Luggage Blues…

Posted by Greg on June 14, 2008

Tom Petty summed it up best in his song, “…the waiting is the hardest part…”.   Continental airlines “misplaced” one of my three gear bags. Since I need the contents to outfit my kayak, each day the bag hasn’t arrived will result in a day’s delay. There is only one flight by that airline into St. John’s nightly.  The flight last night was cancelled.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the bag has been found and will be delivered tonight. That said, this is just a part of traveling that you have to take in stride…

Immigration interviewed me for quite some time when I landed Thursday night. Apparently the combination of a one-way ticket and staying 60+ days, spelled “trouble”. I was asked a number of interesting questions such as “what kind of work do you do that allows you to take 2 month vacations?  Where will you sleep and stay along the way?  Why are you travelling around the island?”  My unspecific answers, “I will paddle until I find a beautiful spot and then camp”, didn’t fit nicely into the safe, strict ininerary that the officer wanted to hear. Eventually, though the officer smiled and said “have a nice trip”.

Rain is pattering on the roof. Weather is foggy, wet and cool — but a welcome break from the heat of Florida.

Neil Burgess was gracious enough to drive me around town to obtain groceries, white gas, and other supplies.  We picked up the kayak that I will be using for the trip. The kayak has been modified by changing the rope-skeg mechanism to a wire-skeg, but the design looks bomproof and works smoothly. Malcolm Rowe had a lovely dinner for me and a few close friends last night. Many thanks for the warm welcome and hospitality! Also many thanks to Neil and Isabelle for hosting me in their home.