Paddlin' for Paws

Day 6: We Made It!

2009-08-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks to Tamela and Sue, the bloggers during the first five days of our trip. We heard that many people were following us via the blog and that our volunteer bloggers were doing a good job. We very much appreciate Tamela and Sue’s time and effort!

On Sunday, we got up at 5:30 for our planned 6:30 launch. Jan Groff arrived shortly after from her home in Incline Village with coffee, juice, and donuts for the three remaining paddlers to do some carbo-loading for the 13-mile and potentially most dangerous leg that remained. We gathered our things, grabbed a bite to eat, and headed out as planned, arriving at the Cave Rock boat ramp at about 6:30. Mo and I had left our kayaks locked on top of my car the previous night (which Jan was driving) and loaded/locked Trish’s kayak on top of Trish’s car (which Natasha was driving) the night before so that Jan and Natasha could readily drive us early this morning to Cave Rock, a few miles from where we spent the night at Zephyr Cove. We had paddled a bit farther than the other three on Saturday to shorten our last leg along the east coast.

When we arrived at Cave Rock, we were happy to see calm waters, the opposite of last year. After taking a few departure photos, we hit the lake at 6:45. The weather couldn’t have been better for this entire day’s paddle. It was sunny with smooth waters the whole time, even in the afternoon when we typically try to be off the water to avoid rising winds. So, compared with last year’s harrowing journey for this part of the trip, we had a thoroughly enjoyable paddle. We took in the great views along this remote shore in terms of beautiful little coves, rocky coast, and striking houses that appeared here and there. At times we paddled together and chatted and at others we retreated into our own worlds. Mo and I listened to our iPods for an hour or less, the only time we used them during the trip. Singing along to my mix of oldies and modern country songs was great but not very social, so it didn’t seem appropriate to use our iPods very much.

We only stopped twice during this long leg, but we took our time in general because we knew we’d make good time on the calm waters and had posted a planned arrival time of 12:00-1:00. The first stop was a nice little rocky spot without a soul in sight. We sat on big rocks in the water to have a snack from the nearby concession stand (just kidding—no such thing along the east coast; we toted along all food and drinks for the day). The second break was the infamous Secret Cove I’d heard of but had never happened upon. It was a beautiful little cove with about 15 sunbathers and swimmers, most of whom were nude. Mo and I chatted with one man near our landing spot, but Paddlin’ for Pals ambassador Trish walked around a bit and did her usual socializing among the locals of “Nudetown” (my term), including chatting with the man who had dubbed himself the major and caretaker of this site. One man humorously reached into the pocket of his absent pants to give Trish a pretend donation.

Whereas last year felt like a survival finish with all our efforts focused on negotiating rough waters, this time the final leg was like a dream trip. We paddled each cove and bay with no shortcuts (the case for this entire trip) and took time to enjoy all of this beautiful coast. As we neared the Sand Harbor boat ramp, we saw Natasha waving at us from a large rock along the side. Mo, Trish, and I paddled in side by side and landed on the beach about 12:30. One of my graduate students, Andrea Kalleres, was on the beach to greet us with her mother Carol and son Nathan. That was a nice surprise. We took a few photos and chatted a bit with our visitors. Mo and I locked our kayaks to a tree on the beach while Trish and Natasha took Trish’s kayak to Trish’s car to secure on top.

We walked over to Harbor House, where Mo, Trish, Natasha, and I had lunch on the outdoor patio. When I first arrived at the lunch spot, I called Mary, who was still sitting in the Reno airport waiting for her flight (April and Jennie’s flight had left earlier). Squeezing out words amidst tears, Mary described the wave of emotion she’d had all morning from doing and now leaving behind what she considered to be the most significant thing she’d accomplished in her life. That feeling hadn’t yet sunk in for me because I was still winding things up, but it did when I arrived home and lasted for a few days before returning to “real life.” For me this involved a slight sense of depression. For both Mary and me (I haven’t asked the others about this), connecting with something so “basic” while sidelining material things, pushing oneself to one’s physical and psychological limits, and engaging in a cause for the welfare of something other than ourselves and in the company of old and new friends—other women in a similar life stage—was profound (Mary’s term) and visceral (my term).

Jan was initially going to meet us for lunch. I called her just after our last break on the water, when I had regained phone reception, to give her an estimated arrival time only to find her also in tears but for very different reasons. Jan’s mom had just been taken to hospice. Jan is very close to her mom, so this was traumatic. She booked a flight home for the next day. She said she’d pick us up at the beach by the Hyatt in Incline Village, the trip end for Mo and me since Mo had missed the initial leg of the trip because of a late arrival due to flight difficulties.

Susie Frazee and her friend and former co-worker Susan called at the beginning of lunch to say they’d been driving around for 30 minutes trying to come in to meet us. The Sand Harbor parking lots were full and there were no other options. I was bummed that they had driven from Reno to celebrate our ending with us but couldn’t join us. So, I told them we’d arrive at the Hyatt in Incline Village in about an hour and a half if they were willing to meet us there. We said we could use the support to make it through this last leg after an already long and tiring day. Our two visitors decided to do that, and their enthusiasm about seeing us finish was welcome inspiration. (I also learned that another friend, Kim O’Reilly, and her friend Allison had driven from Reno to meet us at Zephyr Cove Saturday but didn’t have the information with them on when and where to meet us. With bad cell phone reception there, they were unable to hook up with us.)

After talking with Mary and being last to order lunch, I felt a little anxious to finish eating and get going. I also knew Susie and Susan were waiting for us at our final destination. And I had a strange sensation of wanting to get back in the boat as if it were home. Since I am a notoriously slow eater, I tried to down my food rather quickly and saved my cookie and most of my chips for later. Mo and I walked to the beach, unlocked our kayaks and carried them to the water, and launched at 2:45. We paddled steadily to complete this final three miles in what would be the longest mileage we’d ever tackled in a day, almost 16 miles. Natasha told us the next day that she had seen us from the road above after retrieving her car from where it had been parked in Incline Village for the week. She honked the horn, but we didn’t hear or see her.

As we approached the finish line at the Hyatt’s beach in Incline Village less than an hour after launching from the Sand Harbor boat ramp, we saw Susie and Susan waving their arms at us from the pier, a welcome sight to give some sense of fanfare to these final moments. (The two told me they had been looking for us the opposite way the whole time and had only minutes before turned around to spot us and consider that these two paddlers might be us.) It seemed fitting that Mo and I were the last to finish this event since we were the two who had embarked on the first version on August 13, 2008.

After locking our kayaks on the beach, we went to the bar at the end of the pier to have a celebratory drink with Susie and Susan. Mo and I thought the slight rocking motion we were feeling was that which we’d experienced most nights after spending many hours on the water. However, after seeing Susan’s face turn increasingly pale and checking on her status, it turned out that the pier itself was indeed swaying. So, we went inside to the bar at the lakeside Lone Eagle Grille, where Susie sprung for drinks for us all. Mo and I tried the bar’s signature alcoholic drink, the Golden Eagle. The drink was too strong for our taste, but we forced it down in the spirit of celebration. Susie and Susan sipped sodas that they didn’t have time to finish before they had to leave for Susan to make a dinner engagement.

Jan soon arrived, looking for us outdoors. Thanks to cell phones, we connected and Jan came inside to sit with us as we finished our drinks. We returned to our kayaks one last time to paddle a short distance to a spot where Jan had parked my car illegally but (thankfully) a bit closer to a take-out point. We loaded the kayaks, dropped Jan off at her house, and headed down the hill to Reno. I was so tired that I barely remember the drive (my apologies to fellow drivers on the Mount Rose Highway at that time). We realized that it was too late to return Mo’s rented kayak to Reno Mountain Sports, which had closed at 5:00.

When we arrived home, we showered and ordered a Pizza Hut mushroom pan pizza that I picked up. We thought a large would allow extra for the next day, but only one piece remained after chowing down while relaxing on my sofa with footrests up. We considered renting a movie from my On Demand system, but instead we intermittently dozed and watched Law and Order episodes with kitties on our laps until we gave in around 10:00 and each headed to bed.

I couldn’t sleep most of the night because of discomfort from the numbness in my arm that hadn’t yet left from prolonged paddling and sleeping on the ground at three consecutive campsites. (As I write this four days after returning and having used my traction machine a few times, I am still struggling to recover.) The next day (Monday), Mo and I returned Mo’s kayak and drove to David Walley’s Hot Springs & Spa in Genoa with paddle pal Suzy Shaffer. Trish met us there for a while, and Natasha stopped by for a brief hello. Both live in the area, which is about 50 minutes from my house in South Reno. Before we entered the resort, we sat on the porch, where Trish pulled out her laptop and showed us a slideshow of our trip photos that she had already created on her Mac to the tune of Toy Story’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” by Randy Newman. That was really cool to see. It was touching, and it seemed hard to believe that it was now all behind us.

We went into the spa to see whether the warm mineral waters might help our muscles and joints recover more quickly from this strenuous event. I don’t know if it helped, but it sure felt good sitting in the hot tubs, and we had fun playing in the pool with the four flotation noodles I’d brought. Mo, Suzy, and I finished the night with dinner at the JT, a Basque restaurant in Minden, before returning to Reno. Mo’s flight left early afternoon on Tuesday, and we would now engage the transition back to “real life” that our fellow paddlers had experienced two days before.

(Please check back for our 2009 final trip report and photos to come within the next few weeks. See the left-most tab in the second row of tabs near the top of our home page.)

