Tribute

As we know, Eskimos used kayaks for their livelihood, all year long in all kinds of weather. Of course, they had/have seal-skin parkas, mukluks and clothing to keep them warm as a way of life. Those of us who live further down on the globe need to gather such items to keep warm if we want to take in a snowy day on the lake-which is what I did recently with my son, Matthew.
Their family came down for Thanksgiving dinner the weekend before and he had expressed a desire to go kayaking with me before he left for Iraq for a contract job. He's been there before with the Gaurd and as a deployment while in the army. Those assignments have not been without the hardships, and the physical and mental wear and tear, that our soldiers experience while on duty. His simple statement, when I mentioned it may be snowing when he came, was- "that would be kinda peaceful". After waffling a bit, I called Mary and Lee who kindly brought up an extra kayak for him to use.
We went to Moore Park Marina and set out for a short paddle along the south shore. It was snowing, and spray skirts kept us warm as we paddled with the wind and snow. I watched Matthew as we paddled along and it was gratifying to see him occasionally pause, and lift his face into the falling snow, gathering that peace that I know we have all gathered when finding ourselves in an awesome place that we have paddled across. As we headed back to shore against the wind, I made 'notes of learning'-like maybe snow goggles and a billed cap to keep the flying snow out of my eyes-but not regretting the winter weather for the time spent with my son. I felt it was a small thing that I could do for him as soldier and as my son.
When I mention Matthews service, I am asked to tell him, 'Thank You for your service." I trust the time he gathered at the lake, in the snow, will serve as both healing and thanks, and come back to him time and again and serve as a purpose for paddling again.
To all our soldiers that serve our country- "Thank you."

Pop In For An Idea

While the snow flies,and our kayaks are 'resting', others are thinking of warmer climes and exploring our curious planet for the wanderering. Here is a recent email from Martine from our San Juan Island visit to whet your imagination and power your planning 'beyond the snow':


"Greetings! So I was thinking about you and your group of ladies and was wondering if you are still interested in Baja possible in March when I will be leading 2 trips on March 6-13 and March 13-20, 2011.
Alaska Airlines just put flights on sale to Mexico and Baja and this time of year it sounds like the perfect getaway with all the wet and cold weather we have been experiencing in the Northwest. You would fly in and out of Loreto and I think it would be a wonderful paddle adventure for you and a group of ladies. Where the paddle trip is run outside of the Loreto area is one of my favorite places in the world to kayak in the world. It would be great if you could get 10 to 12 ladies to fill the trip but even if just a few women could join the tour I know everyone would have a trip of a life time in Baja.
We run week long tours in the Loreto area and both trips have space availability and I have enclosed the link about the trip.
Kayak Trips in Mexico’s Blue Whale Triangle & Loreto Islands Park
Detailed itinerary for our most popular Baja kayak trip: Sea Kayaking with Blue Whales in the Loreto Islands Marine Park.
Loreto is a very safe community and there are many fun things to do in the Loreto area and here a few suggestions:
· Whale Watching Tours with Gray Whales in Baja’s Magdalena Bay
(If you could down to Loreto a few days earlier than the kayak tour I could set up a trip to Magdalena Bay for you) Detailed itinerary for the Gray Whale Watching Safari Camp in Magdalena Bay of Baja Mexico - pet the friendly gray whales and their calves!
If you like history and rugged scenery, you should visit the 300-year old San Javier Mission in the Sierra Giganta Mountains. You can rent a car and take the drive yourself (it is easy to find the mission as the road goes directly there) or you can hire a taxi. Be sure to check with local folks before departing as heavy rains can severely damage the road.
Sport fishing is excellent in the Sea of Cortez. I recommend the Baja Big Fish Company www.bajabigfish.com. A few years ago I went on a sunrise fishing trip with them and they did a really nice job.
The Dolphin Dive Center www.dolphindivebaja.com has scuba and snorkel trips. I suggest visiting Coronado Island (in view a few miles north of Loreto) for an easy day trip to a beautiful destination that does not duplicate areas you will visit on your kayaking expedition
Here is a link for more travel and tourism information for the Loreto area http://www.loreto.com

Sea Quest Kayaking / Adventure Quest Tours

Whale and Wildlife-watching in the

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http://www.sea-quest-kayak.com/whales.htm