After I finished posting the last update I checked I found out Verlen
Kruger had passed away. For those who don't know Verlen Kruger is he
is the man who has the World record I am attempting to beat. Verlen
also designed the boat I am paddling on this trip, the sea wind.
Verlen encouraged me a lot when I was planning for this trip. He had
an attitude that very few people have. His motto was "Happy are they
who dream dreams and have the courage to make them come true."
Verlen was also a devout Christian with a steadfast faith in Jesus
Christ. Verlen will be greatly missed by many people.
http://www.krugercanoes.com

After learning of Verlens death I left the Ashtabula library feeling
somewhat empty. I went shopping and forgot to buy silverware and
peanut butter. Once back on the lake the wind kicked up and forced me
off until things calmed down. I took a nap and the water was calm
about sunset. Into the night I paddled to North Kingsville before the
water kicked up again and has had me pinned down ever since.
Wednesday was a nasty rainy day with most of the day spent holed up
in my canoe with the spray cover on. The sun did come out for about
five minutes at sunset.
Thursday was nice and warm but the water still had four to six foot
waves. I forged into North Kingsville which had nothing except a golf
course and a campground neither which I walked to.
Friday started out sunny and nice, but the waves as high as ever and
the small craft advisory still in effect for the lake. I could not
take it anymore sitting there doing nothing. My water supply was
about gone I had to do something. I SO wish I had my not dunked my
cell phone.
The walk back to Ashtabula took about 4 and ½ hours mostly along the
shore line. I found berries along the way. The terrain was very
difficult at times. It would really suck to get hurt miles away from
anyone. Two big macs made the treck worth while. I dread the looong
walk back to my canoe carrying water and food. The good news is the
lake will have only 1 to 3 foot waves tonight. It will be close
midnight before I arrive back at camp and I plan on pushing all
through the night. Erie Penn is getting close and that could mean a
cell phone. The air show is this weekend in Erie and if it is like
the Cleveland air show they fly over the lake.
I hope my next update will be from somewhere else than Ashtabula
John Latecki Jr