I can’t believe tomorrow will be one month since I began this expedition. So much has changed. I’ve met so many great people and made so many new friends and yet, I’m just at the beginning of this long journey. It’s a helluva ride and I’m enjoying every moment, even if there are moments that are scaring the hell out of me (New York City Harbor, Sandy Hook Crossing, approaching hurricanes)
Author: Journey Waters
Author, Poet, Craftsman
I’ve been writing and sharing stories from the road since 2013. I also have a YouTube channel under The Itinerant Craftsman where I travel the USA performing unique and challenging construction projects out of my Custom Overland Truck. You might also find me at a Tantra or Music festival.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 30
Walking through the front door, I was immediately impressed. This little place was jam packed with high quality gear. From Paddle Boards and Kayaks, to accessories for both, camping, hiking and I am sure a whole lot more. There on the tiny little counter lay my items, held aside just like they said they would do.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 29
Today was tent replacement day. I needed to replace the Sierra Designs Lightning 2 / 2 Person Tent It was not designed well or for the climate anywhere in the US. Though the attached rain fly was a good idea, it was not really a full rain fly and its inability to be removed made the tent hot. When it was humid, the inability to get airflow made it damp and when it rained, only the front half was actually a rain fly so the back half was wet.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 27
Laying down on the pier, I was able to reach my gear in the kayak that was heaving up and down in the waves. I removed the lashings and threw my gear up onto the pier bag by bag. I was just getting the last of it when I realized the few people on the Pier had grown to many people. I asked one of them what they were waiting for and one guy pointed to an inbound ferry. I got worried. The kayak was right between the Pier and the Barge.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 26
While the Verrrazano was within sight all day, it was around 1pm when I first saw the beautiful lady in the harbor. I’ve dreamed about kayaking around the Statue of Liberty for over two years and there she was. Today would be the day another dream is fulfilled.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 25
I was thinking to myself; how different Manhattan looks from the water All around me traffic flew by, but their noise was barely audible. From here I could see green trees, children playing in parks and people on the river front park that runs almost the entire length of Manhattan’s West Side. This was a Manhattan I did not know and I loved it.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 24
Gabrielle Bilik of the Yorktown News introduced herself and we began the interview. She was very thorough with her questions and boy could she write fast. She kept up with my answers without using anything more than a pen and paper. I should have warned her that I can talk a lot, but I didn’t.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 23
It didn’t take but a minute to be drenched in sweat again, I had the tide on my side now so I was creating a slight breeze, but after fifteen minutes I had no choice…I jumped overboard.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 22
Rounding the bend to the left I paddled up past Verplanck and then Montrose and my mind drifted back many years ago to a young man who for my parents Office Supply store in Mohegan Lake, NY. While he was a little older than I, he made it a point to tell me how he admired me. Why, I will never know, but he did. While his name now hides from my memory, he does not.
Canada to Key West Paddle – Day 20
Pulling out from the shore I was again reminded of how rich this area is with free public parks where people can get out and enjoy the water. Why more people are not taking advantage of these places is beyond me. These free parks should be full of people on such a hot summer day and yet, there were 6 people in all there.