book: At the Mercy of the Sea by John Kretschmer

My birthday was last month and I received a few interestingly titled books.  Well I grabbed one of these books today as I headed to my local mechanic to get some service done on my truck.  I chose “At the Mercy of the Sea: the true story of three sailors in a Caribbean Hurricane” by John Kretschmer.

Lenny south of Saint Croix at its peak intensity

The book takes place in November of 1999.  The protagonist is Hurricane Lenny.  “Lenny was the strongest Atlantic hurricane ever recorded in November, and quite unusual in that it moved west-to-east across the Caribbean”.  It is remarkable timing that I should have started reading this book because right now we have Tropical Storm Ida moving in the Gulf of Mexico.

The book has a little more than two hundred pages.  And within the two hours of reading it I read almost half of this book.  I felt as I was reading it that I was becoming apart of something bigger than myself.

Aquatic suspense always draws me in for it usually defies conventional wisdom.  Anyone who has spent time on the water knows that boaters are a guest on the back of a nameless leviathan.  Hurricane Lenny is the leviathan in this book and he is as unique as the three men that were solo sailing.  This is a book about the experience of sailing through a category four hurricane.  And I highly recommend it to my fellow kayakers.  It is full of character development and suspense.  I could taste the saltwater, feel the wind, and I shared in the fatigue of Carl Wake, Steve Rigby, and Guillaume Llobregat, as they sailed.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.  – Jeff

Surfs UP^!

Hi Fellow Water Lovers,
Yesterday I got to surf some really fun and powerful waves. Hurricane Ida brought with it some wonderful semi-tropical swells! The water is getting a little chilly(73 degrees), so I wore a full wetsuit and was glad I did with the 30 to 40 mph. east offshore winds. Anyway just thought I would drop this in. Waves were chest to shoulder high with occasional head high set waves(the biggest single wave to come in every now and then). Hope you all are getting some water time, too. What ever you use as your vehicle on the water: Get on it, in it, under it!!!
-Sea Turtle Sean

kayak fishing

Yes, I actually caught two fish.  The last time I caught a fish I was 15.  It is an odd thing to admit because I have been on the water with a lot of kayak anglers.  We even shared our knowledge.  I taught them how to paddle without effort.  And they taught me how to think like a fish.  After all of my practice casting it finally worked.  My friends have always had fun with this failure fo mine.  The running joke is that the first fish I catch will probably be caught with my mouth instead of  with a lure.  Because of all of the rolling I do.

Tony and I were fishing inshore saltwater.  Within a five mile radius of an inlet island we fished on the flats, around docks, under a bridge, and at the edge of a channel.  Then before the sun set we made camp on an island.  My two fish were too small to keep.  However Tony caught some legal size ones.

With our fish we ate roasted corn, potatoes, and baked apples.  We toasted the night with a little rum and then went night fishing.  We only caught some horseshoe crabs and snails.  We cooked the snails with a little butter.  It tasted great!

I will never eat wild snails again.  It became quickly apparent that it did not agree with me.  Oops…

The sunrise completed a beautiful night.  We fished near the boat channel as we paddled back to the boat launch.  Tony caught three more redfish.  I was not so successful.

This was a rewarding and peaceful experience.  I definitely recommend everyone to try their hand at kayak fishing.  At best you catch some fish.  At worst you get a chance to play like a kid again.

- Jeff

#4 Expedition Planning : The Menu!

Hey Water Junkies, SORRY this post is long overdue: It has been a stressful time recently & I had computer problems-A WORM! I’ m not talk’n earth worm either! Computer still down but I’ m finally doing this from my home computer- not the infected work computer.

Here it is, the long awaited #4 post in our Expedition Series. This post will be focusing on the food Jeff and I will be taking on our 5 day paddling expedition down the Suwannee River. Including Breakfast each morning, and Lunch and Dinner for each day. This will also include how we plan to prepare and pack it as well as the calorie count that we feel will be needed for each day. There will also be an ending paragraph on the extras- such as snacks/secret last minute desserts and must haves!!!

For starters lets do breakfast:  This will consist of  assorted instant oatmeal flavors- Calories 100 to 160 depending on the flavor. We will also be having on at least 1 day, Backpacker’s Pantry Denver Omelets- Calories 220. Also on the menu for breakfast will be assorted travel packs of cereals- Calories 120-180 depending on brand. Don’t forget a 4-6 pack of UHT(ultra high temperature) Milk in boxes- Calories 170. That should just about do it for the mornings. That would mean we will start each day at around 200 to 350 or more calories depending on what we eat. Not including any treats I.E.- fruit cup, instant coffee, juice.

