Page 80 - Louisiana Loop (manuscript Edition)

"DO or DIE"

Most People have options to "bail" "change their mind" "rent a motel room" " purchase a round trip ticket"

Baby it's a one way ticket for me
Do or Die

Now I don't want to overplay the drama here, but the fact remains, I don't have a way back home until at least 30 or
more days from when I arrive because "transport costs" for "self supportive" adventurers like me just ARE too
expensive.

When you live far away from your starting point, just getting there can eat your savings.

Don't get me wrong. I am used to this and my wife and I do plan on these trips and save, but, any long distance
paddling that may have started out as a week maybe, usually gets turned into a long distance great American adventure
as a One Way Ticket till monies can be saved.

It does put hair on my chest and I already have plenty.

Still it adds an aura of excitements and nerves others don't necessarily experience and is why often i look like I am
moving when I kayak/camp. Mainly because for a few months I am.

That also means for the first few weeks there is a Do or Die type of necessity that makes creativity and mentality of a
survivalist crucial. Anyone COULD bail at anytime and get help of some kind, but when you get old enough people
expect you to "do for" yourself as much as you can.

This isn't that far from "street people" in the city or homeless in your neighborhood that often operate on the fringes of
society. While I would not "panhandle" all kayakers are DEEPLY appreciative of any help or offerings they are given,
especially food though drink so follows that and a hot shower is a gift from heaven.

So as I anticipate "my adventure" my immediate concerns thrust me back to the joy of soloing. The Weather/Water/
Shelter big three's that mandate my routines on the River and in Camp.

Weather doesn't normally stop me too long, but twice on the Mississippi nearly killed me so it does need to be honored.