Re: [Paddlewise] Senior paddlers, how many are there

----- Original Message -----
From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>

> Remember that the alternative to growing old isn't exactly pleasant, i.e.
> dying off!!!
> (snip)...
> The sea knows no age.  We are all alien on its waters no matter how sleek
a
> kayak we paddle or level of skill.  The best way to blend in to its
majesty
> and forces is to let go of ourselves and that seems to be something older
> folk can do best, i.e. the nothing-to-prove point mentioned above.

Some years ago, I had the pleasure to meet Verlen Krugger (then 62) and his
wife, Valerie Fons (then 44), during their leg trough Buenos Aires, when
they paddled from Alaska to Ushuaia crossing all the continent. Y haven´t
seen many wealthy and strong people as Verlen in his 62. They told me they
just got married and left off for a honeymoon, ..., whant a honeymoon !!!.
It took them 2 years but they made it !

Our oldest kayaker in Argentina is "Guillermo Basombrío". He is now 75 and
has spent the month of April during the last twoo years at the entrance of
"Cape Horn", Fireland, Patagonia, waiting for the weather to calm down and
let him make the final 40 km crossing. Maybe he´ll be lucky this year and
finally reach it. The amazing part is he started late in this sport, I think
he was 60 whe he retired and tried sea-kayaking for the first time.

Now I am 34, but I wish I´ll have only a half of their health when I reach
their age.

Best regards !

Fernando Lopez Arbarello
Kayak Argentina - Sea Kayaking Mailing List
kayak_argentina_at_uol.com.ar


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