New York, New York (UCTP Taino News) http://uctp.blogspot.com/ - A diverse group of Taino community members gathered on Saturday, 24 April to support the second annual “Taino Awards.” The event was held at the Nuyorican Poets Café and it was presented by the KuKarey Spiritual Circle and Yamocuno Tanama Yucayeke Taino organizations.
Hosted by Caridad "Kachianao" de la Luz, the awards celebrated individuals “who unselfishly give of themselves everyday to the Taino community.” The awards recognized educators, artists, humanitarians, youth, elders and other community members.
The 2010 award recipients included Vanessa Inarunikia Pastrana, Roman Perez, Carlos Rivera, Jose Munoz Vazquez, Mildred Cruz, Miguel Sobaoko Koromo Sague, Enrique Correa, Casa Atabex Ache, Edwin Cedeno, Taino Almestica, Francisco Baerga, Luis Ramos, Joe Kaonabo Garcia, Dalia Viera, and Roberto Mukaro Agueibana Borrero.
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Showing posts with label Taino Almestica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Taino Almestica. Show all posts
28 April 2010
28 December 2007
Interview with Taino Almestica
On August 1, 2007 Taino Almestica and Derrick Mayoleth, circumnavigated the island of Boriken (Puerto Rico) in a kayak. They were the first to attempt such a feat since the days when the Classic Taino people traveled across all the islands of the Caribbean in canoes. Taino Almestica a descendant of the islands original inhabitants is the first Taino to not only attempt such a feat but to accomplish his aim as well. Below is an interview I conducted with Taino Almestica upon his return to New York City:
JE: What motivated you to circumnavigate the island of Boriken?
TA: Since my childhood I have been in and out of canoes. As I got older I was searching for that experience again but unfortunately there weren’t that many opportunities around Manhattan. I did eventually find a kayak group in Manhattan and I decided to explore this different but similar craft. The dream of being able to circumnavigate the island was set into motion. I looked for the connection to my ancestors and the personal challenge to me.
JE: How long did this trip last?
TA: It took us 18 days to circumnavigate the entire island but there where a few days, which we took off the water. The first time we took a few days to readjust gear and to plan some other exploring of the island. The second major layoff was when Hurricane Dean was approaching the island. We were off the water for five or six days, which I felt, was too long. I took advantage to visit some family in Aibonito.
a) Start point: We launched from the Toa Baja region of the island near the town of Levittown. We launched from Punta Salinas.
b) Middle: I would say when we arrived in Ponce.
c) End point: that of course would be our start point.
JE: What were the scariest moments for you?
TA: I would have to say two times when we were caught paddling with lighting near to us that for me was the scariest. Not to mention that my mind was always looking out for sharks. The first time I came upon to a pair of very large manatee. I have never seen them that large and from the perspective of paddling right up to them. Did I get knocked into the water or tipped in sure did three or four times. Got caught the first time looking one way and a wave caught me off guard. Then there was one on the North coast which I could hear rumbling behind me as it build in power and size. I tried to out run it or back paddle to let it pass under me but the wall just increase over my head and then collapsed on top of me. I just rolled up. Did a 360 spin under and back up on top of the water.
JE: How was the public support for what you were trying to accomplish on the island?
TA: The community was incredible to us. They provided us with water, food and coffee during the trip. In addition they provided safe places for us to sleep and the fishermen giving us local knowledge of the waters, which we would encounter. Of course they all thought we where crazy!
JE: What does the Kayak and the sea mean to you?
TA: This is my temple, church, I worship and remember to worship and give thanks for a great day and safe journeys. No days are ever alike each wave different from the one before.
JE: As a Taino, did you think about what our ancestors may or may not be thinking as they traversed around the islands of the Caribbean?
TA: I did think about that from several points. Arriving at a location that you don’t know and then having to find a safe place to land and find food and shelter. Another point would be from those who lived in this environment- the daily experience of searching for water, food, protection from the weather. I mean, I like camping, but I came as best prepared as possible and even then there were challenges. I live in an apartment and turn on my air conditioning and go shopping for food right outside my door.. It’s almost inconceivable how our ancestors traveled throughout the islands, long stretches at sea, landing on unfamiliar beaches and then survive the way they did. How could I ever compare myself to them or whine about what I don’t have? I carried all I needed in my kayak.
JE: What message do you want to leave the people of Boriken?
TA: To explore life. If you happen to identify with Taino ancestry whether in Boriken or the other islands, know that you don’t have to be just a warrior, medicine person or a chief. I mean, some one had to throw out the garbage right? I guess that’s my job. To my people I say they must go home to their islands and explore them in their entirety to get a clear view of what it means to be Taino. You will find out what you don’t know and what that means. Experience that and then let us sit down and discuss being Taino.
JE: Any plans for a Caribbean wide trip?
TA: Yes if I could walk away from work, were a whole lot younger and could build up the courage to take the abuse!
Taino with his Daughter Alexandria
JE: You used the symbol of Guabancex Wind and Rain Society, what does it mean to you?
TA: After having some experience with various groups I found the internal and external fighting was just a waste of time and mental resources. The jealousy and envy has fogged the fact that the Taino don’t exist- at least the Taino that some are trying to portray. We have lost so much and we continue to lose our youth every day to outside cultural pressures or pop culture. It was good to be invited into Guabancex since I feel I understand what their philosophy is about.
At first I thought, since the founding members all have academic degrees what could I bring to Guabancex? Of course not all are or claim to be Taino but we all work to research, disseminate and record information whether new or old or relearning what it was. I bring a little from my experience on the island and the things that I was shown by my family; mainly on the island and some here on the main land. Of course put me in a boat or in the mountains and I’m in my elements and I can share that with others and that is the key SHARING. Working on the material and not on how many titles I claim. The connection with the land and how our ancestors had that connection is what I’m learning and experiencing. There is a need for science and a need for what is left from the island people before it is all lost. Maybe if we are lucky someone will take up the mantle on some element of our culture, and run with it. I learned so much from this adventure. That experiencing it is so much more that saying I am it.
JE: I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. You have truly inspired me. Bo Matum Taino.
TA: Bo Matum
_______________
28 August 2007
Chasing the Ana - Triumph
TUESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2007
From Taino - Wrap Up
18 days at sea, and yes I have completed the circumnavigation of my homeland Boriken (Puerto Rico). It was the trip that I had anticipated and much more. The north coast was a challenge with quartering swells and winds, the west was dead calm; no current, but intense heat, and gunfire! The south was headwinds and more head winds and the east was beam seas all the way back to the north which bought those nice North East winds and large swells again. I have seen the coast and know the waters of my beloved Boriken and with the pace of the Indio I can truly say I have accomplished my goals. Now enough of me I would like to thank the following Nydia Kein for her friendship and support. To the gang at KayakScuba.com Carrie Media and her Fiance José Quiñones who have gone well out of their way to take care of me and I didn’t have to ask. To their children; Jose, Maria, Francisco and Joaquin. Truly a loving and sharing family. A special message to mi gente my people on the island in the various locations that we meet you were all exceptional I am truly proud. Thank you also to Derrick & Yvonne and finally Wendy Killoran who picked me for this trip, and yes Wendy you were RIGHT.
Adios and Bomatum
Who is afraid of the surf?
Taino Almestica
Hijo de Aibonito.
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 5:36 AM
From Taino - Wrap Up
18 days at sea, and yes I have completed the circumnavigation of my homeland Boriken (Puerto Rico). It was the trip that I had anticipated and much more. The north coast was a challenge with quartering swells and winds, the west was dead calm; no current, but intense heat, and gunfire! The south was headwinds and more head winds and the east was beam seas all the way back to the north which bought those nice North East winds and large swells again. I have seen the coast and know the waters of my beloved Boriken and with the pace of the Indio I can truly say I have accomplished my goals. Now enough of me I would like to thank the following Nydia Kein for her friendship and support. To the gang at KayakScuba.com Carrie Media and her Fiance José Quiñones who have gone well out of their way to take care of me and I didn’t have to ask. To their children; Jose, Maria, Francisco and Joaquin. Truly a loving and sharing family. A special message to mi gente my people on the island in the various locations that we meet you were all exceptional I am truly proud. Thank you also to Derrick & Yvonne and finally Wendy Killoran who picked me for this trip, and yes Wendy you were RIGHT.
Adios and Bomatum
Who is afraid of the surf?
Taino Almestica
Hijo de Aibonito.
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 5:36 AM
MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 2007
last day
The sea does not care about last days. It goes on living and breathing long after we have turned to dust. We are of no consequence. Our petty accomplishments mean nothing to the sea.
We launched for the very last day from under the shadows of condominiums and just north of an old cemetery that now seemed so oddly out of place in this tourist’s playground on the outskirts of San Juan. I paddled out and swept my paddle on top of a small wave to again turn west. I looked over at Taino, now with his canoe paddle perched on the deck of his orange impex kayak. I thought about how different we were as people and as men. This was in many ways a solo journey for both of us. One we paddled together. Our reasons, our experiences, even our paddle styles were very different. Yet we could share the joy accomplishing our goals, traveling the same roads for a time, even if we would get off at different exits.
The ocean floor north of Puerto Rico comes in from the deepest trench in the Atlantic, then quickly rises to the island. The sea builds quickly before slamming into the rocky shoals guarding the pristine beaches. As the old forts came into view the waves began to steepen. 8 foot waves became common with 10 to 12 footers beginning to show themselves. Ahead we could see the ocean breaking on the many hidden rocks. The sound of the water crashing into stone always causes a bit of a shiver in my mind. Often you want to cling to the shore, but you must go further into the sea for calmer water. We paddled north, further into the open ocean. Beyond the green water and into the midnight blue the flow turned from south to west the waves eased into a quick but relaxing 4-5 foot sea. We moved light lightning on what I estimated to be a 3 kt current and were soon just outside of San Juan Harbor, the busiest in the Caribbean.
San Juan Harbor is deep but it’s mouth is only a bit over a mile wide. The east side was bordered San Felipe del Morro upon high stone cliffs, the west side by rocky waters and rocky shores. We paddled right up to the edge just as a large cargo ship eased out behind the cover of the fort. We paddled slowly giving the behemoth time to pass, and then we began our crossing. The water inside the channel was wild and jumping densely after the passing of the ship. We worked our way through a 4-6 bubbling cauldron catching the occasional bigger wave that would overpower everything else to push us further across the channel. To our right two large cargo ships passed, the one we had just waited for and another that was now on its way in. As we reached the other side of the channel the water swallowed again and the waves rose.
With just over a mile left we crossed the last big shallow bay. The sea came into us from our back quarter at 8-10 feet and quite steep. Still they weren’t breaking and we could easily just ride the escalator up one side, then with a quick flick and a couple quick strokes, race down the other allow gravity to do the work. We approached the last little island where we would turn and ride into the protected beach at Punta Salinas. This time around we would have to get across the breakers. Rain was spitting down from a storm that had been shadowing us all day. As was our habit, we both chose our own lines through the breakers and with a combination of surfing and back paddling we soon slid into the relaxed 2 foot rollers of the calm bay. I heard the voice of a crazy woman yelling on the back of a racing ATV taking an angle to meet us on shore. In front I could see the yellow “KayakScuba.com” tees standing out starkly against the dark trees behind the beach. I paused and let Taino go in first. I was not quite ready to leave the sea. I sat out and rolled and played for a few moments, then let the surf slide me in.
Many more stories to tell yet for the moment I want to also thank our sponsors, Carrie & Jose for traveling all over the island to provide water, food or whatever else we needed. Also for putting us up before and after the trip. It would have been a much harder task without their constant support. Special thanks to Jose as well for bringing back my gear, driving me to the airport and letting me set up a tent on his roof. Thanks to Nydia K. for her help and driving us around as well. Also thanks to Yvonne for posting pics, bringing supplies, and letting us fill her garage with sand. ( 4 buckets I’m told). Teamwork is the only reason an adventure like this works. Sure, you can go it alone. . but it’s just not the same.
