purpose of ourowntwohands

We are paddlers from the Pacific Northwest who completed a kayak expedition around the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska to raise money and awareness for the Cook InletKeeper, a non-profit organization working to protect waters quality the Kenai. Over 50% of the world's salmon are harvested from these waters.

The Kenai Peninsula is one of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet - home to brown and black bears, moose, caribou, migratory birds, wolves, humpback, beluga and killer whales, sea otters, sea lions, and all five species of wild pacific salmon.

Our 500 mile long journey began May 24 in Turnagain Arm in the Cook Inlet and concluded in Whittier on June 22, 2008. By donating to this cause, you will help support the Cook Inlet Keeper.

So far we have raised $1,500 all from your contributions! Thanks so much!!

14 May 2008

Changing Plans- "Welcome to Alaska in so many ways"

Today at work I received a call from Matt. There has been a storm raging in the Gulf of Alaska for the past week or so. Winds up to 60 knots and seas to 26 feet. Burly.
We knew all this, and wondered how this might effect the tug and barge carrying our kayaks up to Anchorage. It turns out the barge is delayed one week, so the soonest it may arrive is next Wednesday. We then called the shipper and found out that the barge could take up to four days to unload! A new twist.
So... we have changed our tickets and fly back on July 8th instead of the 1st.
It's hard to have plans change so quickly, but also the first of many great lessons we will learn on this trip. The weather is ALWAYS in charge. Plans are just that, plans and there are so many variables out of our control... I just had a great conversation with Tom Pogson in Homer- he has been, and was today very helpful. Among other things he said was:
"Welcome to Alaska in so many ways!"

The plusses:
Mathew gets to be with Bridget for her birthday!
Matt and I get to spend more time with Noel and Steve.
The weather should be better since it is later in the season.
Yoga classes in Anchorage!
Many more I haven't thought of yet!

We are at Body Boat Blade right now where many of our friends on the island are gathering for a send-off party for our trip. We miss you Mathew, and all others who aren't here!

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