Day 5 - Saturday, August 15, 2009

2009-08-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Day 5 - Celebration - Part 1

So much for getting a good night's rest! Our weary warriors found it tough to sleep last night because it was freezing cold with temperatures in the 30s. In addition, another bear visited their campsite and interrupted their sleep, causing quite a stir. Rumor has it he was attracted to the "honey" yellow Paddlin' for Paws t-shirts -- looks like they appeal to all demographics!

Day 5 began with a 7:20 a.m. launch (the last boat left at 7:26 a.m.) with calm water that looked like glass. Our paddlers caught a break! They enjoyed a leisurely paddle to a hotel for breakfast, as well as the luxury to make 10-minute stops along the way. However, the conditions changed later in the day, as the familiar "Tahoe chop" made its appearance on the way to Zephyr Cove.

Today marked the final voyage for three of our "Super Six" paddlers: Jennie, April, and Mary. As planned, this "triumphant trio" crossed their much anticipated finish line at Zephyr Cove around 1:30 p.m. They did it! They accomplished their goal! There was much to celebrate, and yet, at the same time, there was a little sadness in the air, as the group knew that they would now split up. Parting really was sweet sorrow!

To shorten the final section of the lake on Sunday, the other half of the "Super Six," Lynda, Mo, and Trish, along with Michelle (who joined for the day), would continue on for an additional three miles to Cave Rock after taking a half-hour break at Zephyr Cove. With a 3 p.m. arrival, they had plenty of time to rest, relax, and recharge. With pre-arranged massages awaiting them, our athletes savored the much-needed spoiling. No one could say they didn't earn a little pampering!

After they finished their massages, they attended a meet and greet at a beach bar. Unfortunately, no one else showed up, but nevertheless they enjoyed their time together. They shared the story of how Mary had earlier approached two women on the beach to solicit them for donations (during a group break). Both women gave her $5 ($10 total for the math challenged!) and shouted out from a bridge above when they later saw them paddling, "We saved one! We saved one!" Nicely done, Mary!

They also reflected on how April's rudder on her boat broke at the last rest stop during the day. It appeared that she would have to pay $150 or more to fix it. However, a big "shout out" goes to Tahoe Kayak Rental, who agreed to fix the boat at no charge because April was a member of the Paddlin' for Paws fundraiser. Thanks again for showing such generosity for the cause!

The group also talked about their visit from Dennis from the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. He stopped by yesterday at the campsite to offer his support. His presence gave our paddlers some additional motivation for their final and toughest portion of the lake on Sunday. Most "normal" people would do the tougher sections first--and then make their final day an easier one. Heck, even the Tour de France has a ceremonial last lap on the final day. However, our yellow t-shirt paddlers would have none of that pomp and circumstance. Their Sunday paddle will be their most grueling one yet. Well, in their minds, I suppose they saved the "best" for last!

Since this will be my final post, Blogger Labman is now officially passing the "blog baton" over to Lynda. It's been an honor having the chance to write about these determined women and their supporters.

Here's to a Super Sunday!

Over and out,
Sue

Day 4 - Friday, August 14, 2009

2009-08-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Day 3 - Thursday, August 13, 2009

2009-08-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

DAY 3 – Keep on Truckin’!

(Anyone remember that cartoon from the 1970s of the guy with the big feet?)

Thursday, the third day of Paddlin’ for Paws, began at 7:00 a.m., roughly 30 minutes later than planned. Natasha and Celia saw the group off from Tahoe City and Zola Ferguson paddled with them for the first three miles of the day before returning on her own to Tahoe City after joining the group for breakfast.

The paddlers’ first stop was the Fire Sign Café in Tahoe City, yet another fantastic breakfast spot. April was feeling slightly unwell, so she skipped breakfast and hung out on the beach. Fortunately she recovered in time to continue the trip.

In a departure from their usual itinerary, in addition to stopping for breakfast the paddlers also made time for lunch at Chambers Landing Restaurant. Chambers is very convenient for kayakers, since the restaurant is smack dab on the lake and has a pier where the paddlers can tie up their kayaks without having to remove all their gear and haul it into the restaurant. Lynda and Mo had made definite plans to stop for lunch, but the other paddlers hesitated because they were concerned about the possibility of afternoon winds and worried about taking extra time away from paddling. However, eventually everyone decided to stop and a good time was had by all.

One of the great parts about kayaking around Lake Tahoe is that you can get a good look at the opulent homes that surround the lake. From the road, many of them are invisible or are only seen as a gate or a garage, but from the water they are spectacular. There are many private beaches and restrictions about where kayakers can land, so Lynda relies heavily on her Lake Tahoe Water Trail map to find good spots to beach. However, that didn’t stop Trish from pulling out on a private beach and having a great chat with a homeowner, ultimately leaving him with information about Paddlin’ for Paws. Nice PR work, Trish!

The homestretch of Thursday’s paddle was a tough one, especially coming at the end of the longest mileage day yet (12 miles), and gave the paddlers a taste of the power of the lake. As the paddlers approached the mouth of Meeks Bay, the wind pushed them back out and they had to paddle furiously to gain any headway. Two paddlers even pulled over to the shore and walked their kayaks briefly along the shore before returning to the lake. The first kayakers to make it to the take-out point cheered each remaining kayaker into shore. When Jennie arrived, it was with only one lens in her polarized glasses—the wind had blown the other one out! All of the kayakers then sprawled on the beach in exhaustion.

At camp, they were greeted by the support crew with their camping equipment and that staple of American life—pizza!

The paddlers’ camping neighbors turned out to be a group of teens and young adults who kindly offered to help set up tents. In an ironic twist, that kindness gave the paddlers extra time later to sit at the picnic table and entertain the campground by singing songs! Somehow I doubt their repertoire was anything a group of 20-somethings would request. What’s that phrase about “no good deed goes unpunished”?!

In camp, the group hung out, napped, read, played Frisbee and Skip-Bo, and generally relaxed and recharged in preparation for Friday. Mary gave everyone quick shoulder rubs, then the Icy Hot and ibuprofen made the rounds as everyone nurtured fatigued shoulders and knees.

Friday could potentially be the most “interesting” day of the trip and the mileage will be the longest yet (13.2 miles). The wind is expected to blow even more strongly than on Thursday, and the paddling will likely be demanding. The group will aim for their earliest launch yet, planning to be on the water by 6:00 a.m. and off the lake before the winds get too strong. It’s unfortunate that Friday is expected to be so challenging because Lynda says that stretch is actually one of the most beautiful of what has already been an extraordinarily scenic trip.

Guest paddlers on Friday will include Jan Groff and Suzy Shaffer in a tandem kayak, as well as Michelle Parker. Michelle saw the Paddlin’ for Paws announcement and really wanted to sign up for the entire trip, but unfortunately it was too late to add another person to the event. Michelle will be paddling with the group on Thursday and Friday, staying with them overnight at Camp Richardson.

Since this is my final post, I’ll wish the paddlers good luck and fair winds and will be checking in on their progress throughout the rest of the week.

Blogger Gorden, over and out.

--Tamela Gorden

Day 2 - Wednesday, August 12, 2009

2009-08-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

DAY 2 - THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

SCENE: Tahoe State Recreation Area in Tahoe City, Lake Tahoe, California

TIME: 10:00 p.m.

ACTION: Lynda stands on the very end of a pier that extends far out into the waters of Lake Tahoe. The thin mountain air has relinquished most of the day’s warmth. As she gazes out across the dark lake, a meteor suddenly streaks across the night sky. One of the many gifts of this week on the lake: a chance to view the Perseids meteor shower, away from manmade lights. Chilly, yes, but the show is definitely worth the cold and the late hour.

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Day two and all is well! Lynda reports that the group pushed off from Kings Beach early on Wednesday morning, less than half an hour later than they had planned. Since it always takes longer to schlep and stow the gear than they think it will, staying on schedule is a challenge.

On Wednesday, the paddlers had a chance to work out their jitters and gain confidence in their kayaking abilities. The paddling was a bit more challenging, choppy water in the afternoon requiring them to dig a little harder to make headway. The group moved at a somewhat leisurely pace, stopping often to stretch and cool off. They reminded themselves that it wasn’t a race and that they should take time to savor the journey. However, they also remained mindful that afternoon winds can kick up suddenly, so getting off the lake by early afternoon was wise.

The paddlers often drifted apart into pods of two and three, but tried to keep the entire group in sight. They passed the time by talking, telling jokes, and—at least on Wednesday—SINGING! I can only imagine the looks on the faces of unsuspecting beachgoers when they heard Broadway tunes wafting out of a hidden cove!

Lynda reported that the paddlers are all doing well, albeit a bit sore and slightly sunburned. At high altitude, water and sun can combine to concoct a whopper of a sunburn, so I hope they’re all slathering on the SPF. Lynda admitted to being somewhat stiff in her legs and . . . ahem . . .derriere . . and that several people had been dipping into the Icy Hot to soothe shoulders and knees. However, overall everyone is healthy and happy and enjoying the experience. The group has gelled well, which is a wonderful thing, considering that some of the paddlers hadn’t even met each other until the first day of the trip.

