but very good once you're in motion. Sweating in a drysuit isn't comfortable. Have fun

I just sent a note to Good Morning America, hopefuly they can report on this. I guess leaving a note explaining how the gear was your only life link for the next 10 months was not as an effective anti-theft deterant as you hoped:) I wonder if the guys fishing had anything to do with this?

This reminds me of the time someone stole all of dads hunting clothes he placed in a pile with a note scratched in the snow that said HELP.

If you want my whisper lite I can ship that down to you too....

Jake, having a law enforcement background this doesn't suprise me at all. It makes me sick to think you got your stuff taken. My fingers are crossed and the Prayers are on the way. The finding a way to lock up your stuff was a great idea especially on your way through Memphis/the Casino's along the state of Mississippi and then Louisianna. We learned during Katrina that the cops will even steal there...

My Day 9 Comments: "I hope your literary includes staying at campgrounds along the way that have laundry facilities, and a hot shower. How are you going to go to the store for food without your gear and kayak being stolen?

One of my "rules" when I go off into the boonies by myself is to ALWAYS keep strangers far enough away from me, that they can't grab hold of me, even if they seem like super friendly people. I also carry several knives on me at all times... a couple of them I keep hidden..."
*******************************
I expected your gear would get stolen, and I imagine it will happen many more times if you continue this journey alone.

You need a support crew or a paddling companion to pull something like this off. You can't leave your gear and not expect someone not to take it.

Hopefully, your gear can be replaced. But you need a better plan when you do your laundry, take a shower, and go get supplies. Otherwise, what is going to prevent the same thing from occurring again?

What I am really concerned about Jake is the people who are will harm you and then steal all of your gear.

I'd ask your dad to ship down a gun... a few knives - a can of pepper spray for dogs, and maybe a can of bear spray too. Make sure the gun is powerful enough to kill an alligator...

Get a couple of knives that will strap around your calf, and arm, and carry one around your neck on a rope.

I personally would regroup, and restart your trip with a companion or with a support crew.

If you decide not to, you might want to log onto the web link below that lists all of the kayak clubs in California and maybe ask someone from each area you will be if they know of places where you can leave your gear, while you get supplies or to paddle a stretch of your journey with you. Just a thought.

http://www.kayakandcanoeguidebooks.com/kayakclubs.htm

I do not have a good feeling about your trip. I would out some serious thought into how you are going to avoid some of the obstacles, and dangerous situations that lay ahead.

Cloth athletic tape, wrapped around your index fingers and thumbs helps prevent blisters. You can buy it at CVS and Rite-Aid. Not the stiff vinyl kind of tape. It is about 3/4 to and 1" wide, comes on a roll.

Rub tiger Balm (CVS carries it) into your muscles at night, helps keep you warm and your muscles from stiffening up when you can't take a hot shower... oh be sure to eat roughage...

Hey Jake,

What terrible news. Sometime I despair of the human race.

Not having enough money to help you buy new gear, the best I can offer is the story of a similar blow dealt a good friend from DC who had decided to fulfill her dream of spending a summer hiking and traveling in Alaska. She bought all the (expensive) gear she needed and began her drive across country. In a small town in California, outside a cheap motel where she was spending the night, some jerk busted open her trunk and stole everything.

After a day spend crying and raging and wondering if she should just turn around and go home, she decided hell, no, she wasn't gonna let this creep ruin her dream trip. She found a Sunny Surplus-type store where she restocked (with cheaper equipment) and went on to have a wonderful summer.

I hope you are able to follow her path and find a way to continue your trip.

Zak

Jake, I hate to say this but I agree with Janice. I think you should have a partner in this. The days are gone that you can trust most people that you meet and laws are no longer designed to protect the victims. Take this as a learning experience and just find someone to paddle with, having a partner won't lessen what you are doing.

Janice, you sound scary! (No, really, you do. Hidden knives? Guns? I know that some people might not be friendly, but that doesn't mean you need to kill them.)

Jake, locking up gear / hiding gear / doing whatever to gear so that people don't steal it is essential when paddling in even semi-populated places. You know that, I don't have to tell you. But one thing the above posters are right on about is that it's simply easier with two people. One stays at camp, one goes to town. No locking up involved, just someone sitting around drinking a cuppa which is infinitely easier.

