Special Thanks to Paul Dornisch of Puyallup for his permission to use this post.
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A day of memory, hope and action
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The Heart of the Sound
The following was an entry in our Guestbook on 7/1/02.  Subsequently, on 7/16/02, we received an update via email.  We felt that this entry was worth sharing with our visitors.  Enjoy.
Original Post:  7/1/02

Like most Americans, the events of September 11th crushed me. I did not know what to do or think. For 4 days I watched the TV every waking moment. On the 5th day I knew I had to move on, but it didn't feel right. Something was missing; something was gone.

On September 18th I was in my garage looking at the wooden sea kayak I had made from a kit. I had just started kayaking and although I had put a decal of a pink flamingo on the bow, I had never named my boat. Most people must have assumed the name was "Pink Flamingo" (my wife collects and loves flamingos!), but it wasn't. Like everyone, I was still sick over the events of a week ago, but I knew I had to move on.

As a tribute to those who died on 9-11, I named my kayak "Ground Zero" and promised that every adventure I had in that boat would include each and every one of them. I've had many trips with them since, but the one I'm most proud to have them with me on is a 200 mile solo circumnavigation of Puget Sound. I will launch from the town of Allyn on this Saturday, July 6th. I plan to complete the adventure 8 days later on Saturday, July 13th, west of Belfair State Park. Just me and one hell of a lot of folks I never knew, but will share with.

I know they will all be there, and I have every intention of showing them the whole enchilada.
Update - 7/16/02

I have returned alive and well from the circum- navigation of Puget Sound. I must say it was a much more difficult trip than I imagined due to daily wind and currents, but is anything really worth doing ever easy? Although I did miss my wife and 6 pets, I never felt alone out there. I strongly felt the presence of the "troops" from the east coast, and Ground Zero
performed superbly as a boat and was almost vibrating with life out on the Sound. With the support I had, there was never a doubt, not even for a second, that we would end-up where we had to be. I have done many of this style of adventure, but this is the only time doubt never played a role.

I have named the route "The Heart of the Sound". When I returned on Sunday I looked at a map and noticed my route was the shape of an upside-down heart. As my heart was very much a part of my 9 days on Puget Sound, I decided to use that name. I think it very much fits what I felt and believed while paddling 200 nautical miles with one hell of a lot of friends. The experience has helped me to move on from that awful day, and I only wish that I could tell the families their loved ones are all doing well and had a great time! At least that is what I felt.

I felt it a good sign that yesterday they officially ended the rescue operations in New York City. It kind of put an exclamation point on my quest!

Best Regards, and thank you for your support!
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Special Thanks to Paul Dornisch of Puyallup for his permission to use this post.
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