ourowntwohands: 5/25/08

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!!

31 May 2008

day 8 - HOMER at 10:29 pm ADKT

wow...wow! one week and here you are...AMAZING.

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30 May 2008

and later the same day 9:07 pm ADKT

in for the night...

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day 7 at 7:49 am

moving on....

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29 May 2008

day 6 at 7:35 pm ADKT

smiles for the team...more miles done, more to go.

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28 May 2008

day 5 at 8:01 pm ADKT

yay...a signal from our kayakers. they've gone roughly 100 miles since the portage put-in. keep in mind that measurement is based on the scale on my map and my fingers! they've gone past nikiski, one of the planned stops. roughly 75 more miles to homer, their first re-fuel stop.
wishing you a peaceful night paddlers under the sunlit alaska sky.

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27 May 2008

day 4 at 12:01pm ADKT

they are making such progress...incredible.

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25 May 2008

day 2 9:04 pm ADKT

second signal from SPOT (zoomed in view)

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day 2 at 6:01 pm AKDT

looks like a good day was being had...the first of 2 SPOT signals tonight.

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thanks tHAnKs THANKS

Richard Lampman for the donation!
Ryan Brey for the donation!
Sidney Stone for the donation!
Justin Switzer for the donation!
Lynn Geis for the donation!
Ginny Bohannan for the donation!
Rob Avery for the donation!
Robin Raplinger for the donation!
b - for all the web updates
Ken and Linda for the Homer welcome and greens!
Scott and Susan - we couldn't have refueled in Homer without your truck, house, friendship... THANK YOU
Bob, Mike, Joan, Will at Cook Inlet Keeper
Jim in Kenai for the insights and bottles of beer
Steve & Noel - for the meals, cars, beds, stories, open fridge, advice, for your son, and for the general belief that this is totally doable!
Megan at Northland Services
Megan Tompkins for the donation!
George Kneeland for the donation!
Damien Stark for the donation!
David Dalbey for the donation!
Joe Gaydos for the donation!
Rand Harrell for the donation!
Tom Pogson of Alaska Kayak School
Michael DuPas for the donation!
Roddy Scheer for the donation!
Dean Peterson for the donation!
Janet Brownell for the donation!
Jay Thomas for the donation!
Alan Shurman for medical advice!

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.

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 WendellI 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.

ourowntwohands