Re: [Paddlewise] Solo or not?

Philip Torrens wrote:

> This year's big trip was paddling from Port Hardy around Cape Scott to San
> Josef Bay (for those not familiar with the Pacific Northwest, Cape Scott is
> often talked about in the same terms as Cape Horn. This is propably an
> exageration, but Cape Scott can certainly be wild, and is the site of many
> shipwrecks). While I conceived this trip and did much of the research, the
> woman I paddled with and I paddled as equals. (She's in a parallel situation
> to mine - her life partner, while an active outdoor type, is not keen on
> hard-core paddling trips). She also has solo toured extensively, and is a
> sea kayak guide of many years experience. I found the dynamic on this trip
> to be excellent; we enjoyed each other's company, yet could paddle in
> companionable silence for hours. Neither of us felt we had to baby-sit the
> other, yet we were each confident of the other's ability to assist us should
> we need it (at least in any circumstances where one kayaker could assist
> another!) To ensure I was not taking her thoughts and opinions for granted,
> I was careful ask open-ended questions as we discussed each upcoming day's
> paddling in the light of the radio forecast, the barometer readings, the
> seascape features, and the tidal exchanges; interestingly, we had each
> always reached the same conclusions independently, so there was never a
> tug-of-war over staying or going, or what route to take.
> For me it was in many ways the best of both worlds; the increased safety and
> the pleasure of companionship (especially welcome on the beach waiting out
> multi-day storms), and yet plenty of personal space, and without any burden
> of constantly looking after someone else. I'd call it paddling "solo
> together".

Very nice, Philip.  And well stated.

When I was a climber, we used to joke it was easier to find a compatible girl
friend than it was a compatible climbing partner!  Your post really reminded
me of that.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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