Sailing The Caribbean 2004-05

Since my last post had a boat theme I felt like this might be a good time to share a little about my sailing experience in the Caribbean during the winter of 2004-05.

The trip started when I flew down to Trinidad during December '04. Once there I met up with my friend Jan whose father owns a 42 ft Venezia Catamaran. Jan and and another friend by the name of Dan had been dodging hurricanes all summer on their way south from St. Croix. I was joining them for the trip back up. Jan and Dan decided to take a break in Trinidad and had the boat hauled out for repairs. The first week was spent working on the boat.

Once the boat was ready we left Trinidad and sailed into the wind towards Grenada. It was kind of rough and when night fell I got sea sick. I was ok during the day but it's hard to see the horizon when your sailing through a pitch black night. It was the only time I got sick. Around sunrise we stopped briefly at Grenada to rest awhile in a calm bay before moving on. After a couple of days we arrived at Martinique. We spent a whole day ashore on Martinique then left in the evening for a 3 day sail to St. Croix. I really enjoyed that segment of the trip. I was over my seasickness and being out on the open ocean felt really peaceful to me. I especially liked the night watches. It was very beautiful. I also thoroughly enjoyed observing flocks of flying fish during the day.

A couple of unusual things happened along the way. As we passed St Lucia, about 30 miles to the west, we were approach by a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. When we first saw a boat with a large gun motoring towards us I was little nervous but luckily it was a legitimate Coast Guard. We communicated over the radio and gave them all of our info and they followed us for about an hour before wishing us a safe voyage. In the end it was probably good. At least someone knew we were out there. Something else unusual was when a low flying aircraft flew over us in the middle of the night with no lights. Jan thought it was military related. Both incidences probably have something to do with all of the drug running that goes on down there.

After we arrived in St Croix Dan decided to leave the boat and Jan wanted to hang out for awhile. I then chose to set out on my own for 3 weeks. I purchased a 3 week LIAT airlines Island hopper pass. LIAT, leave at anytime as I liked to call it, is the local airline of the Caribbean. They fly a variety of prop planes that tend to put the adventure back into flying. My favorite flight was aboard a Twin Otter as I flew from Nevis to Antigua. During the three weeks of Island hopping I visited St. Lucia, Dominica, Nevis, St. Kitts, and St, Martin. Not to mention a couple of long layovers at the Antigua airport. It was a fantastic time. Highlights included several hikes: Gros Piton on St Lucia(with a colorful Rasta guide); Boiling Lake and Gros Morn (highest mountain) on Dominica; and Mt Nevis on Nevis.

When my 3 week pass was up I returned to St Croix and the boat. Dan had left but Jan's girlfriend joined us and we sailed off to Culebra and Puerto Rico. After a few days in Puerto Rico Jan's girlfriend went home and Jan and I set out again. We headed back to St Croix via Vieques and St Thomas spotting whales along the way. Shortly after our return to St Croix and 3 months since leaving Houston it was time to go home.

Since my Caribbean journey I haven't really sailed much but I'd really like to. I spent enough time on a boat to have a good feel for what it's all about. One of my dreams is to sail across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands.

Thoughts From The Valley Of Contemplation

It's been over a month since I returned from the Camino and I'm feeling about as settled as a box of Mexican jumping beans. I've had plenty of time to catch up with sleep, socialize with friends, and round up a few shekels. I feel like I could easily just pick up my pack and walk on but I also desire to integrate some kind of meaningful purpose to my renaissance vagabondish ways. Therein lies the riddle. The Camino was one of those great mountain top experiences but now I find myself in a valley of contemplation. Mind if I share a few thoughts ?