Now. . . WHO was afraid of the sharks?
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 10:38 PM 3 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2007
Chasing the Ana FINAL TEAM UPDATE!
fotos by http://www.kayakscuba.com/ : Playa Azul, night time camp Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
12:25 pm
25 August 2007
Final Team Update
This will be your final team update for Chasing The Ana Puerto Rico '07 before the men are off the water and Derrick will take the rest of the story from there. I look forward to reading the details of this adventure written by Derrick.
For those of you getting this blog via email, you may continue to follow Derrick's blog by clicking here http://www.kayakquixotica.com/puertorico.html
The tracking maps are being posted in order at http://www.kayakscuba.com/blog
Derrick's photographs of this expedition are continuing to be posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/derrickam/
Last night the men arrived late in Luquillo on a storm swept beach, Playa Azul. I must have been bit by over a hundred little beach gnats. Of course when I mentioned this I got little sympathy from Derrick or Taino who have been bit THOUSANDS of times in the past three weeks. I had to laugh at myself. At least they offered me insect repellent.
The men are in excellent spirits as they come close to the final day. The marine forcast looks good, but isolated thunderstorms have been sending a few too many lightning stikes for comfort, causing the men to stay off the water for a few hours on Friday.
Special thanks to all our readers and guardian angels, our sponsors: Rockpool Kayaks, Reed, Impex, Kokatat, http://www.nykayak.com/ , and race recon, also Werner Paddles, Support team Nydia Kein, Weather Tracking Karel Vissel, Ground Support: Yvonne Le Guillou and team, José Quiñones and http://www.kayakscuba.com/ , the US Coast Guard in Puerto Rico for answering questions and tracking our adventure, and the generosity of the many Puerto Rican people who offered kindness, assistance, and camping spots!.
We will be video taping the completion of this expedition, and have a post expedition celebration. Call (787) 925-9232 for more information, or email kayak@kayakscuba.com You can meet us at Punta Salinas, in Levittown, on Sunday morning if you wish to greet our paddling duo!! For permission to post photographs contact Derrick Mayoleth for his photos or http://www.kayakscuba.com/ for photos taken by them.
kayakscuba.com foto by José Quiñones, Derrick and Taino at Playa Arroyo:
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 8:48 AM 12 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Twenty Three
FOTO: Derrick and Taino practicing rolls together in Levittown
Un-named beach between rocky cliffs
Puerto Rico
August 23, 2007
6 pm
Team Post - Day Twenty-Three
Carrie Medina checking in on day 23 of the expedition.
Derrick emailed me and said they were forced off the water due to lightning. Well, there is never a dull day, now is there!
The men are in an area between rocky cliffs. Derrick will have to forgive me on this one, but by his description I have placed them on the map and I might not have made a perfect pin point. Either way we are looking forward to meeting them Friday to resupply them and encourage them for the last sprint toward home!
Here is the link to the map http://www.kayakscuba.com/blog and the marine forcast for the last few days:
Tonight
East winds 11 to 15 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Friday
East winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.
Friday Night
East southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 4 feet. Scattered showers.
Saturday
East winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas 4 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
East winds 12 to 17 knots. Seas 4 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Sunday
East southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 4:16 PM 6 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Twenty-Two
foto: Tracking Map by http://www.kayakscuba.com/
Playa Palmas Del Mar,
Puerto Rico August 21, 2007
4 pm
Team Post - Day Twenty-Two
Carrie Medina checking in with team blog for day 22 of Chasing the Ana, Puerto Rico '07.
Taino has just called in. Derrick and Taino are at the beautiful Playa Palmas del Mar in Yabucoa. They met up with a local paddling club and were invited to a gathering of paddlers in Levittown on Sunday. OK guys, paddle hard!
The men are now 3/4 the way to the original starting point of Levittown. Any local paddlers, or people following along, who would like to join us, please be at Punta Salinas early Sunday morning to welcome and congratulate Derrick and Taino. We will be video taping the arrival and have a post expedition celebration! Call (787) 925-9232 for more information, or email kayak@kayakscuba.com
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 12:45 PM 3 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Twenty-One
foto: Tracking Map by www.kayakscuba.com
Punta Patillas, Puerto Rico
August 21, 2007
9 pm
Team Post - Day Nine
Carrie Medina checking in with team blog for day 21 of Chasing the Ana, Puerto Rico '07.
What a WONDERFUL day to paddle! Our boys Derrick and Taino are back on the water August 21, 2007 after a few days of delay caused by Hurricane Dean (stop date August 15, 2007). Fortunately for our paddling duo, Hurricane Dean caused little upset to the island of Puerto Rico, and the seas, once at 12 foot swells, have returned to calm 2-4 foot smooth paddling!
Tonight our boys have reached Punta Patillas, on the southeast coast. For those of you recieving a forward, click this link to take you to the Chasing the Ana blog to view our map, tracking our expedition around the island. http://www.kayakquixotica.com/puertorico.html
You guys are 3/4 the way home!
Wednesday
East southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night
East winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Thursday
East winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Isolated showers.
Thursday Night
East northeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Isolated showers.
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 5:44 PM 1 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
up with the chickens. . . and the goats
When we landed at Puerto Real it took my a bit by surprise. It was a small village steeped in poverty. There was a nice marina on the waters edge but no other real access to land. In this small village I could find no one with even limited English which is quite rare in Puerto Rico. Homes and shops were worn with years. Streets were small and claustrophobic. For a while I just sat by my kayak trying to organize my thoughts and figure out if this was a place I felt comfortable to stay. While I sat there two small goats came walking across the street to investigate this strange guy and his kayaks. Soon they were followed by a young girl. She looked at me with a big smile and started to talk to me while pointing at the goats. "Sorry, no comprenda" I said. "English?". "No." she said, and smiled. Then she went on telling me about her goats as if I I could understand every word. I watched her and smiled when she smiled. Made a surprised face when she did. We were, in some ways, communicating just fine. They were her goats and she was proud of them. That's all I needed to know. After a long chat she called the goats and the trio went walking off into the group of yellow, white, and pink houses across the street. It was a nice moment.
I am waiting this morning for Taino to join me here and then we are off again to explore this tropical island.
last day
The sea does not care about last days. It goes on living and breathing long after we have turned to dust. We are of no consequence. Our petty accomplishments mean nothing to the sea.
We launched for the very last day from under the shadows of condominiums and just north of an old cemetery that now seemed so oddly out of place in this tourist’s playground on the outskirts of San Juan. I paddled out and swept my paddle on top of a small wave to again turn west. I looked over at Taino, now with his canoe paddle perched on the deck of his orange impex kayak. I thought about how different we were as people and as men. This was in many ways a solo journey for both of us. One we paddled together. Our reasons, our experiences, even our paddle styles were very different. Yet we could share the joy accomplishing our goals, traveling the same roads for a time, even if we would get off at different exits.
The ocean floor north of Puerto Rico comes in from the deepest trench in the Atlantic, then quickly rises to the island. The sea builds quickly before slamming into the rocky shoals guarding the pristine beaches. As the old forts came into view the waves began to steepen. 8 foot waves became common with 10 to 12 footers beginning to show themselves. Ahead we could see the ocean breaking on the many hidden rocks. The sound of the water crashing into stone always causes a bit of a shiver in my mind. Often you want to cling to the shore, but you must go further into the sea for calmer water. We paddled north, further into the open ocean. Beyond the green water and into the midnight blue the flow turned from south to west the waves eased into a quick but relaxing 4-5 foot sea. We moved light lightning on what I estimated to be a 3 kt current and were soon just outside of San Juan Harbor, the busiest in the Caribbean.
San Juan Harbor is deep but it’s mouth is only a bit over a mile wide. The east side was bordered San Felipe del Morro upon high stone cliffs, the west side by rocky waters and rocky shores. We paddled right up to the edge just as a large cargo ship eased out behind the cover of the fort. We paddled slowly giving the behemoth time to pass, and then we began our crossing. The water inside the channel was wild and jumping densely after the passing of the ship. We worked our way through a 4-6 bubbling cauldron catching the occasional bigger wave that would overpower everything else to push us further across the channel. To our right two large cargo ships passed, the one we had just waited for and another that was now on its way in. As we reached the other side of the channel the water swallowed again and the waves rose.
With just over a mile left we crossed the last big shallow bay. The sea came into us from our back quarter at 8-10 feet and quite steep. Still they weren’t breaking and we could easily just ride the escalator up one side, then with a quick flick and a couple quick strokes, race down the other allow gravity to do the work. We approached the last little island where we would turn and ride into the protected beach at Punta Salinas. This time around we would have to get across the breakers. Rain was spitting down from a storm that had been shadowing us all day. As was our habit, we both chose our own lines through the breakers and with a combination of surfing and back paddling we soon slid into the relaxed 2 foot rollers of the calm bay. I heard the voice of a crazy woman yelling on the back of a racing ATV taking an angle to meet us on shore. In front I could see the yellow “KayakScuba.com” tees standing out starkly against the dark trees behind the beach. I paused and let Taino go in first. I was not quite ready to leave the sea. I sat out and rolled and played for a few moments, then let the surf slide me in.
Many more stories to tell yet for the moment I want to also thank our sponsors, Carrie & Jose for traveling all over the island to provide water, food or whatever else we needed. Also for putting us up before and after the trip. It would have been a much harder task without their constant support. Special thanks to Jose as well for bringing back my gear, driving me to the airport and letting me set up a tent on his roof. Thanks to Nydia K. for her help and driving us around as well. Also thanks to Yvonne for posting pics, bringing supplies, and letting us fill her garage with sand. ( 4 buckets I’m told). Teamwork is the only reason an adventure like this works. Sure, you can go it alone. . but it’s just not the same.
Now. . . WHO was afraid of the sharks?
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 10:38 PM 3 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2007
Chasing the Ana FINAL TEAM UPDATE!
fotos by http://www.kayakscuba.com/ : Playa Azul, night time camp Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
12:25 pm
25 August 2007
Final Team Update
This will be your final team update for Chasing The Ana Puerto Rico '07 before the men are off the water and Derrick will take the rest of the story from there. I look forward to reading the details of this adventure written by Derrick.
For those of you getting this blog via email, you may continue to follow Derrick's blog by clicking here http://www.kayakquixotica.com/puertorico.html
The tracking maps are being posted in order at http://www.kayakscuba.com/blog
Derrick's photographs of this expedition are continuing to be posted at http://www.flickr.com/photos/derrickam/
Last night the men arrived late in Luquillo on a storm swept beach, Playa Azul. I must have been bit by over a hundred little beach gnats. Of course when I mentioned this I got little sympathy from Derrick or Taino who have been bit THOUSANDS of times in the past three weeks. I had to laugh at myself. At least they offered me insect repellent.
The men are in excellent spirits as they come close to the final day. The marine forcast looks good, but isolated thunderstorms have been sending a few too many lightning stikes for comfort, causing the men to stay off the water for a few hours on Friday.
Special thanks to all our readers and guardian angels, our sponsors: Rockpool Kayaks, Reed, Impex, Kokatat, http://www.nykayak.com/ , and race recon, also Werner Paddles, Support team Nydia Kein, Weather Tracking Karel Vissel, Ground Support: Yvonne Le Guillou and team, José Quiñones and http://www.kayakscuba.com/ , the US Coast Guard in Puerto Rico for answering questions and tracking our adventure, and the generosity of the many Puerto Rican people who offered kindness, assistance, and camping spots!.
