Six degrees of separation is the idea that all people are six, or fewer, social connections away from each other. As a result, a chain of "a friend of a friend" statements can be made to connect any two people in a maximum of six steps. Quickly going back to the CT Reunion and the awesome people I met there...... ......and PROOF that the six degree theory works. Meet Brenda Anderson. She had been attending my yoga classes for about a month. We had just practiced yoga the day before, but we didn't talk about anything outside our yoga community. So it was a surprise, for both of us, when we saw each other at the CT reunion. I met Steve Cournoyer for the first time at the CT Reunion. He had just completed the 1,515 mile journey and like others, was asked to speak about his accomplishment. Originally from Ozello, Florida, he described the challenges of his journey from kidney stones, crossing Tampa Bay in 30 knot gusts (90% trying to stay upright, 10% paddling) and flipping his kayak at Wiggins Pass. Like others that presented, I was amazed at what these kayakers accomplished. Then the Florida Paddling Trails Association (FPTA) presented Steve with a combined Trail Angel / Paddle Volunteer plaque....an award not normally combined. I've sat on many boards where you have to decide who gets an award. Not an easy task. This one looked like a no-brainer for the FPTA. That told me a lot about Steve, as well as how humble he was when he received it. Over the weekend, it was fun getting to know everyone and hearing their stories. It reminded me of the camaraderie we had after working hard for months, preparing for, then passing wartime operational readiness evaluations in the Air Force. Before the weekend was over, I approached Steve and asked him if we would be my (CT) mentor. There's something to be said about journaling how things unfold in ones life. It's been a year, so I can't remember our exact conversation, but my recollection is that this humble kayaker was surprised when I asked. I can't say that I blame him...I would be too if a middle aged woman, acting like a star-struck teenager, approached me with that question. Or maybe we were both overwhelmed by the entire event? Six degrees of separation....Brenda knows Steve. I have Brenda to thank for the months that followed. She paddled regularly with Steve and asked me to join them. During those kayak trips, I got to know Brenda and Steve better, as they did me (okay, she's not nuts-o). I also had opportunities to pick Steve's brain and learn more about paddling the CT. I don't particularly like kayaking with large groups because for me, kayaking loses it essence. In the kayaking world, its really cool when you can find someone you are in sync with. It's like finding the perfect running partner; Pace, personality, resiliency, and for Gods sake, a sense of humor.
My favorite movie is The Goonies. Its about a group of kids who discover an old treasure map that takes them on an adventure to unearth the long-lost fortune of One-Eyed Willy, a legendary 17th-century pirate. I have followed Brenda and Steve through the thickest swamps, up the narrowest salt creeks, and scooted my ass across miles of quarter inch water in the Gulf....and its fun paddling with them, because they are like the perfect running partners, and because they have the same zeal for adventure as the kids in Goonies, looking for One-Eyed Willies treasure . I'm glad I went to that CT Reunion. If I hadn't, this door offering new and exciting adventures and fostering new friendships would have never happened. Thank you Six Degrees of Separation. Thank you Goonies!
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AuthorDorsey DeMaster embraced kayaking after retiring from 38 years in aviation. She lives near Crystal River, Florida. Archives
August 2021
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