[Paddlewise] Winter Wierdness and Being Cool

Kevin Whilden said in response to a recent thread:

<snip>
<<<I must apologize in advance, since I cannot now, nor ever will be
able to
keep from carrying on debate about climate change issues. I also think
that
climate change is very relevant to paddlewise, since sea kayakers will
be
significantly impacted by its effects (sea level rise, ecosystem
collapse,
more extreme weather, etc).>>>

I say bring it on (the more extreme weather, that is).  Hey, I'm doing
what I can to minimize my impact. I cycle to work, drive only when I
have to, and have car "errand days" rather than running all over town
every other day to get stuff, etc. And it's cool to cycle to work, even
in the winter (well, winter is practically here). From my tear ducks,
water runs down my face from the intense downhill wind-chill at 6:00
am.  Gotta dig out the ski goggles.

The paddling is even better. Get off those rivers and get out to sea
more, Kevin. You can learn to love those stormy, cold days! Bleakness.
Cold. Wet. Wild. Cresting waves. Off-shore rollers. Mesmerized. Oh the
intensity! Heart beat racing. Hail pelting. Endless blustery days.
Sudden gusts. Streaks of foam. Spray over sea walls. Following seas.
Following my dream. Fears die, daring is born. Working hard. Soar
muscles. Soul satiated. Perfection found. Living for the moment.
Consequences. Caution. Staying within limits -- but just at the edge.
Somedays anyway. Back to loved ones. Burn some fossil fuel. Hour-long
soaks in the warm tub. Life is grand, even if the planet is doomed.
Sleep is good. Wife lets me go again. Can't beat the weather? Join it!
The universe is weird, so am I. I have no pretensions. Everyone thinks
they have answers. I only have a few. I paddle the mystery. I'm grateful
for it. Lucidity is different for me.

So, are there going to be more serious weather events? Event horizons of
weather -- man-induced or otherwise? I'm waiting. Training the body.
Preparing. Increasing skills. Refining equipment. Paddling away from
prying eyes. Keeping the edge. My kayak "tank" is ready for what may
come. Finally don't care what others think. Nasty back-channelers can
suck seaweed. So I'm a sicko. Never said I was an expert. Just
hard-core, more than my PW friends know. Can't shake it. Best to paddle
solo. The sea is MY river of life. Be cool Kev.

DL


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