ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
I am in the final stages of the kayak repair. One more section of the second inner layer of cloth just needs to be resined.
The seat needs to be reinstalled and taken to nearby lake for test paddle. Then to the ocean pack up and head for Massachusetts.
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Well today we compounded and waxed the hull after another round of sanding and wet sanding.
Maybe we should have waited as it now slides nicely on the saw Horses.
Had to remove the seat cushion to get at damaged area.
Cleaned with acetone,
Had to install strip of cloth at transition area. Filled the cracks with resin and installed stringers.
Next step is the 2 layers of cloth and resin.
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
We had to go back for more aggressive sanding disks. We used 80 to start to get all the high or rough spots. We followed that with 220 to smooth it out.
I applied one more thin coat to fill the small voids here and there.
Later we wet sanded it real well.
I started my expedition April 28th from Quoddy Head Light in northern Maine on what is know as the Bold Coast.
Starting out with an overloaded kayak I had paddled about 2 hours when I capsized and could not get the kayak to stay upright.
I had to radio the coast guard for a rescue and spent one hour in 38 degree water. My body temperature dropped and I spent several hours in the hospital for mild Hypothermia.
This became a media sensation in Maine as I believe every form of media covered the story.
Being a member of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) my sticker was spotted on the side of the kayak and a number of members were contacting me.
With all the research and preparation that I had performed for this trip researching best time to travel this area was not one of them.
I had one person in particular ask me the following questions, what are you doing up here in May? Why are you heading in the wrong direction? (south), Are you going to continue? My answers were I thought it would be warm enough in May, I wanted to head from north to south, and yes I have obligations to meet as I travel that I have already set in motion.
I was told that if I make it off the Bold coast in May heading south, that I would have achieved a great feat and that I would have bragging rights.
Well I can say that I made it down the bold coast and the whole Maine coast.
I am also going to tell everyone else that may want to try this not to even consider it and I don’t care what you level of experience is. It is not worth the risks that you have to take trying to navigate this portion of Maine.
I had to use every bit of knowledge of weather seas currents tides etc. to travel a few hours. I was always prepared to have to find shelter and hunker down. I can tell you that there are not many places to pull in on the Bold Coast so you have to be prepared to make a run for it. You better have charts with your course laid out in advance with compass heading written on them and your compass where you can read it. Your GPS should be used as a back up to save the battery. Also have the Navionics app on your smartphone as a backup. Be prepared for changing winds and sea conditions. The wind itself is notorious for changing 180 degrees in a matter of a couple of hours. Have food and water where you can reach them quickly and I suggest protein rather than energy foods.
I know this sounds like I am giving instructions for traveling this coast in May but I am telling you not to. The statistics the coast guard has for this area is that I am damn lucky that I made it through. The only boats out that time of year are Lobster and fishing boats and while they have their radios on are busy plowing their trades and have machinery running and can’t hear your calls for help. They keep a close watch om each other so if one of them is in distress the others will come to their aid. You are not expected to be out there so they are not looking for you. Also their is the issue of fog that time of year.
The coast guard made a big deal out of my survival not so much because I survived but because I had all the right gear, and was layered up for water immersion in cold water with an expedition drysuit, and that I did everything correctly( radio protocol, the right information without being asked, following procedures etc.).
Basically I am the exception to the rule not the norm. That is why I am telling you that I went through many hard days and nights to get past the Bold coast to an area where at least there is some protection from the many islands that the Bold Coast is certainly lacking.
SO if you are considering kayaking the Bold Coast of Maine call the kayak shops and Maine guides to get the information that will keep you safe and have you there the right time of year so you can have an enjoyable trip not one of constant survival.
A word to the wise Stay off the Bold Coast of Maine in May!
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Will sand down first coat and apply second coat of resin. When that hardens will sand it buff it and then start on the inside work.
Had to go back to Ace last night for more cloth and resin. Upgraded my binoculars with a waterproof pair we found on sale.
OBE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Went to Ace hardware and bought supplies.
Cleaned the hull with acetone and waited for it to dry. Cut the cloth to fit all the areas that needed it. Used small pieces of tape to hold cloth in place. Mixed up the resin and applied first coat. Waiting for resin to harden.
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Pease click the Mission link at tip of the page and support the cause.
I will be launching off after breakfast n packing .
I walked a fees miles this morning to 2 locations for breakfast, both were closed.
I found a place to eat on the way back.
I was going to complain about the first 2 but then I got to thinking how much we complain about things in our life we have no control over. The negative energy waisted sapping the life out of us.
We never seem to complain about things that if we put some positive energy into it we could solve a number of problems.
Prime example is our veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. While we can’t directly we can support those who are, Mission22 and their champions. The champions are those that are taking time out of their lives and paying the expenses out of their own pockets to spread the word and raise funds. We are not after fame or glory we are about raising awareness and funds to help our fellow vets in need.
What drewme to Mission22 is the fact they use a holistic approach h not a pharmaceutical one and that 100% of money raised goes to helping vets, according to charity watch.
From this day forward I will not complain about my struggles kayaking down the east coast because they pale in comparison to what my fellow vets go through on a daily basis. Ifi stay positive maybe I can attract more donors to the cause.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Libby’s Oceanside campground for providing a site for me the last few days for no charge in supporting me in my efforts to spread the word.
Well this day hasn’t ended well, capsized off of Rye, NH. While my son was transporting me and my yak the kayak folded in half. Now I am at his house and will have to buy supplies to repair it. Glad I know how to fiberglass.
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Woke up to cool temps and overcast sky. Giving my back one more day of rest before launching tomorrow before it rains.
Going into York Beach shopping area to pick up a sweatshirt.
Breakfast down the street at the restaurant on the ocean.
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Spent day waiting for my son to bring another C-Tug dolley as my first one got destroyed in Rockland and the one I bought wasn’t”t holding up well.
My friend Beverly came up to visit. I so enjoy her company
We all went to the Lobster Cove for dinner.
ONE MAN ONE MISSION TO SAVE THOUSANDS
Breakfast, pack, launch, better day.
Made Perkins Cove stopped for lunch spread the word.
Left Perkins heading for Long sands beach in York Beach.
Made it to short sands beach and portaged to Libby’s Oceanside campground. Got there about 10 pm.
Set up camp good night
acske2017 