We will be video taping the completion of this expedition, and have a post expedition celebration. Call (787) 925-9232 for more information, or email kayak@kayakscuba.com You can meet us at Punta Salinas, in Levittown, on Sunday morning if you wish to greet our paddling duo!! For permission to post photographs contact Derrick Mayoleth for his photos or http://www.kayakscuba.com/ for photos taken by them.
kayakscuba.com foto by José Quiñones, Derrick and Taino at Playa Arroyo:
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 8:48 AM 12 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Twenty Three
FOTO: Derrick and Taino practicing rolls together in Levittown
Un-named beach between rocky cliffs
Puerto Rico
August 23, 2007
6 pm
Team Post - Day Twenty-Three
Carrie Medina checking in on day 23 of the expedition.
Derrick emailed me and said they were forced off the water due to lightning. Well, there is never a dull day, now is there!
The men are in an area between rocky cliffs. Derrick will have to forgive me on this one, but by his description I have placed them on the map and I might not have made a perfect pin point. Either way we are looking forward to meeting them Friday to resupply them and encourage them for the last sprint toward home!
Here is the link to the map http://www.kayakscuba.com/blog and the marine forcast for the last few days:
Tonight
East winds 11 to 15 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Friday
East winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.
Friday Night
East southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 4 feet. Scattered showers.
Saturday
East winds 10 to 15 knots. Seas 4 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
East winds 12 to 17 knots. Seas 4 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Sunday
East southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 4:16 PM 6 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Twenty-Two
foto: Tracking Map by http://www.kayakscuba.com/
Playa Palmas Del Mar,
Puerto Rico August 21, 2007
4 pm
Team Post - Day Twenty-Two
Carrie Medina checking in with team blog for day 22 of Chasing the Ana, Puerto Rico '07.
Taino has just called in. Derrick and Taino are at the beautiful Playa Palmas del Mar in Yabucoa. They met up with a local paddling club and were invited to a gathering of paddlers in Levittown on Sunday. OK guys, paddle hard!
The men are now 3/4 the way to the original starting point of Levittown. Any local paddlers, or people following along, who would like to join us, please be at Punta Salinas early Sunday morning to welcome and congratulate Derrick and Taino. We will be video taping the arrival and have a post expedition celebration! Call (787) 925-9232 for more information, or email kayak@kayakscuba.com
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 12:45 PM 3 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Twenty-One
foto: Tracking Map by www.kayakscuba.com
Punta Patillas, Puerto Rico
August 21, 2007
9 pm
Team Post - Day Nine
Carrie Medina checking in with team blog for day 21 of Chasing the Ana, Puerto Rico '07.
What a WONDERFUL day to paddle! Our boys Derrick and Taino are back on the water August 21, 2007 after a few days of delay caused by Hurricane Dean (stop date August 15, 2007). Fortunately for our paddling duo, Hurricane Dean caused little upset to the island of Puerto Rico, and the seas, once at 12 foot swells, have returned to calm 2-4 foot smooth paddling!
Tonight our boys have reached Punta Patillas, on the southeast coast. For those of you recieving a forward, click this link to take you to the Chasing the Ana blog to view our map, tracking our expedition around the island. http://www.kayakquixotica.com/puertorico.html
You guys are 3/4 the way home!
Wednesday
East southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Wednesday Night
East winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.
Thursday
East winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Isolated showers.
Thursday Night
East northeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Isolated showers.
POSTED BY KAYAK-QP AT 5:44 PM 1 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
up with the chickens. . . and the goats
When we landed at Puerto Real it took my a bit by surprise. It was a small village steeped in poverty. There was a nice marina on the waters edge but no other real access to land. In this small village I could find no one with even limited English which is quite rare in Puerto Rico. Homes and shops were worn with years. Streets were small and claustrophobic. For a while I just sat by my kayak trying to organize my thoughts and figure out if this was a place I felt comfortable to stay. While I sat there two small goats came walking across the street to investigate this strange guy and his kayaks. Soon they were followed by a young girl. She looked at me with a big smile and started to talk to me while pointing at the goats. "Sorry, no comprenda" I said. "English?". "No." she said, and smiled. Then she went on telling me about her goats as if I I could understand every word. I watched her and smiled when she smiled. Made a surprised face when she did. We were, in some ways, communicating just fine. They were her goats and she was proud of them. That's all I needed to know. After a long chat she called the goats and the trio went walking off into the group of yellow, white, and pink houses across the street. It was a nice moment.
I am waiting this morning for Taino to join me here and then we are off again to explore this tropical island.
21 August 2007
Further adventures of Chasing the Ana
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007
Still Breathing
The sea is the sea. It is not always calm or serene or tranquil azure blue. Nothing in real life is like the post card, not even the 5 star resorts. Paddling a sea kayak around the island of Puerto Rico is not all calm seas, cold beer and bikinis. In fact it's just like paddling anywhere else on the sea, except occasionally a coconut floats by on the surface of a big wind swept wave.
It feels as if we've been paddling for days. (Mainly because we have. . .) We are tired and slipping a bit physically. We realized today we were eating almost no protein, a major mistake. We would rise to beat the wind and hit the water on granola. Yet, it's felt a bit like a race recently. Each day there is no choice to get up with the sun and rush to beat the wind only to have it find us in just a couple hours. Then the rest of the day it's a hard slog for every mile. Over the next couple days I will share more details. But for the moment let's just say we are glad for a few days off the water while we wait to see what "Dean" decides to do.
My "body count" keeps growing. I am taking meds for an ear infection as well others as for my raw and swollen legs. My ribs were feeling better until the last two days through oncoming winds and riled waves. Now again I am in pain with every movement. Yet I had been feeling signs of getting better and I hope the next couple days off the water will help set things right. My poor legs are raw. 1000 mosquito bites, 100 ant bites, sunburn, and a general infection soaked in constant salt water all come together to make for an exciting mix. Up until today, the only time I felt good was on the water, but the winds have taken their toll and even today’s paddle from St. Isabel to here in Guayama was a struggling "heads down" push. We could only keep reminding ourselves that tomorrow we wouldn’t paddle! Taino is in generally good condition but is worn down as well. Yet to cheer us up we can look at the chart and see we have made real progress and are on schedule even with this temporary break.
The last couple times on the south coast we have been met by our other Kayak Angel Yvonne R. Le Guillou, who has met us with more food than we can eat, water, and treats. Between Carrie, Jose, and Yvonne we are so very well taken care of. Yvonne has been working hard to get my various cards back to her home and uploaded to my flickr account. I just handed her another 2 gig card to sort through. (Poor girl!) She met us today (after a time) and with the help of a friend hauled all our gear to her home which now looks like the "Chasing The Ana" warehouse and public grill. I will be hang out here, watching the storm and touring the area, while Taino runs up into the mountains to visit family. Over the next couple days I will have some time to post some thoughts on the "show so far". Right now, I'm enjoying a glass of wine with ice and can't wait to experience a real bed again. As for Taino. . . he went to bed hours ago!
Hmmm, all day long I kept hearing Ringo Starr singing in my head. . "It don't come easy, you know it don't come easy. . . ."
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 9:31 PM 7 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007
Caribbean Crib Notes
(derrick at the north west coast)
I’m sitting with my feet up in the town of Guyama. Hurricane Dean is still quite some distance off but is already showing some signs of affecting the weather. A cool breeze rolls in the window along with the sounds of roosters crowing in all directions. Dogs and Chickens run free everywhere her in Puerto Rico. But, the dogs are NOT all rabid as some would suggest. Most are just roaming the streets looking for a hand out and a short friendly interaction before the roam off, sometimes alone and sometimes with a motley pack. I’ve come to love the many small dogs that seem to find us on every beach. They more often provide a comforting welcome than the “fear” I expected. Sure you have to watch them at first to be sure they are healthy, yet we’ve come this far and not yet had a bad experience with animals. Now on to my notes;
Gun Fire – The un-told story
We were tired we had been paddling hard through thick heat to get across the shipping channel in the bay of Mayaguez. Our goal was to land on the far southern side of the bay. During the crossing we were hearing gun fire. Taino, being in the Marines in the 80’s has a more than intimate knowledge of gunfire. We figured there must be a firing range somewhere. In time the gun fire stopped and we found in the distance a green building to aim for. Often here on public beaches you will find colorful green, yellow or red structures. However as we paddled closer just outside of a mile or so we recognized the red flags marking off a range. Still well away, we turned east and paddled out around the target area at a right angle and then turned south again to the east of the range and no where near the marked firing zone. In fact our minds had now moved on to other things, mainly taking a break. We saw a small fishing boat just ahead and more in shore we would pass on the outside, then turn around the head to land on the opposite. The first thing I thought was that flair had been fired. It sounded like a bottle rocket had flown past Tiano. Then another, then another. Taino recognized easily the sound of M16 fire and yelled something like, “Oh Sh*t!!”. My brain could not comprehend, things went into slow motion for me. Another “rocket” came behind my head with sort of a pressurized “snap!” in my ear that told it it went by very close. Too close. I sensed another crossed over my bow with a “hiss-pop” that later I realized was the bullet coming low and hitting the water. Later Taino shared similar close calls. In that “slow motion” mind set, we turned our boats away and paddled with everything we had, our heads down to our decks. There was a moment of quiet then a second round came in and again, right on our position in the water. We dug and pulled for every inch. We just raced out. The sounds I’m sure stopped sometime back but we did not stop until we are almost to the fishing boat we saw before.
So in the end we could only guess as to why we came under fire where we were at. Being at a right angle to the flagged firing zone, Taino guessed that they had another range and were shooting into and over a wooden or earthen target area that was not stopping the shots. We doubt they even saw us there. However we later learned that they should not have been using M16s or shooting in our direction. We also learned there were problems there in the past. 2 boaters had been shot a couple years back in the same area. You can call it sensationalizing or whatever, but the truth was we came under some dangerous gunfire and only dumb luck let us live to tell the tale. So there you have it from the horse’s mouth.
Cabo Roho - The “South Stack” of Puerto Rico
In order to come round the south west corner of the island you cave to pass the rocky point at Cabo Roho. We had heard some scary stories. The south winds come in consistent around 10am. Fisherman had warned us that even with their twin engines they had been stopped dead trying to round the corner. You could not go in they said, due to the high waves, big reflection and jagged rocks. You cannot go outside because of the confused seas and high winds. We were told we had to make it through before 10am. The day before I road out to the lighthouse to examine the corner from atop the cliffs. Looking down I could see a bubbling cauldron of waves. Jagged rocks indeed were being exposed in the troughs of big 6-8foot waves that would come slamming into the cliffs. On the outside was a distinct line marking where the fast current threatened to carry unwary boaters all the way to Honduras. However looking into the cauldron again I could compare what I was seeing to what I saw in Wales. Yeah, it was rockin’ and rollin’ but still there was a cliff blocking the wind and with a bit of paddling prowess we could certainly come in behind it and cross the big waves while avoiding the wind. Still, early was better. I did not like either option I saw from the cliffs.
The next morning we took off at first light. We could begin the turn at 7 if we pushed. As we closed in on the lighthouse the swell began to build. I could feel a bit of nerves building as well, but as we rounded the corner we were met with calm winds. We worked our way over the 3-5 foot waves that bounced around the cliffs and moved past the final wall into a glass sea reflecting like mercury under the hot morning sun. We paddled back into shore to hug the coast. Suddenly, unbelievably I noticed on the top of a stone’ A Cactus! We were in cattle country.
Thank You!
In addition to our group of silly helpers we have had so much help from the people in the many little towns that we have passed. Fisherman have of course been a wealth of information and are the first to take us in even when they think we are "loco" Americans. The Coast Guard has been keeping watch over us. A chopper a day I think, along with police boats that have also noted our positions. A wonderful street cleaner who did everything he could to help me coffee. Not to mention the hotels, yacht clubs, marinas & campgrounds that offered us a place for our tent.
The Weatherman!!
Oh, and let me think Karel (from Terra Santa Kayak Adventures) again for keeping on the weater. He's been our "final word" on the weather each day.
