It is hard for me to believe that our ICW journey is over. The trip was something I have been daydreaming about since college and the experience didn’t disappoint! In a lot of ways the nuts and bolts of the adventure were much different than I anticipated, but my expectations were definitely exceeded.
One of the things that I wasn’t expecting was the relationship that I developed with the water. I have always loved the water but this trip has tuned me into its complexities and power. Being on the water, especially in such a small boat, is a very humbling experience. In everyday life I generally feel very in control. The other day we were driving from Lewes to Bel Air. There was very little doubt that we would make the 120-mile trip. We might get stuck in bad traffic, but barring any tragedy we were going to make it there. In the kayaks we didn’t have that sense of control. All plans were subject to the weather and what the water would let us do. Back in the southern part of our trip the tides dictated our days. As we got more north the winds created such current and chop that our plans were subject to their whims. We learned pretty quickly that plans were just a general idea of what we would like to do, not necessarily what was going to happen. We’d have a plan A and plan B, but frequently had to come up with a plan C when conditions suddenly changed. This type of uncertainty and lack of control makes you feel very small – it’s definitely not all about you. The water is powerful and any arrogance or ignorance can result in death or an embarrassing coast guard rescue call. In today’s “me centered” world I think it is good to be reminded of how small we really are.
The water can be tyrannical but it is also fascinating and beautiful. The water has a draw that attracts all kinds. From surly old fisherman to preppy sailors the water creates a common thread and interest. Nick mentioned it in his trip reflection, but we were both surprised by the kindness and generosity that we were generally greeted with. Maybe it was living in the DC area, but I was completely astonished by how nice people were. I think that some of this kindness can be attributed to the bond between mariners. Marina people understood the unpredictable nature of our “plans” and were so nice when we arrived soaking wet and exhausted. On and off the water people were extremely kind – not to be too cheesy but it really has renewed my faith in Americans. The fellow kayakers from Southeast Adventure Outfitters gave us priceless guidance that helped us navigate through the Georgia Coast. In Southport, Emma and Jason really saved the fate of our trip. These kinds of people always appeared when we were feeling low or desperate. In addition to fellow kayakers we had so many random people go out of their way for us and be amazingly kind. A guy in Surf City offered to let us borrow his new car, in Fultcher’s Landing a guy insisted on letting us borrow his golf cart and another guy took us out to breakfast the next morning, up and down the coast strangers offered us rides and help, in Duck the folks at Nor’ Banks let us camp in there yard and made us dinner – I could go on forever – people just were overall incredibly generous and friendly.
Another thing that I became aware of is the importance of striking a balance between living for the moment and saving for the future. We had several older retirees remind us of how lucky we were to be physically healthy enough for this kind of adventure. Physical health is something I tend to take for granted, but the status of our health can change drastically. We also had lots of fellow ICW travelers that were retired tell us that they waited way too long to start having fun. They said that they had basically waited to enjoy life after they retired and regretted not taking advantage of fun opportunities when they were younger. In Southport, NC we talked to a boater in his 40’s who had just come up the Gulf Stream from Key West. He commended us for being able to put our work lives on hold. After talking with him for a while, he said that he and his wife never did anything outside of the box until their youngest daughter tragically died. He said they realized how fragile life was and started to take advantage of every second that they had. Thank goodness we didn’t have to face tragedy before we decided to have an adventure. Often traveling can be expensive and unlike other investments you don’t have material objects to show for it. However, I have found that the experiences I have had traveling and the personal growth that has resulted is totally worth every penny. I think it is important to not neglect the here and now.
Kayaking was such a great way to travel and experience the east coast. The slow pace of a kayak is conducive to allowing you to absorb the scenery and mingle with your fellow travelers and those you meet along the way. I learned so much about the water, navigation, and traveling. Most importantly I think I got a valuable insight into people – the people we met along the way, but also I learned a lot about myself and a lot about Nick. What a great experience!
- Hillary
