11/19/14

Any "historical" movie with Mel Gibson in it is garbage. The kind of movie that ought to star in "Mystery Science Theater 3000." But allow me to briefly quote one of Mr. Gibson's atrocities…

            "FREEEEEDOOOOOOM!"

            Yes, this morning our band of merry adventurers was awoken by Jeff's short, gruff tones telling us to get going at 5:00 AM. The North Wind, that demonic force of nature that had kept us on a beach for three days, had finally blown itself out. In less than an hour we had our kayaks on the water.

            Cassidy and I took the point of our pod and kept our bow pointed at Jeff as he led us around points, across bays, near a sea turtle, and into Bahia de los Angeles. Where, at the end of our sea kayaking odyssey, we saw a few whales in the distance. We cleaned up and got treated to lunch by a former ECOEE alum. That cold Coke at Guillermo's was great.

            Our final backcountry experience is over. I remember sitting on a beach near Blue Bay our very first night in Canada--writing the group journal  then as well. The stars were bright that night, too. They are out tonight here at Casa Azul. Except the constellations are different. The seasons are changing and Winter is Coming.

            That first day in Canada was so overwhelming. Our navigators turned the wrong way right off the bat, John and Vickey took on water, bear bags were an ordeal, and we had to figure out tents and stoves. My, oh my, how far we've come.

            Rivers, mountains, valleys, and more roads than I can remember--all have brought us to this little blue house in Mexico and its wise owner. A tough man named Francisco who has helped us out in so many ways. Just imagine if he had been with us in Ontario!

            Now we are about to leave this place. But that's what ECOEE has been about the entire time, right? We arrive in our white vans, fall in love with something, and leave it. I guess that's one lesson that we can take away from all of this--the rapids, the misty lakes, the pouring rain, giant waves, snow, northern lights, brilliant sunrises, giant rocks, mighty waterfalls, hot beaches, and the eternal ocean--Carpe Diem, seize the day. Make your lives extraordinary.

                                                                                                Most Respectfully,

                                                                                                Anthony Killion