wilderone - 10-27-2004 at 01:29 PM
"Oct. 23rd I woke up at 5:30 a.m. and after listening to the short wave radio for a while, I came out of my tent. The water was way down, about a
quarter of a mile away. I went back to my tent and stayed in there until 8:00 a.m. By 9:00 a.m., the water was up enough and I launched. For a change,
there was no wind. I was able to paddle all day with smooth seas. What a nice change! After 6 hours of paddling, I arrived at a small community, Punta
Bufeo. There were a number of houses, and an airstrip and some larger buildings. I asked a man on the beach if there was a hotel. He pointed to a
small building and he said there was a hotel and it had a restaurant. I walked up to the building and spoke to the owner, Miguel and got a room. They
only had about 5 rooms. It has only been a week since I last had a shower. Now, whether I need it or not, I am going to take one. After a shower, I
went to the restaurant. Miguel was there and so was his brother Benito. I sat, down at a table and ordered a beer. Shortly there after, Benito came
and sat at the table and also ordered a beer. We began to talk and Miguel joined us. A little later, I told them what I was doing and the reason why.
I told them that I was very concerned for the environment and especially the health of the oceans. They both told me that they had lived in this area
most of their lives and in one way or another, had made their living from the sea. They both told me that they feel sorrow for what has happened to
the sea. The incredible abundance that once existed is over. They told me how when they were teenagers they used to go out in boats at night and hunt
for turtles and that with bright lights, under the turtles, they could see large hammer head sharks. Now, both the turtles and hammer head sharks are
almost never seen. I had ordered some food and a young man, who I believed was also a member of the family, brought food for all three of us. We
continued our conversation and eventually finished our meal. When I asked for the check, they refused to take payment. They said I was a guest in
their home and thanked me for what I was doing."
wilderone - 10-27-2004 at 01:30 PM
Forgot to add: you can track his progress at www.kayakingforpeace.org