Re: [Paddlewise] Conquering Kayakers

superiorvisions_at_att.net [Don Dimond] wrote:

> This is a response to the Conquering Kayakers thread.
> 
> In  1995 and 1996 I crossed the Great Lakes on solo
> crossings, I am the first to say that I did not conquer
> any of the lakes or nature at all. [snip]

> when I launched on the Superior
> crossing, surprisingly that crossing evolved into a
> spiritual journey for me. When the final crossing was
> over I once again did not feel great I just focused on
> the next project in my life. But I will forever treasure
> the gifts I received during that crossing, they being
> the memories that are etched forever in my mind.

Nicely said, Don -- I've never attempted anything as ambitious as your
undertaking.  However, I bet each of us has experienced a piece of the
"spiritual" aspect of your Superior crossing.

I posted a day or so re:  Jim Wickwire's memoir (Addicted to Danger) and
recommended it as a good window into the minds of those who "conquer."  Thanks
to the original poster (don't remember her name) for getting me to re-read
Wickwire, because after the "conquering" need/ego flush is gone, even Wickwire
finds that it is the spiritual aspects of challenging exploits which remain.

And, I think that is gender-independent, despite the greater number of guys
who chest-thump about their savage achievements.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


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