More Pictures
I try to get photos posted often as I can. I added more today at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/derrickam/
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 5:45 AM
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 7:20 AM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007
quintessence of dust
hat a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason!
how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how
express and admirable! in action how like an angel!
in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the
world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me,
what is this quintessence of dust?
- William Shakespeare
A couple days off the water allows you a new view of the land. You view solid ground rising from a sea that carries you upwards, slides you into deep troughs, and pushes you aside with little thought. You sometimes look to the land and wish to be there. If only to buy a really juicy hamburger. Yet back on solid ground you quickly find yourself again sinking the the human condition; Checking the news, reading the latest atrocities, noticing the bars on every window. Suddenly you feel the need to go back to sea.
Today we got up early and went down to the sea to watch the waves roll in. It was like a local holiday for the people of the area. Crowds gathered, food vendors were doing rapid business. Surfers tried the waves but soon learned these were not great for long rides. I spent much of my day filming and taking photos. You can see a few here.
Hurricane Dean passed us by with little damage. Power outages, branches down but nothing to severe. The sea will still be a bit wild for a day or so and the plan is to head back out on Tuesday, weather permitting. Until then I will be soaking in the mountains, the town, the people, and the traffic lights. . all the while with one eye to the sea. . .
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 6:53 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2007
City of Witches
OK, GUAYAMA IS THE "CITY OF WITCHES" SO I SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED THAT MY HOST CAN CALL BIRDS TO HER HAND. . . I'VE WATCHED HER DO IT MANY TIMES NOW, AND STILL, I CAN'T HELP BUT BE AMAZED.
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007
little fiddles
Ran to the local Wal-Mart. . . (Vendemos por menos) and picked up some last minutes supplies. Including beef jerky!! Meat is good!
One thing I learned quickly about my Rockpool Alaw Bach is that you don't need the backband. It's there as a decoration. Remember sit up-right. There is a perfect bit molded into the back of the seat to support your tail bone. The only problem was that over time I was getting a little sore spot. So I popped the seat out which only means loosening two screws and lifting it out, and glued a bit of mini-cell around the back support, then added a couple bits of foam under the seat when I saw a tiny bit of wear. Might as well stop that right now. I also just took the backband right out.
I also noticed over the last couple days before we reached Guayama, that I was getting water in my day hatch. With a little investigation I found that was coming under the bulkhead. Nothing a little silicone couldn't fix. So I took care of that as well.
When you put day after day in the water in various conditions, lots of salt and hard landings you add years to your boat quickly. So it does need the occasional loving care before going out again.
Still Breathing
The sea is the sea. It is not always calm or serene or tranquil azure blue. Nothing in real life is like the post card, not even the 5 star resorts. Paddling a sea kayak around the island of Puerto Rico is not all calm seas, cold beer and bikinis. In fact it's just like paddling anywhere else on the sea, except occasionally a coconut floats by on the surface of a big wind swept wave.
It feels as if we've been paddling for days. (Mainly because we have. . .) We are tired and slipping a bit physically. We realized today we were eating almost no protein, a major mistake. We would rise to beat the wind and hit the water on granola. Yet, it's felt a bit like a race recently. Each day there is no choice to get up with the sun and rush to beat the wind only to have it find us in just a couple hours. Then the rest of the day it's a hard slog for every mile. Over the next couple days I will share more details. But for the moment let's just say we are glad for a few days off the water while we wait to see what "Dean" decides to do.
My "body count" keeps growing. I am taking meds for an ear infection as well others as for my raw and swollen legs. My ribs were feeling better until the last two days through oncoming winds and riled waves. Now again I am in pain with every movement. Yet I had been feeling signs of getting better and I hope the next couple days off the water will help set things right. My poor legs are raw. 1000 mosquito bites, 100 ant bites, sunburn, and a general infection soaked in constant salt water all come together to make for an exciting mix. Up until today, the only time I felt good was on the water, but the winds have taken their toll and even today’s paddle from St. Isabel to here in Guayama was a struggling "heads down" push. We could only keep reminding ourselves that tomorrow we wouldn’t paddle! Taino is in generally good condition but is worn down as well. Yet to cheer us up we can look at the chart and see we have made real progress and are on schedule even with this temporary break.
The last couple times on the south coast we have been met by our other Kayak Angel Yvonne R. Le Guillou, who has met us with more food than we can eat, water, and treats. Between Carrie, Jose, and Yvonne we are so very well taken care of. Yvonne has been working hard to get my various cards back to her home and uploaded to my flickr account. I just handed her another 2 gig card to sort through. (Poor girl!) She met us today (after a time) and with the help of a friend hauled all our gear to her home which now looks like the "Chasing The Ana" warehouse and public grill. I will be hang out here, watching the storm and touring the area, while Taino runs up into the mountains to visit family. Over the next couple days I will have some time to post some thoughts on the "show so far". Right now, I'm enjoying a glass of wine with ice and can't wait to experience a real bed again. As for Taino. . . he went to bed hours ago!
Hmmm, all day long I kept hearing Ringo Starr singing in my head. . "It don't come easy, you know it don't come easy. . . ."
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 9:31 PM 7 COMMENTS LINKS TO THIS POST
FRIDAY, AUGUST 17, 2007
Caribbean Crib Notes
(derrick at the north west coast)
I’m sitting with my feet up in the town of Guyama. Hurricane Dean is still quite some distance off but is already showing some signs of affecting the weather. A cool breeze rolls in the window along with the sounds of roosters crowing in all directions. Dogs and Chickens run free everywhere her in Puerto Rico. But, the dogs are NOT all rabid as some would suggest. Most are just roaming the streets looking for a hand out and a short friendly interaction before the roam off, sometimes alone and sometimes with a motley pack. I’ve come to love the many small dogs that seem to find us on every beach. They more often provide a comforting welcome than the “fear” I expected. Sure you have to watch them at first to be sure they are healthy, yet we’ve come this far and not yet had a bad experience with animals. Now on to my notes;
Gun Fire – The un-told story
We were tired we had been paddling hard through thick heat to get across the shipping channel in the bay of Mayaguez. Our goal was to land on the far southern side of the bay. During the crossing we were hearing gun fire. Taino, being in the Marines in the 80’s has a more than intimate knowledge of gunfire. We figured there must be a firing range somewhere. In time the gun fire stopped and we found in the distance a green building to aim for. Often here on public beaches you will find colorful green, yellow or red structures. However as we paddled closer just outside of a mile or so we recognized the red flags marking off a range. Still well away, we turned east and paddled out around the target area at a right angle and then turned south again to the east of the range and no where near the marked firing zone. In fact our minds had now moved on to other things, mainly taking a break. We saw a small fishing boat just ahead and more in shore we would pass on the outside, then turn around the head to land on the opposite. The first thing I thought was that flair had been fired. It sounded like a bottle rocket had flown past Tiano. Then another, then another. Taino recognized easily the sound of M16 fire and yelled something like, “Oh Sh*t!!”. My brain could not comprehend, things went into slow motion for me. Another “rocket” came behind my head with sort of a pressurized “snap!” in my ear that told it it went by very close. Too close. I sensed another crossed over my bow with a “hiss-pop” that later I realized was the bullet coming low and hitting the water. Later Taino shared similar close calls. In that “slow motion” mind set, we turned our boats away and paddled with everything we had, our heads down to our decks. There was a moment of quiet then a second round came in and again, right on our position in the water. We dug and pulled for every inch. We just raced out. The sounds I’m sure stopped sometime back but we did not stop until we are almost to the fishing boat we saw before.
So in the end we could only guess as to why we came under fire where we were at. Being at a right angle to the flagged firing zone, Taino guessed that they had another range and were shooting into and over a wooden or earthen target area that was not stopping the shots. We doubt they even saw us there. However we later learned that they should not have been using M16s or shooting in our direction. We also learned there were problems there in the past. 2 boaters had been shot a couple years back in the same area. You can call it sensationalizing or whatever, but the truth was we came under some dangerous gunfire and only dumb luck let us live to tell the tale. So there you have it from the horse’s mouth.
Cabo Roho - The “South Stack” of Puerto Rico
In order to come round the south west corner of the island you cave to pass the rocky point at Cabo Roho. We had heard some scary stories. The south winds come in consistent around 10am. Fisherman had warned us that even with their twin engines they had been stopped dead trying to round the corner. You could not go in they said, due to the high waves, big reflection and jagged rocks. You cannot go outside because of the confused seas and high winds. We were told we had to make it through before 10am. The day before I road out to the lighthouse to examine the corner from atop the cliffs. Looking down I could see a bubbling cauldron of waves. Jagged rocks indeed were being exposed in the troughs of big 6-8foot waves that would come slamming into the cliffs. On the outside was a distinct line marking where the fast current threatened to carry unwary boaters all the way to Honduras. However looking into the cauldron again I could compare what I was seeing to what I saw in Wales. Yeah, it was rockin’ and rollin’ but still there was a cliff blocking the wind and with a bit of paddling prowess we could certainly come in behind it and cross the big waves while avoiding the wind. Still, early was better. I did not like either option I saw from the cliffs.
The next morning we took off at first light. We could begin the turn at 7 if we pushed. As we closed in on the lighthouse the swell began to build. I could feel a bit of nerves building as well, but as we rounded the corner we were met with calm winds. We worked our way over the 3-5 foot waves that bounced around the cliffs and moved past the final wall into a glass sea reflecting like mercury under the hot morning sun. We paddled back into shore to hug the coast. Suddenly, unbelievably I noticed on the top of a stone’ A Cactus! We were in cattle country.
Thank You!
In addition to our group of silly helpers we have had so much help from the people in the many little towns that we have passed. Fisherman have of course been a wealth of information and are the first to take us in even when they think we are "loco" Americans. The Coast Guard has been keeping watch over us. A chopper a day I think, along with police boats that have also noted our positions. A wonderful street cleaner who did everything he could to help me coffee. Not to mention the hotels, yacht clubs, marinas & campgrounds that offered us a place for our tent.
The Weatherman!!
Oh, and let me think Karel (from Terra Santa Kayak Adventures) again for keeping on the weater. He's been our "final word" on the weather each day.
More Pictures
I try to get photos posted often as I can. I added more today at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/derrickam/
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 5:45 AM
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 7:20 AM
SATURDAY, AUGUST 18, 2007
quintessence of dust
hat a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason!
how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how
express and admirable! in action how like an angel!
in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the
world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me,
what is this quintessence of dust?
- William Shakespeare
A couple days off the water allows you a new view of the land. You view solid ground rising from a sea that carries you upwards, slides you into deep troughs, and pushes you aside with little thought. You sometimes look to the land and wish to be there. If only to buy a really juicy hamburger. Yet back on solid ground you quickly find yourself again sinking the the human condition; Checking the news, reading the latest atrocities, noticing the bars on every window. Suddenly you feel the need to go back to sea.
Today we got up early and went down to the sea to watch the waves roll in. It was like a local holiday for the people of the area. Crowds gathered, food vendors were doing rapid business. Surfers tried the waves but soon learned these were not great for long rides. I spent much of my day filming and taking photos. You can see a few here.
Hurricane Dean passed us by with little damage. Power outages, branches down but nothing to severe. The sea will still be a bit wild for a day or so and the plan is to head back out on Tuesday, weather permitting. Until then I will be soaking in the mountains, the town, the people, and the traffic lights. . all the while with one eye to the sea. . .
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 6:53 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 19, 2007
City of Witches
OK, GUAYAMA IS THE "CITY OF WITCHES" SO I SHOULD NOT BE SURPRISED THAT MY HOST CAN CALL BIRDS TO HER HAND. . . I'VE WATCHED HER DO IT MANY TIMES NOW, AND STILL, I CAN'T HELP BUT BE AMAZED.
