Re: [Paddlewise] Conquering Kayakers

I'm the original conquering kayakers poster. I think this thread has been
interesting, but I think I biased the original discussion by even using the
word 'conquering.'   Folks have reacted to that a bit.  What I've read so
far indicates that people don't tend to do these kinds of paddles in an
attempt to conquer, that when they're done they don't feel like they've
conquered. I've read that people set goals -- like projects? -- and set out
to meet them. Someone talked about the need people have for exploring the
"frontier."  I've  also read that the long paddles may turn people inward,
perhaps in a spiritual way.   What is still missing here is the why, the
nuance of the extreme adventure, or of the large crossing. Every time I
paddle I experience some of the things that people have suggested (some
days it's an accomplishment to get the book on the car, to the water, into
the water, and attach my spray skirt!).  Even going down a 4 mile stretch
of an unknown river is an "explore" (I believe it was Christopher Robin who
talked about going on explores with  Winnie the Pooh and Tigger too), a
destination, and filled with wonder, beauty and the sense of self in
relation to the natural world.  So still, I'm curious about the need for
the larger circumnavigation/crossing...I should try it, I know.

I think Jon Krakauer talked about some of this in his book "Into the Wild"
-- the need certain people have to explore, climb great heights, find a
part of themselves in those activities (himself included). I haven't read
Dave Kruger's suggestion of Jim Wickwire's memoir "Addicted to Danger" but
I think it must shed light here too.

-Jody
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