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!
14 May 2008
Changing Plans- "Welcome to Alaska in so many ways"
12 May 2008
donations!
We received our first donations!! very generous ones. It's so great to be actively working for a cause. Lots of people are able to, but it's a first for me in a serious manner. It's exciting. Thank you.
On Friday we fly to Anchorage, and about a week out from being on the water. We all talked after a few tries this weekend. The general consensus is we're ready to go, and ready to leave the rest of the organizing. ;) But really, we feel really good where we are at. And with a little free time, it's given way to some nervous anxiousness.
In a week we'll put putting in the water near Portage, AK.
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The weather report is still looking cold. There's been consistent gale force winds the last 2 weeks. Sun is surely coming, preceded by some 49/40 Olympic coast rainy weather. I think it's safe to expect a cold first week.
I looked closer at the early charts this weekend, and it's not unrealistic to be in Homer with 6-8 days, if we wanted. So if it rains, we can make more miles with more time on the water.
Good advice from Dan - bring more rope and biners than you think. I'm trying to find my old climbing gear bag now. :)
Thanks again for all the gives - financial, support from friends, partners, parents, community - it makes it so much more doable.
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.
