Checking In; One Year After Completing the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (a.k.a. the CT). Flashback to August 6th, 2021, the morning after ‘the big day.” I sat in an empty hotel room by myself, sobbing. The excitement, goal-setting, and anticipation that came with paddling the CT - gone, like a rug had just been ripped from underneath my feet. “Love the wave.” That is the seed paddling mentor Jill Lingard placed in my brain. And while Jill’s intent was to coach me in kayaking in surf-like conditions, never did I imagine ‘love the wave” becoming my personal mantra. Since completing the CT last August, my life has felt as if NOAA put out a perpetual small craft advisory with seas 2-4 feet, with crests at unknown heights, until you’re in the trough asking yourself ‘what the hell?”
What the fuck did paddling 1500 miles do to me? If it weren’t for my dear friend Mary Mangiapia (who competes regularly) making a comment on social media I would not have figured it out on my own. She made me realize I was not alone; I was struggling with what is known as “Post-Competition Blues”. Google it. It is the real deal, and especially prevalent Olympic athletes. My mind no longer had a singular focus and my healthy/fit body started slipping away from its peak nearly overnight. I suddenly felt empty without the challenges that the CT presented to me. And unbeknownst to me, a depression-like funk slowly seeped into my soul. When I started this blog more than two years ago, I told you that I was going to bare my soul, a true challenge for this introvert. But as I did, we connected, and many of you lived vicariously through my 1500-mile paddle. With me, you experienced the beauty of the unspoiled corners of Florida to the destructive impact of urbanization; ethereal calm waters and the unrelentless power of wind and thunderstorms; my love of salt and the yearning in my soul when I could not be with it; and now the journey of the crests and troughs of the waves of the post-CT journey. Last week, I was able to spend time in a remote unspoiled area of Florida where it all started. Paddling the Big Bend provided me the time needed to reflect on the impact "the wave" has had on this 62-year-old woman, who until 4 years ago, barely knew how to get into a kayak;
One year after completing the CT; It’s a milestone and frankly, I’m glad it’s here and gone. As I’m writing this final blog, the sea fog that has enshrouded me for the past year is lifting and there is a sense of renewed forward momentum.
‘Halfshell’ has been tossed in the surf, but with each wave, it has softened the rough edges of my shell. It has also made me stronger.
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The morning after the big CT landing celebration and an over-the-top dinner at Hog Snappers with my kayak family, a small group of us are sitting in the lobby of the Jupiter Waterfront Inn, slurping coffee and eating bagels. Still groggy from the night before, I relished the morning...sitting amongst good friends, hearing Deborah’s infectious laugh, and listening to Gus & Steve talking about the questionable maid service (unbeknownst to them, someone had short-sheeted both of their beds).
Last week, I completed the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). When I arrived home, my 13 -year old dog Annie and her stubby tail welcomed home someone who was physically, mentally & emotionally exhausted.
During the past week, I have been trying to get my shit back together. Yes, I just said that. I've transitioned from the comical challenges of paddling my final 100-miles to a humongous (self-induced) to-do list. Don't worry, the list is fun,...except for your typical home-owner stuff. After returning home, what was important to me this week was resting...and doing things to replenish the soul...Disclaimer: It involved saltwater. I am so grateful for all the support I received, especially the last 100-miles and I just wanted to let you know my next blog post is in the works. Until then.... Dorsey CT34 Slaying the Dragon - Part I The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT): Key Largo to North Miami On July 13th, I had a 26-mile paddle, so I launched from Key Largo around sunrise.
During the next month, I plan to complete my final 140 miles of the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). From the cockpit of my 17.5' Current Design GTS kayak, this adventure began in August 2019 and has been a remarkable, life-changing journey. From the dunes of Destin, remote beauty of the Big Bend and Everglades, to the sapphire waters of the Keys and energy of urban communities, I have experienced, first-hand, what only coastal Florida can offer. Once complete, I will be the first female veteran to complete the trail! I am using this opportunity to:
(1) Raise awareness about the Florida Paddling Trails Association(FPTA). This is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, originally established by the State of Florida, to not only support the CT, but to serve as a resource and voice for all Florida paddlers (kayakers, canoers, paddleboarders, etc.) and water trails. The many benefits of FPTA membership are listed here. My goal is to increase FPTA Membership by 140 members or more! Please join today! (2) Raise money for Chasin A Dream Foundation. This non-profit, community-based "locals helping locals" organization provides individualized, life changing, assistance to families with children battling cancer, cystic fibrosis, and other life-threatening illnesses. My goal is to have Chasin A Dream receive 140 or more individual donations! Please donate today! HUGS TO ALL OF YOU! Yes, it’s been a while since my last blog post, April 21st to be exact, and my readers have reminded me of that! It’s true when they say you are busier when you retire, but what is great about this time in my life, I set my own schedule versus the corporate world owning me.
After you read this, you’ll think I’m nuts for saying this, but my last kayak trip (Panama City to Overstreet) was an awesome experience!
I will add to that statement that if this kind of trip was during my 1st 100 miles on the CT, I probably would not have continued the quest! But the miles have seasoned me (or made me crazy!). In my original Misery Loves Company blog, I described, in unusual terms, how I felt about kayaking solo (read it here).
Greetings from sunny Florida! Where, like clockwork, we are experiencing weekly cold fronts from the north causing strong northerly and southerly winds...many dropping morning temperatures into the low 30’s. I am not expecting any pity...
Solo
a.k.a. Misery Loves Company Happy New Year - 2021! These are exciting times on the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT). As of the November, there are ten active CT’ers, with five starting their quest at Big Lagoon State Park in northern Florida. Personally, I avoid the Florida panhandle this time of year. Since November, we’ve had almost weekly back-to-back cold fronts. This can work for (and against) the CT’er… |
AuthorDorsey DeMaster embraced kayaking after retiring from 38 years in aviation. She lives near Crystal River, Florida. Archives
August 2021
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