The highlight of the last two days came via a batch of pictures and videos my sister-in-law Amy sent of my nephew Noah riding a bike without training wheels. He’s due to turn five in just a few weeks and seeing those images of him tooling around on two wheels reminded me of how much I’m looking forward to being back with my family back in Wisconsin. I can’t wait to be Uncle Jake full time not just on holiday visits.
My nephew enjoying one of his first two wheeled rides
Most of what I did do over the last two days was clean and maintain gear. Yesterday I spent the day shopping for food and charts to see me through the next couple of weeks. In addition I spent a few hours soaping and rinsing all of my camping gear and dry bags. They’d all become a bit salty over the last few months and consequently were prone to absorbing the slightest bit of moisture out of the air. Today I sanded out a fresh layer of “Marine Tex” epoxy I had added to the keel strip on the Ikkuma (my kayak) to extend the life of it and my hull. After a close inspection of the hull I was pleased to see how well it’s holding up after more than 3000 miles of hard use. I feel confidant that it will see me through the next 2000 miles back home. When the boat was finished I organized my gear and re-packed all of the freshly cleaned dry bags.
At the end of the day Vic and Tracy treated me to a giant meal at a local Italian place for my last night in town. They figured that a big serving of pasta would go a long way toward keeping me going strong during my crossing of the mouth of the Chesapeake tomorrow. The weather looks great for the crossing with only light winds in the forecast so it should be a great day to get back out there.
Jake, in just a few days the third major leg of your amazing Project will be completed as you begin working your way inland (unless the side trek to Lubec, Maine is still on the agenda).
Be sure to post one last photo of an Atlantic Sunrise while you can.
Nephew Noah, 2-wheelin' at only 4, that's quite an accomplishment (must run in the family).
Reply
Ann Daley
5/21/2010 04:32:51 am
Noah clearly has his Uncle Jake's adventursome spirit! Way to go, Noah, and way to go Jake!