Seattle in the Rear View

"As Seattle shrinks behind me,
A tear wells up in my eye.
Why do I have to leave and say goodbye?

Most things must change
but one thing remains.
Every Day and Adventure.
The only way to live and one day die!"

On July 23rd, the day after my 23rd birthday, I said goodbye to Seattle. Goodbye to one of the greatest summers of my life. I learned so much about the world, my family, and myself. On the horizon, so many wonderful new things waited. My beautiful girlfriend in Nashville. My parents whom I missed so much, and a new life in Baton Rouge. I left Seattle much the same way that I left North Carolina, A bit sad, but inspired about the future.

The night before I left, me and the Seattle fam celebrated my Birth. We had a great dinner at The Kingfish Cafe. It was amazing. We had a good wait before we got to sit down, so we sat at the bar and got pretty twisted. Or at least I did, I am not sure about everyone else. The food was amazing. We had hush puppies, fried chicken, potatoes, sweet potato fries, and the best red velvet cake on earth. It was a great ending to a great month.

The drive East was worlds apart from the drive West. 3 full day, 2,440 miles, 10 States, no hiking, no biking, 2 hotels, beau coup coffee and sunflower seeds. However, in keeping with the summer, I had a great time. I listened to two book tapes and saw some many things that I had never seen. I had never been to South Dakota before and that was awesome. I saw the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore. Both were impressive, but the Crazy Horse's story was a lot more interesting.


I really enjoyed driving through the plains. Many people would say that is boring, but to me it was beautiful. You can see so far and there is always something to take your eye off the road. (safe I know) The first night, I slept in Billings Montana, the second in St. Joseph, MO (home of Jesse James) and the third night in Nashville. I will be in Nashville until Thursday and then I will head back to Ruston and then on to Baton Rouge. What a phenomenal summer!

" Don't look back with sadness,
Just smile and push on through.
Because, wherever there is life
There's an adventure too."

San Juan Islands Part 2.

We arrived at Orcas Island just in time for Ammen, Stephanie, Molly, and Zach to catch the 4:00 ferry back to Anacortes. Before they sailed, they helped me repack my boat, we grabbed a sandwich, and then they sailed off. It took about 10 seconds for the reality to set in. I was on an island, with a kayak, and I had no idea what I was going to do. The plan was to go around the to the south edge of Shaw Island, camp there and then circumnavigate it back to the Orcas Ferry. It was simple on the map, but as soon as I was alone, I might as well have been preparing for the Iditarod without dogs or a jacket. I asked a local kayak guide about the best route to take and from his recommendation, I was setting out to do the impossible. He was just basically pissed that I didn't rent a boat from him. As the ferry floated away,I panicked and called Ammen. They all knew I was having second thoughts. "hey Ammen, this guy said the wind would be terrible... blah blah blah...basically I am going to die. What should I do?" The ferry had made it around the corner and could see the sound, so Ammen said "Beaux it is calm as glass out there. You can do it, we are proud of you." Damn! I thought for sure by just picking up the phone, they would have the ferry turn around and come get me. So there I was again. Just me, a boat, a map, some camping stuff, and not a clue about what I was supposed to do.

I sucked it up and got in the boat. I was as nervous as I had ever been. I don't know port from starboard, bow from stern, and I taught myself how to read a tide chart 5 minutes earlier. I paddled out slowly towards either death or an awesome few days of paddling. In typical Beaux fashion, I blew the whole thing out of proportion. Once on the water, I felt great. I paddled around the Northeast side of Shaw Island and found that the winds in Upright Channel were not as hellish as described to me by the guide. This gave me loads more confidence. I hugged the shore and kept a close eye on the map, to make sure that I didn't drift off into the unknown.
I made it to my destination, Indian Cove Campground, in about two hours. The plan was to camp there for the night and then wake up early the next day to paddle around the rest of Shaw Island. I was so relieved when I landed on the Indian Cove Beach. I was so happy that I continue on. I had been scared and nervous, but there I sat, safe on a beautiful beach, alone. There was something exciting about getting there alone. I felt extremely confident in myself and my abilities. I wasn't a master paddler and at anytime the ocean could have done with me what it pleased, but I had made it there. I met some people at the campsites, because they were pretty packed, and this encouraged me to just find somewhere to sleep on the beach. That I did. Someone had built a log cabin like structure out of drift wood. I climbed in and found that it was the perfect size for my hammock. It was a great set up, the logs stopped the wind so I wouldn't be freezing cold like the night before.
That night I went up and visited with some of the people that I had met at the campsite, but quickly escaped to my log cabin under the moon.

