I am finally on my way! My first day on the water was a short, only 11 nautical miles. This was intentional, allowing for me to have a late morning launch and an easy first stretch, setting me up for the border crossing and customs tomorrow. Right now I am at my first campsite having already set up camp, eaten dinner, cleaned up, and brushed my teeth. I am enjoying having so much time this evening, which I do not expect to be the norm. I won’t be setting up camp in the light on every night, after all. It is very quiet here and the full moon is rising so bright and beautiful in the sky.
View from Stuart Island
The day started off feeling quite hectic: waking up early, meeting everyone at the shop, heading to the beach, taking care of the last details, taking pictures, and launching all felt a bit frenetic. It was a positive kind of energy, but it made the time rush by until all the sudden I was in my kayak, heading across the channel.
That is when everything changed. After a few minutes of steady paddling I began to feel that wonderful feeling you only get when you remove yourself from the day-to-day trappings of your life and head off to somewhere different. Not just some where, but to a totally different existence. My usual concerns have fallen away: no more thinking about when to open the shop, if I need gas in the car, or how much time to spend on different projects. Now there is just the wind, tide, rain, and sun. Life has been reduced to just one task: finding my way ahead.
I know that I am fortunate to be able to choose this existence for however long it lasts. I am grateful for the nine people who showed up this morning to help carry my loaded boat to the beach. What a luxury! I am also incredibly appreciative of the mentors, co-workers, family, friends, and well-wishers that have encouraged me while preparing. I do not know how this will all go, but I am excited to be on my way. I hope you enjoy following along.
Happy New Year!
First Night Campsite