impressions

We are too pressed for time to give an accurate, chronological account of our trip so far, and that could get tedious for others as well, so here are some mental snapshots out of my memory...

Saying goodbye to my mom and dad, wondering if they truly believed that we knew what we were getting into. Chocolate-brown water, churned by current, pulled into the steepest standing wave train I've ever seen. Continually checking depth with paddles as we "paddled by brail" in Turnagain Arm. The collage of sound created by the shore and the elements, are boats being disturbed by bear? are there people out there conversing in a different language? has the tide gone out a mile from camp? Bivvying for 6 hours on a bluff, unable to sleep because the scene above my eyes was too beautiful, and my mind is empty. Paddling among giant glacial erratics (boulders left by a melting glacier) with eddies behind each one--a bizzare moonscape flooded with water. Accepting a change in current (which seemed early to us) and letting go of the goal for a while--a healthy check-in to remain flexible, and take it as an opportunity. The deep resonating rumble of offshore oil-drilling rigs on day 4/5, one of many ugly sides of our addiction to oil vibrating me to my core. Watching the transition of the water color from brown to clear jade green, and with it, the abundance of wildlife and diversity. Thoughts of deep gratitude for all the people who have made this adventure possible for us, who have helped us along the way, and who we'll meet in the coming days. It's certainly not just our own two hands...