The next morning, I woke up a lot later than I had expected. I made breakfast and started to prepare for the trip. This attempt to get back in the boat, was no different than the first. I was just as nervous. Actually more so, because it was a much longer paddle and there would probably more tide movement. I had to sit down after breakfast and pump myself up. This is what I wrote.

7/14/08 Indian Cove, Shaw Island-"I am feeling pretty nervous about getting back into the boat, it is about 9 miles one way or 3 miles the way I came. I am going to take the 9. I am hoping for small currents coming through Wasp Passage. I need to be cautious and smart. I would just take the way I know, but that would put me at the ferry way too early to be of any use. So 9 miles it is, around the south side of Shaw Island. May the tides work with me and the winds stay low. If all goes well, I will be at the ferry by afternoon. Stay calm and collected, trust your instincts, and have fun. Everyday an Adventure that is the only way to live."

I eventually got back into the boat and paddled along, saying goodbye to one of the coolest campsites I have ever seen. The 9 mile paddle was not near as hard as I had expected. The tides were working with me, so I basically just rode the water all the way around. I saw tons of eagles, ospreys and seal. No whales, but it was just amazing being out in the open water without an engine. My arms and the push of the water were the only things that would take me anywhere. In about 4 hours time I made it back to Orcas and caught the ferry. The whole experience was so amazing. I had a lot of time to think while I was paddling alone. So many times outdoor adventures take the form of man's conquest of nature. This trip was different for me. This is from my journal after all was said and done.

7/14/08 Ferry Boat from Orcas to Anacortes-"Waves, Current, Wind, Animals Plants, and Me. Only this time I was not conquering. I was merely a part of this great system. If quantification is needed, I was at the very bottom...It was truly beautiful. If I closed my eyes, beauty. If I plugged my ears, beauty. If I just starred, beauty. Real beauty. Some could go on a canvas and some could not. Just a man, trying to find who he is or who he can be in a world that dwarfs him. I do not feel like I conquered a thing. I was just able to uses nature to arrive at a goal. I did not rule the water, I merely borrowed its power to assist my travels. I did win today, but only against myself. Nature had complete control at all times. I trusted and respected. It may have noticed me, but if so, only in a positive light. No trash or pollution, just the displacement of my boat, the swoosh of the paddles, and the smile on my face. The boat is now out of the water and the paddles are stowed away, but the smile remains. May it always. Everyday an adventure, the only way to live and one day, die.