Next lets do lunch: This will include the ever popular Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich- Calories 242. Also assorted packaged Albacore Tuna & Salmon(only the best for Jeff & I) to be put in a wrap- Calories 120-160. Don’t forget the individual packaged Cheddar Cheese slices- Calories 120. Totaling 280 to 362 calories give or take a few depending on what other goodies might be added as we see fit or as something grabs our taste buds. I forgot to mention I still have a few Military Issue M.R.E.s( meals ready to eat) that just might make it into the Lunch Line!!!!

Now for the Dinner Menu: The first night Jeff and I will be dining on Beef Tips and Green Peppers with Egg Noodles that we will pre-make at home and put in ice to be re-heated at camp the first night!! Not sure on the calories but I would guess around 350 calories. For the rest of the expedition we will be eating  20 oz. Mountain House Dinners that feed 2. They are as follows,  Spaghetti w/ meat sauce- Calories 270.  Mexican Style Rice & Chicken- Calories 480.  Beef Stroganoff- Calories 310.  And finally Grilled Chicken & Mashed Potatoes- Calories 250. These are all backpacker type just add water to rehydrate foods. One would think YUCK! They are actually quite YUMMY!

All of these foods we can either eat as they are out of the package or can use our small MSR white gas stoves to heat water and add to rehydrate as well as warm the food. As far as packing the food goes none of this will need to be refrigerated and all of it will fit nicely into a dry bag or directly into the storage areas of our kayaks as it is all contained in a small slim package of its own.

After doing research on the calorie intake that we should be consuming we settled upon 1400 to 1600 a day. This may seem a little low as compared to other sports endeavors, but remember it will be chilly( or downright cold!) and we will have a current pushing us along to aid with exertion and fatigue. Therefore we will not burn as much fuel in our bodies as if we were paddling in the heat & against a current/wind/waves in open waters. To break it down that would mean around 900 to 1000 calories, just with the 3 meals each day!! That doesn’t include snacking on things like Trail Mix- Calories about 180 per serving. Or Jeffs’ Famous Desserts- I KNOW HE’ LL BE WHIPPNG SOMETHING UP!!!!  I.E.  Orange Cinnamon Swirls, Stuffed Apples, Cakes & Cookies too! He will be using a Backpackers Pantry Outback Oven to make these goodies!

So as you can see we will NOT be Starving by any means on our little Expedition! I don’ t think we will have any problems getting enough calorie intake to keep going. I also have a feeling that somehow a can of Black-EYED Peas will make it into the New Years Eve Dinner as well for GOOD LUCK! And I KNOW Jeff and I will be toasting in the New Paddling Year with some sort of Adult Beverage- could be Champagne, could be Tequila; WHO KNOWS!?!? Thats the beauty of it. It doesn’t matter because only we will be there to experience it!!!!………….. Well us and the Spirits and Animals of the Suwannee River.

-Already dreaming of  Eating and Paddling, Sea Turtle Sean.

Next Post #5 in the Expedition Series:  The Gear.    Posting in 8 days.( I Promise )

Terror near the water

Halloween is a great time to enjoy the rush of being scared. And the pounding of the heart lets us know that we are alive. I recommend seeing these classic and modern movies if you cannot get out on the water. You are sure to get lost in the fun of each movie.      – Jeff

Black Water (2008)

The movie is an Australian crocodile film about a rogue crocodile that attacks some tourists in their boat. As they drift into a mangrove swamp, their boat suddenly capsizes and Jim disappears. Becoming stranded in the swamp the group realizes that a crocodile has attacked them. Stranded they must somehow elude a man-eating crocodile and get out alive.

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Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

“A scientific expedition searching for fossils along the Amazon River discover a prehistoric Gill-Man in the legendary Black Lagoon. The explorers capture the mysterious creature, but it breaks free. The Gill-Man returns to kidnap the lovely Kay, fiancée of one of the expedition, with whom it has fallen in love.”

This movie was filmed in Florida on the Silver River.

