Craig MacKinnon said: <snip> <<<< Does this book explain in part the psyche of storm chasers or is "hormonal/testosterone poisoning" still the consensus answer? What motivates you to paddle? Inuits paddled primarily for survival-to provide sustenance for their community; what are we seeking-sustenance for the mind, the ultimate challenge, a good work-out, or simply escapism? >>>> Craig, I haven't got around to sending my Solander Island - Day Four trip report from my log book yet, but I will. As far as immediate answers to your question(s), at least from me, here's my take on my day off work this Monday. The Environment Canada Weather Forecast says a deep and intense 968 millibar low over the gulf of Alaska will slowly move eastward sometime Monday night. This means strong to gale force southwest winds will continue to prevail offshore. It has been blowing for a few days now, meaning unusually high seas will develop tonight and Monday along the outer coast due to the persistence and long fetch of those winds. Gale force winds will ensue Monday afternoon. So, here I am, pumped and ready to go for tomorrow. As discussed on another post/thread, having other paddlers to go with usually means taking more chances, and heading off into this stuff Monday (today by the time you read this). I can find no one to go with, no one who likes paddling in that kind of stuff, and those with the skills to truly be safe out there in an independent fashion, within the context of a group paddle, wouldn't go with me anyway. So off I'll go alone, well within my comfort zone, somewhat troubled because I know there is still risk involved and I have a family. I'm going not because I get attention from it, not because I love the testosterone poisoning thrill-adrenaline rush thingy, not because I need an escape from a boring life, and not because I want a workout or challenge. I just like being out there, employing all the skills we discuss ad infinitum on PW, and zoning to the nirvana like euphoria that ensues from concentrated effort and the required discipline that 20 years of doing the same thing has taught me. My question to you, is what do those who pursue this type of adventure get labeled demented and weird, so often, by the paddling community and places like PW? Just thinking out loud. Be safe. Doug Lloyd *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sun Apr 29 2001 - 21:56:04 PDT
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