I like Houston but I think it may be time to move on for awhile. Over the past couple of years things have changed a lot for me. I believe a move may be good. Two years ago I could be seen regularly at local running races and running club socials. Running has always been a big part of my life. I also had a girlfriend that I was pretty psyched about. There were numerous reasons to live in Houston and I was happy being here. Since then I've developed a chronic running injury and haven't been able to run the way I'd like. Racing is out of the question and running is no longer what it use to be for me. Despite my running injury I can ski, hike etc, etc, but there isn't much of that in Houston..... My girlfriend moved on to bigger and better things well over a year ago and I haven't had much of a desire to get involved with anyone else. No ties in that department..... I still frequent the beer drinking running club socials but oddly enough I'm getting kind of tired of drinking beer. I've become a little disinterested in the Houston experience and I don't have any real desire to stick around. At least for now. I guess that's why I'm currently feeling so unsettled. This all goes without saying that I still have a great time hanging out with running friends. Especially the few I've gotten to know pretty well over the past couple of years. Houston is where I grew up. It's my home and my father lives here so it's always going to be a part of my life regardless.

I'm very lucky and fortunate to have the freedom and options that I do but sometimes I drift along like a sailboat without a rudder. Eventually a good breeze comes along and the sailing is quite nice. Life is exciting and lots of cool things happen. Invariably the wind dies and I'm back to the rudderless boat. This tends to be a pattern. Fortunately, I'm able to maintain a certain degree of excitement and anticipation as to where the wind will take me next. This really keeps me going but sometimes I could probably use a rudder and a Yanmar engine to keep me on track.

Like anything, living the life of “World Traveler and Thinker” has its pros and cons. Obviously for me the positives far outweigh the negatives. Nonetheless, the one thing that's lacking, especially as a solo nomad, is a sense of purpose and meaning. I wrestle with the issue of purpose and meaning frequently. Therein lies the thinker.

A big reason for this blog originates out a need to fulfill a purpose and to add more meaning to my adventures by sharing stories, photos, thoughts, and experiences. My desire is not only to share with family and friends but to inspire others to live their dreams and to not be afraid to do so. Life is rarely as stable as it seems and anything can happen. I encourage everyone to live life now.

For the time being I'll continue to navigate my way through a post Camino valley of contemplation as I formulate a new plan.... Oh yeah ! I've dusted off my guitar....

H-Town Karaoke At The LZ

I know my blog has been kind of quiet since my return to Texas. I've been back home for over 4 weeks and I can't say too much has happened. I've felt some tinges of boredom which is rare for me. My life in Houston can be pretty routine but in all honesty I'm rarely if ever bored.

Since I currently have no regular job, no girlfriend, and no real direction I feel this a perfect time to explore any long time repressed latent artistic talents. How does that sound ? I'm picking up a pen, dusting off my guitar and turning on the mike. The typewriter keys are flying and my mind is in three places at once. Here, there and everywhere but nowhere in particular. You know, stream of consciousness. The inner critic is barred from participating. I have no room for the perfectionist. I'm leaving myself alone.

The artist life is a fun life. Fun things happen. A few nights ago I was at Valhalla (Bar on Rice University campus) and I ran into a guy of European descent who grew up in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). His name is Ian and I met him a few months ago but hadn't seen him since. He's been living in Houston for 11 years. I didn't know it but Ian is likes to sing. That very evening he planned on singing Karaoke at the LZ Pub and asked if I'd like to join. As a singer/songwriter I play an open mike every now and then but its been awhile. Karaoke is a great way to get use to being on stage. The music is canned and the lyrics are presented on a screen so a singer doesn't have to worry about forgetting the words. Audience expectations are usually low and making a fool of oneself is appreciated more often than not. If your a horrible singer it just doesn't matter. No one will tell you. Everyone's a Star !

In my opinion I can sing ok. As I said, the inner critic is not participating. I'm not saying I'm a great singer but I can definitely sound respectfully decent as long as I stick to songs within my range. No Steve Perry or Mariah Carey. Country tends to be the genre where I do best. Alan Jackson's “Chatahoocee” is a good warm up.

