So, if at first you don’t succeed …. I am going to give it a second go at completing my quest. After watching Mark Ervin’s YouTube channel (see a the 4/14/23 post about him), purchasing and repairing a longer Kayak, and doing my lessons learned of my first attempt; I decided to give it another go. 

As stated I got an 18 foot kayak, fixed the minor damage to it, which pretty much doubled my gear space. I realized after the last trip a hammock was going to be more work than I want to endure; so I have borrowed my daughter/son-in law’s tent as a back up. I am ditching the cart, and I got better water storage bottles (multiple smaller collapsible bottles). Those last two decisions will keep things off the top of the kayak and thus there will be less of a sail. I also found better ways to pack all my gear so it is tighter and fits better in the kayak. The goal is to keep everything out of the cockpit and away from my legs.

The biggest change I need to be make, is that I have to change my attitude towards meeting people and seeking assistance. Mark Ervin talks about his anxieties surrounding not knowing where he will sleep next. Which was my main concern and main reason for quitting previously. It was comforting to hear that there was someone else with those concerns, and he was able to work through them. 

I am and always have been an introvert, so now I need to learn how to be more of an extrovert. I’ll be trying my best. I created a business card to introduce myself to people, which I can use when I need to ask to use space in a backyard to setup camp. I will work on talking to folks more and not trying to push to my daily goal so single mindedly. I will try and do better at keeping my hair cut, so I am a bit less homeless looking. Wish me luck.

I leave Richmond Saturday, and should be in the water on Monday Jan 29th. I don’t know when I’ll get internet to post photos but I can blog from my phone. See y’all on the water.