MONDAY, AUGUST 20, 2007
little fiddles
Ran to the local Wal-Mart. . . (Vendemos por menos) and picked up some last minutes supplies. Including beef jerky!! Meat is good!
One thing I learned quickly about my Rockpool Alaw Bach is that you don't need the backband. It's there as a decoration. Remember sit up-right. There is a perfect bit molded into the back of the seat to support your tail bone. The only problem was that over time I was getting a little sore spot. So I popped the seat out which only means loosening two screws and lifting it out, and glued a bit of mini-cell around the back support, then added a couple bits of foam under the seat when I saw a tiny bit of wear. Might as well stop that right now. I also just took the backband right out.
I also noticed over the last couple days before we reached Guayama, that I was getting water in my day hatch. With a little investigation I found that was coming under the bulkhead. Nothing a little silicone couldn't fix. So I took care of that as well.
When you put day after day in the water in various conditions, lots of salt and hard landings you add years to your boat quickly. So it does need the occasional loving care before going out again.
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 2:00 PM
back to the ocean tomorrow
The picture above shows the rocky shore near Isabella on the north coast. This is the place where we both had to jump out of our kayaks at the last minute and get them up and over the rocks. From the water, you could not distinquish the rock from the sand. For those of you who have lots of experience you know that from the water, the spot where the land meets the sea is often hidden behind the surf and in sort of a "dip". I'm not sure you to explain that but the illusion is that you paddle down to the beach and then it rises back up again. The point where the two meet are in a "valley". So you can see that paddling in all we would see is a sandy beach until we are so close we are committed to the landing. This is where I bent two pins that hold my 3 piece kayak together. Yikes!
Now hurricane Dean has passed and the sun is shining again. tomorrow according to Karel we are looking at a 10 knot wind and 4-5 foot seas. We may need to cut the outter islands to complete the circumnavigation, something I'd always been prepared to do depending on time and weather. Of course getting around PR is the main goal over the next 10 days. We will be paddling east just a bit more before we make the north east turn that will take us back up to the woolly Atlantic.
Today I'm off to buy a few supplies and some silicone seal to stop water that has been going into my day hatch through the bulkhead in the cockpit. Yesterday I put a silly sticker on my kayak for the women here who have been helping us out along the way. Carrie & Yvonne of course. Yvonne's neighbor, Emy who picked us up and drove us into town with boats and gear in her nice truck. Migdalia, who helped bring supplies near Puerto Real and of course Vicky who came to the Airport at San Juan and braved the wind and flooded streets so I could take photos and film the waves coming in from Dean. Not to mention the nice woman at our last stop who opened her little bar and made us food when she was obviously closed, tired and done for the day. We would have had a much tougher time without them. Thanks!!
New pictures added to the gallery
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 7:05 AM
The picture above shows the rocky shore near Isabella on the north coast. This is the place where we both had to jump out of our kayaks at the last minute and get them up and over the rocks. From the water, you could not distinquish the rock from the sand. For those of you who have lots of experience you know that from the water, the spot where the land meets the sea is often hidden behind the surf and in sort of a "dip". I'm not sure you to explain that but the illusion is that you paddle down to the beach and then it rises back up again. The point where the two meet are in a "valley". So you can see that paddling in all we would see is a sandy beach until we are so close we are committed to the landing. This is where I bent two pins that hold my 3 piece kayak together. Yikes!
Now hurricane Dean has passed and the sun is shining again. tomorrow according to Karel we are looking at a 10 knot wind and 4-5 foot seas. We may need to cut the outter islands to complete the circumnavigation, something I'd always been prepared to do depending on time and weather. Of course getting around PR is the main goal over the next 10 days. We will be paddling east just a bit more before we make the north east turn that will take us back up to the woolly Atlantic.
Today I'm off to buy a few supplies and some silicone seal to stop water that has been going into my day hatch through the bulkhead in the cockpit. Yesterday I put a silly sticker on my kayak for the women here who have been helping us out along the way. Carrie & Yvonne of course. Yvonne's neighbor, Emy who picked us up and drove us into town with boats and gear in her nice truck. Migdalia, who helped bring supplies near Puerto Real and of course Vicky who came to the Airport at San Juan and braved the wind and flooded streets so I could take photos and film the waves coming in from Dean. Not to mention the nice woman at our last stop who opened her little bar and made us food when she was obviously closed, tired and done for the day. We would have had a much tougher time without them. Thanks!!
New pictures added to the gallery
POSTED BY DERRICK AT 7:05 AM
TUESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2007
up with the chickens. . . and the goats
When we landed at Puerto Real it took my a bit by surprise. It was a small village steeped in poverty. There was a nice marina on the waters edge but no other real access to land. In this small village I could find no one with even limited English which is quite rare in Puerto Rico. Homes and shops were worn with years. Streets were small and claustrophobic. For a while I just sat by my kayak trying to organize my thoughts and figure out if this was a place I felt comfortable to stay. While I sat there two small goats came walking across the street to investigate this strange guy and his kayaks. Soon they were followed by a young girl. She looked at me with a big smile and started to talk to me while pointing at the goats. "Sorry, no comprenda" I said. "English?". "No." she said, and smiled. Then she went on telling me about her goats as if I I could understand every word. I watched her and smiled when she smiled. Made a surprised face when she did. We were, in some ways, communicating just fine. They were her goats and she was proud of them. That's all I needed to know. After a long chat she called the goats and the trio went walking off into the group of yellow, white, and pink houses across the street. It was a nice moment.
I am waiting this morning for Taino to join me here and then we are off again to explore this tropical island.
up with the chickens. . . and the goats
When we landed at Puerto Real it took my a bit by surprise. It was a small village steeped in poverty. There was a nice marina on the waters edge but no other real access to land. In this small village I could find no one with even limited English which is quite rare in Puerto Rico. Homes and shops were worn with years. Streets were small and claustrophobic. For a while I just sat by my kayak trying to organize my thoughts and figure out if this was a place I felt comfortable to stay. While I sat there two small goats came walking across the street to investigate this strange guy and his kayaks. Soon they were followed by a young girl. She looked at me with a big smile and started to talk to me while pointing at the goats. "Sorry, no comprenda" I said. "English?". "No." she said, and smiled. Then she went on telling me about her goats as if I I could understand every word. I watched her and smiled when she smiled. Made a surprised face when she did. We were, in some ways, communicating just fine. They were her goats and she was proud of them. That's all I needed to know. After a long chat she called the goats and the trio went walking off into the group of yellow, white, and pink houses across the street. It was a nice moment.
I am waiting this morning for Taino to join me here and then we are off again to explore this tropical island.
16 August 2007
Chasing the Ana - days 13-14
Check back here Wednesday night for his update!
MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007
Tropical Depression
We are keeping an eye on this baby and preparing to pull our boys off the water for a couple days as needed. Thanks to Karel for the update! Say your prayers to the god Hurican that this remains a tropical depression and does not become a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. This is still the season for it and the temps have been too high the past few days.
Derrick and Taino are doing well and in Ponce at this time. Click here to see the updated map of where they are at! www.kayakscuba.com/blog
UPDATE: CARRIE WILL BE TALKING TO THE MEN TUESDAY AFTERNOON ABOUT GETTING OFF THE WATER THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. WE ALL NEED TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE FORCASTED CATAGORY 2 HURRICANE THAT IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A DIRECT HIT ON PUERTO RICO. UPDATES WILL BE POSTED AS WEATHER PERMITS. The government will shut off our water and electricity BEFORE the storm, so I will use my cell to communicate with people in the USA who will post here. Be safe! -Carrie and the crew
Chasing the Ana Team Update Day 14
Carrie Medina from http://www.kayakscuba.com/ checking in here. I have been communicating with Taino & Derrick via the blackberry and Karel in Isreal for weather forecast updates.
I email Mary and Gryphon, Derricks family, to give her the updates before I post here, in an attempt to try and beat the press to the punch. Quick as they can be, I'm trying to be quicker. Guess I better not apply for any press jobs. LOL
Here is the update I have for you so far.
Our boys would like to take one more day on the water despite the wind and waves.
Derrick writes in response to my offer to send a truck to pick them up Tuesday afternoon;
''We are in St. Isabel. And will stay tonight and go for Guayama in the morning. José does not need to come tonight. Thanks though. Hard day fighting wind and waves. We are both zapped of energy and looking forward to some recovery time off the water''
Taino and Derrick have paddled the south side of the island much faster than I had anticipated so… all the bad weather days are still in the bank, and I believe we are actually one or one and a half days ahead of the expedition planning.
This is good news, as Derrick would like to get video footage of local cultural events happening around our island in addition to his footage of the Chasing the Ana Expedition.
Karel sent me a nice link to track the wave height as the tropical depression gets closer. http://www.stormsurfing.com/cgi/display.cgi?a=natla_height Now lets all hope this extinguishes itself before Derrick gets footage of our beautiful island all wind blown!
The best news is that with the few planned days off the water, Derrick will be back here writing to you all about the expedition from his own eyes. His cultural interactions, experiences and wonderings of land and sea.
MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2007
Tropical Depression
We are keeping an eye on this baby and preparing to pull our boys off the water for a couple days as needed. Thanks to Karel for the update! Say your prayers to the god Hurican that this remains a tropical depression and does not become a Tropical Storm or Hurricane. This is still the season for it and the temps have been too high the past few days.
Derrick and Taino are doing well and in Ponce at this time. Click here to see the updated map of where they are at! www.kayakscuba.com/blog
UPDATE: CARRIE WILL BE TALKING TO THE MEN TUESDAY AFTERNOON ABOUT GETTING OFF THE WATER THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. WE ALL NEED TIME TO PREPARE FOR THE FORCASTED CATAGORY 2 HURRICANE THAT IS EXPECTED TO MAKE A DIRECT HIT ON PUERTO RICO. UPDATES WILL BE POSTED AS WEATHER PERMITS. The government will shut off our water and electricity BEFORE the storm, so I will use my cell to communicate with people in the USA who will post here. Be safe! -Carrie and the crew
Chasing the Ana Team Update Day 14
Carrie Medina from http://www.kayakscuba.com/ checking in here. I have been communicating with Taino & Derrick via the blackberry and Karel in Isreal for weather forecast updates.
I email Mary and Gryphon, Derricks family, to give her the updates before I post here, in an attempt to try and beat the press to the punch. Quick as they can be, I'm trying to be quicker. Guess I better not apply for any press jobs. LOL
Here is the update I have for you so far.
Our boys would like to take one more day on the water despite the wind and waves.
Derrick writes in response to my offer to send a truck to pick them up Tuesday afternoon;
''We are in St. Isabel. And will stay tonight and go for Guayama in the morning. José does not need to come tonight. Thanks though. Hard day fighting wind and waves. We are both zapped of energy and looking forward to some recovery time off the water''
Taino and Derrick have paddled the south side of the island much faster than I had anticipated so… all the bad weather days are still in the bank, and I believe we are actually one or one and a half days ahead of the expedition planning.
This is good news, as Derrick would like to get video footage of local cultural events happening around our island in addition to his footage of the Chasing the Ana Expedition.
Karel sent me a nice link to track the wave height as the tropical depression gets closer. http://www.stormsurfing.com/cgi/display.cgi?a=natla_height Now lets all hope this extinguishes itself before Derrick gets footage of our beautiful island all wind blown!
The best news is that with the few planned days off the water, Derrick will be back here writing to you all about the expedition from his own eyes. His cultural interactions, experiences and wonderings of land and sea.
13 August 2007
Chasing the Ana update
Sunday, August 12, 2007
CTA Clarification on Bullets, Catabatic Winds & Ground Crew Support
Carrie of http://www.kayakscuba.com/ checking in here.
