Day 70 02/13/2010
Start: 7:50 AM- Manasota Finish: 3:00 PM - Matlachacola Time: 7:10 Daily dist: 34 miles Total dist: x miles Companions: Doug Weather: 20 mph north wind Notes: Very windy with good tail wind all day. Today was exactly what I hoped this trip would be all about. For the first ten miles I was joined by Doug with whom I stayed last night. He is an avid kayaker who is very serious about the sport. It was a rare treat to have somebody join me and I thoroughly enjoyed having the company on the water.  I was joined by Doug a local paddler from  Banana! - As long as it’s not in my boat man.  roughing it Portage to Portage style After I parted ways with Doug, with plans to paddle together again some day, I continued south another 24 miles with a very strong 20 mph tail wind that put me into Manasota a full hour earlier than I had expected. There I was picked up by Jory who is the owner of “Florida Paddlesports”. The plan was to go to Jory’s shop near Punta Gorda and meet whomever showed up for a “meet and great” event he scheduled at the store. I managed to come in a bit early so we had time to go back to Jory’s place to get some rest and grab a bight to eat first. Because my plans are always changing do to the weather, it’s hard to pre-plan an event around when I might be in town. But even despite the short notice, about a dozen people braved the chilly windy weather this evening and showed up at Jory’s store. It was awesome to have a chance to meet a bunch of local paddlers and to share some of the stories and photos of this trip with them. Several signatures were added to the Ikkuma and I had a chance to meet a bunch of great people. It’s interesting that when I meet people and tell them about what I’m doing a common reaction is comments such as “If only I was a bit younger“, or “I‘d never get that much time off work“, or a host of other reasons that can stop people from attempting a trip like this. All I can say is that most people would never be able to commit to any endeavor that pulls them away from home and family for a year, and I understand that. For all those people that see this trip and only wish they could do something like it I only wish that it might remind them of the adventure that can be found right near home. Perhaps then they might be inspired to do what it takes to do whatever trips they can with what their bodies, time, and lives allow. It doesn’t have to be a thousand mile epic, just go out and have the adventures you can - when, where, and however you can.  a rare shot of me on the water - taken by Doug CommentsAl Benton 02/14/2010 9:26:58 am Jake, one thing you didn't include in your post is that hundreds of us are indeed living the adventure in mind and spirit right along with you, thanks to you and your constant communication means. Thank you for that and for the inspiration that your adventure is spreading around the nation and world. rj 02/14/2010 9:54:03 am Watch out for the geese yesterday was to include a link. Don't know how long this video has been on-line but it is funny and I thought about you when I saw it. Google: goose attacks kayaker--then drop down about three steps to Mountainbuzz.com BananaTom 02/14/2010 10:21:11 am Jake, Greg Cade 02/14/2010 10:51:49 am Jake, Check your dates. Posting yesterday as Valentine's Day will not get you off the hook for making those calls today. Just watching your back. You know that the "hell hath no fury" thing could be worse than the banana thing. Aaron Stachovak 02/14/2010 1:19:31 pm Jake, don't worry about the geese - I think they got the message last fall that I am out to get them. 02/14/2010 1:33:04 pm Hey Jake; got my t-shirt this week. Thanks. Yes, I do think, "how can I take a year off and paddle?" I've taken my 1st step and registered for the Colorado 100 in Sept. Definitely and adventure! Tom S. 02/14/2010 7:05:15 pm Hi Jake, Charlotte 02/14/2010 9:35:27 pm Happy Valentines Day to you too Jake.. all of us old ladies (as well I am sure, as many young ones out there too) think you are a sweetheart and enjoy following all your adventures day by day. Thanks for that for so many of us. Weather will improve soon for you...that is worth some big ole smiles....:-) Lyn Stachovak 02/14/2010 9:37:31 pm What's up with sitting pool side while you blog? Aren't you supposed to be sitting by a swamp or something? Happy Valentines Day and stay safe. Love you. Sheila 02/14/2010 10:13:17 pm Loved the rare photo of you on the water from today. It looks like a book cover. Will you have to pay the person that took it or do you own rights? Photo is great! pa 02/15/2010 11:57:03 am Hi Jake, Larry & Kathy - Portage Bell Ringers 02/15/2010 5:03:48 pm We finally got to meet you Jake - it was our pleasure to host you an enriching experience for us - we've been following your blog since we saw you in front of our house on the WI River day one - A note to your parents - "you dun good" your son is a terrific person !!! 02/15/2010 5:38:43 pm I really enjoyed this blog entry. Thanks for inspiring us! Cousin Alicw 02/15/2010 6:11:44 pm Happy Valentine's Day, Jake! We all love ya! Alice Lynn 02/15/2010 6:19:56 pm Hugs to you Jake. You are us. We live through your adventures...and the food too..I am getting fat just reading about all the care and people you are running into. Honest. I have put on 10 pounds since you have been gone..... Leave a Reply | Best of the Blog
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