We arrived in Old Forge, NY on April 30, 2009 for Gil to start the trip of a lifetime (to Gil). It rained all night and the wind was blowing hard.

May 1st: We hunted for a restaurant which was open so that Gil could have a good breakfast before he left. Still raining and the wind blowing.

When we got to the boat ramp, I suggested that we might stay another night and wait for better weather. Gil said no and proceeded to load the kayak. As you can see in the picture, he was loaded. I said that he looked like the old time "tinkers" I believe they were called who took a wagon around with pots and pans hanging to sell to the settlers of yore.

May 6th : I have not heard from Gil at all and am a little worried. I bought him a Trac phone to take on the trip and have to try and remember that towers are few and far between.

While doing bills online I see a sign that Gil is alive and spending money. There is a charge on our on line banking that he spent money at the Long Lake Post Office. I'm thinking maybe he sent me something for our anniversary tomorrow.

May 7th : I call the Springfield post office to see if I have mail from New York. Our postmistress said that I had a package from Gil. I rushed to get it, opened it and found our camcorder inside, no note that said I'm alive, hello, or anything. I think he was afraid it would get wet.

May 9th : My first call and Gil says its been raining since he left. Everything he took is wet except his sleeping bag. Even the dry bags he took ripped after getting wet and hindsight told him he should have bought another kind.

May 10th: Another call, he spent today in his sleeping bag. It is raining so hard you can't see in front of you.