Now I know I only worked with you at AA for a couple months a few years back, and I haven't had my butt in a boat for 6 months, but if you seriously want / need a paddling partner, I'll come with. I'll definitely slow you down (at least at first) as I've never even come close to 50 mile days (try 30 max), but I'll be a warm body, and someone to watch camp. I'd need at least a week to get my crap together, but I could make it happen.

If you want to fly solo, I don't take any offense. Often dreamed of solo trips myself. If you're not postponing the paddle and getting right back on the water, I understand. But to me, something like having 80% of your gear ganked, I'd need time to stop, recoup, think up a new strategy, maybe try a different time of year.

Anyway, just letting you know that support and well-wishes are out there. Let me know if you need a partner. Hope things work out.

Jake, take Tyler up on his offer to do this trip with you!!!! Tyler make Jake listen to reason. I know I'd rest a lot easier if I knew there was company for Jake. You're right Tyler - two people are always better on a trip like this. One to go to town and the other to watch the gear.

Jake,
Sorry to hear about the theft. At least I do have some good news for you. Back in November I had contacted you about the Carolina Kayak Club paddling with you when you get to our area. One of our members, Lee, has offered you "a place to spend the night, including food, shower, beer or wine and conversation". Lee has a house on the Intercoastal Waterway in Swansboro, North Carolina. I will e-mail you when you get closer to our area to set up the details.
Better luck paddling,
Rich

Jake,

If Freya can make it around Australia, you can do this trip. Maybe a .50 cal up front? Just kidding on that one, it would throw off the balance too much.

Don't know how knives and guns would have helped when you were a few blocks away and this is the act of sneak thieves

Don't let the knaysayers get you down. If I recall, you haven't discouraged anyone from paddling along with you but I am guessing we all want to do it when it is warm and comfy.

It's easy to say "I told you so" while sitting at a laptop in a warm house. Maybe some folks will now get out and paddle.

Be safe, be careful and be aware.

Yo, Dude, Keep the Faith! Plug on and just be street smart...this aint Portage but it also aint the wild west.....find some way to move gear and keep it close...hugs and lots of good vibes are being sent your way from us.....

jake please call me and let me know
what camping I can purchase for u
from rei and they can deliver it to u
where r staying tuesday.
please call
des
1562 481 1388

Hey Jake,
Casey and I will do whatever it is to get you back on the water. Wire cash, mail gear, buy 20 portage to portage t-shirts. Drive stuff to Memphis. (Only 7 hrs from OKC Kayak--the closest you will ever be to us!) You and Jen have always been so generous to us when we needed hours of advice, a shoulder to cry on, a place to stay, or just somewhere to hang out and mooch free wi-fi.

We are addicted to this blog anyhow, and fear we might not be able to go on living if we don't get our daily dose of Jake updates.

I have been browsing Craigslist in the Memphis area in case anyone is trying to sell your gear online. Nothing yet.

I keep having this funny dream that the guy who stole your stuff tried putting on your drysuit, got half dressed with arms shoved through the latex gaskets, head still inside the suit, tripped and drowned in the Mississippi. Only a paddler who has tried to put on or take off a drysuit would ever understand.

.....anything you need, brother Jake!

Dave and Casey Lindo 405.830.9689

Jake,

I have the gear you need. You can use mine, if it fits, until they find yours or you get your hands on other gear. I have a large Kokatat drysuit with the fleece liner, Kelty Teton tent, stove, cookset, headlamps, just about everything you need. If you want to use it...I just have to get it to you. I won't need it until February and I know where you can drop it off in Florida. I sure won't need it in Utah the next couple of weeks.

Jake....Patti and I know you will reach your goal because you can't keep a determined Wisconsin guy down. Your journey is an inspiration to us all and we have sent your site to many friends. You hold tight, equipment will come to you...the river will carry you...all of us will hold you in our thoughts and years from now you will sit rocking in front of the fire with a grin signing yet another copy of the book you will write for some young person who will get the spark from your courage. What you are doing is how life should be lived, close to the edge and deep in the feeling...and life will not abandon you though it may test your will. Yes, we are all connect by water. Patti and Carl

Hi, Jake I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Am glad that things are coming together for you. Hope you will have a good, safe voyage once you can get going again. Take care and stay safe. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tootie

I hope who ever stold from you gets found. I will ask mom to buy us shirts.




from Ony