Day One

8th May 2023

7th May: Is this what it feels like, did Shackleton or Drake feel this? The excitement, the nerves, the release as soon as that paddle breaks the surface for the first time? 

Day 1
From Steilacoom  to Vashon Island
Distance covered 27.5km 

What a glorious feeling! It’s like someone flicked a pressure switch – we departed with Rule Britannia echoing in our ears! What a send off by the town of Steilacoom! Barb, Nancy you are rockstars!!! 
Those kilometres flew by; everyone was taking that bit of solace, that bit of silence and just enjoying being on the water!! 
Random acts of human kindness; I have stated before that everyone has a story as long as you are willing to listen! This is what we experienced today at Vashon Island, the camp site lisabuela – and we have been accommodated by Erin and her husband Doug, a Veteran, for free!  We met James Cottrell – what an interesting man! We met him whilst he cycled past slammed on the brakes and said ‘tell me more!’ He said give me a couple of minutes; I will be back! The man brought us home-made air dried venison sausages and shared his life story!! 
A mother and daughter stopped for a chat, then surprised us with homemade brownies!!! They were still warm!! 
Our first sighting of a humpback whale!!! If this is the first day the next has a lot to answer for!!!

Markus Strydom MC