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.
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