The East Coast Canoe and Kayak Festival is going well. I’ve never seen so many paddlesport shops, manufactures, outfitters, and paddlers assembled in one place. Festival attendees started arriving yesterday and a steady stream of folks meandered past the display tents while others tested boats of all shapes and sizes on the lake. I hung out in the Sweetwater tent helping Russell out with sales and talked to curious people about the Portage to Portage Project gathering more signatures and even more info about the Georgia and Carolina coasts.
After a huge dinner we sat in on Marcus Demuth’s presentation about his attempt to circumnavigate Tierra del Fuego (on the southern tip of South America) to raise awareness for disabled paddlers. He and his partner made it half way before they were shut out by fierce winds. After waiting for two weeks with the Argentinean coast guard unable to get to them they got a lucky break when a helicopter happened by and eventually gave them a ride out. Because the helicopter couldn’t haul the kayaks they were forced to leave them behind. In Marcus’ partner’s words in the presentation video “it was like shooting a horse.” After spending so much time in my Ikkuma I can relate to what they were feeling.
Perhaps this man likes coffee a little too much.
After watching Nigel and Russell’s morning cappuccino ritual I wandered down to the lake to roll out the store and start another day of the same fun as yesterday. Throughout the day I did take advantage of a couple quiet moments to try out a few of the hundreds of boats that are here to demo.
Sounds like you're having a great time. Enjoy the rest while you can - the east coast is calling your name and you'll be back on the water very soon. Love you and (as usual) stay safe.
Mom
Reply
Marcus
4/18/2010 11:32:04 pm
Hi Jake!!!
Just a brief hello and a belated "good bye", I could not find you to say good bye (in the dark) before I had to for the train Saturday night ... it was good meeting you, good luck on the remainder of your journey, Jake!!!! Please feel free to email so I can get you some contacts of people in NYC and beyond.
Hey Jake, I know you were itching to get back in the water, but I am glad we had some time to break bread and enjoy the fire while in Charleston. And remember if you ever get back to FL, we have a place for you to stay, a place to paddle, and food fit for a King.
Jake, So great to hang out with you again, Brother! I have your ECCKF wrist band on- and will not take it off till you finish your journey!(HA HA) Hey! IDEA- What about a Portage Project Water Awareness Wristband- "Paddle Strong"- do you think Lance Armstrong would mind? Anyway, AWESOME to get to chill out with you at dinner, Sweetwater tent, & my privilege to tow your butt back across the lake (anytime) to reunite you with the Ikkuma- by the way-----KEEP PADDLING!!!
Jakes' Gulf Coast Paddling Posse Sean
Reply
Tillman and Beth Cuttino
4/19/2010 01:15:11 pm
Jake, We paddled with you on the Charleston Harbor on Sunday am and were not aware of your whole story until reading your blog after we got home. We were honored to have paddled with you along your way...even if you do have to backtrack to get back on course. We'll follow your journey from now on and I hope that South Carolina will be good to you the second time you come through as well. Go, Jake, go! Tillman and Beth