Re: [Paddlewise] Peo-ple not a Per-son?

Tom:
Many of us create self imposed limitations and obstacles that become giant 
stumbling blocks to living life to it's fullest.  I salute your courage, 
honesty ( with self and others) and determination to overcome a difficult 
challenge.  I truly hope that we all learn from your example.  I have.

Thanks


At 01:32 AM 4/29/2000 -0700, you wrote:
>Some of you may recall that I spent much of my time in coma "paddling my 
>kayak and rolling it as I travelled about Lake Washington..."
>
>         My final success with tide/current charts was what I considered a 
> "stopper" as far as kayaking goes and is there [at least on a limited 
> basis] no longer.  Weather is of course something that will change my 
> plans for paddling on a certain day of course, but as I indicated in my 
> previous post, this weekend looks good.
>
>         I have also signed up with the kayak club for a pool session 
> using my remaining w/w boat and we all know what a pool session is 
> usually about.  I have found a lake much like those in inland Michigan 
> very near by-no deeper than 12ft, etc... as well as two locations I can 
> launch into the Sound relatively safely, so that I might get to the 
> process of "re-learning" things I once knew...
>
>         I have discussed learning to roll with my therapist that is a w/w 
> paddler, and he has responded with encouragement indicating it may help 
> me with some of the things I am working on via "traditional therapy." 
> <!!!>  My mention of the local lake was also encouraged-especially for my 
> continued efforts at learning how to roll while NOT in a coma!<VBG>
>
>         Thing is that as I work at making my paddling plans, I notice 
> that I really am not all that concerned about ensuring that I paddle with 
> someone else anymore...  If it happens and works out that would be 
> GREAT!  But  I've done [and intend to continue to do] everything I can to 
> ensure I can manage this on my own also.  I have [thanks in part to 
> discussions on this list] a marine VHF, a very good paddle float, 
> compass, chart, flares, very good PFD, HAM rig [I'm still working at 
> re-learning] wet suit/drytop, drysuit, neoprene hood, ear plugs, nose 
> plug, neo-gloves, boots and socks, etc...   I still have an electric 
> pump, and a heavier pair of gloves [Okay, I hate the cold!<g>] on my list 
> as well as perhaps some curtains for my truck cap so I can get out of my 
> suit in privacy and keep the salt off my truck seat...<g>
>
>         I do have 4 kayaks, but only one of them worth more than just a 
> little, and probably six paddles-three of them I like, the others?  Good 
> for guests in the rec boats I guess.  I have a drivers license and no 
> longer NEED a paddling partner [though I believe it is a good idea]  I 
> also have a copy of Deep Trouble, and consider it almost a Bible for 
> kayaking-George taught me lessons that I have not lost both in print, and 
> in person.  Same with Nigel.  I also read SK magazine when I can afford it...
>
>         I've still the camping gear I obtained while motorcycling [Hondas 
> and BMW's-sorry no "hogs..." so if and when the time comes that I can 
> manage the stamina both mental and physical, I intend to do at least an 
> over-nighter, perhaps this season?
>
>         Though kayaking appears to be on the upsurge, it still seems to 
> me that we are a very select group, and that many of us at any rate, seem 
> to be relatively individualistic.  What the heck, paddling companions or 
> no, I'm still 10-15 minutes from the Sound and a Lake, with the mountains 
> being no more than 90 minutes away.  I have a wonderful dog, and though 
> most people would not even think of living in a 20ft RV, it seems to 
> handle both of us just fine...  [I'd like to be able to take more than a 
> 10 minute shower but what the heck 8-)]  So I gotta get real here! 8-)
>
>         Peo-ple or Per-son?  "The only requirement for membership in the 
> kayaking community is to have access to a kayak" not "a coffee pot and a 
> resentment" like another organization I know...;-)
>
>         I am interested as Steve is, in how other people feel about these 
> things too...
>
>         Okay, I've blabbered enough until after I get in the water I 
> guess...<g>
>
>                 Take care,
>
>                         TomW...
>
>
>A kayak paddler with a brain injury that is VERY glad
>He no longer lives in the close vicinity of seattle...
>            <gadfly911_at_earthlink.net>
>               homepage: none yet
>
>***************************************************************************
>PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
>to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
>Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
>Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
>Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
>***************************************************************************

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************