Thoughts on Firsts May 3

Ahhh…finally getting this whole blog thing figured out! Just made some last tweaks to the skooks video, and thought I’d write up a short post. Had an interesting email exchange with a friend and fellow coach (he is also a college professor), Jonathan Walpole, about the issue of claiming to be “the first” to achieve a goal related to outdoor pursuits. He feels that to claim such a thing is pretty silly, as a lot of the routes attempted in more modern times by people using modern equipment, have most likely been done for one reason or another by indigenous peoples of the area, with far simpler “equipment.” Also, as many outdoor adventurers are not interested in fame or money (motivated by the experience of living and traveling in remote parts of the planet, and often moving via human-power), lots of routes have been successfully traveled, but not announced to the public. I am in total agreement and added that: to make the achievement of the goal (unless survival depends on it) the focus for, let’s say, a kayak expedition, can certainly create a dangerous attitude regarding risk assessment, concern for other group members, and detract from truly appreciating the area which we’re fortunate enough to be experiencing. It was an interesting exchange and I appreciated what he had to say about it all. I should also add that Jon is an incredible resource of information and experience, and that for anyone contemplating a kayak journey, Jon has probably researched (if not paddled) the route and would have valuable input.

Our conversation was an interesting opportunity for me to examine my goals for the trip and to once again, consider everyone else’s. Also a reminder of how careful one must be when presenting themselves, rather personally, to the public. We probably all are guilty of judging others (and their motivations) at times without really knowing them. Add to that the medium of the written word with its absence of facial expressions, tone of voice, etc., and I think it becomes easy to be misunderstood. It’s kind of a new concept for me to realize that once something has been posted on a blog, there is the potential for lots of people—many who don’t know you--to make their own interpretation of who you are and what you are about—and this can work both ways! Anyway, all interesting food for thought.

It was unexpectedly emotional to wrap up our boats for shipping last weekend and see them departing on our adventure weeks before we will!! Kind of symbolic, too, as that’s what will probably happen throughout our whole adventure—but usually by only 7 feet!