Here in Miami

Well...a lot has transpired since the last update on Wednesday. 

My last few days in Baltimore were extremely busy, running around and taking care of last-minute preparations. Regardless of planning for a long kayak trip just preparing to go away for 3 months anywhere requires the tying of a lot of loose ends. This will sound lame but I had a very hard time saying goodbye to my dog, she looked so sad. 

Anyways, my brother and I arrived safely here in FL, we procured some suitable lodgings and then paid a visit to our Aunt and Grandmother who we haven't gotten to see for a long time. After a lovely visit we began knocking off errands.

The first thing we did was go pick up the boat from the Forward Air shipping terminal by the airport.  Initially I think there was a little confusion over which of the two kayaks that they had in their possession was mine but then the gentleman quickly disappeared down a row of palates and shipping crates seemingly knowing where mine was stashed.  When he returned 10 minutes later he wasn't CARRYING the kayak with the forklift but rather PUSHING it. This is apparently how they had been moving it around the entire time because both layers of padding had been rubbed away from the bottom and my boat was essentially scraping against the warehouse floor. Although I was upset I had a hard time saying something because my ability to yell at a forklift operator in spanish is a little rusty. We never really covered those vocab words in class. After unwrapping it completely and careful inspection the damage is really pretty superficial. The stern hull may have gotten rubbed down a little bit but there is nothing I can do about it now. Its not worth worrying about because its not going to affect they way it paddles (tracks), or its overall durability, I don't believe.  And still, do get the boat all the way down here for 100 bucks with that being the only issue isn't a big deal. 

I was able to find some fuel and decided to get 4 canisters because who knows when I'll be able to easily get more. Thats about 5-6 hours of cooking time - tons when it only takes 4 minutes to boil water. We're staying in a motel in Coral Gables (seems like the only place in all of FL without a pool) who were nice enough to accommodate me with a 1st floor room so I could bring the boat inside. This way it will be safe and secure and I can continue to practice pack it. Up next on the agenda is to get the first round of food supplies. I just haven't been able to get everything done that I needed to and I don't feel comfortable starting tomorrow so I'm going to take one extra day and begin 8 am Tuesday from Bill Baggs State Park on Key Biscayne. 

Also, I've had a serious change of strategy over the last few days.  Basically I need to get out of S. Florida as fast as possible. From the dock-masters and marina managers that I've talked to over the past week kayaking certainly does not seem embraced in this region. You really need to have an 80 foot Hatteras to get some respect around here. So I'm just going to do whatever I can to get to Boca as fast as possible. 

Ok thats a lot and enough for now.....

I appreciate all the calls and texts this afternoon from those of you who (accurately) anticipated that I was starting tomorrow but it just wouldn't be safe because I don't feel comfortable yet. I'm glad that I have my brother and the extra day to go down to the park tomorrow and do a dry-run. Thats a pretty bad pun, I'm sorry.

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful!

Seth