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Day 34 and 35 (Don't count the strokes)

1/9/2010

11 Comments

 
I know it’s time to get going when all I have to write about is writing. That’s pretty much all I did yesterday. I wanted to get an equipment list up on the web site so I spent the better part of the day working on that. I did get it roughed out pretty well, so if you are interested in what sort of gear I’ve brought along with me on this trip check it out by clicking here - EQUIPMENT LIST - In addition to working on the web site I spent a few hours organizing e-mails and contact information for folks along the Gulf Coast which was no small chore.  I also worked on a video clip that will go in my slide show, you can check it out below. 
Toward the end of the day I did get a little cabin fever so I went for a walk over to Baton Rouge Blue Print to get a couple more maps and to thank George and Jamie for steering me toward a Pensacola fishing forum that put me in contact with a bunch of great people willing to make my journey a bit easier in the weeks to come. If I accepted every invite to a warm bed or couch to sleep on I could almost leave my tent here. However, I do have to make miles so there will be a few invites I’ll have to graciously turn down in order to get further down the coast and finish this trip before the snow starts to fly next winter.
After my visit with George I got a call from some friends of my parents Dale and Rosy. They were two hours north of Baton Rouge pulling their fifth wheel camper on their way south to escape the cold. They figured if they could find a campground in the area we could meet up for breakfast. They did find a spot just a few miles from town and one of the highlights of my day today was breakfast with Dale and Rosy. Michael invited them over to his place afterward and we visited a bit more discussing my trip and the status of my worried mother (Dale and Rosy were sent as spies to check up on me you know). Of course I didn’t miss the chance to have them sign the Ikkuma adding two more signatures to the hundreds that crowd the decks already.
Picture
Surprise visit from friends from Wisconsin Dale and Rosy
Another highlight of the day was a care package that arrived in the mail from my cousin Jenny and her daughter Lydia. In it was a St. Christopher medallion (the patron saint of travelers) and a note that said “PUT IT ON RIGHT NOW!”  I do have it on and between the note and medallion I feel better than ever.
Picture
A gift from home to keep me safe.
I did have a bit of good logistical news today when I got permission via a phone call to camp behind a bar near a boat landing at the end of the first day east of New Orleans in the Intracoastal.  If the spot I have tagged on my map doesn't pan out it is a relief to know that this backup spot a bit further on is there to use. 
11 Comments
Kellie Stapleton link
1/9/2010 12:37:22 pm

Hi Jake: discovered your blog today, and I have read every entry. I have purchased a T-shirt in support of your mission, and plan to follow your entire trip, and read your blog. You've had quite an adventure to date. I was really sorry to read about the stolen gear, and then the "spray" incident. I'm glad you're still on your way!

Reply
lyn stachovak
1/9/2010 04:12:10 pm

I didn't send Dale and Rose to spy on you - honest. It was just good to know that our friends were able to catch up to you. Dale called and invited us to play a game of dominos with them. In Baton Rouge! It's tempting to find out where in Texas they're going to be and get to cash in on that invite. Not totally un-doable. Wonder if we could get the camper out of the snowbank in the backyard?

Reply
Jan Kleck
1/9/2010 07:09:01 pm

You are all that! And with a sense of humor like the Polar Bear joke? Come on, who is helping you? Equally impressed with an equipment list. Is there anything you cannot do!? Organization and thoroughness - it can't be beat! You are ready to paddle on, you had better because you've got a few more strokes to accomplish and you've got October and a birthday to make! Blessings.

Reply
Elmore link
1/9/2010 09:52:53 pm

Kellie, I tried to make a comment on your blog, but it wouldn't let me. I wanted to suggest that you visit this page:

http://www.holmeswoodwork.com/WhatIsPaddling.html

I make an attempt to explain all the paddling disciplines I know of.

Reply
Steven Krause
1/9/2010 10:45:32 pm

So that's where Dale and Rose are these days.

Reply
Aaron Stachovak
1/10/2010 02:18:41 am

The polar bear joke is 100% our dad!!! I am happy he didn't tell us how to catch a black bear.

Good to see you are back on the water..

Reply
Tootie
1/10/2010 07:23:03 am

Hey, Jake. Good to see you are back at it. All rested up and ready to go on. Happy to hear you have places to stop along the way so you will be safe and warm. Hopefully the cold snap will end down there soon. I know it will end before ours will! Take care and stay safe.
I'll bet your Mom did send the friends to spy on you.

Reply
Jake
1/10/2010 11:01:00 am

Elmore's web site is an excellent source of information. I discovered it when I was looking for info for this trip. That's how I ended up meeting him and his wife Martha. I do recommend checking it out.
http://www.holmeswoodwork.com/WhatIsPaddling.html

Reply
Luke Stachovak
1/10/2010 11:16:16 pm

Was I the only Stachovak who was holding his breath at the punch line? Glad you are back at it Jake!

Reply
lyn stachovak
1/11/2010 01:14:20 am

No Luke, I was holding my breath too!

Reply
Michael Franklin link
1/13/2010 05:19:24 am

Nice video Jake! The joke needs a little work though! It is great to be able to follow your adventure on the internet! Keep on paddling my friend!

Reply



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