Yesterday, Yvonne  went back to visit the guys at the Santa Isabel Nautical Center in southern Puerto Rico and thanked them for their hospitality during the Chasing the Ana tour. Something I’d hoped to do but had not had time. When I first paddled up to their little marina and spoke with the owner from the cockpit of my Rockpool, Miss Daisy (far left), was quite nervous and was eager to move me along. "no place to stay here.", she said. Of course then Taino came around the corner, and being a homeboy, quickly relieved their worries and we were welcomed in, even though they all thought we were a bit crazy. Great! We were tired and starving! Suddenly as if fate had stepped in, the woman seated to the right in the green shirt was opening their kitchen and offering to fix us food. They had closed and cleaned up for the day, so you understand what kindness she was really offering. She was an true angel and a reminder that there are great people everywhere. It wasn’t until later in the evening when I learned her name was "Ana".

Emy was a godsend. She for the sake of her friend Yvonne, drove all over to bring us supplies, pick us up and drop us off, and carry kayaks on her pretty white truck with no racks. She showed such kindness and asked nothing in return.

Oh, and I should probably not overlook the guys in the back! LOL! Those Boricua girls can steal your attention! LOL! You know, a couple kayakers can seem very odd to hard working men. The idea of just taking off in kayaks can seem really strange and to them, just plain stupid. And yet, they were kind, helpful and a joy to be around. I’m quite sure I took some heat in spanish cuz I could’nt understand the lingo. . On the other hand I do know what "Loco" means! Like almost all the men who worked on the ocean they offered us tips and advice on our next leg of the journey. We were indebted to them for their good will.

For so many of the people on our journey, we did very little in return for their kindness and hospitality. We were often tired, unfocused and just looking for any place to sleep. They always understood, and treated us as honored guests. They asked nothing but of course were anxious to hear the stories of our little adventure. Taking time to share those stories is a gift. No matter how many times it’s told or how tired you are. Sharing experiences is a way to say thank you. Giving your time, sharing your adventure is a way to honor others. Something I think we’ve lost respect for in our modern age. That moment around the fire when the stories of the day are shared with your community. In those stories we bond and connect with one another. We find understanding and appreciation for each other. We learn. We find places where we can all relate. Stories strengthen our community, even if our community is separated by thousands of miles. Sometimes others cannot or don’t want to "paddle their own boat" as was mentioned recently. Yet they love listening to the tale. For all they did for us, it had better be a good tale!! These days we still share our stories. But our community is so big, so far flung. So we blog, video, print, discuss on bulletin boards, and use all the tools of our modern world. Yet in many ways, we’re just gathering round a new fire. So with that in mind I have to get back to writing this article for Ocean Paddler. My first real chance to tell you guys the tale in depth.

Thank you to everyone at SI Nautical Center. Not just for the food and the place to put our tent, but for affirming that there are good people everywhere. It was truly and honor to meet you all.