I left Valhalla around 9 pm and drove to the LZ Pub. It was kind of hard to find. I drove past it four or five times before I found it. When I walked inside there was Ian, a couple of bartenders, a karaoke DJ and maybe a couple of other people. Other than that the place was quiet. Ian bought me a beer as our Asian American karaoke host broke the silence with a Journey tune. The host's name is Donovan and he's a talented singer when it comes to 80's rock. He can hit the high notes !.... Around that time there was a crowd of 4...I sipped my beer and stared at a fish tank in the corner of the room...

Ian got up first with some classic pop song from England then I followed with Alan Jackson's Chatahoochee. A couple of more people arrived. Some guy wearing a blue tie sang a Weezer song as he rocked out with a Guitar Hero video game Stratocaster for a prop. Wow ! He didn't miss a chord ! Then Donovan sang another Journey song before an older middle aged lady sang something that sounded like a Carpenters song...Eventually I got up and sang Dwight Yoakum's “Guitars and Cadillacs” and found my voice..... Up to that point the evening was fairly normal.....

As midnight neared Donavan belted out a Bryan Adams song for what appeared to be a crowd of about 10. The vibe was high energy, free and easy. Everyone was getting into it. No one seemed to care about what anyone else thought so alter egos were more than welcome. Performances became more animated. The quality of singing didn't seem to matter as much as the presentation. Donovan's humorous comments between songs became more colorful and witty.... An African American by the name of J Fressh Flow (at least I think that's what he said his name was) started busting out some free style rap. He was really good and knows how to own a stage. Very entertaining. Just yell out a word and he throws out some witty rhymes. I'm not a big fan of rap but I quite enjoyed it. The night was happening.... Ian disappeared and returned with more beers. He then got up on stage and began dancing with a young looking married woman as she sang. She liked the attention. Afterwards she seemed to lose her interest in singing and was more interested in dancing for whoever was singing. I guess her husband wasn't there ? A couple of guys gave her dollar bills. She happily accepted. Around 1 am things seemed a little surreal so I sang a Sinatra song.

Close to 2am Ian belted out a really good heavy duty slow rocking version of “Three Little Pigs”. Hat's off. Ian delivered. I followed with Nickelbacks “Rock Star” and ordered a water. Wait, maybe I sang that song before “Three Little Pigs”..????.... It was a great close to the evening and I figured 2am was late enough for a Wednesday night. Donovan thanked me for participating and invited me to join anytime. I intend to go again..... It felt great to allow myself to be an entertainer on stage. Especially when others are entertained. At least I think they were ? Then again, Karaoke ? It doesn't matter. Everyones a Star !

Impressive Downhill Skateboarding... A Great Ride !

Back in the 1970's I loved to skateboard. After numerous bumps, scrapes, and a concussion I moved on to other activities. Nontheless, I've retained an appreciation for the sport. Had I grown up next to the Ocean I definitely would have been a surfer. Skateboarding and surfing go hand in hand.... These days I guess you can say I'm an armchair adventurer when it comes to skateboarding and surfing... I recently stumbled across this 10 minute footage of two crazy guys, with the Right Stuff, riding their skatebaords down Claremont Canyon in California. On the way down it looks like they're passing a camera back and forth? Absolutely crazy and great to watch... View in HD by clicking "Vimeo" on the bottom right corner of image screen.... It's a Fabulous armchair ride !

Adam Kimmel presents: Claremont HD from adam kimmel on Vimeo.

Election 2008

As an independent moderate I do not desire to get too political in this blog but I can't help but pay recognition to the historic election of Barak Obama. It makes no difference what your political affiliation is. On November 4, 2008 we witnessed the beginning of a different America. Hopefully for the better.

Barak ran one heck of a campaign and won decisively. His charismatic demeanor and articulate speaking abilities served him well. Although his experience is very limited it didn't seem like much of an issue for him. He quickly became a symbol of hope and change as the majority believed he deserved a chance. Barak now has his chance.

