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Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others." Robert Louis Stevenson
On January 1st, 1806 on the Pacific Coast at Fort Clatsop Captian Meriwether Lewis was awoken to a volley of rifle fire to usher in the New Year. Since leaving St. Louis in May 1804 the Corps of Discovery had done the almost impossible by forging a trail across the continent. The new year now promised a return trip on the second part of their expedition."Our repast of this day, though better than that of Christmas," wrote Lewis, consisted principally in the anticipation of the 1st day of January 1807, when, in the bosom of our friends, we hope to participate in the mirth and hilarity of the day."
Through his leadership along with fellow captain William Clark, the Corps of Discovery's accomplishments were mostly successful as they had explored and mapped, gathered information and developed relations as emissaries of the United States to the native tribes while on their way to the Pacific. Their skills as leaders were without question was the main reason their journey so far was a triumph. But it was far from over. They were only half done.
Like the Corps of Discovery, as the calendar year turns and launches into 2020, I feel I'm a midway point. It's been now ten years since I started kayaking seriously. It started with a small fire and still burns with energetic enthusiasm, but I still feel I have a long way to go.
But, with the assurance that this trip is worth the effort, I'm being led by a solid foundation of leaders, teachers, and confidants who continue to guide and encourage me along the way.
This past year it was once again amazing to paddle with likes of Dan Crandall, Kim Sprague, John Weed, Paul Camozzi and the rest of the gang at Current Adventures Kayaking School and Trips and The River Store. We added the Great American Triathlon as we continued the legacy of Eppie's Great Race and enjoyed a fantastic season at Sly Park Paddle Rentals on Jenkinson Lake. In 2020, we're hoping to expand these services even more just get more folks like you on the water.
Are we there yet? It's a question Bayside Adventure Sports, Greg Weisman often hears. He is going to hear even more this coming year as he takes new challenges and exciting new trips including one to Israel.
As for the group's kayaking division, John Taylor has been a true inspiration and awesome paddling partner. He makes every day on the water with his easy-going style and enthusiasm a special day. We look forward to several more overnight paddling trips after the success of our Loon Lake adventure.
A big thank you goes out to our 2020's guest bloggers, Kathy Bunton, Dan Crandall, Julie Mitravich, and for a great Q/As with John Connelly and Daniel Fox. They certainly have made OAM better by providing thoughtful and compelling views into the world of paddling. We certainly look forward to future posts from them in 2020.
I would also like to thank, Canoe & Kayak Magazine, AquaBound, American Rivers and NRS Web, for sharing my posts on their social media pages. It's always a fun Friday for me when post Outside Adventure to the Max. Thanks for helping us spread the word about our weekly post.
My biggest thanks, of course, goes to my wife Debbie. I couldn't do any of my kayaking or adventuring without her love, support and encouragement. One could never have a more true friend and companion. I look forward to more days paddling side by side.
It would be some seven months later after a frightening encounter with the Blackfeet Indians, that Lewis and his small squad were making a hasty retreat by traveling more than 90 miles on horseback in less than 24 hours to rejoin the main party.
"I encouraged them (his men) by telling them that our own lives," wrote Lewis, "As well as those of our friends and fellow travelers, depended on our exertions at this moment; they were alert soon prepared the horses and we again resumed our march."
Like them, we proceed on into the year 2020.
So as we travel into the new decade, I offer you what this foundation of friends continues to give me. Be positive, stay optimistic and overcome your weariness with courage and motivation to continue.
Happy New Year! Now proceed on.