San Juan Islands Part 1

Last Friday, the whole Jones/Gray/Jordan clan packed up for a weekend camping and kayaking excursion to the San Juan islands. Jones Island State Park in particular, how fitting. We left Friday afternoon after everyone got off work, and we drove 2 hours to the ferry in Anacortes. Keep in mind that there were 5 of us in Ammen's Toyota Tundra. Which, well, let's just say that it was two small for all five of our bodies and personalities. It was a relief to get to the Ferry and sail off into the sunset towards Orcas Island (the ferry sunset is the first picture.) We got there after 10 o'clock and made out way to Mt. Constitution (highest pt in SanJuan's). We set up tents and hammocks quickly and went to bed. We had a long two (or three) days ahead of us. That morning we drove to the ferry docks, loaded the kayaks and headed west to Jones Island which is reachable only by "human powered vessels". The paddle was about 5 miles and we took it pretty mellow. We all had our own agendas. I was looking for adventure. Ammen, probably a bit of the same, but he was still nursing a broken rib. Zach was looking for a relaxing good time (with tequila involved). Steph and Molly were looking for sea weed. We found an awesome place to camp just on the Northwest side of the island. The girls set out to do their kelp gathering and we all just kind of explored the island. We had a great night of camping and cooking. We made salsa out of bull kelp(picture below) and boiled another kind of kelp (Turkish Hand Cloth) to make chocolate pudding. The camping was so relaxing and it is hard to find a more beautiful place to spend time, than in the San Juan Islands. The next morning, we woke up, piddled around the Jones Island and headed back to Orcas Island. As we were loading the boats, Ammen made a interesting suggestion. He said, "why don't you stay an extra day or two and paddle around by yourself? We will come get you when you are done." I was definitely interested, so I asked my sisters what they thought (expecting everyone to say it was a bad idea). They were amazingly supportive. Meanwhile this was my second day in a seakayak and I had never navigated in open water alone. This is precisely where MY San Juan Adventure began.

Real Change?

I realize that I should be asleep, but I had a coffee with dinner so here I sit. There is a program in Seattle called REAL CHANGE. It is an newspaper, that is sold by homeless persons all over the greater Seattle Area. The persons must first quilfy, I think that means that the must be sober, etc. Anyway, they sell these newspapers for a dollar, and with the work, they are able to earn enough money for housing, food, and other necessities. It is a really cool concept and at its' essence, is not 'charity.' Many people may indeed give only because the feel sorry for the person, but they are working for the 'handouts.' Each time I see the vendors, I try to help them out, not because I feel pity, but because I think the program has the right idea. Homelessness has always been a question in my mind, but little exposure and comfort in my world have kept my thoughts only in passing.

However, tonight I was confronted by a very polite man. His name was David and our encounter once again sparked my thoughts. He introduced himself, shook my hand, and explained to me the program. I told him that I knew of the program, but didn't have any change. I was headed to the grocery anyway, so I promised change on the way out. He seemed thrilled to wait. When I got inside I realized that I may be able to do more. Sure, the whole "give a man a fish principle" (also the basis of Real Change) but it was after midnight and the loafs of bread looked mighty good. I wanted one, but I was full, so I got one for David. I went back outside, gave him a $ for the newspaper, and then handed him the loaf of bread. He didn't just say thank you and shy away, he grabbed my shoulder and smiled. He broke that comfort zone that so many of us Americans are used to. This homeless guy reached out and grabbed my shoulder, just one step shy of an embrace. Shockingly, I didn't retreat, it felt totally natural. It was one man helping another man, and there were genuine feelings exchanged. Simple, I know, but not typical on the streets.

I hadn't noticed, but peaking over my shoulder was another Real Change vendor (homeless guy, bum, whatever you please). He was jealous, not only because of the sale David had made, but because of the huge loaf of bread. I looked back at David and said "be sure to share that loaf with...?" I did not know this guy so, following David's lead, I extended my hand and introduced myself. His name was Skip and mine was Beaux. These both bid me farewell and walked along the sidewalk. I went to unlock my bike. Within seconds, David and Skip, started it all over again with two bikers who had just arrived. The two bikers were startled by the gusto of the "bums" and quickly declined. I, as an innocent bystander, chimed in. "Hey" I said, "there is a great article about the Native Tribal Journey on the front page, it is worth it." I gave them a smile and they reluctantly returned it. One of them finally said "you know what, I'll take one." David turned to me and exclaimed "Thank you sir." but this time, he let Skip have the sale. I finished unlocking my bike, and rode towards David and Skip walking down the sidewalk. David was clutching the bread, but Skip was right there. I passed by, wished them a good night and they reciprocated. I rode away feeling great. Not because I helped somebody, but because I had a real human reaction with someone that in any other circumstance, I am most others would have subconsciously dubbed sub human. Call me what you will, but I am the first to admit that I judge, I profile, and I am sure that I am not alone. Am I any better than David or Skip, hell no. But that is not what it is about. I don't know what it is about, but it's not a matter of better or worse. David reached out to me (yes I understand he does that to everyone, and that may have been his 50th newspaper sale of the day), but it sparked my mind.

