#1 Expedition Planning : Starts with “A Thought”!

Hi Fellow Paddlers,

As promised this is #1 in our Expedition Planning series! The title of the post I believe should say it all. This statement is somewhat of an oxymoron if you ask me, kinda like Military Intelligence or a waterless carwash-HUH? It all started when my cellphone rang about the middle-ish of August, give or take a few days in either direction. Jeff was on the other end (what a surprise) when I answered it.

He said “Hey, what you up to? (standard BRO-mance greeting).  I said “not a whole lot” and “You?” Before I could say anything else, Jeff starts rambling on about water and something about the proper alignment of the Paddling Universe— then he just BUSTS OUT with “We should go paddle the Suwannee River a day or two after Christmas!” I was kinda shocked and did not know if he was serious or just baiting me!

“Hello, Sean?” Jeff said.
“I’ m here, are you serious?” I said.
“AH, Yeah, we should take 5 days and just disappear to work on skills and enjoy a trip down the Majestic Suwannee River!”
“OK, lets plan and do it!” I said.
First we need to get permission from the Bosses at home as well as the bosses at work!!!! DONE!!

When one thinks of the word EXPEDITION and what that word means; it conjures up thoughts of weeks, even months surviving out in the wilderness living, eating, sleeping, and who knows what else; just to stay alive. All in the name of either science, research, ego, or any of 1000 other great excuses! Well an expedition does not have to be weeks or months, it can be 2 days or 2 years. An expedition simply means that a person or group of persons are setting out on a trip to accomplish a common goal- whatever that may be!

The expedition could be to collect specimens for science, or to showcase a beautiful natural location.  Or “Just because its there”- sorry Burt Reynolds (Deliverance) or for spiritual reasons- “Spirit Treks” (Native American Indians).

Whatever the reason one chooses to go on an expedition, it is the journey not only that you actually take, but also the planning and getting there that also makes it what it is. The EXPEDITION is the CROWN JEWEL that you get to keep after all the planning and preparation are over. When the EXPEDITION is over, you get a lifetime of memories and accomplishments that no one can take away from you!

Bottom line: Out of a quick thought, that takes only seconds to materialize. Comes months of planning and preparation, followed by more time Paddling and enjoying oneself- then a lifetime of bittersweet memories!

Planning like Crazy!
-Sea Turtle Sean

Next Post in the series in 8 days! Expedition Planning : The Route!