Paddlin’ for Paws 2009 has brought out a couple of supporters who made a special effort to redezvous with the group along their route. One of Lynda’s former grad students—a middle school teacher at King’s Beach—read about the trip and made a point of seeing them off at Wednesday’s launch. A fellow named John Merryfield also tried to meet them on Wednesday morning, but missed them because they were a bit behind schedule. He’ll be circumnavigating Lake Tahoe next month on a stand-up paddleboard to raise money for Farm Sanctuary and wanted to connect with Lynda.

Because Lynda and Mo missed out on it last year, the group made a point of stopping for breakfast at the Old Post Office Café in Carnelian Bay. Reportedly offering one of the best breakfasts on Lake Tahoe, it did not disappoint.

After a full day of paddling, the group arrived at Tahoe City and secured their kayaks, lugging their gear to their campsite at Tahoe State Recreation Area. Proving once again how vital the support crews are, Terri Bostick had hauled their camping gear to the campground at Tahoe City so it was there when they arrived.

After stowing their gear, the group ambled around Tahoe City, sightseeing and stopping for well-deserved ice cream. I can imagine they made quite a splash walking en masse through town in their bright yellow Paddlin’ for Paws t-shirts. A number of people have questioned them about the shirts, which is, of course, the perfect opening to spread the word about Paddlin’ for Paws. I think we all know that Lynda can talk to just about anyone(!), especially when it comes to discussing issues near and dear to her heart.

People they have encountered along the way have commended them for their cause and have also been amazed by the sheer mileage of the event and the fact that they’re doing it in single kayaks rather than tandems. Paddling the circumference of Lake Tahoe is no walk in the park and the sight of six middle-aged women (ages 48-56) tackling that challenge has impressed the folks they have met. It’s especially remarkable when you realize that several of the kayakers are novices, including Mary, who had never touched a kayak until last month!

Later, they returned to camp for dinner. Another extraordinary volunteer, Celia Ranson, not only drove her camper to the campground at Tahoe City, but also cooked dinner for everyone, including spaghetti, chicken, and that ambrosia of the gods—s’mores! The sunset from the pier, reading, chatting, and Skip-Bo followed as the group relaxed from their labors. Then it was off to bed in two tents (and one cot outside under the stars) to rest up for the next day. Natasha Hrenoff also arrived at the campground to shadow the paddlers for the next few days, providing support and a potential sag wagon for anyone who needs a break.

For Thursday, the paddlers are planning a 6:30 a.m. launch and they’ll try to keep to their schedule in order to be off the lake in the early afternoon. Thursday’s mileage is longer (11.9 miles) and the weather is expected to be somewhat unsettled, so they’ll want every advantage. Lake Tahoe can be treacherous in windy conditions because of the choppy water and shoreline rocks. Taking out earlier isn’t really an option; they need to make it to their destination (Meeks Bay) in order to have a place to sleep.

FUNDRAISING

Lest we forget that the ultimate goal of this event is to raise money for animal charities, I asked Lynda if I could put in a plug for donations. Yes, paddling around Lake Tahoe is an adventure and a good time, but the core of Lynda’s passion for this event is the opportunity to support organizations that help animals. What you may not know is that Lynda has donated hundreds of hours of her time to plan this event, in addition to a substantial amount of out-of-pocket expenses. She does that so every dime donated to Paddlin’ for Paws can go directly to the charities.

The Paddlin’ for Paws website isn’t completely up to date, but Lynda estimates that they have raised somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,000 so far this year. Ideally they would like to raise $6,000, so I encourage everyone to visit the “Donations” section of the website to see how you can help.

--Tamela Gorden

Day 1 Continued - Actual News!

2009-08-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Day 1 (cont.) – August 11, 2009

Tuesday was chock-full for the paddlers and their helpers. Paddlin’ for Paws is a miracle of logistics and it really does take a village to pull it off. Here’s how the first day unfurled:

Despite a lack of sleep, travel snafus, and some last minute changes to the lineup, the first day of Paddlin’ for Paws went well and everyone managed to not only make it through the day, but also to have some fun.

The paddlers and support crew met at Sand Harbor around 7:20a.m. to kick off the trip. The first order of business was for a kayak rental company to drop off two kayaks for the group, followed by some basic paddling instructions for the three Midwesterners. Terri Bostick met the group and paddled with them for the day.

You may remember radio show host David Alan of KOWL from the 2008 Paddlin’ for Paws event. He followed Lynda and Mo’s progress last year and wanted to get the word out about Paddlin’ for Paws 2009. In the midst of all the launching preparations, Lynda did a live on-air interview on KOWL.

Because Mo’s flight was delayed and she wouldn’t be arriving until later in the day, Paddle Pal Jan Groff paddled Mo’s sleek rental kayak (rented at a significant discount from Reno Mountain Sports) for the first leg of the trip from Sand Harbor to the Hyatt at Incline Village. Unfortunately, “sleek” translates into “less-stable-than-usual,” which led to Jan dumping herself into the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe while trying to get into the kayak! Undaunted by such an unceremonious start, Jan completed the paddle to Incline Village then hopped in her car and drove to Reno to pick up Mo at the airport.

The group began their trip a bit later than planned—around 8:45 a.m.—and arrived at the Hyatt at 10:15 a.m., just in time for a late breakfast. True to Nevada’s reputation for great buffets, the Hyatt buffet proved to be popular and nearly all of the paddlers ordered it.

Mo arrived shortly after 11:00 a.m., just as the other paddlers were leaving to resume their trip. Lynda had chosen to send the other paddlers ahead and stay to have breakfast with Mo, so after fueling up at the Hyatt, Lynda and Mo paddled diligently to catch up with the others at Speedboat Beach by early afternoon. The group took a break and two of the paddlers (Mary and Trish) bravely took a full plunge into the “refreshing” (read: “bitingly cold”—average summertime water temperature at Lake Tahoe is 65-70 degrees!) water while the rest of the group waded along the shore.

After the break, the group paddled the short remaining distance to Kings Beach (less than two miles away) and arrived at 2:45 p.m. In the future, they would like to arrive earlier in the day in order to avoid the potential afternoon winds that are a staple of Lake Tahoe weather, but for today the schedule was fine. The paddlers were all feeling happy and empowered to complete their first day. Mary was especially excited because she had harbored (ooh, a nautical pun!) some doubts about her abilities.

After the kayakers stopped for the day, it took some time to find a place to park the kayaks overnight. Fortunately, a young woman handling kayak rentals allowed the team to secure their kayaks beside hers. Sue Jorth arrived bearing wine, which some of the paddlers drank with her on benches on the beach, enjoying the beauty of the lake.

Once the kayaks were secure, the paddlers walked several blocks to the Apres Ski Club, where Terri had arranged for the group to stay in the bunkhouse. I’m sure they were all very glad to see those beds!

The group plans to launch tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:30 a.m. for their shortest day, a nine-mile paddle to Tahoe City. Tune in tomorrow for more Paddlin’ for Paws news!

--Tamela Gorden

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Since weather can be a huge factor in kayaking Lake Tahoe, here’s the seven-day forecast from the National Weather Service:

Wednesday...Partly cloudy. Highs 76 to 86. Light winds becoming southwest around 10 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday night...Clear. Lows 42 to 52. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph in the evening becoming light.

Thursday...Breezy and sunny. Highs 73 to 83. Light winds becoming southwest 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night...Clear. Lows 41 to 51. Southwest winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph decreasing to around 10 mph after midnight.

Friday...Sunny. Highs 68 to 78. Southwest winds up to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon. Ridge gusts up to 50 mph.

Friday Night...Clear. Lows 37 to 47.

Saturday Through Sunday Night...Clear. Highs 69 to 79. Lows 36 to 46.

Day 1 of Paddlin' for Paws - Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009

2009-08-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

Greetings!

Tamela Gorden here, Lynda's alter ego for the first few days of Paddlin’ for Paws 2009. In case you’re curious why someone you’ve never heard of is “channeling” Lynda, the Reader’s Digest Condensed Books version is this: I know Lynda through several venues, most notably line dancing and a writers’ group. However, don’t let those bona fides fool you—I’m a much better line dancer than I am a writer! Despite that, I’m here to bring you all the Paddlin’ for Paws news that’s fit to print.

After a long first day—made even longer by the fact that she never went to bed last night—Lynda called me just after 10:00p.m. with the day’s report, but unfortunately our telephone connection was sketchy. (For all of you who’ve given up your landlines in lieu of cell phones, my hat is off to you. I marvel at cell phones when they work well and the rest of the time I want to use all those words for which your mother washed out your mouth when you were a kid.)

In the short conversation we managed, I gathered that Lynda has Internet access this evening and will be sending in some basic stats if she can stay awake long enough. When I get that information I’ll post an update, but it won’t be until tomorrow.

So at this point pretty much all I know is 1) the kayakers are fine and 2) more information will follow. I know that many people will be following this blog, so I’ll try to make entries as soon as possible so as not to keep you in suspense.

And if you haven’t already done so, please consider making a donation to Paddlin’ for Paws. It’s a great cause and I know the paddlers will appreciate your support as they make their way around Lake Tahoe.

In the meantime, good luck to the paddlers! Fair weather and safe travels to you.

--Tamela Gorden

Initial Post for 2009 Event

2009-08-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again. I can’t believe a whole year has passed and that I’m doing this event again. As I mentioned last year, I developed Paddlin’ for Paws as a one-time event, but we were inspired by a donor who read about us to do it one more time. Dawn Armstrong, Executive Director of the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and S.P.C.A. in South Lake Tahoe (California), has been a strong supporter of this event and has requested to carry on the name hereafter in some manner as a fundraiser for her organization, one of the six that we supported last year.