I spent the afternoon with Derrick and Taino. Derrick asked me to clarify a few things. First, on the automatic weapons fire, the men were paddling in an area near a firing range, which is how the bullets seem to have found them. Second, both Derrick and Taino saw the warning flags and were smart enough to paddle well clear of the warning area. However, it is likely that the protection intended to keep bullets from entering the water area is no longer effective. Also, the bullets were flying far outside the designated areas, so it is possible that someone was using land next to the firing range as a practice area. For this reason the US Coast Guard would like to have me report the incident to the local police so that someone can check up on this. Taino informed me that a local resident told him that 2 boaters were accidentally shot and killed in this same area 2 years ago, so certainly measures must be taken to protect those who use the seas.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program!
Anyone who imagines for just a moment that Derrick and Taino are paddling in calm seas, in a gentle breeze, near a small tropical paradise are welcome to experience the catabatic winds encountered by these two experienced paddlers after they crossed the bay at Mayagüez. Taino and Derrick both said they rounded a corner and force 5 katabatic winds hit them so quickly they had time only to react individually. Derrick chose to take a right, while Taino paddled left. Derrick checked to make sure Taino was making way while Taino did the same for Derrick. Outcome? Both paddlers arrived safe and sound at the same destination. Imagine, Derrick paddled these katabatic winds with bruised ribs, while Taino struggled with a stuck rudder. What a superior set of paddlers!
After that dramatic landing, Derrick encountered a small girl walking her pet goats along a shoreline. Goats, called cabra, are a popular livestock on the island and are most commonly served near the Christmas season, called Navidad, in a fricassee of local vegetables and sauce. The goats are also milked for delicious cheese, queso, and there are also competitions for goat milking held in certain areas of the island. If you ever get the chance to try cabra, or queso de cabra, served Puerto Rican style, I am sure you will love it.
Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to Nydia Kein of our CTA Ground Support Team. Nydia has returned home to Wisconsin USA. When you are out on the water there are many people who are working to make things happen for your great adventure. One of those people in Chasing The Ana has been Nydia, who did research, made contacts, transported kayaks and gear, and flew to Puerto Rico ahead of the team to prepare for the arrival of Derrick and Taino. One of the goals originally set for Chasing The Ana has been to bridge cultural gaps, so I would like to share a parting note from Nydia.
Nydia writes: Back from Puerto Rico – I was reflecting on the trip and want you to understand how fortunate I feel having been able to have the opportunity to share moments with all of you.
Carrie, you, your family and friends made me feel at home, sharing a cultural bond/island that retains a special place in my heart. Your trust and unconditional support of all of us was an exceptional gift. Thank you for everything, my best to you and your family.
Taino, it was a pleasure. It was great to meet someone that clearly shares my love of kayaking and would go to this extreme to finish a dream. It was great to see the children in Puerto Rico looking up to you. Seems like your greatest accomplishment on this adventure may be the understanding that you have left an "I can do it" in the hearts of the children, that's a wonderful tribute to the memory of Carrie's son.
I hope we have an opportunity to spend some time on the water in the future, stay well and keep in touch.
CTA Clarification on Bullets, Catabatic Winds & Ground Crew Support
Carrie of http://www.kayakscuba.com/ checking in here.
I spent the afternoon with Derrick and Taino. Derrick asked me to clarify a few things. First, on the automatic weapons fire, the men were paddling in an area near a firing range, which is how the bullets seem to have found them. Second, both Derrick and Taino saw the warning flags and were smart enough to paddle well clear of the warning area. However, it is likely that the protection intended to keep bullets from entering the water area is no longer effective. Also, the bullets were flying far outside the designated areas, so it is possible that someone was using land next to the firing range as a practice area. For this reason the US Coast Guard would like to have me report the incident to the local police so that someone can check up on this. Taino informed me that a local resident told him that 2 boaters were accidentally shot and killed in this same area 2 years ago, so certainly measures must be taken to protect those who use the seas.
Now back to our regularly scheduled program!
Anyone who imagines for just a moment that Derrick and Taino are paddling in calm seas, in a gentle breeze, near a small tropical paradise are welcome to experience the catabatic winds encountered by these two experienced paddlers after they crossed the bay at Mayagüez. Taino and Derrick both said they rounded a corner and force 5 katabatic winds hit them so quickly they had time only to react individually. Derrick chose to take a right, while Taino paddled left. Derrick checked to make sure Taino was making way while Taino did the same for Derrick. Outcome? Both paddlers arrived safe and sound at the same destination. Imagine, Derrick paddled these katabatic winds with bruised ribs, while Taino struggled with a stuck rudder. What a superior set of paddlers!
After that dramatic landing, Derrick encountered a small girl walking her pet goats along a shoreline. Goats, called cabra, are a popular livestock on the island and are most commonly served near the Christmas season, called Navidad, in a fricassee of local vegetables and sauce. The goats are also milked for delicious cheese, queso, and there are also competitions for goat milking held in certain areas of the island. If you ever get the chance to try cabra, or queso de cabra, served Puerto Rican style, I am sure you will love it.
Finally, I would like to give a special thank you to Nydia Kein of our CTA Ground Support Team. Nydia has returned home to Wisconsin USA. When you are out on the water there are many people who are working to make things happen for your great adventure. One of those people in Chasing The Ana has been Nydia, who did research, made contacts, transported kayaks and gear, and flew to Puerto Rico ahead of the team to prepare for the arrival of Derrick and Taino. One of the goals originally set for Chasing The Ana has been to bridge cultural gaps, so I would like to share a parting note from Nydia.
Nydia writes: Back from Puerto Rico – I was reflecting on the trip and want you to understand how fortunate I feel having been able to have the opportunity to share moments with all of you.
Carrie, you, your family and friends made me feel at home, sharing a cultural bond/island that retains a special place in my heart. Your trust and unconditional support of all of us was an exceptional gift. Thank you for everything, my best to you and your family.
Taino, it was a pleasure. It was great to meet someone that clearly shares my love of kayaking and would go to this extreme to finish a dream. It was great to see the children in Puerto Rico looking up to you. Seems like your greatest accomplishment on this adventure may be the understanding that you have left an "I can do it" in the hearts of the children, that's a wonderful tribute to the memory of Carrie's son.
I hope we have an opportunity to spend some time on the water in the future, stay well and keep in touch.
11 August 2007
Chasing the Ana-Days 8- 9-10
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Eight
foto: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Almestica called http://www.guajataka.com/ at aprox 1:30pm, they have reached Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla. What a fast paddle that must have been! Carrie Medina and Nydia Kein are on their way to meet them. Carrie will post tonight.
Marine forcast :
Carib Waters From Punta Viento To Punta Melones And The WatersOutside 12 Nm From Punta Melones To Punta Cadena W To 68w AndS To 17n-This AfternoonSoutheast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.TonightEast southeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.ThursdayEast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.Thursday NightEast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.FridayEast southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Friday NightEast southeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Isolated showers.
San Sebastián, Puerto Rico August 9, 20071 pmTeam Post - Day Nine
This is Carrie from http://www.kayakscuba.com/ checking in. I met up with Almestica and Mayoleth late last night at Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla. Mayoleth says his bruised ribs from a fall down the staircase made paddling difficult, but the miles they paddled were impressive enough. The men hope to paddle to Rincon in the morning then on to Mayagüez by the afternoon. I am heading out to that side of the island with Almestica's recharged communications gear. The good time they are making on the west end will be needed time, as the south side of the island, heading east, is anticipated to be a bigger challenge.
While out on the beach we met up with ''Roberto'' who promises to email us. 2 years ago Roberto circumnavigated Puerto Rico on a long board. The 3 man expedition took a year and a half to complete.
UPDATE: MAYOLETH EMAILED, THEY HAVE MADE IT TO RINCON AND WILL LAND IN MAYAGüEZ BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON.
Marine forcast from: http://www.wunderground.com/
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORYCarib Waters From Punta Viento To Punta Melones And The WatersOutside 12 Nm From Punta Melones To Punta Cadena W To 68w AndS To 17n-This AfternoonEast winds 16 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.TonightEast southeast winds 16 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Scattered showers.FridayEast southeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.Friday NightEast southeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the evening...then isolated showers after midnight.SaturdayEast southeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated showers.Saturday NightEast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.SundayEast northeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 2 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.MondayEast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 2 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.
Carib Waters From Punta Viento To Cabo San Juan S To 17n And E To64w Including The Carib Waters Of Culebra Vieques And The U.S.Virgin Islands-This AfternoonEast winds 16 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated showers.TonightEast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms after midnight.FridayEast southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Friday NightEast southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms after midnight.SaturdayEast southeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Saturday NightEast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Scattered showers.SundayEast northeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 2 to 5 feet. Scattered showers...then isolated showers.MondayEast winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 2 to 6 feet. Isolated showers...then scattered showers.
posted by Kayak-QP at
Friday, August 10, 2007
Automatic Weapons Fire at CTA Kayakers
Automatic Weapons Fire at Chasing The Ana KayakersAt aprox 3pm today, August 10,
Chasing the Ana Kayakers Derrick Mayleth and Taino Almestica reported having bullets coming at them and their kayaks just off shore in the Mona Passage.Both men are ok, and http://www.kayakscuba.com/ owner Carrie Medina has contacted the US Coast Guard in Puerto Rico. Officer Balcac has forwarded an email to let the Coast Guard know that the men can be tracked by map at www.guajataka.com/bloghttp://www.kayakscuba.com/ is investigating other possible locations of private firing ranges to avoid any further incidents. Both local police and the Navigation Comisioner will also be contacted Monday morning.Kevlar PFD anyone?
Labels: CTA
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day 10
foto: Almestica y los niños de la isla Borinquen. ''When I grow up I wanna be a kayaker!''
Puerto Real, Puerto RicoAugust 10, 20076 pmTeam Post - Day Ten
Quick check in at http://www.guajataka.com/ by Taino. Problems on the water, but the men are at Puerto Real. Carrie will be checking in with Taino in one hour to find out what the difficulty was. The men are doing well. Special thanks to Mary Mayoleth (Wisconsin USA) and Kumiko Niimi (Ney York USA), the packages have been delivered to the shop and will be delivered to the men Saturday morning.
2007/08/chasing-ana-team-post-day-10.
Certainly we are being challenged. Of course at times like today we were lucky enough to land at the ultra posh Rincon Beach Resort in Anasco just south of Rincon. We have been welcomed in by these guys and enjoy a nice outdoor bar, swimming pools, and or course Wifi in a modern Spanish style open air plaza. Yeah, I could never afford a place like this in real life! My ribs have been more than a bit of a problem. I can tell I bruised them pretty well, but of course I don't have an opportunity to rest. After an hour or so on the water the pain eases away (the 3 tylenol help) and I'm good for paddling for the day. However pulling my kayak up the steep beaches can at times be almost unbearable. Sleeping is not comfortable. Luckily I think I'm building up my left side to compensate. Of course what I need is rest, but we have miles to go. I'm looking forward to a 3 day stop on the south coast and hope to spend much of that time healing before the last leg of the trip.My hard rock landing a couple days ago bent two clips on my Rockpools tail section. At first this looked like a major disaster until I realized I could swap them out with on top clip on the fore and aft sections. Mike had told me the tops only needed on clip, but luckily I asked for the older 2 clip tops. So with that taken care of and the help of a friendly octopus fisherman we were able to seal launch off the rocks and get out through the surf. The north coast of PR is NOT for the weak of heart.This is a good time to note that my second Optio has now died. Yeah, I can't say much good about the camera at the moment. Especially when after talking to Pentax and explaining our situation they refused to do anything to replace it in a timely manor. They basically just wanted us to buy a new one that they would ship from the Philippines in 7 or more days. Their customer service was, frankly, rude. Not for their camera, but for their rude customer service, I will never buy another Pentax or recommend on to you.Yesterday we rounded the western tip where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean ocean. There the sky is moody and the water was dark. I walked the ruins of an old Spanish style building. Only the two story walls were left standing. While walking out again through the grand doorway a boarder patrol truck passed. He waved. We are now in an area under constant guard against people coming in from the Dominican Republic looking for a gateway the US.The West Coast although beautiful is full-on hot. Through the intense heat and thick humidity we paddle south in what often seems like thick green syrup. Of course it's not the water, but the heat making my arms feel weak with each stroke. I stop on occasion to scoop salty water just slightly cooler than the air with my hat to pour over my body. It helps, but only for a moment. Then I look back out into the green/blue sea and slip my paddle again into the water and slide forward a few more feet. In many ways I miss the stormy Atlantic. She my be rough, but I know her moods. This hot Caribbean is new to me. So far she seems to want to lull you into a deep desert dream, where the mirage is land in the distance where you imagine a cold pina colada to be waiting. Thank God, on occasion. . . It is.My super buddy Yvonne Le Guillou, has been kind enough to post some more pictures from my camera here. More to come. Notice Maria doing her headstand in the Alaw Bach without a paddle to stabilize!