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Deliverance (1972)

“On a weekend canoing trip down a river in the Georgia back country, four urban businessmen enter a nightmare in which both nature and mankind conspire to send them through a crucible of danger and degradation in which their lives and perhaps even their souls are put at horrendous risk.”

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The Descent (2005)

Six girlfriends meet in a remote part of the Appalachians for their annual extreme outdoor adventure, in this case the exploration of a cave hidden deep in the woods. Far below the surface of the earth, disaster strikes, and there’s no way out. (Directed by Neil Marshall, English, 100 min., 2005, Rated R for strong violence/gore and language).

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The Host (2006)

U.S. military scientist orders deadly chemicals to be dumped in a Korean sewer, inadvertently giving birth to a mutant monster. This film, which has won rave reviews from critics and audiences around the world, does for the age of chemical weapons and bioterroism what Godzilla did for the era of the atomic bomb. The director has been compared with Steven Spielberg for his ability to combine relentless thrills with poignant characterizations. (Directed by Joon-ho Bong, Korean w/ English subtitles, Rated R)

Island of Lost Souls (1933)

“The original version of H.G. Wells’ novel, The Island of Dr. Moreau. Charles Laughton makes a very creepy Dr. Moreau, and Bela Lugosi is equally creepy as The Sayer of the Law. If you’ve seen later versions, particularly the recent Brando remake, be sure to catch this one if you can.”

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Jaws (1975)

“Not to be outdone by Hitchcock, Spielberg managed to make people afraid of a fish. ”

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Lake Placid (1999)

“Its placid waters complement the pristine Maine wilderness it borders. This tranquil setting is probably the last place you’d expect a gruesome fatality. But then it’s also the last place you’d expect to find a 30-foot, narrow-snouted, multi-toothed, reptilian of the species Crocodylus. An eating machine more commonly known as a crocodile.”

 

Suwannee River: spirits

This evening I started thinking about the history that flows from the Suwannee River.  It is All Hallows Eve and some people are tricked into wrapping themselves in consumerism.  The treats consumed tonight rots the body and does little to nourish the soul.  It is not a very happy day at all; moreover, it is a far departure for its historical and spiritual roots.  It is history that interests me and I started thinking about the people that once lived on this magical river.

The purpose of this time was to remember those who have died.  I wonder about the people who died on the 266 winding miles of water cutting through southern Georgia and Florida. I have come across some legends that say the Suwannee River in the 1780’s were full of pirates. The river also supported the lives of several Native American tribes before and after Europeans discovered the Suwannee.  And in recent history there is the ghost town of Ellaville.  We will travel under that town’s abandoned bridge during our trip.

It is possible that along the river late at night we could see spirits dancing in the moonlit mist.  Maybe we will only hear the sounds of sturgeons leaping and barred owls speaking.  No mater what we see and not see  Sean and I will treat the time on the water respectful of those who loved and died along the Suwannee River.

- Jeff

A kayaker’s soft drink: Solo

I am pursuing a MA in history focusing on an aspect of transportation.  Consequently, I am always excited to find something about kayaking.  Sean Smith gets the credit of making me aware of this video.

In 1980’s an Australian soft drink manufacture used a kayak to promote their Solo lemon flavored carbonated beverage.  I do not know if the beverage still exists but the commercial makes me thirsty.

-Jeff

Koreshan Camping/Paddle Trip!!

Hi Paddlers,

    Well just got back from the area of Estero,Florida. What a cool area to camp and paddle. The Park Rangers were very nice and did not even give us a hard time bout nothing!!  This is an update from a small heads up posting I did last week. What follows is a brief summary of the trip and what happened while the group was there. Also some brief history on one of the weirdest state parks I have personally ever been to!

    The trip started on Friday morning, Oct. 16th. I met KayakKev and KayakPeggy at Peggys’ house around 9:30 a.m. After some minor packing and loading our 3 kayaks on the MOOSE- (our affectionate name for Kevins’ LARGE Ford Truck with giant Thule Hull-a vator roof racks), we headed to get the trailer. After grabbing the trailer- which by the way looked darn good with its new highspeed wax job, we were headed south on Interstate 75; headed toward Ft. Myers. After about 2 hours and 40 minutes of smooth driving, we got off on our exit and headed straight for our campsite(#15) at Koreshan State Park! Upon arrival we met up with Judy and Roy- who by Saturday morning had had enough of the rain and packed up and left early. More about that later. Kevin & I set up the trailer and camp as quick as possible, while Peggy started warming up dinner- my wife Shellys’ famous Cuban Picadillo. Did I mention I also had to rush to set up my tent!!

