Trial Lake

Henry's first camping trip.

My first time figuring out my 'new' kayak/sailboat.

Time with some friends and family.

Seeing my cousin's MAD casting skills.

Quiet moments to try and read.

I leave in a month....

Anne SUP fishing....  Henry enjoying the view.... 

Funny pic, but how stinking stable is my boat?  We pulled up Anne's SUP under a tramp and kept sailing.... you could hardly tell another adult was 'on-board'.... Henry loved the extra company.

Henry's found dog heaven. 

Taking off the sail and enjoying a perfect, quiet evening.

My 'Ru'.... and I still have my bike rack on.

Trial Lake, Uintas, Utah

(Thank you Marita Hart for taking photos!)

Yup, we just did that...

Who can get you from Salt Lake to San Diego round trip in one weekend AND let you nap along the way?  Easy, Bernie & Marita.

Friday:  On the road by 2pm.... in Barstow, CA by 10pm

Saturday:  Barstow, CA to In-N-Out Burger (It tastes WAY better in California)to San Diego & Mission Bay by 2pm.  THEN BACK to Barstow by 730pm

Sunday:  On the road by 930.... rest stop in the Virgin River Gorge... BACK in Salt Lake City by 9pm

Had some moments of WAY overwhelmed... but having trusted people around that let me breath, were communication rockstars and made sure I felt safe was... amaza-ballz.

Henry took to the Hobie like an old salty dog.

Traveling in a camper-van may be the ONLY way to road trip...  My many, many thanks to my new friends for being so generous with their time and resources.

We all made it back safe & sound... possibly better than we left.

To San Diego and Back

I gave my first solo presentation at Holladay United Church of Christ on Father's Day... the flood of support and stories of others challenges & survival followed.

When a new challenge presented, my new support group jumped into gear. 

A week early, Bernie & Marita made it their personal mission to get my boat in San Diego.

Henry is now a spoiled camper dog.

I'll share the story of our record breaking road trip in the coming days (Salt Lake to San Diego and back in 1 weekend!!).  Until then, one of my favorite quotes on purpose & action...and how the world aligns to help:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative and creation. There is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issue from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever, you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The story of Henry, and how he came to be my rock, 

is for another time.

But an intro to this too-cute-for-his-own-good & 

too-smart-for-his-own-good is necessary:

Henry was born November 15, 2012

He's a medium Australian Labradoodle

& yes, I shed more than he does!

He loves snow and frozen hotdogs

His best fur friend is the neighbor's poodle, Cappucho

His favorite service task:  

Going in the basement to turn the light on 

(he's being trained to do much more)

I've had Henry since March.  This puppy didn't know what he was in for.  Poor dear...  before even a year old, he'll be dragged on a kayak for over 2,000 miles.  I have a feeling he's up for the adventure.

This man was special.  

This man made me love London.  

This man was a proud Brit, an Iraq Security Contractor and a fine drinking partner.  

This man committed suicide a few days ago, and I am heartbroken to hear it.

Our Allies work, love and fight with us. They stand beside us to keep our country free & safe.  
To donate to the British Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress):  http://www.justgiving.com/remember/69209/Ian-Robinson

Rest in Beautiful, Peaceful Sleep, Ian

There are many, many who will remember you

Henry took to Paddleboarding like a Labradoodle Rockstar.  

Born waterdog.... counting down the days