After 2 years of delays (more on that later) the time to wet my hull in Lake Superior waters is rapidly approaching. Assuming the Lake grants permission – it’s always her call – the adventure is set to begin on May 18, 2023 from Brimley, MI just off Whitefish Bay. Yes, that Whitefish Bay. The one the Edmund Fitzgerald could have made if “she put 15 more miles behind her”.
A little catch up might be in order.
Originally scheduled for the summer of 2021, that darn pandemic thing was sweeping the globe and a solo circumnavigation of Lake Superior wasn’t going to happen. With Canada’s borders closed, the adventure was re-imagined for 2022.
Olympic athletes often talk of the incredible disappointment, even depression, when the dream of competing is thwarted. I never understood that. So, you didn’t make the team…there’s always next time. Well, being thwarted does mess with you. So much prep work has been done, you’ve seen the whole thing unfold in your mind and then, you’re told it’s not going to happen. Now I’m no Olympic athlete – if anything I’m on the opposite end of that spectrum! – but being thwarted is bloody hard to deal with regardless.
The summer of 2022 had a nice ring to it, so I got over my disappointment, even depression, and looked to the future. Besides, the world was dealing with a lot of difficult things and the loss of an adventure seemed pretty insignificant by comparison. 2022 it was! And then I caught Covid mid-December 2021 and took three months to recover.
Making an honest evaluation of my physical condition, I didn’t think it was safe for me to be alone on the Lake the summer of 2022. Risk assessment is everything for an adventure like this. Another delay, more disappointment, some tears and then determination to make it happen in 2023.
Hey, 2+0+2+3=7. A prime number and a magical one to boot! Through out history the number 7 has been associated with luck, realization of dreams and creativity.
What’s happening now.
With all the extra time Fate gave me, you’d think I’d be totally dialed in on just about everything. Yeah, right. Still lots to do.
The weather patterns have been worrisome so far this year. Climate change has made storms stronger on the Lake. The dehydrator is humming ‘round the clock, hours are spent pouring over charts, deciding where to camp each night and not least of all, hard decisions confront me about what camping gear I need and what items are a comfort but not necessary. Time to get tough and thin out the gear.
I admit, I’m starting to get a bit nervous.