David is fighting to make it in a cruel world and I am sitting inside, with a full wallet and a full stomach. The least I can do is wonder about a solution. There are 6.86 billion people in the world. Some of them are going to be poor and hungry, but where do I fit in. Have I been given a lot to sit and be a glutton. I don't think I am here to or capable of "saving the world," but I do fit into this puzzle somewhere. Maybe my contribution is a dollar and a loaf of bread, but I think I have more to offer. Someone had a vision with Real Change, and it was/is a good one. What else is going on around the world to fight these issues? I did not write this for any real reason, except maybe to spark conversation. What can I do? What can you do? What can David do? It is fact that the world has trouble supporting all of these people, but it is also fact that, at this moment, we are all here together. Rich, Poor, young, old, happy, sad. How do we live together? How do we help each other? How do we tear down barriers? I don't know, but I know that what David did is a start. I am human, he is human, now lets talk. Drop the superficial barriers, Leave the judgment for whatever gods/goddesses there may be, and open your eyes, mouth, and heart to the world around you.

Check out Real Change @ www.Realchangenews.org

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdtR17KQ19c&eurl=http://www.realchangenews.org/donations.html

Seattle

So many things to write about, but so little time. That is why I am just writing again. Everyday in Seattle has been great. Well, besides the two days spent with food poisoning from evil oysters. My new bike (Ruby Red) has been a savior. I would say I have driven my car 3 times in as many weeks. There have been days where I have put as many as 40 miles just riding from place to place. There is an amazing bike path only 500 yards from Molly and Zach's house. It is called the Burke Gilman and it goes for about 20 something miles all around Seattle.Instead of working on good gas mileage in my car, I have been just working with the best gas mileage possible...0 gpm(gallons permile) Every tuesday morning I ride 20 miles to Stephanie's job with her. It is an amazing ride. We pass Kurt Cobain's house. Lake Washington is on our left and Mt Rainer towers above.

My bro in law, Ammen, set me up with a great opportunity. He works for a local non-profit that encourages people to shop locally and in turn share with local nonprofits. Most days I just ride my bike around, talk up the program, and try to enlist merchants. It has given me something great to do while the bros and sisters are at work.
I haven't been as "adventuresome" as I thought I would be in Seattle, but I have enjoy my time here equally as much. I have only been Mtn Biking twice, haven't been rock climbing, and I didn't climb Mt Rainer, but I wouldn't trade the last month for anything. The adventures have definitely come in different forms. Flying in and out of Seattle traffic at 30 mph is quite the rush. Especially when you have never been on a road bike.
Britti came into Seattle and we had an amazing time. There is just so much to do in this town. We biked, we paddled, we had great food, we saw beautiful sunsets, just all in all we had a great time. So much of a great time that I am gladly cutting my trip in Seattle short to go to Nashville.

After Britti left, Zach and I tackled a project that he and Molly had been wanting to do for a while. We build and above-ground organic vegetable garden. It is above ground for two reasons. 1) so we could use completely organic soil 2) so you don't have to bend over to weed and tend to it. It was a fun project. We built the whole box out of scrap wood that was under his house, so the project cost $0. That was until we had to fill 75 cu. ft. with organic soil and plants.


It has been so amazing being so close to my family. Stephanie, Molly, Zach, and Ammen all live such inspiring lives. Everything they do is to try and improve their impact on the world around them. From eating and shopping locally, to driving hybrids, to working in a dangerous part of town just to help the under served, to waking up in the middle of the night to help someone have a child. It has been an amazing experience seeing how my sisters live. They are truly an inspiration.