McCain ran a good campaign as well but many will argue his choice of running mate. McCain is a seasoned politician and decorated Navy Pilot who survived 5 ½ years in a North Vietnamese prison camp. For some he represented experience and wisdom but for others he represented the same old Washington that most all of America is tired off. Many were afraid things would stay the same. This was a tough year for a Republican running for office.

I see both individuals as having their pluses and minuses but ultimately Barak is set to take the stage. I've always admired McCain's character and was impressed by his concession speech. Shortly after McCains concession Obama and McCain spoke. McCain offered his help and support to Obama and Obama replied by saying, “I need your help”. Hopefully this is a sign of better things to come. A time when politicians can truly understand each other's point of view in order to find a common ground for the greater good. Perhaps now is a time when petty differences will be put aside and leaders will think sensibly for a change. Well, I know that sound's like an idealistic pipe dream but I still like to think it's possible.....

Taking into account the primaries I will admit that my candidate did not get elected....However, A big upside is that I think Obama has a great opportunity to improve America's relations with the rest of the World. As a new player he has a clean slate with a lot of potential. He's young and fresh therefore many world leaders will be more open to him. My concern is that he is very inexperienced and there's a lot we don't know about our new president elect. With inexperience comes naivete and with that comes mistakes. Invariably there will be mistakes. At this point I'm cautiously optimistic about the future. I support our new president despite my reservations. Barak has one Hell of Job ahead of him. If he really is who he has everyone believing he is then I think things are going to be ok, otherwise ????... Time will tell....... I sincerely hope he does well......

2005 - Drive - Houston To Labrador - Battle Harbor

Labrador and Battle Harbor

During the summer of 2005 I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself so I decided to go for a drive. Since I've traditionally headed west, under the same frame of mind, I decided to head East for a change. My first stop was Killingworth, Ct where I stayed with friends for a week or so before heading up to Maine. I then spent a week around Bar Harbor, ME and Acadia National Park hiking and running. From there I drove up to Canada. I first blazed through New Brunswick on my way to PEI. Afterwards I ventured on over to Nova Scotia and up to Cape Bretton. It was then that I realized it was merely a 6-8 hour ferry ride to Newfoundland and without much thought I got on a ferry. It was a great Ferry ride on 10-12 ft. seas. Really awesome. Once in Newfoundland I drove all the way up the west coast to the site of an actual Viking village. At that point I realized it was only a couple of hours by ferry to get to Labrador.... Labrador ? They've got Northern Lights and Polar Bears up there !.....

Labrador proved to be pretty amazing. Beautiful landscapes and very few people. The only problem in the summer is that it's overrun by blood sucking Black Flies. Unless there's a good rain and/or stiff wind the flies are insanely bad. As I drove into Labrador this became more of an issue and I found it best to stay near the windy coastline whenever possible. While talking to some local folks I learned of an Island just off the coast that use to be a hot bed for Cod fishing. The Island is known as Battle Harbor. The area was fished heavily for a couple of hundred years before being fished out. Due to economic decline people living on the Island relocated and the village of Battle Harbor was abandoned. As the settlement fell into decay local interests acquired the support of the Canadian Government to help preserve the village as a historical site. A Government supported Historic Trust now employs a small staff to maintain remaining buildings and facilities for visitors, ocean researchers, etc. during the summer months. There's a bunk house, several cottages for accommodation and a cafe that offers meals. The only way you can get to Battle Harbor is by taking an hour and half boat ride from Mary's Harbor. I was intrigued so I planned to visit for a few days..

When I arrived I was the only visitor for the day. Besides myself there was a small staff, a sailboat with two people returning from Greenland, and a marine biologist studying the local whales. I stayed in the Bunkhouse and spent the next three days getting know the few people there and exploring the area. Very remote and absolutely beautiful. The weather was great. Plenty of wind and No Black Flies ! Great place !....

After 3 days I took the boat back to Mary's Harbor and decided I had driven far enough North. I then turned South and slowly retraced my steps back home... It was a good drive...