In the Old Ain't Dead department

Aleksander Doba, at the age of 67, completed the longest open water kayak crossing of the Atlantic. He didn't even train for the expedition. I'm ten years younger. After a day of changing light fixtures my elbow is stiff as heck and slathered in Tiger Balm. I'd be hard pressed to kayak across the lake right now. Good thing I'm not interested in kayaking across the Atlantic.

Still, Doba's exploits encourage me. I hope I have a few more adventures in me yet. The Everglades Challenge had interested me. I hoped that I'd be able to finish the sailing rig on the Ooze Goose in time to compete in this year's event back in March. It was not to be. Just as well as the Coast Guard shut down this year's race on day one. The Challenge has a $390/person registration fee. There is also a long list of required equipment. Had I spent the money and time to start the Challenge I'd have been hugely disappointed. Entry fees were not refunded.

Two winters ago my lovely wife and I sailed in that area. We took our time, but in the end we covered about 85% of the course. Instead of heading to Key Largo after crossing Floria Bay we went west to Bahia Honda. We hung around Bahia Honda for the better part of a week. Nice beaches. At the end of that trip I felt fantastic. Sunshine, exercise, and a lighter diet all did their magic. I also experienced the wonderful waters of the Florida Gulf and Florida Bay.

Setting records isn't something that particularly interests me. In fact, had I entered the Challenge with my little boat I'd have done well to finish. There were much faster boats than mine in the race. I had some tricks up my sleeve that would have saved time, but I guess I may never know if they'd have worked or not.

So maybe I'll have to do something else. There are some crazy ideas that interest me. One idea I can't get out of my mind is doing the ICW from VA to FL in my little 12 foot boat. People have done it in less worthy vessels. After all, compared to Aleksander Doba I'm just a kid who wants to go on a short jaunt.

-Sixbears