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day Eight
foto: Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Almestica called http://www.guajataka.com/ at aprox 1:30pm, they have reached Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla. What a fast paddle that must have been! Carrie Medina and Nydia Kein are on their way to meet them. Carrie will post tonight.
Marine forcast :
Carib Waters From Punta Viento To Punta Melones And The WatersOutside 12 Nm From Punta Melones To Punta Cadena W To 68w AndS To 17n-This AfternoonSoutheast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.TonightEast southeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.ThursdayEast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.Thursday NightEast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.FridayEast southeast winds 11 to 16 knots. Seas 3 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Friday NightEast southeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 3 to 4 feet. Isolated showers.
San Sebastián, Puerto Rico August 9, 20071 pmTeam Post - Day Nine
This is Carrie from http://www.kayakscuba.com/ checking in. I met up with Almestica and Mayoleth late last night at Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla. Mayoleth says his bruised ribs from a fall down the staircase made paddling difficult, but the miles they paddled were impressive enough. The men hope to paddle to Rincon in the morning then on to Mayagüez by the afternoon. I am heading out to that side of the island with Almestica's recharged communications gear. The good time they are making on the west end will be needed time, as the south side of the island, heading east, is anticipated to be a bigger challenge.
While out on the beach we met up with ''Roberto'' who promises to email us. 2 years ago Roberto circumnavigated Puerto Rico on a long board. The 3 man expedition took a year and a half to complete.
UPDATE: MAYOLETH EMAILED, THEY HAVE MADE IT TO RINCON AND WILL LAND IN MAYAGüEZ BY LATE THIS AFTERNOON.
Marine forcast from: http://www.wunderground.com/
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORYCarib Waters From Punta Viento To Punta Melones And The WatersOutside 12 Nm From Punta Melones To Punta Cadena W To 68w AndS To 17n-This AfternoonEast winds 16 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.TonightEast southeast winds 16 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Scattered showers.FridayEast southeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon.Friday NightEast southeast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the evening...then isolated showers after midnight.SaturdayEast southeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated showers.Saturday NightEast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.SundayEast northeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 2 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.MondayEast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 2 to 6 feet. Isolated showers.
Carib Waters From Punta Viento To Cabo San Juan S To 17n And E To64w Including The Carib Waters Of Culebra Vieques And The U.S.Virgin Islands-This AfternoonEast winds 16 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated showers.TonightEast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms after midnight.FridayEast southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Friday NightEast southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 5 to 6 feet. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms after midnight.SaturdayEast southeast winds 16 to 21 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Saturday NightEast winds 14 to 19 knots. Seas 4 to 5 feet. Scattered showers.SundayEast northeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Seas 2 to 5 feet. Scattered showers...then isolated showers.MondayEast winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 2 to 6 feet. Isolated showers...then scattered showers.
posted by Kayak-QP at
Friday, August 10, 2007
Automatic Weapons Fire at CTA Kayakers
Automatic Weapons Fire at Chasing The Ana KayakersAt aprox 3pm today, August 10,
Chasing the Ana Kayakers Derrick Mayleth and Taino Almestica reported having bullets coming at them and their kayaks just off shore in the Mona Passage.Both men are ok, and http://www.kayakscuba.com/ owner Carrie Medina has contacted the US Coast Guard in Puerto Rico. Officer Balcac has forwarded an email to let the Coast Guard know that the men can be tracked by map at www.guajataka.com/bloghttp://www.kayakscuba.com/ is investigating other possible locations of private firing ranges to avoid any further incidents. Both local police and the Navigation Comisioner will also be contacted Monday morning.Kevlar PFD anyone?
Labels: CTA
Chasing The Ana Team Post Day 10
foto: Almestica y los niños de la isla Borinquen. ''When I grow up I wanna be a kayaker!''
Puerto Real, Puerto RicoAugust 10, 20076 pmTeam Post - Day Ten
Quick check in at http://www.guajataka.com/ by Taino. Problems on the water, but the men are at Puerto Real. Carrie will be checking in with Taino in one hour to find out what the difficulty was. The men are doing well. Special thanks to Mary Mayoleth (Wisconsin USA) and Kumiko Niimi (Ney York USA), the packages have been delivered to the shop and will be delivered to the men Saturday morning.
2007/08/chasing-ana-team-post-day-10.
Certainly we are being challenged. Of course at times like today we were lucky enough to land at the ultra posh Rincon Beach Resort in Anasco just south of Rincon. We have been welcomed in by these guys and enjoy a nice outdoor bar, swimming pools, and or course Wifi in a modern Spanish style open air plaza. Yeah, I could never afford a place like this in real life! My ribs have been more than a bit of a problem. I can tell I bruised them pretty well, but of course I don't have an opportunity to rest. After an hour or so on the water the pain eases away (the 3 tylenol help) and I'm good for paddling for the day. However pulling my kayak up the steep beaches can at times be almost unbearable. Sleeping is not comfortable. Luckily I think I'm building up my left side to compensate. Of course what I need is rest, but we have miles to go. I'm looking forward to a 3 day stop on the south coast and hope to spend much of that time healing before the last leg of the trip.My hard rock landing a couple days ago bent two clips on my Rockpools tail section. At first this looked like a major disaster until I realized I could swap them out with on top clip on the fore and aft sections. Mike had told me the tops only needed on clip, but luckily I asked for the older 2 clip tops. So with that taken care of and the help of a friendly octopus fisherman we were able to seal launch off the rocks and get out through the surf. The north coast of PR is NOT for the weak of heart.This is a good time to note that my second Optio has now died. Yeah, I can't say much good about the camera at the moment. Especially when after talking to Pentax and explaining our situation they refused to do anything to replace it in a timely manor. They basically just wanted us to buy a new one that they would ship from the Philippines in 7 or more days. Their customer service was, frankly, rude. Not for their camera, but for their rude customer service, I will never buy another Pentax or recommend on to you.Yesterday we rounded the western tip where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean ocean. There the sky is moody and the water was dark. I walked the ruins of an old Spanish style building. Only the two story walls were left standing. While walking out again through the grand doorway a boarder patrol truck passed. He waved. We are now in an area under constant guard against people coming in from the Dominican Republic looking for a gateway the US.The West Coast although beautiful is full-on hot. Through the intense heat and thick humidity we paddle south in what often seems like thick green syrup. Of course it's not the water, but the heat making my arms feel weak with each stroke. I stop on occasion to scoop salty water just slightly cooler than the air with my hat to pour over my body. It helps, but only for a moment. Then I look back out into the green/blue sea and slip my paddle again into the water and slide forward a few more feet. In many ways I miss the stormy Atlantic. She my be rough, but I know her moods. This hot Caribbean is new to me. So far she seems to want to lull you into a deep desert dream, where the mirage is land in the distance where you imagine a cold pina colada to be waiting. Thank God, on occasion. . . It is.My super buddy Yvonne Le Guillou, has been kind enough to post some more pictures from my camera here. More to come. Notice Maria doing her headstand in the Alaw Bach without a paddle to stabilize!
08 August 2007
Chasing the Ana Days 6 and 7
Isabela, Puerto Rico August 7, 20079 pm Team Post - Day Seven
An exciting day on the water as Mayoleth and Almestica paddled from Arecibo to Isabela on the north end of the island. The ground crew waited anxiously as Almestica checked in at 5:05 pm with a message that all was well. The men hope to make good time launching early tomorrow morning in an attempt to round the northwest side in one day.Thanks to everyone who send messages and post comments. The men are keeping up with the blog and appreciate the support.Mayoleth writes...''We are just a mile out of isabella on a beach with no landing...We both saw rock at the last minute and dumped our boats and came in behind them. Is was not pretty.I got my but kicked at the original stopping point. We decided to go on and had to brake out of the surf. First I helped Taino, then I had to do it solo. 4 trys and 3 nasty beach rolls later I finally got out!...So I lost 1 pair son glasses, my hat from Nydia and my chart and mapcase! No idea how to launch tomarrow but will try. Weather raqdio won't work here. So no ides about the weather, D
Arecibo, Puerto RicoAugust 6, 200711pm Team Post - Day Six
The men are back on the water! The short break due to weather has ended, and the down time was used to rest, shop and resupply the men. The men are camping tonight (Monday) at a beach in Arecibo, but have plans to paddle hard to Isabela by late morning/early afternoon Tuesday.
Forcast for the day;87 °F / 30.6 °CTuesday-East southeast winds 12 to 17 knots...becoming east northeast along the coast by afternoon. Seas 3 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Tuesday Night-East southeast winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Wednesday-East winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet.
Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Humedad:81%Punto de Rocío: 74 °F / 23 °CViento:from the ESERáfagas de viento: 3.0 mph / 4 km/hPresión: 29.93 pul / 1013.4 HPA (Presión Estable)Visibilidad: 10.0 Millas / 16.1 KilómetrosUV:0 out of 16Nubes: Nubes Dispersas 4000 ft / 1219 m
At this point of the expedition we are a half day behind, but Mayoleth and Almestica believe they will more than make up for it after rounding the northwest rocky cliffs and shore, where the west end of the island should be easy enough to paddle at rapid pace. From Rincon to Combate beach the paddlers hope to make the best time before rounding the southwest side and heading east.
An exciting day on the water as Mayoleth and Almestica paddled from Arecibo to Isabela on the north end of the island. The ground crew waited anxiously as Almestica checked in at 5:05 pm with a message that all was well. The men hope to make good time launching early tomorrow morning in an attempt to round the northwest side in one day.Thanks to everyone who send messages and post comments. The men are keeping up with the blog and appreciate the support.Mayoleth writes...''We are just a mile out of isabella on a beach with no landing...We both saw rock at the last minute and dumped our boats and came in behind them. Is was not pretty.I got my but kicked at the original stopping point. We decided to go on and had to brake out of the surf. First I helped Taino, then I had to do it solo. 4 trys and 3 nasty beach rolls later I finally got out!...So I lost 1 pair son glasses, my hat from Nydia and my chart and mapcase! No idea how to launch tomarrow but will try. Weather raqdio won't work here. So no ides about the weather, D
Arecibo, Puerto RicoAugust 6, 200711pm Team Post - Day Six
The men are back on the water! The short break due to weather has ended, and the down time was used to rest, shop and resupply the men. The men are camping tonight (Monday) at a beach in Arecibo, but have plans to paddle hard to Isabela by late morning/early afternoon Tuesday.
Forcast for the day;87 °F / 30.6 °CTuesday-East southeast winds 12 to 17 knots...becoming east northeast along the coast by afternoon. Seas 3 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Tuesday Night-East southeast winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Wednesday-East winds 13 to 18 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet.
