Friday, April 30, 2010

My 50-state kayaking and camping adventure.

Starting in June 2009 I began a 50-state adventure with the idea of kayaking/camping in all 50-states. My van is now outfitted with a mobile computer lab and solar panel, t.v. antenna, and kayak rack. It has all the comforts of home. I needed a new goal in life... one bigger than myself... and this tour is what I came up with. I will be updating the map below... for those of you who wish to track my travels.

FIRST STATE PADDLED... I became a volunteer for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary... learned to kayak here in the Monterey Bay and love it. So, that makes California my first state. More photos will be posts and can also be found on my Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=2009592&id=1573053507 .

SECOND STATE PADDLED... I made a "shake-down" trip to AZ and TX... to get my van ready, install Solar, etc. Stopped in AZ to visit a friend from High School and also to kayak with another friend at Watson Lake in Prescott, AZ. See photos on my Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2009592&id=1573053507&saved

Departing Monterey Bay first week of July 2009, to begin working on states 3-50. Last two states will be Alaska and Hawaii. I'll drive to Alaska. I'll fly to Hawaii and rent a kayak... that will be the last state. Then maybe I'll settle down.... ahhhh NOT! People ask how long my adventure will last... and I just reply "Don't know!" "Don't care!" "However long it takes."

I hope people will follow along with me in the adventure.

Friday, April 2, 2010

A New Grandson

William James Bailey was born 4/2/2010 in Washington State. He has a bit of an infection now... so little prayers are desired by a Grandma too far away. He is so cute, I can't wait to see him.

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Big sister’s first look a little brother.

P.S. I promise to get my blog caught up soon. I'm in Pahrump, NV right now with other vandwellers and having too much fun to stay at the computer. Have found four tortoise shells here... rescued one tortoise and patched up his shell from a dog attack... and relocated him to a safer location. I check on him yesterday and he seems to be resting and sunning himself at the entrance to his new burrow. I'm fascinated by these creatures... and think they must be my "spirit" animal.

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Who is Swankie?

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Anywhere, USA, Full-Time USA traveler, United States
In 2006, I was shopping for a wheelchair. By 2007, I had new knees, better health and by 2008 a kayak. In Aug 2013, I kayaked my 49th state, Alaska, at the Holgate Glacier and in May 2014, I kayaked Hawaii, my 50th state, to celebrate my 70th Birthday and the finale to the wonderful adventure of Kayaking America? Next up... Solo Hiking the Arizona Trail, 820 miles? Maybe. Still healing from shoulder and trying to decide.

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