Why I'm attempting the 100 Mile NPS Paddle Challenge

The news that these people had left their own country to bathe in the river Jordan, spread among all the kings and chiefs of Florida, and as they were an ignorant people, they all set out in search of this river, which was supposed to possess the power of rejuvenating old men and women. So eager were they in their search, that they did not pass a river, a brook, a lake, or even a swamp, without bathing in it; and, even to this day, they have not ceased to look for it, but always without any success.

- Memoir Of Hernando D’Escalante Fontaneda 1575

I'm not expecting to find the Fountain of Youth, but I needed some kind of cross training upper body workout to supplement (i.e. give my knees a break) my long distance running. As with signing up for a marathon it is simply a way of maintaining my motivation to keep exercising. I much prefer training outside versus working out in a gym. So kayaking (and the occasional period oared powered vessel), seemed like a good fit.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Paddle Challenge in the News

The Bradenton Herald has posted an article on  Florida Centennial Paddle Challenge and Kayaking at De Soto National Memorial.

 

De Soto booked for kayakers, but not for the National Parks Service paddle challenge 

 

Evidently the reporter spotted a post on Biscayne's  Facebook page with me at the landing reenactment and she tracked me down while I was out of town.  I sent her a link to this blog and ended up answering a few questions.


How many miles have you paddled so far?
63 miles so far.

 What other Florida parks do you plan on paddling in?
I was at Biscayne NP on Thursday, alas no miles paddled as a day of thunderstorms occurred. So my daughter and I visited Coral Castle.  Always have a backup plan.

I am going to try to do an Everglades NP/Big Cypress  NP trip when the weather is a bit cooler. If the weather is bad there is always the Skunk Ape Research Center.

I've looked into Ft.Jefferson /Dry Tortugas but it is a serious logistical challenge.  Drive to Key West, find parking in Key West, book the ferry to DT NP, xtra charge to haul kayak, camp or day trip?, weather chances vs. more stuff to haul, boating permit at Ft. Jefferson,  need VHF marine radio, etc.

On the other hand Gulf Islands is only an 8 hour drive, we'll see.

 Was this, as you said, more training for a marathon, or were you interested in completing the challenge as well?
I'm doing it solely for the 3" iron on patch.  ;) 
I'm going to try to complete the challenge, but as with many things the journey is more important than the goal.




How many days a week do you volunteer as de Soto?
These days my volunteering at De Soto is mostly special events , a half dozen times a year.

 What's your favorite thing about being a historical reenactor?
My favorite  thing about being a historic reenactor is waxing philosophic to reporter's questions.
-Tim

 

Update:

Although the article was posted July 21, on-line , it didn't see print until August 1

 

 

 

DESO

#FLNPS100PaddleChallenge and #FindYourPark

 


Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article92356957.html#storylink=cpy
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