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Day 13 Thank you all

What a day! Wind and tide were with me today and I made great time. I have not checked but I but I would guess about 3.5 mph or better. I left Sebastian at 7:50am and arrived in Melbourne Beach at 1:20pm. Per the navagation tool that is a 18.9 mile paddle. I straightened out the path so it wasn’t quite that much I am sure (see the tracking map). I saw large turtles and a few dolphins today. I also now know where the Buffelheads winter, Melbourne Beach FL. I saw many large rafts of them in the bay. I also saw a pair of Frigate birds. I didn’t realize how big they are. My trip ended today in Melbourne Beach where my cousin Mark Ouellette and his wife Amber who put me up for the night. I thank them very much.

However; yesterday I spent the better part of the day (5 or so hours) trying to map my way through Florida and beyond. Without the ability to use marinas I am not comfortable continuing this adventure. So unfortunately, I am pulling the plug. My brother (in Ocala) is picking me up tomorrow and Peg will be here Monday.

I thought long and hard about this. I can see my way to just south of Datona Beach, and that would be 5 days with no shower or laundry. I can get water at marinas but carrying it (@ 8 lbs per gal) can be troublesome as it makes my kayak top heavy. Then there is the safety factor in areas that are as populated as northern Florida is. No place to run in an unexpected storm, no safe haven (I was lucky the first time). With that, the decission was made to stop, just a question of when. Since those supporting me are mostly still working; I thought it best to call it now (on the weekend) rather than mid next week.

As I stated yesterday, I feel you need ground support to do this safely. Peg and I will discuss our options (she may be retired but is still very active) and figure it all out. I still plan on doing a trip this Sept. along the Northern Forrest Canoe Trail. I will blog that trip as best I can; since some of that 760 mile trail is very remote. That trail is more up my alley, fresh water and remote. I will keep y’all informed.

Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, well wishes and support. It was one of the benefits not mentioned in yesterdays Good section. All of that ment the world to me. THANKS

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18 responses to “Day 13 Thank you all”

  1. Doug – I am glad you are being smart. Can’t know all the facts on paper and I am glad you are wise enough to pull the plug once the realities made this a risky quest. Proud of you for using good sense. tt

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  4. Always good to follow your gut instinct. You’ve still accomplished a great deal. Looking forward to your northern adventure!

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  6. Doug,
    You have done so well . I am proud! An adventure to be proud of Miami to Melbourne,Fl . Very smart pulling the plug now so you can venture again another day with an updated plan. 😎. Say hello to cousins and Aunt. Love you!
    Darlene

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  9. I love that you tried and were wise enough to pull the plug when necessary. Looking forward to following along on your next adventure. All the modern world rules certainly take a lot of fun and adventure out of life.

    I guess you and Peg have plenty of freeze dried food available for impromptu dinners!😂

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  10. Boss, I am sorry to read that it’s not gonna work out – but to echo others I agree it’s the right call. Being safe, sensible and practical – in the end enables the next adventure!!! AND – you have already completed and racked up an amazing, challenging, rewarding trip that very few would even attempt! I look forward to the re-cap/review in person! VA/NC trout season and paddling await! Safe travels to shore and home! Phil

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  13. That was a hard decision to make I’m sure but a wise one. I’ve enjoyed tagging along on your paddle adventure and so glad that you got to experience some, if not all of your trip. Safe travels back and looking forward to the next big adventure!

    Ruth

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  14. Doug
    Had no idea you were doing this!!!! I enjoy reading about this since my inlaws used to be in Vero Beach. and i’ve fished alot along the ICW in Vero. Quite impressed you made it through the inlet at Sebastian!!!! Looking forward to the next adventure.
    Lacy

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  16. You did a great job Doug. 168 miles is a looong way in a kayak. Trust me, I know as we kayak some too. We sail long distances as well, but in the comfort of our sailboat, we all the creature comforts of home. I respect how far you managed to go, but I think you made a wise choice. I hope you & Peggy can out on our new sail boat sometime this year. Cheers, Jeremy Rowan

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  17. What an adventure Doug! I know it did not end up as you expected but from what I read, you still had some great adventures and saw some awesome wildlife. So hold your head high! You did something amazing !

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