Last year we earned over $6000 to split among our six designated animal welfare organizations. This year we’d like to earn at least $4000 for the four new charities we’ll support ($1000 each for the mathematically challenged). If we get more than that, it would be really exciting to be able to provide money to even more organizations in need. It is harder to raise money this year with the poor economic climate, having to approach people a second time for support, and a lack of time for fundraising. Ironically and sadly, this is a time of particularly great need for animals, who are being turned over in greater numbers than usual to shelters because people can’t financially support them.

And so, I hope for a successful event not for my sake but for that of the “critters” we seek to help. Four other paddlers join my friend Mo and me this year. Trish McGraw “signed on” last year when she came to do a day paddle with us and said this is on her “bucket list.” Mary Goral is one of my best friends from graduate school at Indiana University, where Mary and I first met in 1992. We are both professors in mathematics education. Mary’s sister-in-law April and her friend Jennie have also joined us. I only met them for the first time tonight. (Mary arrived yesterday and April and Jennie tonight, all from the Midwest.) We range in age from 48-56, mostly toward the upper end, and we come from a total of four states.

One would think we would have gotten in great shape to tackle this challenge, but mid-life is a busy time to fit in such training. Thus, I’m in worse condition than last year, and we are doing the trip in one less day, meaning more miles per day (yes, more math). I returned last Tuesday from playing in the National Senior Games (did I say SENIOR? yikes) at Stanford University, where I’m proud to say my three-on-three basketball team placed 6th of the 23 teams in my age category. I came back quite battered and bruised, so much so that I landed in the emergency room last Tuesday night and worried whether I could make this trip. And it’s unthinkable that I’ve only been on a kayak twice before now—once in May and again for a mild paddle last night. Mary had never even been on a kayak until last month. So, this trip will be “interesting” at the least. Experts say (well, at least my friend Dianna, a competitive kayaker) that training for a trip like this should involve at least two strong paddles per week in addition to working out. I hope heart and strength of spirit will count for something.

This trip has had many challenges before we’ve even hit the water. Two people who had committed to the trip wanted to join us without raising any funds. I had to turn them away because this did not fit the spirit of the trip. One helper dropped out only yesterday and had to be replaced. And so forth. But among the various stumbling blocks that come with any such grandiose plans, the worst came tonight when I thought we finally had details nailed down. Mo called from her grounded plane in Philly to say storms had delayed their departure and she may not make her connecting flight. We all held our breath for a few hours (well, not really, or I wouldn’t be around to write this, but you know what I mean) and waited to hear from Mo. We finally heard from Mo around 9:00 p.m. Our crossed fingers slowly unfolded in disappointment as we learned that Mo would be stuck in Salt Lake City over night and would not arrive until 9:15 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday).

Mo’s delayed arrival set off another round of problem solving that couldn’t lead to an ideal solution for everyone. We have to stick to our plan to depart at 6:00 a.m., because everything is carefully choreographed among many people. Trish will come from her house in Minden to meet us at Incline Village (along the lake's north shore, for you non-locals), where friends Jan Groff and Sue Jorth will await us in their respective houses to drive us in our cars (mine, Trish's) to the put-in place and return our cars to their houses to park until further duty. My friend Terri Bostick will meet us at Sand Harbor to do a day paddle with us. A kayak rental company will drop two kayaks for April and Jennie. And so, a delayed start isn’t possible for these reasons and the fact that our departure time is listed on our website. Of course, we wouldn’t want to miss the band playing and ticker tape parade likely to consume Sand Harbor’s early morning sands to give us a proper send-off. Further, our lack of physical preparation for this average 12-mile-a-day trip on individual kayaks on an ocean-like lake means it wouldn’t be smart for women of our seasoned years (drama effect added) due to the importance of avoiding the early afternoon winds that tend to kick up like clockwork on Tahoe.

And so, the intent is to proceed as planned for beginning this journey. Jan Groff, who has been helpful beyond measure last year and this, offered to take us to the put-in place and then make the hour drive to Reno to pick up Mo at the airport and taxi her to the lake. We will take Mo’s kayak with us and decide what to do with it so it is ready for Mo’s arrival. We might lock it up on a beach somewhere or have Jan paddle it to the first stop (a nice brunch at the Hyatt), where I would await Mo so she doesn’t have to miss this meal, our favorite from last year. We would thus have the others eat and move on. Mo and I would then power paddle to see if we can catch up with the others and avoid the afternoon winds. I can tell Mo is quite disappointed because she will miss a small part of the lake. I guess it’s an athlete thing, but even if I paddled 71.9 miles of the 72-mile shore of this great lake, I would feel deflated and haunted in the same way I suppose Mo does for knowing she'll miss just under 3 miles. I get that, so we’ll see if there’s any way we can figure out how to handle that physically and/or psychologically.

Last year I stayed up all night before this event because I had so much to do. I swore I’d get a good night’s sleep this year so I wouldn’t be nodding off in the water like last year every time we idled for a few moments on that first day and the gently rocking waters sent me head-bobbing. But here I am with three hours till the alarm sounds and still much to do before we leave. My goal is to lay down for two hours, but I might just be giving myself false hope. I don’t want to face the fact that I might again enter the first day of this challenge similar to that of last year: looking and feeling like something the cat dragged in, doing two-wheelers around the mountain curves up to Tahoe to catch our ride to the launching point, and frantically stuffing a few blueberries and carrots in my mouth, the only things I had in my fridge on last year's starting date (the healthy stuff is what tends to stick around longest in my house).

Thank goodness my pal Mary arrived yesterday. She helped me a great deal in final preparations for this event. And it’s that time where I become touched by people’s thoughtfulness and support. Many friends have rallied around me (us) to offer help and support in a variety of ways. Besides the many well wishes and donations and such, I have to mention Jan Groff again. She has gone above and beyond both last year and this year to help in any way possible, from collecting money to giving rides to cooking meals…. Natasha Hrenoff is a first-time helper who took off almost a week of work to shadow us around the lake and carry our gear, set up tents, sing with us, whatever it takes to keep our morale up. (The idea of a “sag wagon” that we might be tempted to jump on may be dangerous, though.) Celia Ranson returns to help this year, cooking us a gourmet meal (so it’s spaghetti, but everything will seem gourmet after a grueling day on the lake) and giving us great moral support like she did last year when she helped us survive the final two days. Many others have played an important part in pulling off this event. While the concrete assistance is necessary and is greatly appreciated, I think what matters most is that I feel a great sense of gratitude and camaraderie with these helpers, who are always pleasant and positive and selflessly focus on us and the “cause” we are pursuing. It truly restores my faith in people and in the value of friendship (sappy but authentic moment).

Speaking of helpers, I will now turn over my blog to volunteer bloggers for the next five days. Tamela Gorden of Reno will do the first three days, Sue Labman of Maple Shade, New Jersey (“Joisey”) will do the following two days, and I’ll do the last day (assuming I’m not on the bottom of the lake—is that bad karma or just sick humor?). I hope my blogging friends will introduce themselves so our audience knows a little bit about the writers bringing you our stories. And I hope you will read the daily blogs and pose comments if you are so inclined.

Thank you all for your support of this amazing adventure I’ve had the good fortune of creating and participating in. And thank you to the paddlers who will make their way along one of the nation’s largest and most beautiful lakes one stroke at a time to challenge themselves at an exciting crossroads in life (my fellow paddlers aren’t too keen on my descriptor of us as middle-aged, but I claim it!) and, especially, to help create a better life for the animal friends who enrich our lives in so many ways and who, in return, deserve and depend on our efforts to make their worlds a happier place.

Paddlin’ for Paws Day 7

2008-08-21T11:35:00.000-07:00

We made it! This message is from Lynda two days after returning. I am now trying to catch up on rest and various home/work matters. I haven’t yet had time to read Myra’s blogs, but I want to express my great appreciation to her for writing them during the first six days of our travels. I heard from quite a few people across the country that they were following our progress through Myra’s blogs. I enjoyed calling Myra nightly to report our day’s events.

We knew all along that the last day would be our greatest challenge. It was our longest paddle (about 13 miles) and the most dangerous part of the lake. That section is rocky and typically windy with limited places to stop along the shore. There is no place to pull out entirely by getting kayaks to the road should we find it too unsafe to continue. People warned us repeatedly about the dangers of that east shore, and our Lake Tahoe Water Trail map issued a similar warning. The South Lake Tahoe KOWL radio program host David Alan, who was following our progress, called that day to warn us of the wind advisory on the lake and wish us safe travels. We knew the day before about the weather forecast that would make this day risky and challenging, and some other paddlers strongly advised us to get spray skirts, which we didn’t have and wouldn’t have a chance to buy.

All of this information made us rather nervous and led us to launch early. We got up at 4:45 and launched at 5:45. The water was already choppy at that point. Because we feared increasing wind and waves as the day went on, we paddled like crazy, battling the choppy waters that tossed us about like a lottery ball, as Mo put it. We didn’t talk or even take our hands off our paddles to drink water. We cut across the mouths of some of the early coves to shorten the trip a bit, but that put us at risk of being too far from shore, which we had been warned to avoid.

After two hours, I couldn’t stand to be in the kayak anymore, due to my cramping lower half. So, we stopped for a brief break to stretch and have water and a snack. Because of the waves hitting the shore, we took on some water that we had to sponge out, but our wet clothes now made us that much more cold. After about 15 minutes, we had to push against the incoming waves to get back out to “sea” and continue our journey.

