Day 4 - Friday, August 14, 2009

Day 4 - They're out for more!

It's not really a relay race, but more like a marathon....only 45.8 miles longer! (For the math challenged, 72 miles less 26.2 for a marathon = 45.8). So picture this:

Tamela Gorden has just passed the blog baton over to Sue Labman, a born-and-raised Philly girl, who moved over the river (but not through the woods) to the state of New Jersey. I can only hope to maintain Tamela's momentum and pace. Much thanks to Tamela for doing an outstanding job documenting the trials and tribulations of the "Senior Six." I think Lynda and team might not appreciate that moniker, but how many times do you see six women, between the ages of 48-56 (some with limited kayaking experience) out there conquering Lake Tahoe and its winds? It's all about the cause...they are Paddlin' for Paws!

So how did a Philly girl get asked to write this blog? Well, I've "helped" Mo McDonald with some of her preparation for this event. The truth is, when we went on a couple of kayak training sessions this summer at the Jersey shore, Mo (Speed Racer) left me in her wake!

It turns out that nothing slows down Mo and the rest of our "Super Six" (I think they'll enjoy that nickname much more!)...not even the weather!

Our "kayaked krusaders" began Day 4 of their journey with very little sleep. It turns out their friendly neighbors whom they serenaded earlier at the campsite "paid them back" by having a noisy party into the wee hours. It didn't help that a bear showed up in the middle of the night to visit. Apparently, word is really getting out about this event, as he was lobbying to become their new "Paddlin' for Paws" mascot!

The weather forecast was ominous: a small craft advisory, waves 2-3 ft, with 30 mph winds. Under these conditions, small boats can easily capsize. You would think "kayaks" would fall under that category, but our paddlers refused to be scared away. They woke up at 5 a.m. (well, they were sort of awake anyway) to prepare for a 6 a.m. launch. With strong motivation, they proudly left on time, off to conquer the conditions that awaited them. The three guest Paddle Pals (Michelle Parker, Suzy Shaffer, and Jan Groff) joined them for the day.

Lynda and Mo were the last boats to leave, as they were the fastest paddlers. They took the "water less traveled" and paddled along the perimeter. However, the others decided to take a dangerous "short cut" and leave the shore line. (When reunited, the paddlers enjoyed a "safety" lecture given by a college professor!)

The group stopped at some bays and coves along the way, taking some much needed breaks when the weather and time permitted. As Lynda had hoped, our paddlers continue to run off of "heart and strength of spirit." In particular, the newer kayakers, Jennie, April, and Mary, have shown "grit and determination" along the way. They persevered thru some choppy weather and horrible winds, determined to get to the most pristine area, Emerald Bay, as well as to the castle called Vikingsholm. Nothing was going to stop these paddlers!

For lunch, they kayaked to an island tea house. As if they didn't already get enough exercise, they had to take a steep HIKE and CLIMB to earn their meals, which was really just their own snacks they had carried with them.

Thru the use of a trusty cell phone, the group reunited with Jan, Suzy, Michelle, and Trish further down the lake on the way to Baldwin/Kiva beaches. Spirits rose as our fearless nine realized they only had about 3 miles to go for the day. They could relax a little more and enjoy some time on the beach before embarking on their final leg of the day to Camp Richardson. Much thanks to Paddle Pal Natasha for being there to greet our water warriors when they arrived.

Lynda and Mo went on a reconnaissance mission to find their camp site, and more importantly, to confirm the operating hours of the local ice cream shop. While they were there, a woman spotted them in their yellow t-shirts and gave them $20 when she learned about the cause.

After enjoying some soothing showers, our weary travelers felt refreshed and re-energized. For a change of pace, Paddle Pal Jan drove Mo, Mary, and Lynda to Heavenly Village at Stateline, where she dropped them off to hang out for an hour and a half before dinner. Much to their surprise, a lady in a chocolate shop said she read about Paddlin' for Paws in the newspaper and that "you ladies are doing a good thing out there." Feeling like rock stars, the group went wine tasting and then to a Chinese restaurant for dinner. (Dorothy: Mo told the story, complete with sound effects and facial expressions -- so she honored one of your two items. Get ready to "double your donation!"). Much thanks to the Paddle Pals (Jan, Michelle, and Suzy) who treated for the meal.

As planned, the group then went to the Beacon Bar and Grill for a "meet and greet." Dawn and Liz from the South Lake Tahoe Humane Society provided a little pep when they met the group and showed their support. And it turned out the bright yellow shirts came thru again, as another woman donated $20 on-the-spot when she saw them. As if the Lance Armstrong leader-style shirts didn't bring them enough attention, Mo McDonald gave a solo performance of the Philadelphia Eagles "Fly Eagles Fly" fight song for her entire table at the outdoor restaurant. It was all part of a challenge that one of our readers, Dorothy, posted as a comment to the blog. Mo more than fulfilled her end of the bargain so it is time for Dorothy to double her donation and show them the money!!!!!

Later that evening, Lynda (with Mo's assistance) held a "passing of the name and logo" ceremony on the beach with Dawn Armstrong (Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe Humane Society) and Liz Maul, Outreach and Education Manager for the organization. After this year's event, they will carry on the energy and enthusiasm of the "Paddlin' for Paws" brand. In a symbolic gesture, Lynda handed over some yellow t-shirts to demonstrate her support and appreciation for them carrying on her concept. It was a little more emotional for Lynda than she anticipated, as she realized that her efforts would continue to live on and hopefully grow into something even bigger. While this event is a personal challenge to our "Super Six" (or in today's case, our "Nifty Nine"), it is all about the fundraising effort. They are Paddlin' for Paws....which really is a great cause!

After the ceremony, some of the group huddled around the campfire chatting for a while before retiring for the evening. With a 6 a.m. rise-and-shine awaiting them in the morning, they wanted to get some much needed rest!