Paddlers all have their reasons. Fitness, fishing, exploring, floating, you name it. Some I’m sure, even seek fame. Really we’re often a bit of all of these things. For my part I really started kayaking as a form of escapism. At the time I started kayaking I was feeling really disillusioned. I was tired of jobs with closet Stalin managers, co-workers who sat at tables and judged, ridiculed, and told lies about other employees, politics that does not work, and so many other parts of our human experience. Back then I could stand on a beach and look out, but I couldn’t actually get to the middle of the lake. In my mind, the middle of the lake had to be the best place in the world.

As I began to paddle I found that the center of the lake was indeed the best place in the world. It was almost always quiet. Occasionally the rain and wind would make a racket or the waves would jostle me around. But rain and wind have are just rhythm and pitch. They are just part of the experience. Part of the pleasures of kayaking. Part of the sensual world.

Today of course was a gray day of sorts, a good day to go out to the center of the lake. Of course, today it was Lake Michigan, so a few hundred yards would have to do. I spent the day out with JB & Silbs who are good friends and coaches in our area. 2 of a very few people I’ve learned to enjoy having along out in the middle of the lake. Your friends know why you’re out there. They may not be there for the same reasons, but they do respect the mystical need some of us have to be out there. Lost in grey sky and silver-green water.

I love nature. The non-human world. The forests. The mountains. The lakes. The ocean. Sometimes they sit silent and still. Sometimes they rage. Yet, even a hurricane holds no malice. It just is.

Sometimes you need a reminder of why you paddle. But it’s not really about escape. It’s not about boats or gear, or competition. It’s not about filling a void. Today, with my friends I had a little reminder; it’s not about the things, it’s about the company you keep. Thanks guys!