In what seemed like a relatively short time—about half an hour or so—I saw chimney beach in the distance. I couldn’t believe we had paddled that far in that short of a time. An experienced paddler had told me our timeline of getting in by 1:30 p.m. when launching at 6:30 a.m. would be “ambitious.” Seeing that familiar turf ahead that was only about 2.5 miles from the end completely changed our demeanor. We paddled madly until we hit Thunderbird Lodge, about 2 miles from our finish at Sand Harbor, and stopped at a beach around the corner after passing the lodge. After another 15-minute stretch/snack break, we confidently and now playfully returned to the water. Although it was still choppy, we took out our cameras and started snapping photos, putting us at risk of dumping ourselves. We rode the waves joyfully as if we were on a theme park ride. Although the risk remained the same, knowing how close we were to the end and to help, if needed, changed everything.

We enjoyed the rest of the paddle and finished at 10:15 a.m.! The band we though might meet us wasn’t there (☺), but we happily raised our paddles in the air and then high-fived as we hit shore. As we tied up our kayaks, our Monday-Tuesday paddle pal Celia called and was nearby. So, we returned to the water and simulated our finish for her to catch on film. We then had drinks and ate more food than needed at the nearby Harbor House at Sand Harbor. Jessica joined us later, and the four of us enjoyed sitting on the outdoor patio as Mo and I looked with pride at the vast lake we had come to know intimately across the past week. We knew we had garnered over $3000 for our animal-welfare charities, which we deemed a good accomplishment, and we hoped the amount might rise even further over the next few weeks.

At home in Reno, our idea of going to an evening movie faded into ordering pizza delivered to my house and kicking back on my recliners to a DVD of old Frazier episodes. We kept dozing off and each headed off to bed early.

Today we head off to Amador County for wine tasting and then two days of white water rafting on the American River in the Sacramento area. Mo flies back to the Philadelphia area on Sunday. We will both return to work, but we will never forget this amazing adventure we have shared. (We will write a final trip report sometime in the next week—check back at that section of this web site.)

Paddlin' for Paws Day 6

2008-08-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Day 6- Monday, departure time 8:00 a.m. from Lakeside Beach to Cave Rock.

Although they had good intentions to get up and get going on time, the beds were soft and the sleep deep, so they ended up sleeping in and not getting started until 9:15 this day. They showered and had a continental breakfast and noticed the weather was getting bad and it made them a little nervous, so they headed out.

Also, the night before it rained, so when they went out to load up their kayaks, they found them full of water. They had to first bail them out before they could load them up and get started. The day did not look good and already the water was choppy and the wind was blowing. It was to be their shortest day (7 miles) but with the weather and the water conditions probably would end up being one of their hardest days.

They clearly knew they were in for a challenge and the paddling was very hard. This was the first day they had to put their rudders down. Apparently this helps from side slipping and stabilized the kayaks some. They also would have to use their foot pedals to help steer the kayaks in this choppy water. There were approximately 1 foot waves they had to combat and water got into their kayaks. Lynda said she was fearful of flipping her kayak as this type of kayak is very difficult to get back into as it is a "sit inside model" and not the more shallow kayaks--the "sit on top" rental types that are easy to flip back over and get back into.

Caveat -As you may have noticed I am not a kayaker, so please excuse my lack of knowledge or inappropriate terminology in this particular blog. Lynda's voice message that she left me kept breaking up, so I missed some of what she was trying to report to me.

They did make it to their first stop at Zephyr Cove and had a late breakfast. However, the weather was not improving, so they got back into their kayaks to forge on. They had trouble getting out of Zephyr Cove as the waves in the water kept battering them back as they paddled to get far enough out that the waves would not slam them into the rocky shore.

It was hard to find the beauty of this lake while fighting and struggling to go forward. They were on their 6th day and this great adventure had taken a turn to really challenge them. It was no longer about the fun of kayaking the shoreline and raising money for a cause dear to their hearts, but about the personal challenge of two middle age women battling against the elements and finishing what they had started.

Although they had not talked about their physical aliments and the toll this trip was taking on them, it became very evident that their bodies were being tested. Lynda had burned her lower lip badly in the first few days and it was still swollen and now had a ring of ulcers inside her lower lip that was causing her pain. Both she and Mo had woken up the last few mornings with numbness in their arms. Lynda felt that the strenuous days had aggravated her neck problems, as well as Mo's neck problems, so they both were suffering from the physical strain it put on their necks and backs. They both had bruising all up and down their hamstrings from the pounding of the kayaks against their legs, probably from getting in and out of them. All of this was exacerbated by the bad weather and the nagging desire to just get to their destination safely for that day.

As they concentrated on getting to Cave Rock, they thought of how they were not prepared for this weather. How they did not have spray skirts to keep the water out of the kayak, how they did not bring spare paddles in case they lost or broke one. Earlier that day when they were launching off in the morning, Lynda again was interviewed live on the radio by KOWL's Talk of Tahoe show. The interviewer had given a live weather report at the time and was worried enough about them that he asked his listeners, especially those in boats, to keep an eye out for them. And now Lynda was hoping that someone was watching; and if they got in trouble someone would be close enough to help them. The dangers were many, the rocks off the shoreline that the waves kept pushing them to, the cold water which even at this time of year could cause one to have hypothermia if capsized and left too long in the water, and the fatigue and battering their bodies were taking.

And then they saw it: one single body in a bright yellow Paddlin' For Paws t-shirt on the shore waving them in. It was Celia Ranson, who came down from Palomino Valley to cheer them on and help out. Lynda said she could not express the relief and joy she felt when she saw Celia there waving to them and guiding them into shore. It was hard and it was physically exhausting and challenging but they made it.

That night they slept in a cabin comped by Zephyr Cove and ate in the restaurant there. They were celebrities as two people that day on the water and the bar tender that night recognized them as the two women who were paddling the shoreline of Lake Tahoe for the animals. They got a $20.00 donation at dinner from a man who heard about them on the radio. He was vacationing from Oregon and just traveling through town.

Tomorrow is the hardest and longest day, so Lynda stated they decided to change their plan and leave at 5:30 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. She is worried as the weather report is for 1 to 2 foot waves and the east shore is the longest and most challenging.

So, stay tuned. There is more adventure to come.

-Myra-

Paddlin' For Paws Day 5

2008-08-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

As I told you the other night I composed and wrote the blog for Day 5 and lost it. What I did not tell you is that I am sick, so that is probably part of the reason I lost my night's work and also the reason I have fallen behind on this blog. However, I am feeling a little better today and took the day off from work, so what else should I be doing but catching up on Lynda and Mo's great adventure.

Day 5 - Sunday.

We left off with Lynda and Mo in Emerald Bay having been joined by a group of their friends.
Unfortunately, with so many people to deal with in the morning, Lynda and Mo got a pretty late start. They were supposed to leave by 8 am and did not get out on the water until 9:40 am. Jessica and Terri were going to go with them again but were still not ready when Lynda and Mo decided they had to get on the water as they were meeting some people at their lunch destination.

Fortunately, Lynda had scheduled in extra time that day thinking she and Mo would be able to stop at a beach and have a little more leisurely kayaking day. However, because of their late start, they had to move along and only stopped once to stretch their legs before they made it to their 11 am lunch destination at the Beacon at Camp Richardson.

They did make it on time and met Liz and Dawn for brunch. Liz and Dawn (Executive Director) from the SPCA and Humane Society of South Lake Tahoe wanted to meet them, as their group is one of the groups that will benefit from this trip. Jessica and Terri caught up with them at the break stop, and Helen who was left to finish breaking down the camp site and also meet them for lunch. Also Jonah from the Lake Tahoe Tribune showed up and wanted to interview Lynda and Mo. He asked them to go back on the lake to get some pictures of them in their kayaks, and he stayed and interviewed them. They ended up staying much longer than they should have (2 hours).

The reason I say they stayed much longer than they should have is because shortly after they departed, Lynda noticed the skies getting dark with what appeared to be storm clouds. The gods of the lake clearly did not like their tardiness as Lynda and Mo got underway and the rain came, cold and unwelcoming.

They were not dressed for this and they were paddling hard when the gods voiced their displeasure with LOUD claps of thunder rolling across the lake. Lynda and Mo kept a vigilant watch for lightning as they feared should lightning strike they would have to get off the lake. They paddled hard and more furious with each clap of thunder.

If you have never seen a storm roll in over Lake Tahoe, it is a magnificent sight to see. It builds at one end of the lake with dark menacing clouds, with the thunder booms ricocheting off the mountain peaks and lightning striking the lake, as the rain comes down in sheets and sometimes turns into hail, moving across the lake in waves.... A magnificent sight to see when you are standing in your home with a warm fire roaring and a hot toddy in your hand.

Not so magnificent when you are in a single person kayak feeling small and vulnerable, looking at the menacing storm bearing down upon you like the devil himself is chasing you with a three pronged pitchfork plugged into an electric socket; with the thunder pounding out Inna Gadda da Vida (Iron Butterfly) as it tries to catch you. No, the lake gods were not happy, but all they did was nip at their heels, and Lynda and Mo did make it to Lakeside Beach cold and wet but unscathed.

