A journey of "epic proportion" - Part 1: Sea kayaking and running...in two worlds.

In less than 48 hours...

...we will find ourselves in a frigid and unforgiving terrain, in a land that will challenge our island-softened and climate-pampered bodies.

From the predictability of this mild, Mediterranean climate of Vancouver Island, we will travel to a meteorological environment of fickle unpredictability - a potential "death zone". Temperatures are known to rise and fall dramatically, in what seems like mere moments.

Exposed skin, accustomed to the soft caress of moist, salt-infused, seaside air will face the dry, biting, tortuous winds that cascade down the precipitous slopes of high alpine ranges and wash, like a tidal wave, into the barren plains of an almost mile-high settlement. Lungs that are used to drawing deep inhalations of oxygen-rich air, will struggle in what will seem to us, a thin and oxygen-deprived troposphere.

This will be a land where, in January, sea kayaks will only be found in the fond and longing memories of paddlers and in tiny, temperature-regulated, chlorinated, indoor "pools". From running with feet that are free and unshod in this verdant island valley, we will need to wear protective and insulated footwear, requisite for the protection of toes and feet in the desperately cold, sub-zero temperatures.

To heighten the drama of this transition from one "world" to another, we will begin the day by launching our sea kayaks in the darkness of the early morning hours to paddle on the Salish Sea. We will then travel to - the "Continent". Upon arrival, and again in darkness, we will attempt to run a ten kilometre route. The forecast is for bleak and unforgiving conditions - falling atmospheric pressure, snow, a "blowing snow warning" and a wind chill of minus 27 degrees. We will conclude this run before the strike of midnight, local time - if we survive the stormy blasts of arctic air and the precarious conditions under our feet.

Will these island-softened, climate-pampered, west coast bodies survive to tell a story? Will they, indeed, face up to this challenge and to this opportunity for "epic" adventure? Or will they, instead, be tempted indoors by the Starbucks "Siren" and her seductive, delicious, and difficult-to-resist promise of a steaming hot and nicely caffeinated soy latte and the satisfying texture of an oat bar? All this, of course, remains to be seen.

"End state" hint: launch accomplished

We are sure that you will await the next report from this epic and audacious "journey"...with bated breath and eager expectation. :)

Until (with some luck) the next time,

Duncan.

Illustration: Kanji symbol for "adventure" (At least that's what I hope it is).

January sea kayaking, Vancouver Island...a "cool" mix of sun and icicles!

Paddy's Mile Stone and Mount Maxwell on Saltspring Island

Today was a "stat" holiday and the weather was perfect to be on the water. The temperature was a nice even "zero" degrees C when we launched but the sun was delightfully warm. We left Maple Bay and headed out for Paddy's Mile Stone - exactly 1 nautical mile from the beach. It's hard to imagine how that "stone", got "tossed" to where it is!

It reminds me of a miniature Ailsa Craig, an island in the outer Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Although I was born in Scotland, I've only ever seen Ailsa Craig from the air, so fellow bloggers and family across the "pond" will please forgive me if, in fact, they see no similarities at all!

Mt. "Max" and the "stone"

Following the rocky shores, we turned towards Octopus Point and, en route, are reminded that, indeed, it is winter - even here! In the shade and without the warmth of the low January sun, the cooler air is invigorating.



A small reminder, it IS winter...icicles!

It's amazing how productive the active body is when it comes to producing heat. The layers of clothing capture it - we're really quite as comfortable in our boats, as if it were a summer day.

Back in the sunshine, we reach Octopus Point. Apparently some of the largest octopus, anywhere, are swimming beneath our kayaks. I can tell you, we won't be checking that out, anytime soon!

It's a bird...it's a plane...yes, it's a plane!

You know how cyclists and cars need to learn to "share the road"? Well, here, kayakers and float planes have to occasionally share the "narrows". Yup, that's why paddlers (should) wear highly visible colours!

Landing at shaded and frosty Burgoyne Bay for a warm lunch

Faithful "hot pot"

There is something rather special about Burgoyne Bay on Saltspring Island. Perhaps what we "feel" is related to the significant number of documented sites of spiritual and cultural significance to our local First Nations people. We are privileged to be here and deeply respect the thousands of years of human activity that existed on these islands so very, very long before us.

It is also a great place to stop for a late afternoon lunch, and if there's energy to spare, to take a hike...right to the top of Mount Maxwell. Today, there was neither time nor energy to spare - nor daylight hours!

Seaside dining - "window seats" always available this time of the year!

Following a quickly prepared lunch of veggie lasagna and a short exploration of the beach, we repacked the kayaks and headed for the nearest sunshine, where our fingers warmed up considerably.

Back in the sunshine

Crossing back over Sansum Narrows brought us back into Maple Bay, just as the sun was dropping behind Mount Tzouhalem. An excellent early-January paddle...and yet another reminder of the breath-taking beauty of this fragile, island-planet and how such connections with the natural world can bring such peace, deep within.

Cheers all.

The first run of 2011, a little "humble pie"...and renewed resolve for future goals!

On this very first day of 2011, we hardly stirred when the alarm went off at 5:30 am - well, just enough to push the "snooze" button for another half hour of blessed sleep. Of course, I had tossed and turned all night, trying to come to grips with the fact that we had come up short in meeting our running goal for 2010!

How, I asked Joan, could we face anyone today who might inquire as to the reasons for this statistically blatant shortfall? What rationale (excuse) could I offer after the bravado of the previous months? How could I put on a brave face, in light of such clear and present insufficience, or even set a new goal for 2011 with even a scintilla of confidence? And what about our credibility as (late-ish) middle-aged runners trying to defy the odds!?

And some folks had been so positive, so encouraging, in their belief that the goal would be met. A friend even emailed her good wishes last night. While others were celebrating New Year's Eve with abandon, she trusted that we might be out on the cold, darkened, lonely roads, heroically trying to make up at least some of the shortfall of 197.83 kilometres...by midnight, Pacific Standard Time.

Why, we even considered the propriety of giving ourselves an additional three hours, by explaining that we were basing the "midnight hour" on WST (West Samoa Time), which as some may know is UTC minus 11 hours - and is the last time zone to the "right" of the International Date Line. Even with this rather cunning (even devious?) strategy, we knew we would not make it. There were all too many kilometres...and all too little time. Even our "magical" and minimalist Vibram FiveFingers and Injinji toe socks could not help us here.

Joan, however, was able to take all this in stride (so to speak). "There there, Duncan, the way you are feeling now will pass." she offered in her usual comforting tones. "There's always next year. We can set a new goal. We'll just have to get up earlier and stay out longer." Earlier? Longer? Groan...not likely.

Of course, as I have learned over many years, Joan is always right. So on that note (and having a little fun with it), a New Year began in the early morning darkness with an acceptance of the past (shortfalls) and renewed optimism and resolve for the year to come! Seemed like the very best way to begin! :-)

So, here's to you! Wishing everyone health, happiness, and much success in their "resolve" for 2011!