    The rest of Friday night was pretty typical of a night around the camp. Then the 1st COLD FRONT of the year came through and it POURED ALL NIGHT!!!! Luckily my 9 year old tent did not leak one bit. I was up about every hour thinking the GREAT FLOOD was going to start any minute. In the morning to my amazement some other paddlers had come in, they were: Sandy & her husband Bob, Katy, Grayson, John, Carol, Kathy & Jim. Sandy and Bobs’ tent leaked in the deluge of water, although they looked as though it had not phased them. After sending Judy & Roy off, we all decided to go for a paddle up the Estero River. What a beautiful South Florida river this was with many airplants in the trees and an exotic feel about it. The rain had stopped and we all enjoyed our day on the water. Hope to paddle more of this area at a later time. As we paddled,  Sandy and I talked about how we both would swear a babbling creek was running through our campsites the night before!!!!!! When we returned to the boat launch I gave a brief demo of self rescue techniques, despite the signs warning of BIG Alligators!!!!(I personally never saw one) BUT, I know for a fact Katy was looking for them!!!!

    Later on Saturday night we did a potluck kinda dinner, although Kev, Peggy, & I did opt for our own meal, (Peggy-it was delicious). It was during the food prep that Bob asked me about Beam Seas( side waves) coming at the boat and how to handle them. As I began to explain, he was pouring about 20 Gallons of LIGHTER FLUID in a Habachi grill & threw the match- WOOOMMPPFF!!!! The 8 foot fireball that flew out caused Bob to lean away from the Inferno! AH HA, I exclaimed “Lean AWAY from the FIRE, and Lean INTO the WAVES!”.

“What a great way to remember that!”, Bob said. That became the Mantra of the rest of the trip! Later on Sat. night the group went for a late night nature hike. I decided to try to scare them. Here I am wondering around in all black, when I finally jumped out to scare someone; I tripped on a root and landed in the middle of the path flat on my back laughing like a FOOL! All of the sudden there was a bright light over me and Grayson says, “Hi Sean.” Too Fricken FUNNY!!

    Sunday was spent touring the Koreshan Settlement and relaxing around the camp with my Buddies! Monday was pack up day- and the dreaded arrival back in civilization! All in all what a great weekend with GOOD PEOPLE!! Thank You to all who were there and I hope we can all do it again sometime!! KayakKev & KayakPeggy I Love You Guys!! Last but not least we really missed Sue, Karen, Dan & of course my Jeffie!! 

    This state park was sold to the state by the Koreshan Unity- a religious cult from the late 1800’s till approx. the early 1960’s. They believed the world was on the inside of a sphere, and were led by Dr. Cyrus Teed, who was knocked out by high voltage electricity and claimed to have been approached by male/female GOD telling him that he was the Messiah and to start the Utopian city of New Jerusalem in Estero, Fl. I do have appreciation for his right to freedom of religion from persecution. BUT, could not help thinking– What a Wack Job and the closeness of his religion name to a certain other Wack Job from WACO, Texas……… David Koresh.   Hmmmm makes one think doesn’ t it!!

                                                                                           - Sea Turtle Sean

I almost forgot to mention: Robert the awesome dude fishing at the boat ramp who watched my yak when I went to get the bike trailer. Also our neighbors in site 14:  Keith and Maria who I would like to Thank for the Gumbo Limbo firewood & Great Conversation!! I hope to hear from you all soon!!

A Little Late…….!

I know some of our readers are waiting on 2 posts to come out! One on my trip to Koreshan State Park and #4 in our Expedition post; The Menu. I have gotten a little behind but I promise to write them both over the weekend! Check back frequently as they will definitely be up by MONDAY.
– Sea Turtle Sean

Jeff, We Will Miss Thee!

Just wanted to let everyone know that we will miss the Jeffster on our Koreshan camping/paddling trip this weekend! He was supposed to go but had something come up at work– Ughh!! When LIFE gets in the way, but as paddlers it happens to the best of us; and we have ALL been there. Jeff to you we send a solid SALUTE and raise our Paddles to THEE! I feel like I’ m cheating on my second wife. Oh, well I’ ll see you when we get back!!!!
-Sean