Lynda and Mo spent the night at Royal Valhalla Lodge, where they asked for and got an upgraded room. They showered and went out, finding a little wine tasting bar where they took off the rest of the chill of the trip. They went to dinner at an Irish Pub and went back to the hotel, where they jumped in the hot tub to try and melt away some of their aches and pains. They got to sleep in a warm and comfortable bed that night, falling to sleep with promises that they would not anger the lake gods again.

-Myra-

Paddlin' For Paws Day 5 - to come

2008-08-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Day 5 - to come. I spent a couple hours last night blogging day 5 and for some unknown and irritating reason I lost what I wrote. I will have to recreate my blog entry and catch you up on Lynda and Mo's great adventure this evening.

Sorry for the delay.

I can tell you that Lynda and Mo have run into a little bad weather. However, they are safe and have proceeded with their trip. They are on their last leg of today's trip, so I will catch you up on Day 5 and 6 after work this evening.

Stay tuned. There is more to come.

-Myra-

Paddlin' for Paws Day 4 Continued

2008-08-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

So, here is the rest of the story….

Shortly after I entered the first installment of Day 4 having not heard from Lynda and Mo, Lynda called me. She was full of enthusiasm and glad to catch me as she wanted to relay the great adventures she and Mo had on that particular day. Her lack of contact the night before had to do with the bad telephone reception and the late hour when she finally finished her day.

I know you are all wondering and on pins and needles to find out it Lynda and Mo got off on schedule and what I have to tell you is…no. Their scheduled departure time was to be 7:00 a.m. and they got off around 7:40 a.m. But this time it was not Lynda and Mo, but the other people who had camped with them and wanted to go with them on this leg of the journey that caused them to get off late. At least that is their story and they are sticking to it.

Lynda and Mo launched off with Terri and Jessica, who were in a tandem kayak, from Meeks Bay to embark on this part of their great adventure. Their destination from Meeks Bay to Emerald Bay was a 9.4 mile trip kayaking along the beautiful Rubicon Point shoreline.

This part of their trip was the most undeveloped part of the shoreline they had kayaked; and they got to share this part of the trip with their friends. Lynda said the shoreline was breath-taking. Crystal clear waters with smooth granite boulders sticking out of the water like giant stepping stones. Secret and secluded coves that were calling to them to explore but they did not have the time. They didn’t have the time to go off their schedule because they needed to make sure they would be on schedule as Channel 4 wanted to meet them at Emerald Bay to interview them for a news spot.

They did, however, stop at a secluded cove where the granite boulders shot up from the clarity of the depths of the aquamarine waters creating a mystical place that they claimed as their spot for Paddlin' for Paws. Terri, their friend who was paddling with Jessica, took off her bright yellow Paddlin' for Paws t-shirt and Lynda and Mo hoisted it up on a stick flying it high (ok not so high) over their little spot of Lake Tahoe. They then pulled their kayaks together and shared a snack knowing that this was forever to be claimed as their spot for Paddlin’ for Paws.

The group then moved on, wanting to make the mouth of Emerald Bay before afternoon as they were told this could be one of the most difficult parts of their trip. Lynda was told that kayakers and boaters were often not able to get into the Bay if the wind kicked up because the water would get too rough to enter. Well, as luck has been on their side, it was an easy entrance to Emerald Bay where the aquamarine waters turned to emerald. If you have never been to Lake Tahoe or seen the water along its shoreline, it is true that this breathtaking Lake dazzles you with colors of blues that are unbelievable, from robin's egg to indigo; and then you enter Emerald Bay, and the green is so deep and vibrant you can not believe this cove is connected to the body of water beyond with its many hues of blue.

By the time they reached Emerald Bay, Terri and Jessica were done and shot straight across to where they would dock for the night at Eagle Point Campground. Lynda and Mo, of course, did not short cut and entered Emerald Bay from the north side, kayaking the north shore to the south shore where the camp ground was located. This caused them to go a good 2 to 3 miles further by hugging the shoreline. Although they knew Channel 4 might not wait for them, they were determined to let their 10 seconds of fame escape them if that was to be. Because their trip was not about taking short cuts or seeing themselves on television, it was about a personal challenge and a promise to those supporting them that they would kayak every inch of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.

When they did make it to their destination, Channel 4 was still there and did do an interview on the beach with them. There also was an advantage to Terri and Jessica cutting across Emerald Bay as they met Helen and Dana who had arrived via ground transportation and the campground was being set up. After the television interview, another associate of Lynda’s from the University of Nevada at Reno, Chantal and her family and friends (about 8 of them), showed up at the campground and they all had lunch and then some went swimming.

After lunch Lynda and Mo hiked along the Rubicon trail to go to Vikingsholm Castle. Lynda had always wanted to tour this castle at Lake Tahoe and the two times she tried before, she had missed the tour. As Mo and Lynda started to hike to Vikingsholm, Stephanie (Lynda’s web master and cat sitter) and her boyfriend Dante, stopped by to cheer them on and walked the 2 miles to Vikingsholm Castle and toured it with them.

When they returned, Jessica and the others had finished setting up camp and had dinner ready for them. Three people from the Lake Tahoe Water Trail came by after dinner, and Lynda, Mo, Terri, and Helen, embarked on a full moon kayak trip to Fannette Island which sits in the middle of Emerald Bay. They started the trip at 7:30 p.m. before it was fully dark and climbed up to the top where the tea house sits on this tiny island and they watched the full moon rise. I must pause here and give you some information about Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island:

Vikingsholm Castle:

In 1928, Mrs. Lora J. Knight of Santa Barbara and Chicago purchased an isolated site at the head of Emerald Bay. She instructed Lennart Palme, a Swedish-born architect who had married into her family, to design a home without disturbing a single one of the site's magnificent trees.

After a trip to Scandinavia, they decided to reproduce a Norse fortress of about 800 A.D. in full detail. The methods and materials used in the construction, including the boulders of the foundations and walls, are those used in ancient Scandinavia. Turrets, towers, intricate carvings, even hand-hewn timbers were used to recreate the fortress. The sod roof with its living grass is like those sometimes used in Scandinavia to feed livestock during the winter.

The castle was completed in 1929. Mrs. Knight also had guest houses and the tea house on Fannette Island built. Mrs. Knight spent her summers in the 48-room castle until her death in 1945.

Fannette Island:

The only island in Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island is a sparsely wooded, brush-covered up thrust of granite that rises 150 feet above the water. The stone structure on top of the island that looks like a miniature castle is the "Tea House" built in 1929 by Mrs. Knight, who built Vikingsholm Castle. She and her guests would travel by motorboat to be served tea in a 250 square foot room with a fireplace and a large oak table and four oak chairs. Today, only the stone shell remains.

So, the group of 7 climbed up to the old tea house on Fannette Island and watched the full moon rise, as a soft warm breeze skipped across the Bay and caressed their faces. When they departed from the Island, after getting their fill of moonlight and feeling fulfilled by a day well spent, they silently kayaked back to shore gliding through the deep dark waters of Emerald Bay. Water so still that it was as smooth as glass. The only ripples in the water were what they were creating by their strong smooth strokes. This night was bright by the moon but pitch black on shore. They had to use their flashlights cutting through the dark of the shoreline to try to find their way back to where they were docking for the night.

Lynda said in one day she fulfilled three goals she had: (1) tour Vikingsholm Castle, (2) go out to Fannette Island, (3) do a full moon kayak trip….What a day..What an adventure...and the only thing that could have been better, if you ask Lynda and Mo, is if you all could have been there with them.

Tomorrow they will set out to leave Emerald Bay to journey to Lakeside Marina. If you are around South Lake Tahoe Monday evening, they will be at the Sunset Bar, Zephyr Cove at around 7:00 p.m. (or there abouts) and they would love it if you go join them.

Lynda is calling later to leave me her day's report, so unfortunately I will continue to be one day behind them in blogging their progress. However, stay tuned because there is more to come.

-Myra-

Paddlin' For Paws Day 4

2008-08-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Lynda and Mo did not report in last night, so I am hoping that either they were out of cell phone range or Lynda did not charge her phone and could not call.

For their fourth day, Saturday, they should have been launching off from Meeks Bay to Eagle Point at Emerald Bay at 7 am. I wonder if they got off on time??? Hmmmmmmm....

Today, Sunday, they are suppose to be at Beacon Bar & Grill at Camp Richardson between 11 and 12, for lunch. So, if you read this before then and can make it over to meet them for lunch, please tell them their blogger is concerned and they need to call home to check in so I have something to write.

Ok...so this is what I know about Saturday--they were to leave Emerald Bay at 8 am and are to arrive at Lakeside Beach and Lakeside Marina at 3 p.m. It should be an easier day, as it is only 9.1 miles and the weather continues to be fabulous up in Tahoe.

A note of interest back a couple blogs ago I stated that I kept thinking of Mary Martin in the Sound of Music and a reader of this blog corrected me and said Mary Martin was not in Sound of Music or Mary Poppins. Well half right. Mary Martin was certainly in Sound of Music but that is going back too far to discuss. It is true Mary Martin was not in Mary Poppins that was Julie Andrews.

Paddlin' For Paws Day 3

2008-08-16T18:03:00.000-07:00

So, first I need to apologize for being late in getting this blog posted. So, I apologize….

Lynda and Mo reported into to me last night after finishing their 3rd day on Lake Tahoe. Lynda called and left a message on my home phone to give me the day's report, as it was Friday night and I was out and about. Unfortunately for Lynda, she actually had to call three times as my phone message machine kept cutting her off.

