Why I Race: Because it is there!

Through the years, I’ve been asked why I race. I reply simply, "Because it [the challenge] is there". This echoes George Mallory’s response when asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. In short, that IS the answer. The challenge can be a race, a ride, a hike, a trail, a mountain or it can simply be a desire to learn, conquer, develop or hone a skill. The challenge can be as part of a team or as a solo adventurer.

Overall, it means being prepared in mind, body and soul for the challenge. It's being ready for serendipity to arrive and being flexible and adaptive to handle whatever happens. It's being mentally alert, physically strong and spiritually focused. It's realizing that the challenge has much less to do with the mountain, trail, river, ocean, course, etc. The bigger challenge is always with our self. As Edmund Hillary so eloquently put, "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."

Racing is much MORE than just racing. Racing parallels life...whatever struggles we are having, we will face on the course. Whatever situations we are dealing with we will come against on the trail. Racing is like going to your {insert spiritual tradition}: wear special clothing, surrounded by similar people with same passion. We all partake of the sacraments of dirt, sweat, blood and tears. And on the other side of the challenge, some of us attain the crown of victory but even in the moments of defeat, we all learn and grow...looking forward to yet another occasion when we can come to the altar of opportunity and seek what we need to know. What we need to know to do better, to dig deeper in order to ultimately be the best version of ourselves. It’s facing that challenge with courage, bravery and strength that allows us to learn how to overcome our self in any circumstance.

To be sure, a race IS won by the most swift; however, winning is MUCH more than an external award or trophy: Winning is believing in yourself, reaching into the core of who you are and pulling out your best. Winning is putting forth the effort, knowing you gave it your all, tried your hardest and had the fortitude to finish what you started. Winning is obtaining those internal rewards that no one or nothing can diminish or take away: confidence, self-respect, pride and humility.

This is why I race. This is why I like the Challenge.

When I grow up....

I've decided: when I grow up, I want to be a tree...

A tree is deeply rooted into the ground, drawing nourishment from Mother Earth. She lifts her branches high to the sky to receive sunshine and rain and air. She uses only what she needs, converting raw material into things she can use. What she doesn't use, she gives back to the "community" and offers the fruit for the enjoyment of those who come close.

She provides safe shelter for creatures of the air and land. She has many diverse friends; feathered or furred she welcomes their companionship. Sometimes it's for only a moment; sometimes it's for a season and rarely for a lifetime.

She enters every season with grace and a different "fashion statement": fragrant in spring, splashing emerald green from her limbs; shady leaves and fruit in summer, giving rest and relaxation; jack frost paints autumn's glorious colors as she prepares for the solemnity and magic of winter.

She accepts the passage of time with preparation and faith.
She sits dormant in the chilly winter without losing hope, because she knows the sun will shine again and bring life-giving warmth. Just when she thought she could endure no more and "the end" is near, she is roused from hibernation into newness of life.

She faces storms bravely, knowing they can take as well as give life. Brutal winds threaten to tear her limb from limb, but only remove weakened and dead parts of her which serve no purpose and can even limit her growth. After falling to the ground, the pruned branches decay over time into usable nutrients, eventually becoming a part of her in a very integral way. What was once part of her "body” is now part of her "soul".

Yes. When I grow up, I want to be a tree...

Photo credit: A pond for all seasons

Carpe Diem: "Seize the carp"?!

Yesterday when I checked the water temperature, I saw a carp in the shallow cove water near the dock. I must have spooked it when I walked on the dock because it shot off like a torpedo! It was really cool!

This morning as I was getting ready for work and brushing my teeth looking out the window at the ducks and geese coming in for breakfast, I noticed a HUGE school of carp! I counted 15 of them this morning! Tonight while I was working in the beach garden, I counted 21 of them!

Over the past few days, the warm weather raised the water to 69 degrees today (yesterday it was 63) and with the warm temps, algae is blooming like crazy! Whether the warm water or the algae brought the carp in, it was a unique wildlife encounter like I've not had before.

From my observations, there are 2 distinct colors/sizes of carp --- one is darker/larger and the other is like a rosy-beige/smaller in size. Presumably one is a male and the other is a female. Occasionally, a pair would split off from the rest of the school and follow one another through the cat tails and water, giving chase or simply meandering together. It was quite interesting to watch...like watching a courtship which is usually hidden.

I was careful to stay quiet, taking off my shoes so when I walked on the dock, I wouldn’t scare them off. I was able to even get in the water and walk within 2 feet of four of them as they fed! I reached through the cat tails and touched one lightly on the tail and it was as though it was ticklish and quickly flicked her tail and was gone! I felt the powerful turbulent water flow as she swam away from me...amazing! The one I touched took off, but the other three near me, didn’t seem bothered by it, for which I was glad.

