Transition to Generosity

Dear Paul,

I appreciate your feedback on my previous post. Frankly, it stopped me in my tracks. So, I’ve been quiet for a few months as I mull over how to share this journey with others. But rest assured that no news is good news. I am well into preparing for a summer on the water.

I am looking for book recommendations for my trip and would love your suggestions. Currently reflecting on a story from Braiding Sweetgrass. The author explains that the Potawatomi people, her own people, use sweetgrass in religious ceremonies as a sacred gift from the earth. To honor the gift, sweetgrass cannot be bought or sold, only gifted to others. Without the giving, it loses its sacred purpose. The author concludes a gift from another becomes a responsibility to the receiver to honor through reciprocation.

I have received such generous gifts. Bridget, of course, is helping plan. Her sister offered to caretake the house and dog. A best friend is biking with me to Duluth. Other friends and family are joining Bridget and me in the Apostles. I’ve also had the privilege of connecting with a few more experienced kayakers who’ve done the legs of the trip - Conny from over near Cornucopia just got done with her circumnavigation of Superior. She connected me with her friend Tim, who, among other things, runs the Kayak to the Sea YouTube channel. He has been up and down Lake Huron, French River Provincial Park, and the Ottawa River watershed. Wonderful people. Both said they had the pleasure of meeting you.

I keep thinking over your reflection that the more I invite folks into my journey, the more my focus will stray from my safety to their needs. Sharing this journey has slowed me down and divided my attention. Lake Superior kills kayakers with divided attention. You only have to look to 2011 to learn of Kevin Dammen who died in the Apostles from exposure after his kayak tipped while he helped his friend.

But inviting people along is a necessary part of my intentions for the trip. I want to share the vision with them. In return, folks have gifted time, advice, even materials. Trey over at The Power of Water has been extraordinarily generous with gear and training. He discounted my boat when he heard the trip would also be a fundraiser. The man even found me a drysuit and helmet so I could participate in his Great Lakes Kayaking Symposium last summer.

Everyone’s generosity transforms this trip into something more substantive. The trip is beginning to hold consequence well beyond my own safety. It’s turning from a solo vacation into a shared endeavor. To your point, it will be more dangerous. My boat is laden with gifts. But it is also buoyed by purpose.

To reciprocate the generosity I've received, I’m supporting Renewing The Countryside. Their very mission is to champion and support others who are renewing the countryside through sustainable and innovative initiatives, businesses, and projects. RTC has worked for over 20 years sharing stories of rural renewal, building awareness and support for sustainable endeavors, and providing practical assistance and networking opportunities to so many.

I’ve volunteered for RTC for five years and am inspired by all their good work. They are a gift to the people they've supported over the years and deserve financial support in return.

Quite a bit to pile on a small kayaking trip. We’ll see how far it goes. I’ll be sure to keep you posted and reach out when I’m heading your way.

Sincerely,

Frank