Got up at 0330 to prepare to launch, I had an ominous sense of foreboding about it, like I'm forgetting to do something, and in sea kayaking, being prepared is everything.
And Dennis is gone, so if something really bad were to happen, I couldn't call him up for advices and moral supports. The truth is, sea kayaking isn't about how strong or skillful you are. It's about putting together the right plans and the right resources. I still have all my experiences and strength and endurance under my belt, but I'm missing just that one vital ingredient -- a trustworthy support team -- and I ended up feeling handicapped before I even put my foot in the water.
Debated in my head whether I should launch at all, then I checked the weather forecast, and the weather is supposed to be perfect (mild wind, cloudy), so I threw cautions into the wind and launched anyway.
There is a fine balance between listening to your fears and intuitions, and being brave to take new steps in less than ideal circumstances. I still don't know if I've made the right decision to launch, I was feeling really bad about it, I was almost certain that something bad was bound to happen, but I came back feeling much better, I certainly had a good day. (even though I wasn't the most sociable person.)
And I saw some sort of battleship in East Lamma Channel! It's so wicked!
And two helicopters flying right over my head as I paddled! And I got pictures!
And I never noticed the marine signal flags flying on Wong Mau Kok station. I wonder what they are supposed to mean. (There are like 8 of them hoisted together.)
0434 DB
*** Got stopped and interrogated by friendly marine police near Sunny Island ^_^ They helped me feel better -- like I'm a little less alone.
0634 Lamma Nav Beacon 132
0820 Wong Mau Kok station
*** jumped out to cool down and also to use the washroom
*** had breakfast near the Stanley Prison
0913 SMBWSC
1010 - launched from SMB with the group
??:?? --> Tai Long Wan / Shek O
1503 - said good bye to my group near Hok Tsui/ Kau Pei Chau
1515 - finally got my MP3 untangled and ready to go ...
1710 - Luk Chau
1730 - Nav Beacon 132
1940 - DB Tai Pak
I enjoyed the group even though I was a little depressed and not feeling too sociable. Man Sir thinks I'm kicking the foot rest too hard when I propel myself forward. I got sunburn again, which tired me out and gave me a good night sleep. Oh, and I managed to get Fred to watch my back on my way back, which is great -- he is an old friend, and he knows the water, and reliable enough (even though he doesn't always pick up the phone.) All in all, I'm really glad I launched, even though a part of me still think I should have listened to myself and stay put.
Today -- I'm a little tired but happy ^_^.
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