It was really remarkable being so close to fish like this. I could see their eyes and the salmon-orange color of their lips. I could distinguish scales and even a couple scars on the darker ones – males fighting for territory? I was definitely intrigued. I shot pictures until my camera battery was drained and then stood in the knee high water simply watching them. It was peaceful and serene. The water was so warm and inviting...I wanted to join them!

[Shooting pictures in water is difficult. My next investment definitely will be a polarized filter for my lens. The filter will allow me to capture images under the surface of the water without the reflection.]

As I watched, every now and again I saw a lighter colored one roll over on her back and see the flash of white on her belly. I don’t know whether she was doing a courtship dance or laying eggs or what. I need to research and find out! Every now and again, one would “porpoise” to the surface, sucking the algae off the top of the water with a slurping sound! I stood there taking it all in for about 30 minutes, hardly breathing not wanting to disturb them.

It will be interesting to notice next year if they come in again when the water temperature hits around 63 degrees. I wrote it down in my beach journal so I don't forget.

Moments like this watching Nature in sync makes me feel very fortunate to be living in such a beautiful place. I enjoy feeling the rhythm of the water and land, seeing the moon rise and the early misty morning dawns. I don't take for granted the give and take of Life and the delicate balance all around me....

Kayaking Across the East Bay

On Sunday, I paddled across the East Bay from my cottage to see how far across it was. I calculated 2.5 miles, but it ended up being 3.3 miles. I maintained 4 mph average on the entire trip, which I’m quite happy with! It doesn’t sound that fast, but on the water, it actually clips along!

At launch time, the water was moderately calm, with a slight SE breeze. I was going to explore the East coast once I got there, but on the other side of the bay, there were breakers rolling in…some of them about 2’. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but I decided to head back just in case a fast front was moving in.

No sooner did I turn around, I was faced with 4’ rollers coming out of the NW. I needed to paddle due west, but with the large waves angled against my hull, I was quite unstable in the water. I decided to hit the rollers head on, which took me on a bearing headed toward the Bluffs. My plan was then to paddle headlong in the rollers until I reached quieter water protected by the Bluff Cove.

I was tossed pretty good, my bow lifted up by waves above the water 4’ and then hitting the trough of the rollers, with my bow dipping below the surface washing water on the deck. It was a bit daunting, but I kept focused and kept my kayak perpendicular to the rollers to slice through. About ¾ the way across, I found quieter water and turned SW back toward my cottage.

Once I turned, the paddling was easier, I felt a breeze against my back and was able to paddle on top of waves pushing behind me, so I was able to surf for a good portion. After leaving the rollers, I felt comfortable enough to put up my sail to take advantage of the breeze. At one point, my speed was nearly 6 MPH!! Half again as fast as my average 4 MPH on my entire trip. What a rush!!

This was the longest open water crossing I’ve not up until now, nearly 8 miles total. I had a LOT of fun! At the same time, keenly aware of the delicate balance between success and failure. Although unplanned, I was on open water in the roughest conditions I’ve encountered up until now. I’m very grateful and happy it turned out well! I liked the challenge!

P.S. I want to give you all full assurance that if the water had been rougher, I would have turned back toward the East shore. In addition to a marine 2-way radio, I also carry my cell phone. If the water had been rougher, I would have called a friend to pick me up. I also “file” a float plan with a local friend and check back in once I get off the water. I try to make every preparation necessary between equipment, knowledge and skill. Although I do like to be challenged, I’m not foolhardy or take unnecessary risks.

As you can see, the water is calm and inviting when I was launching from my beach at 10:45am.

Here’s a view of my cottage from 4/10 mile out.

Looking NE toward shore.

Happy captain!

I reached the East Shore at 11:48 after 3.31 miles of paddling. I maintained 4 mph average on the entire trip, which I’m quite happy with! It doesn’t sound that fast, but on the water, it actually clips along!

The East Shore welcoming committee! :)

2’ rollers coming in from the NE. I better get going!

Hitting some 3 footers! If you look closely, you can see water cascading off the deck to the left. A split second before this was snapped, the bow was under the surface! Thank goodness for seaworthy hatches!

Heading downward in a trough. A 4 footer coming to meet me. I fought these 3-4’ rollers for another 30 minutes before heading SW.

Arrived back home at 1:15pm…a GREAT adventure and voyage! Total miles 7.85.