Hello Everyone,

This week I am moving closer to the University of Western Australia. I plan to be spending a lot of time researching my trip and kayak construction, putting together a business plan and power point presentation, and creating my educational seminar for rural and at-risk children encouraging them to attend further education and university.  As the days get cooler and shorter and the fact that the last storm washed away my running beach, I realized it was more practical to be near the university.

I have my work cut out for me, but I wanted to address a text I received yesterday that expresses concerns that may be in the back of a few of your minds.  Hopefully, it will put some of you at a little more ease, but I have no control over the worry that several of you insist in having over my activities.

All the best and thank you again for your support.

Dear Angel,

I am very touched by the concern expressed in your very flattering text to me asking me to consider kayaking sections of Australia and going by road for the rest.  However, I have some things for you to consider as well.

The very core of this trip is about thinking outside the box and pushing beyond the comfort zone.  It is about creating goals and aspirations that we never considered possible for ourselves.  If I created a “safe” trip around Australia, what message would I be sending to the children and people I hope to inspire by completing this endeavor?

The trip is quite simple, figure out what needs to be done, and do it.  It is simple, but not easy.  Yes, there are many considerations and risks involved, but let me assure you, they are all manageable. If I need a specially designed kayak, I will get a specially designed kayak.  If I need a satellite phone, I will get a satellite phone.  If I have to camp a kilometer away from the water to stay away from the crocs, I will camp a kilometer away from the water.  It is merely finding the knowledgeable people and implementing the knowledge.

It would not be good for anyone, especially me, if I die and I have no intention of doing so.  Please rest assured that I will not begin my endeavor until I am fully prepared to face every risk that will confront me.  Please know also, in the unlikely event that I do perish during the journey, that I was doing exactly what I wanted to be doing and fulfilling a lifelong dream, which is indeed what this trip is all about.

I will look for your smiling face as I step for the last time from my kayak and return to my starting point, an excess of 35,000 kilometers around the largest island in the world, Australia.

Again, thank you for your concern.  I am not taking the risks of this journey lightly.

Link to YouTube video:  http://youtu.be/gMiW_47WuqM