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While paddling from Atlantic Beach to Rockaway i had a pod of dolphins along side of me about 100 ft away.

I am soo lucky to see such things. When i stopped on the beach to stretch a woman said she got a pic of one behind me.

was going to try to make Sandy Hook but not up for that kind of paddle yet.

7 miles open ocean. If conditions are good tomorrow and boat traffic low i will go if not its along staten island to perth aboy cross come back down.

I stopped at the Bay House for lunch. I recommend this place if your in Rockaway. When I went to leave for the marina across the harbor I met Matthew Harris. We talked about kayaks and wwe at a beast his Hobie Angler 14 was. I told him my friend owns one we call the golden sow. Good laugh. Very resourceful man.

Arrived at marina to talk about paying the cost for kayak and setting up camp on beach. A little over $60 wasn’t bad compared to hotel costs.

Stopped at Jones Beach Park and like everything none of the amenities open until labor day but the park is always open.

While walking down Bay Parkway a New York State Police officer informed me that what i was doing was illegal. stopped traffic so i could cross road go to snack bar n kayak launch.

I then paddled to just short of Atlantic beach where i stealth camped on a marsh beach again.

oatmeal and hot chocolate for dinner. It will also be breakfast.

Well last night waz interesting set up camp at beach point next to channel in Sayville.

Ah ticks they love the tall grass. Found 2 in my tent this morning.

Well dinner and breakfast was peanut butter.

Left Sayville for barrier side. Took longer than i thought currents are hard to read in bay.

As i was starting a commercial boat came out throwing a wake. Got thru that and didn’t hear anything so i start yo paddle across lookright and here comes the ferry. Had plenty of time to get out of the way. Had to put up with the wake of one jerk.

Ran into 4 people in an outrigger heading Sag Harbor. We all stopped and shared sea storied, tips, and other information.

I made it off of Fire Island! Man i am glad thats behind me.

Not quite to Jones Beachnm b.ut i might make it. its rsining.

Left Smith Point this morning heading for Jones Beach.

Didn’t make it. Had to cross early to the main land side due to so many sandbars.

Then the wind and tide change and it got choppy. i went from the Mission22 kayak to the ss minnow.

When I stopped for lunch,, I took off the top half of my drysuit and the zipper broke. I called a dive shop in Ammityville and ti ey want $350.00 to repair it. I don’t have that kind of money until the first of the month and i can’t afford to stay someplace until I do.

So i have it so it zips shut sort of. There is a small gap at the top and bottom. No real safe but it will do. I just better not capsize.

Found a small point of beach at the start of a canal in Sayville. It’s home for tonight.

The wind shifted 180° last night. Tarp pulled the stakes out of the ground. I used the tent stakes as double duty to hold tarp. My surprise when occasionally wind would get under tent and start to lift it.

At 3 AM the tarp was flapping so bad I got up and took it off. I got back in the tent and it starts to rain.

I got up this morning and turned the tent 90° so it is not broadside to the wind and put the tarp back on the right way.

I went to office to pay for tonight as there is fog on the bay and the winds at noon are suppose to be 18 mph.

So I am not up to paddling against the wind now that it is coming from the direction I need to go.

I am waiting to hear if i am going to get ride to kayak shop for new leash.

Thank you Scarlett for the rides it was great of you to offer and i enjoyed talking with you. Best of luck with your endevors.

Big thanks to Carmans River Canoe and Kayak for a new leash. It will work out well.

Met some very nice people at the Flight 800 Memorial this afternoon. Had some deep conversations which included Mission22.

Talked with numerous people at the campground about Mission22 and handed out info cards.

Kevin came down and we talked kayaks and Mission22.

Having a fire with free wood given to me.

Nice night.

Trying to set up tent n tarp in the winds last night was fun. I got the tarp on sideways but can’t change it today as high winds and rain. The wind is also keeping me from cooking food.

The neatest store is miles away.

I did get a good night sleep, exhaustion will do that for you.

Maybe i can get a ride to the store from a fellow camper.

Nice, I got to take a nice hot shower this morning. Nice to feel clean and energized. I wish the had a laundry facility here. I will have to ask when the office opens.

Heading for fire island today. Hopefully west end and state park.

As i travel along meeting people talking about the mission it warms my heart that they care and they think I am doing a great thing to raise awareness. It is also a shame that they either never heard of Mission22 or think of it as that pushup thing. Then when i explain what it is about they are surprised.

I think we ambassados are doing a great job educating the public that we are not just the pushup, situp thing.

Made it to Smith Point campground on Fire Island for 2 nights camping hoping this weather breaks

tried to kayak up canal, got as far as the locks, allred lights.

I sat tgere for a few minutes waiting for a green light that wasn’t coming.

No sign stating radio freq to hail on.

I turned around and paddle short distance to marina with beach. Soft sand makes for a hardtime getting yak to hard ground. Portage 5 miles to public boat ramp.

Got to point and followed around to right. Got to the bridge and current running against me. Portage over jetty and off i go.

Got into inland water way and followed it. In one section I ran into a VietNam combat veteran. I welcomed him home and he was veey grateful for that. He thought it was absolutely what i was doing for fellow vets.

Then a short distance down i stopped to talk to a guy who just caught a stripper. We talked about Mission22 and he thought it was great too.

Another short distance I ran into a guy who just started fishing. Talked Mission with him. He was amazed.

Next guy i ran into was when i stopped to stretch my back. We talked Mission and he was amazed at the distance I am kayaking for the vets.

He also told me about a public marina a mile up the coastal. I found it but they were closed for winter. Really!! Well after 3 phone calls i got a maybe about camping there. Trivago to the rescue, found an inn for $99. Called Frank back and told him I found an alternative.

Off to the inn. I get call from owner of inn. We talked about Mission n journey. He upgraded my room. Sweet!

Okay things get better. The tub was draining slow and the water never got hot so i got upgraded to room 1. King bed or twin decisions decisions.

saw a number of deer on my journey and some of the largest horseshoe crabs ever.

Interviewed at launch ramp by Sag Harbor news. Then gave lecture to a group of school children 10 yrs old.

Paddled in the rain to Long beach in Noyack. Portage across and started following the coast to Shinnecock canal.

I made it to the entrance but it was getting late and i was hungry. I stop at a beach restaurant but they weren’t open for business unti Memorial day.

While talking to the GM the subject of camping came and I ask if I could camp there he said sure.

windy rainy night not much sleep.

saw a riddler sea turlte swim right by my kayak

Okay so whats with the weather? They are talking severe thunderstorms this afternoon with possibility of large hail.

Got the room for another night at same discounted rate. So staying put.