Matt writing here--i waited too long to respond to the blog invite, but that will get sorted soon. Shawna and Leon (our employers and good friends who own BodyBoatBlade) threw a little going away party for us on the 14th, and it was great to be able to explain a bit more about our trip to people who were interested. It was also sweet to feel the support and enthusiasm of our friends who are excited about us doing this adventure. Djuna and i left our little cabin in the woods on Friday (the 16th) in beautiful weather. Sad to leave, but so excited and fortunate, it doesn't matter. We've got some good friends, Sati and Dave, who are staying there while we're away, and we hope they enjoy it as much as we do. Amalia, who has been a friend of Djuna's since childhood, dropped us off at the airport after a nice visit with her, her extremely cute daughter Lilian, and her husband, Chris. Thanks again, you guys! As we flew North, we could see Port Townsend, the San Juans, Texada and Lasqueti islands, Sechelt Inlet (home to Skookumchuck rapids)--all places that hold some place in our hearts and memories. We couldn't see much for a few hours after that, so sleep became the best option. As we flew on, the cloud cover cleared and suddenly we were looking down at the Copper River Delta in the eastern part of Prince William Sound. Long black sand beaches and bars were visible with big surf breaking, and the mountains and glaciers were glowing orange and pink with alpenglow (10:00 pm). As we flew west, the snow depth increased till it was down to sea level at the west side of Prince William Sound. We were on the wrong side of the plane to look down over Turnagain Arm, but were able to catch a glimpse of Chickaloon Bay and Pt. Posession right before we landed. It was so exciting to feel awed by the sheer scale of the mountains, glaciers, and beauty--quite an arrival. My mom and dad picked us up at the airport, and we have had a great visit with them so far; they are very thoughtful, generous folks and a lot of fun to hang out with! Mathew arrives on Wed. am, and i'm looking forward to the 3 of us being together and preparing to get on the water.
who we are
Djuna Mascall
I began paddling in the waters of Cook Inlet, working as a guide in Kachemak Bay. Since then, my husband Matt and I have moved to Orcas Island Washington and work with Body Boat Blade. We are passionate about paddling in dynamic waters and living adventurous lives. The Kenai is so diverse and wild, it’s a place I love to know exists on this planet.
I began paddling in the waters of Cook Inlet, working as a guide in Kachemak Bay. Since then, my husband Matt and I have moved to Orcas Island Washington and work with Body Boat Blade. We are passionate about paddling in dynamic waters and living adventurous lives. The Kenai is so diverse and wild, it’s a place I love to know exists on this planet.
Matthew Nelson 
I love being on the sea and working as a coach helping people learn how to become safe, self-sufficient kayakers. My first real exposure to sea kayaking took place near Homer, AK, on the Kenai Peninsula. I'm excited to have a chunk of time to explore the unique coastal environments the Kenai has to offer, and to be on an adventure with two of my best friends.
Mathew Wendell
I moved to the Pacific NW to be by the ocean, I'm not sure why, but it came from deep within. I went to a couple symposiums early 2005 and paddled as many boats as I could, but I didn't really know how to paddle so how could I decide which boat I buy?! I chose one nice looking that fit me comfortably. I soon found an active paddling community and friendships through the WKC. And then, I was on the ocean with wide eyes - loving the smell, addicted to the ocean swell. Since that first summer I've been on a constant search for moving water - surf, standing waves, tidal races! I honestly can't believe Alaska is happening. "Fortunate" is one mere word that describes how I feel to be paddling with this team toward an incredible cause.
Kenai Course
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