So, in fits and starts this is what she reported:

Lynda and Mo were finally on time when they started off on their third day out …NOT.
No, Lynda and Mo are still trying to get their sorry rear ends up and going in the morning to get off on schedule. However, Lynda did report that although they once again were 1 hour late, launching at 7:30 a.m. to embark on their great adventure on the lake, they came in on schedule.

This was their longest day from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay, approximately 12 miles. Once again they had a smooth day kayaking. The lake remained calm and the winds were at their back (probably why they came in on schedule). It appears that the goddess of the lake has been on their side. Of course goddesses tend to be fond of animals (particularly cats) so it is of no surprise to us that Lynda would glide along with little to no problems out on this pristine, however at times unpredictable, lake. If you know Lynda, she has at any one time at least 3 felines that share her home and they are always rescue cats.

Since they had such a long trip, they had scheduled a stop for breakfast and had planned a few break stops and a lunch stop. Jesse met them at their designated breakfast stop and another real quick stop and then stopped for lunch at a beautiful location on the water. When they arrived at their Meeks Bay destination, a colleague from the University, Teruni and her little boy Zack, met Lynda and Mo to be supportive, and they spent some time together on the beach.

Channel 4 called Lynda as they were out kayaking and Channel 4 wanted to have a camera crew come out to interview them tomorrow (today) . Channel 4 is going to call them and coordinate meeting them at one of their scheduled stops.

Lynda and Mo, as stated above, made it to Meeks Bay Resort and Campground, where their friends Terri, Helen, Jessica and Dana had already arrived and set up camp for them. Dana made her famous chili (I guess hoping it would help propel them along the next day), and they sat around the campfire enjoying the almost full moon.

Lynda and Mo want me to particularly thank you all for your support. The Meeks Bay Resort and Campground comped them their campsite. Another person inquiring of their bright yellow shirt asked what they were doing and handed Lynda $10.00.

I will try to be less tardy in getting the blog out to you all; as Lynda told me people have actually commented that they are reading this blog. So, stay tuned. There is more to come.

-Myra-

Paddlin' For Paws Day 2

2008-08-14T23:02:00.000-07:00

Lynda and Mo started their second day from Kings Beach at 9 a.m. Lynda said both she and Mo got a good night's sleep as Sue talked them into going back to her home for the first night out and it was pure luxury. So they had a good night's sleep on a soft bed and a great breakfast, with a warm send off by Sue to start their second day of this great adventure.

Although Lynda was determined and promised she was going to get on schedule, they left 1.5 hours late, Lynda stated that they were still trying to figure out how long it takes to get things together when they get up in the morning to launch off for that day. We all have to snicker, however, because Lynda’s friends, and probably her family, know all too well Lynda is never on time. How she is a professor at the University and makes it to class on time is a mystery to those of us who know and love her.

Lynda is easy to forgive, however, because she always has a “good reason” for being late (such as she had to chase a bunny off the road or had to go back and make sure those little quail made it across the street) and how can you be mad at a woman who greets you with a smile and is always laughing and upbeat?

Lynda did once again “swear” she and Mo were going to get on schedule; and reflected that they have been really very fortunate that the weather has been great; and their tardiness has not caused them to run into rough water as Lake Tahoe is known for its afternoon winds that come up on the lake.

Lynda was excited to tell me about their day and said it started out with a live interview on a radio station from up at the Lake (she thinks it is KOWL) at 8:15 a.m. KOWL has asked her to call in every morning, if she can, to go on the air every day live to tell KOWL listeners about their journey and what they have encountered on their trip.

Lynda told me that she very thoroughly planned where they would launch out of each morning and where they would end up each night, as well as how she meticulously planned their stops for meal breaks. Ahhhhhh but the best laid plans of mice and Lynda, she never considered that paddling on the lake out from the shore would make it so difficult to figure out exactly where they were. So, probably needless to say, they missed their lunch stop. But in doing so they met another animal lover (who was out kayaking) who shared her sad, but in the end heart warming story about her cat; as well as her home to allow them to dock their kayaks and eat some lunch on her beautiful patio on the shore of Lake Tahoe.

Even though the story of the cat had a happy ending, Lynda had a hard time relaying it to me as she is very sensitive about any animal suffering. However, she did get the story out and it is worth sharing as it is a part of this adventure and what this adventure is all about, helping animals.

The story goes like this. The woman and her husband were looking to get a dog but this stray cat came into their lives. The stray started hanging around their home and one day she noticed it was bleeding from its nose and mouth area. She and her husband took the cat to a veterinarian and discovered someone had shot the cat in the face and it took out a large portion of its palate. Well, this poor animal was fed by this kind woman and man for five years with an eye dropper until they found an animal facility which operated on and fixed the cat’s mouth. This cat has lived a perfectly normal and happy life ever after… See, I told you it had a happy ending, even if Lynda did have to choke down tears telling me the story.

Well, back to the day’s adventure. As they launched their kayaks back on to the lake after lunch, they were paddling along enjoying the day when another kayaker started calling to them. It ended up being an acquaintance of Lynda’s (Trish) who had been following Lynda’s web site schedule and she was looking for them to kayak with and offer them encouragement. Trish found them even though Lynda was not on schedule (oh, what a shocker) and she traveled with them for a while. Trish had a destination of Lake Forest Beach where she was going to end her little trip with them for the day. When they got to Lake Forest Beach, Trish talked them into taking a little break and going for a swim. Lynda said that was a great idea as sitting in a little kayak all day can play havoc on your body and in particular her back. The swim was refreshing and COLD...but it helped to invigorate them for the final push of the day.

Well, they made their 10 miles for that day and landed for the night at Tahoe State Recreation Area in Tahoe City. They are camping there for the night. Jessica dropped off their camping equipment that morning and it was there when they arrived. They had time to set up camp and go get ice cream sundaes. Then more friends (Jamie and Jan) came by and cooked them a nice meal and they had some good wine.

As Lynda was finishing telling me about her and Mo’s great day she said she was off to finish the night with s’mores. Then they were going to bed early (for Lynda that means just before midnight) and they were going to get up early as they had a long day.

Lynda also reiterated that they would try and be on schedule (ha…ha...ha...ha...ha...).
Tomorrow they leave from Tahoe City to Meeks Bay for their 12 mile trip. You can follow them on the website which shows where Lynda and Mo should be and the approximate times they should be there. If you are interested, you can join them at any of their destination stops. You can join them for a meal or just to wave from the shore and cheer them on.

As long as Lynda calls to talk with me each night, I will document Lynda and Mo’s great adventure on this blog site…so stay tuned there will be more to come.

-Myra-

Paddlin' for Paws Day 1

2008-08-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

Lynda and Mo made it through their first day of Paddlin' for Paws. They paddled their first 10 miles starting in Nevada at Sand Harbor boat ramp and they went counterclockwise ending in California at Kings Beach.

If you have been following Lynda’s blog site, you will know both Mo and Lynda had started their trip a little tired and rushing around trying to get last minute things done. Well it did not get better as the night before was a restless sleep of about 5 hours for Mo and no sleep for Lynda as she was too hyped up to go to sleep. Their first day started an hour late in that their planned and scheduled departure was to be at 7:30 a.m. and they did not launch off until 8:30 a.m. (Promises have been made to stick to their posted schedule, weather permitting.)

Either due to the morning hour or their starting out tired, they both found themselves being quite cold and worried that they had not dressed properly for the day ahead…but 15 minutes into the trip with a little physical exertion, as well as paddling out of the shadows into the sunshine, they found themselves peeling off the layers of clothing they had on to their bright yellow PADDLIN' FOR PAWS T-shirts.

As the sun melted their morning chill away so did their initial feelings of tiredness as they embarked on this exciting adventure. The day was beautiful, the water calm and the wind never really picked up. They paddled their kayaks along the shore and Mo was taken by the utter beauty of the area. Homes on the waterfront were stunning, but even more stunning was seeing Lake Tahoe from a single person kayak on the lake. Being propelled by one's own power, they silently glided along through the pristine waters of one of the most beautiful settings in this country, if not the world.

Silently gliding, "silently" because that great iPod that Lynda talked about in her last blog, that great iPod that she had downloaded with all these great tunes was not charged properly, so she did not get to use it. I personally don’t know why she would want to be plugged into an iPod on this journey, but then again paddling along to some soft jazz or classical music sounds kinda cool as you circle this stunning mountain lake in your single person kayak. So why does Mary Martin running through an Alpine mountain meadow come to mind with the music “The hills are alive with the sound of music…” as I write this going through my head again and again? For those of you who are not as old as Lynda, Mo, or me, Mary Martin is an actress (original Peter Pan ...Mary Poppins) and Sound of Music is a classic movie musical …anyway …

As they were tying up their kayaks at the Hyatt property on the lake to stop and have “brunch,” a gentleman stopped and asked them about their Paddlin' for Paws bright yellow t-shirt. Lynda just happened to put some of the Paddlin' for Paws brochures in her kayak and explained to him what Mo and she were paddling for. The gentleman was very supportive and so impressed he reached in his pocket and gave Lynda a $20 bill for the cause. Lynda said that was one of the highlights of her first day. It is not the amount of money one gives but that there are so many people who love animals and are willing to reach into their pockets to support her and Mo for the benefit of those organizations that help animals.

Was it a good first day? Exhausting...yes...pushing the limits for two middle aged women who have never paddled 10 miles in a kayak before ...yes....FABULOUS first day...and profitable.