Isolated thunderstorms in the morning. Scattered showers.Humedad:81%Punto de Rocío: 74 °F / 23 °CViento:from the ESERáfagas de viento: 3.0 mph / 4 km/hPresión: 29.93 pul / 1013.4 HPA (Presión Estable)Visibilidad: 10.0 Millas / 16.1 KilómetrosUV:0 out of 16Nubes: Nubes Dispersas 4000 ft / 1219 m
At this point of the expedition we are a half day behind, but Mayoleth and Almestica believe they will more than make up for it after rounding the northwest rocky cliffs and shore, where the west end of the island should be easy enough to paddle at rapid pace. From Rincon to Combate beach the paddlers hope to make the best time before rounding the southwest side and heading east.
05 August 2007
Chasing the Ana- Day four
Chasing the Ana Team Post - Day Four
Manati, Puerto Rico
August 4, 2007
11am
Team Post - Day Four.
The men are on a break due to a tropical depression in the south creating swells of up to 8 feet. They landed in Arecibo near the mouth of Rio Grande de Arecibo. Almestica has a minor stomach problem, and Mayoleth has a slight sun burn, but the men are otherwise doing well. A day of grounding due to weather will give each a chance to rest. Both men will be posting their thoughts on the expedition so far, either later tonight or in the morning from http://www.guajataka.com/
Manati, Puerto Rico
August 4, 2007
11am
Team Post - Day Four.
The men are on a break due to a tropical depression in the south creating swells of up to 8 feet. They landed in Arecibo near the mouth of Rio Grande de Arecibo. Almestica has a minor stomach problem, and Mayoleth has a slight sun burn, but the men are otherwise doing well. A day of grounding due to weather will give each a chance to rest. Both men will be posting their thoughts on the expedition so far, either later tonight or in the morning from http://www.guajataka.com/
03 August 2007
Chasing the Ana
Taiguey to ALL our people,
This is to keep you informed as to the progress of Taino Almestica and voyage partner Derrick Mayoleth’s attempt to circumnavigate via Kayak the beautiful island of Boriken.
For those of you who may not know him, Taino has been involved with our restoration efforts for many, many years. He resides in New York, but his roots on the island are extensive. One of his goals is to bring attention to our existence as a people. Taino is a member of Guabancex Wind and Rain Society. Our organization is dedicated to learning, researching, and disseminating information on our material culture, folklore, language, etc to everyone. Most important, to our own Caribbean people on the islands, in the USA and wherever they may be spread, across the four directions.
Bo Matum
Jorge Baracutei Estevez
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
driving on the rooftop
Thanks to Carrie Medina of Kayak Scuba we had a great time on the beach at Punta Salinas in Levittown. I had my first chance to look at how my Alaw Bach survived the trip and sad to see a small bit of damage to the gelcoat in the tail section. The boys at American Airlines must have dropped somthing pretty heavy on it. Luckily it did not break through the glass and I could make a quick repair. With that done Taino and I took our kayaks out for their first dip in the warm Atlantic waters. Playing in up for the cameras and occasionally catching glimpses of the coastline disappearing into the distant west. We brought our kayaks up to the beach and prepared for the blessing. With a small candles and ritual smoke Uatibili Baez, the Spiritual leader of Movimiento Indigina Jibaro Boriqua, (movijibo.org) gathered us into a circle. Our hands reached out to one another's hands. Carrie, her children, Jose, Nydia, Taino, Yvonne and myself stood quietly on the warm sand as he passed around inside the circle performing a ritual blessing passed down through generations. When the blessing was complete you could sense everyone in the circle let go of a breath as if their engeries were pushing the blessing along.Later we gathered at Carrie & Jose's home in Levittown where we can bunk down for the night. Taino and I took a few moments to look over our battle plans for the first few days and discussed an interesting weather forecast that may force our first couple days short. But we're chomping at the bit to get moving.In a night of fun, good food, and laughter, Carrie took a few moments to paint her son's initials on my kayak. We paused just for a moment to take it in, before moving on to the party at hand. Taino had an early night and I am getting ready to sleep myself. But something unique. I'm setting up my tent on the rooftop of their house. Tonight I will sleep on a rooftop, under a bright full moon, litttle clouds and starts in Levittown, Puerto Rico. Tomarrow the sea calls. . .* sorry no pictures this evening. The bloody computer I'm on won't read discs. LOL! But hey, I'm happy for the connection!
Chasing the Ana:
Levittown Puerto Rico, August 1, 2007, 10:00 am, Team Post - Day One A slightly delayed launching of ''Chasing the Ana Puerto Rico 2007''
Officially took off as a communications radio announces afternoon predicted thunderstorms, and a small craft advisory with swells 5 to 7 feet. The launch, originally scheduled for 6 am, was delayed due to an inability to access the put-in until after 8:30am.''Great way to start an expedition'' said Derrick Mayoleth, as paddling partner Taino Almestica waits in calm waters of a protected bay for Mayoleth to secure his gear and get in the water.Almestica and Mayoleth met face to face for the first time just the day before at the home of José Quiñonez of http://www.kayakscuba.com/ where they went over ocean charts, discussed possibilities and shared a beer in anticipation of the next 28 days of sun and water.Ground support crew Nydia Kien of Wisconsin, Yvonne R. Le Guillou of Guayama, PR, Carrie Medina, and José Medina of San Sebastián, PR arranged for lodging, food, transportation, interpretation, last minute gear, and a blessing ceremony by Uatibili Baez of http://www.movijibo.org/ the day before.When asked why he was taking on such an expedition, Almestica said, ‘’ I am not doing this for self recognition, but for the Taino people… the younger people who will be watching this. I want them to say, ‘I saw his circumnavigation of our homeland, and I know my ancestors paddled these same seas, and I think I can do it faster or better’.’’ Almestica said, ‘’I want to inspire the Taino youth to reclaim their ancestral culture.’’ This expedition was originally planned by Mayoleth who has the hope of ‘’Bridging the cultural gaps between Puerto Rico and the USA.’’ From the words of ground support crew member Carrie Medina, ‘’It is doing just that, even before the launch day, as peoples from 3 differing cultures (Indio, Puerto Rico and midwest USA) and 2 countries are coming together developing bonds of friendship, enhanced by our differences.’’
Chasing The Ana Team Blog Day Two
Foto by Nydia Kein, ground support team Manati, Puerto Rico, August 2, 20079pm, Team Post - Day Two.
Almestica & Mayoleth have made it to the shores of the small city of Manati and are camping in front of the ancient burial grounds on Playa Esperanza. Mayoleth is a bit sunburned, but the men are doing well. 2 days of paddling in 5-7 foot swells has positioned them a bit short of the hope of reaching Arecibo by today, but the afternoon of the 3rd should find them at the mouth of Rio Grande de Arecibo. ''It's been windy and cold at night, so at least we haven't had a problem with mosquitos,'' said Almestica. To see a map of the possible and actual landing places follow this link. http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-_ZY.bRQycqSbUZInAGokcEs4xLS6pPA-?cq=1
This is to keep you informed as to the progress of Taino Almestica and voyage partner Derrick Mayoleth’s attempt to circumnavigate via Kayak the beautiful island of Boriken.
For those of you who may not know him, Taino has been involved with our restoration efforts for many, many years. He resides in New York, but his roots on the island are extensive. One of his goals is to bring attention to our existence as a people. Taino is a member of Guabancex Wind and Rain Society. Our organization is dedicated to learning, researching, and disseminating information on our material culture, folklore, language, etc to everyone. Most important, to our own Caribbean people on the islands, in the USA and wherever they may be spread, across the four directions.
Bo Matum
Jorge Baracutei Estevez
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
driving on the rooftop
Thanks to Carrie Medina of Kayak Scuba we had a great time on the beach at Punta Salinas in Levittown. I had my first chance to look at how my Alaw Bach survived the trip and sad to see a small bit of damage to the gelcoat in the tail section. The boys at American Airlines must have dropped somthing pretty heavy on it. Luckily it did not break through the glass and I could make a quick repair. With that done Taino and I took our kayaks out for their first dip in the warm Atlantic waters. Playing in up for the cameras and occasionally catching glimpses of the coastline disappearing into the distant west. We brought our kayaks up to the beach and prepared for the blessing. With a small candles and ritual smoke Uatibili Baez, the Spiritual leader of Movimiento Indigina Jibaro Boriqua, (movijibo.org) gathered us into a circle. Our hands reached out to one another's hands. Carrie, her children, Jose, Nydia, Taino, Yvonne and myself stood quietly on the warm sand as he passed around inside the circle performing a ritual blessing passed down through generations. When the blessing was complete you could sense everyone in the circle let go of a breath as if their engeries were pushing the blessing along.Later we gathered at Carrie & Jose's home in Levittown where we can bunk down for the night. Taino and I took a few moments to look over our battle plans for the first few days and discussed an interesting weather forecast that may force our first couple days short. But we're chomping at the bit to get moving.In a night of fun, good food, and laughter, Carrie took a few moments to paint her son's initials on my kayak. We paused just for a moment to take it in, before moving on to the party at hand. Taino had an early night and I am getting ready to sleep myself. But something unique. I'm setting up my tent on the rooftop of their house. Tonight I will sleep on a rooftop, under a bright full moon, litttle clouds and starts in Levittown, Puerto Rico. Tomarrow the sea calls. . .* sorry no pictures this evening. The bloody computer I'm on won't read discs. LOL! But hey, I'm happy for the connection!
Chasing the Ana:
Levittown Puerto Rico, August 1, 2007, 10:00 am, Team Post - Day One A slightly delayed launching of ''Chasing the Ana Puerto Rico 2007''
Officially took off as a communications radio announces afternoon predicted thunderstorms, and a small craft advisory with swells 5 to 7 feet. The launch, originally scheduled for 6 am, was delayed due to an inability to access the put-in until after 8:30am.''Great way to start an expedition'' said Derrick Mayoleth, as paddling partner Taino Almestica waits in calm waters of a protected bay for Mayoleth to secure his gear and get in the water.Almestica and Mayoleth met face to face for the first time just the day before at the home of José Quiñonez of http://www.kayakscuba.com/ where they went over ocean charts, discussed possibilities and shared a beer in anticipation of the next 28 days of sun and water.Ground support crew Nydia Kien of Wisconsin, Yvonne R. Le Guillou of Guayama, PR, Carrie Medina, and José Medina of San Sebastián, PR arranged for lodging, food, transportation, interpretation, last minute gear, and a blessing ceremony by Uatibili Baez of http://www.movijibo.org/ the day before.When asked why he was taking on such an expedition, Almestica said, ‘’ I am not doing this for self recognition, but for the Taino people… the younger people who will be watching this. I want them to say, ‘I saw his circumnavigation of our homeland, and I know my ancestors paddled these same seas, and I think I can do it faster or better’.’’ Almestica said, ‘’I want to inspire the Taino youth to reclaim their ancestral culture.’’ This expedition was originally planned by Mayoleth who has the hope of ‘’Bridging the cultural gaps between Puerto Rico and the USA.’’ From the words of ground support crew member Carrie Medina, ‘’It is doing just that, even before the launch day, as peoples from 3 differing cultures (Indio, Puerto Rico and midwest USA) and 2 countries are coming together developing bonds of friendship, enhanced by our differences.’’
Chasing The Ana Team Blog Day Two
Foto by Nydia Kein, ground support team Manati, Puerto Rico, August 2, 20079pm, Team Post - Day Two.
Almestica & Mayoleth have made it to the shores of the small city of Manati and are camping in front of the ancient burial grounds on Playa Esperanza. Mayoleth is a bit sunburned, but the men are doing well. 2 days of paddling in 5-7 foot swells has positioned them a bit short of the hope of reaching Arecibo by today, but the afternoon of the 3rd should find them at the mouth of Rio Grande de Arecibo. ''It's been windy and cold at night, so at least we haven't had a problem with mosquitos,'' said Almestica. To see a map of the possible and actual landing places follow this link. http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-_ZY.bRQycqSbUZInAGokcEs4xLS6pPA-?cq=1
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