LURE OF THE HORIZON

2009 Kayak (mis)Adventure: The Virgin Islands

In late 2008, a few friends and I began plotting a vacation/adventure that would be based on kayaking through the Virgin Islands.  Another guy and myself had been there before and shared a common love for the islands.  We investigated many options but found the only way to achieve what we wanted to accomplish would be to build our own “folding” kayaks (kayaks that could be broken down and transported in a large duffel bag).  So 2009 was spent in the garage of John Heffernon as kayaks were built, broken, cussed, and rebuilt. 

The kayaks were completed about 12 hours before our departure flight.  Let me say that again.  The kayaks were completed about 12 hours before our departure flight.  There was no time to test anything.  The few weeks prior to departure was a mad rush to finish construction before the deadline.  …and we made it.  Barely.

The players here are myself, Eric “Frank” Gifford, and John “Hef” Heffernon.  Keith “ouch my elbow hurts” Murry is the fourth vital player in this saga, but unfortunately could not go due to an elbow injury.  (and to pay homage to him - on our first night on Tortola we raised our rum bottles to Keith and toasted “the fourth musketeer who could not be here - but we could not be here without”.  Thanks Keith.

So without further babbling I will begin our trip one day at a time.  Words cannot describe the beauty, adventure, bonding, fear, brotherhood, and education that the islands gave us.  I shall do my best.  Enjoy.