I will write for Lynda in her blog of Lynda and Mo’s adventure until she returns. So, stay tuned. There is more to come.

-Myra-

Final Trip Preparations

2008-08-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

Well, tomorrow is bon voyage! The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity buying or borrowing equipment still needed, finalizing plans, and responding to media. I can almost hear the staff at REI and Reno Mountain Sports utter cha-ching! when we pass through their doors.

We had some newspaper and radio coverage the past few days. Today I briefly appeared live (via call-in) on KJFK radio 45 minutes after being asked to do so. I had to quickly find a landline to call from since I was still out tooling about. Thank you to The Executive Center, who also provided our complimentary postal box, for allowing us to dock briefly to use an office phone for this radio appearance.

Mo arrived just before noon, and we have been running errands ever since. We were supposed to go to Incline Village in North Tahoe tonight to stay at a friend’s house to be closer to tomorrow’s launching site, but we still had too much to do. We are going to be very tired for our first day. Mo got up at 2:30 a.m. to catch a taxi to the Philadelphia airport and has jet lag from that and the three-hour time difference. We are both still awake with less than 6 hours until we must get up to head to Tahoe, and I will still be up for several hours finishing various things. The fundraising part of this event has added a “ton” of work to what would otherwise be a vacation that would still require a lot of planning. But it has been a great learning experience and very rewarding.

My webmaster and house sitter Stephanie came by with her boyfriend Dante to get house/cat-sitting instructions, as well as to help me load songs onto my new iPod that I bought for this trip. Thank goodness for young people who tend to be much more technologically savvy than us old fogies (and for their willingness to help us). I don’t plan to listen to much music on this trip unless I need inspiration or Mo starts to get on my nerves. (Mo just read this and said she will now be listening to her iPod the whole time.)

A few recent stories from people who have donated or pledged donations to this cause have really tugged at my heartstrings. Ginny, for example, made her donation in memory of her deceased parents and husband, all big animal lovers. She now cares for some of their pets. The emotion in Ginny’s email exchanges with me surrounding this issue and her gratefulness for having this outlet to honor her three family members is quite apparent, and Ginny has greatly inspired me. The song “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban comes to mind.

A friend from New York said at first she couldn’t even read the email I sent about Paddlin’ for Paws. The event struck her so deeply at several levels that it required a few efforts to take it all in. A friend from Indiana said I “rock her world.” As she does mine. She spent her own money and took a week off work to travel south to help canine victims of the Katrina disaster. It’s been an amazing experience to see people’s support and to connect with friends and strangers at a “heart” level.

So, off we go tomorrow. We will be far too fatigued for beginning this type of event. But if we can survive the first day, I think we’ll be okay. My friend Myra, a Reno attorney, will be blogging for me daily starting tomorrow (Wednesday). I will call her each evening from the lake to give a brief report so she can share the highlights of our day with you. Stephanie will check our postal box throughout the week and update the web site so that our donation total will stay current. We hope some friends and strangers will come to meet us during our trip to spur us on.

We will appreciate your well wishes across the week. When we return, we will write our final trip report for the web site.

PR & Fundraising Efforts

2008-08-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

I’ve spent the past few days gathering and organizing information to spread the word about this event. Only one week before we launch, and I had hoped to accomplish much more by now. But time didn’t permit. I’ve sent news blurbs to sources that range from national media to “long-lost” family and friends. Today a local newspaper contacted me for a photo and interview, and a local magazine and local public television talk show have expressed interest in covering the event. This response is exciting in that it will help get the word out more widely and perhaps increase interest in giving to this cause. Unfortunately, the magazine and TV program will hit print and the air, respectively, after we reach our current deadline for collecting money. Given that the main point is to get as much money as possible for our designated charities (which will be split six ways), this media attention could help. Perhaps we should extend the donation deadline.

As for fundraising, I’m pleased with what we’ve achieved so far, and I hope the amount will keep climbing. All donations thus far have come from personal contacts. We’ve distributed about 500-600 individual brochures and placed about that same number in small stacks in a variety of establishments that allowed us to display them. I thought we’d get some donations from strangers by now, given the extensive work effort put forward, but I realize that the economy is tight right now and there are a “million” good causes. Perhaps people like to have a personal connection to the fundraisers, or maybe busy lives result in buried brochures. It will be interesting to see what media attention and potential public response we draw after I complete my PR efforts in the next day or two.

Being passionate and quite invested in this effort makes me feel like I want everyone else to be, which probably annoys those closest to me. It’s interesting at times like this to get a window into who people really are, such as who not only claims to love animals but actually steps up to the plate to pitch in. Take Jamie and Jesse, for instance. Mere acquaintances before this event, they are now friends. They have championed this cause not only by helping to get the word out and bring in money but also by lending moral support through their efforts and enthusiasm. As animal lovers, Jamie and Jesse have volunteered their time to help where needed, and they grab anyone’s ear they can to talk up this good cause. No matter what happens after this event, they will always hold a special place in my heart for the part they’ve played in my pet project (double entendre!). (While I’m giving kudos, I must acknowledge webmaster Stephanie Murphy, who has been amazing in terms of the skill and time she has brought to this effort.The same is true of another volunteer, Ginger Cape, who did our graphics work.)

Our donations to date range from $5 to $500, all much-appreciated generosity. There is no predicting people’s giving. It was heartwarming to see an 18-year-old kid (well, young man) who just moved next door to Jamie readily pen a $100 check. Then my 75-year-old mom, who doesn’t have money to burn, proudly handed me the $100 bill she’d won in a casino last week while visiting. I tried to refuse it because it certainly didn’t counter her losses, but she insisted. It feels like this project is win-win. We like crusading for animal welfare. People want to support a good cause. And it seems that everyone appreciates the effort exerted by a couple of middle-aged women willing to paddle around an enormous lake to raise funds for the most important winners…the animals.

Paddlin’ for Paws Introduction

2008-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is the first chance I've had to "blog" (can that be used as a verb?), and it is my first blog ever. In this intro I will sum up the background for this event to date. Three years ago I read a book called Deep Water Passage by Ann Linnea. This true story of a mid-life woman who kayaked Lake Superior inspired me to one day do a mini-version in my own backyard, beautiful Lake Tahoe. With limited time and money this year for more extensive travel, I suggested this trip to Maureen "Mo" McDonald, a college friend from my Pennsylvania days. A few years after college, Mo and I discovered how incredibly compatible we were as travel companions and have traveled together most summers since then. We have had amazing adventures in many states and countries and hope our health will hold out to continue for many years to come.

For some time I have wanted to break my workaholic cycle and give back to the world in non-paid ways. I figured age 50 should be a turning point in that regard. Many causes draw me, but animal welfare/rights seems to be an especially strong sensitivity. Overall, my quest to kayak the 72-mile shore of Lake Tahoe represents several goals. I want to encourage healthy physical activity, especially among older adults, as well as a love for nature. I also want to encourage volunteerism and giving to the community. And I have always liked a physical/mental/spiritual challenge. "Many moons" ago nine schoolmates and I broke the world record for playing basketball 49 hours straight. In 2001 I backpacked nine days on the Tahoe Rim Trail as a novice backpacker just after the onset of significant back trouble. This summer will be my 18th year in a row (and final year) playing in a three-on-three basketball tourney in the Midwest with grad school buddies. Because the aging process is an unknown for any individual, I wonder whether I can continue to find similar but age-appropriate challenges to inspire me throughout my life. I sure hope so.

The amount of work I have put into this Paddlin' for Paws event to date is staggering. Although it has set me back personally and professionally, I wouldn't change a thing. This trip has become an obsession of sorts, and I have learned a great deal during the planning process. Something as simple as opening a bank account for this type of event was no easy feat. To my surprise, my bank of 12 years wouldn't allow it. Only after filing for a fictitious firm name at the County Courthouse and acquiring an Employer Identification Number through the IRS was I eventually able to open a bank account with another bank (thank you, Wells Fargo!) as a holding place for garnered funds. I ran into continual roadblocks because this is a third-party fundraiser designed to serve six organizations, but after months of work, it is full steam ahead.

Now for PR work. I need to get the word out so we can bring in some bucks. Any help spreading the word (such as linking paddlinforpaws.org to MySpace accounts) will be much appreciated.

Another thing on my mind at this point is my lack of physical preparation for this event. I had projected that I'd get in awesome "iron-woman" shape, lose some weight, and be ready to tear up the lake. But this hasn't happened. I am far too busy. So, some of the more challenging parts of the lake in terms of length and potential winds are slightly unnerving. I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I am only an occasional recreational kayaker with no safety training, but I have purchased the recommended safety equipment. If only there were underwater cell phones!

One other personal challenge during this time has been my struggles with my nine-year-old cat Sophie. Sophie had been losing weight steadily and thus underwent numerous tests that finally revealed greatly enlarged lymph nodes, which could mean lymphoma. Although aspirating lumps in Sophie's stomach have (thankfully) shown no cancer, it is possible that the needle missed a hidden cancer. I was a "basket case" for some time over this but am now holding out hope that all will turn out well. Sophie has been on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory, and she has been gaining weight. It will be months before a diagnosis is likely. Prayers and good thoughts are welcome. It is fitting that I dedicate this animal-welfare venture to Sophie (and anyone else's pets with a health risk).

So, that sums up a flurry of recent activity. If you have questions you'd like me to consider addressing in this blog, feel free to suggest them in a posted comment or contact me at paddlinforpaws@yahoo.com.