Sep
18
2010
Beach Bum
Author: Ruth
Self portrait of Stephen with wireless keyboard and iPhone, demonstrating how he occasionally sends a post for the website.
Sept. 16, 2010
Three miles north of Manistee, and I’ve spent yet another day on the beach. Radio yesterday said cold, rain and wind would be rolling in and they were right. I just managed to get Seaweed snuggled next to a stand of cedars and the tarp from her starboard to the trees before the rain came. Propped up the center of the tarp with a paddle, and huddled under it to cook a delicious packet of curry, complemented with shallots and a jalapeno pepper Ruth harvested from the Community Garden. Slept well but was awakened a couple of times by lightening, and an unknown critter shrieking at, I believe, me.
It’s been very windy all day, but the sun burst through for a good portion of it, and I managed to give the sleeping bag, tarps, rain gear and damp clothing a good drying out. I spent the day reading “The Boat Who Wouldn’t Float”, by Farley Mowat. A story I can relate to. Hopefully I’ll be able to get on the water tomorrow.
(ed. Stephen reached Frankfort last night, pulling into the harbor from eight foot swells out on the lake. Around one hundred miles to go.)
September 18th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Hi Bro,
I miss you and hope you are safe. It seems that the weather has not been on your side. I hope things improve so you can finish this amazing journey. You rock dude!!! I love you. Take care of yourself.
Sarah
September 19th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
The weather this summer has given you plenty of time to enjoy the shoreline of our beautiful Lake Michigan, but you’re finally on the home stretch, my friend! Paddle on and be safe! Love you!
September 20th, 2010 at 7:15 am
Oh Jeez, and no warm fuzzy slippers, I’ll bet. Almost there! Keep up the amazing work, Steve. We love you! Tina and Andy
September 21st, 2010 at 8:44 am
You can do it Bredo!
Paddle ON!
Your biggest fan in Kazoo
Bater
September 21st, 2010 at 8:52 am
With a tip of the hat to Rogers and Hammerstien (Carousel)
When you paddle through a storm
Keep your chin up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark.
At he end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark.
Paddle on through the wind,
Paddle on through the rain,
Tho’ your dreams be tossed and blown. Paddle on, Paddle on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never paddle alone,
You’ll never paddle alone.
September 24th, 2010 at 10:17 am
Been following you all summer. I was eager to see that you got across Grand Traverse Bay–and now you are on the last stretch. Back to God’s Country–Charlevoix, Harbor Springs, Mackinaw(c), etc!! Way to go!
September 24th, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Dear Beach Bum,
I feel with you and the difficulties of Nature not cooperating.
How many times have I camped under adverse conditions with fear and danger just sniffing around the edges of my little world.
Sleeping alone in the Jack Pine Forest near the cottage to fulfill a Boy Scout requirement.
And one of my many foolish and unrelated ventures…sleeping next to the sheer face of Half-Dome in Yosemite at its 9000-foot elevation on a stone ledge on the very brink of the dropoff.
The thunderous voices of Eternity spoke to me that night through the softly illuminating moonlight.
There was no sleep in that fearsome Presence!
The strange and inviting depth of abysmal dimensions beside my sleeping bag would not be ignored.
Keep on keeping on!
Love,
Father-in-law.