Life changing event #2

The second event on the list is something obvious but at the same time amazing. Have you ever wondered where osprey's get the sticks to build their nests? This question has bugged myself and my dad for a long time, but last week the bugging question was answered.

We were floating along and watching some Herons when we noticed an osprey flying in. We couldn't tell where it was heading because it was controlling its flight like it was going in for a landing. But, it wasn't slowing down. It was heading right for a dead part of a pine tree; we were there thinking, "well it can't land there" SNAP The osprey took the top of the tree right off, a good 4 foot stick.

Sitting there jaw open, watching the osprey carry its stick off to the nest, we couldn't believe what just happened. All these years wondering, answered in a single act. Life changing.

Life changing event #1

A new series spawned to replicate the series of things that are awesome about Korea, but now applied to river life.

Life on the river is a life of bliss and beauty. The river itself is something of wonder as it is 1/4 of the worlds fresh water, constantly flowing. But the things that really get me about the river is all of the life that it supports. The fish, insects and most importantly the birds.

There is a whole plethora of fowl that use the river as their home and source of food.

The first event that I'm going to blog about are the loons.

Loons are probably one of the more majestic birds that dwell on the river. They are huge, weighing up to or slightly more than 10lbs. The loon is a bird with a song that everyone knows and loves to hear.

On my kayak paddles around the river I have come to see many loons. They are a lot more tame than they used to be, so now I can get some great shots of them. Though recently, while paddling around I have seen events with the loons that many don't get to see. Either because they are too busy driving around on their jet-skies or "penis boats" so they don't stop to see what the river really is.

While kayaking around I have seen a mother loon on her nest, blended right in with the rocks that I didn't even notice she was there. It wasn't until I unknowingly got uncomfortably close that she shot off her nest and feigned injured to draw my attention away. This was such an awe to see that I sat jaw-dropped for a good 2 minutes.

Then the other night, I was out enjoying the nice evening and up I came upon two more Loons. But these guys were being very distant and making a point to keep that distance. I got as close as I could, and noticed that momma loon had two little babies on her back. This is the common loon mothering, she will carry them on her back and daddy will guard/hunt. It's a real relationship, raw and clean, right in front of you.

Can you slow down your normal life so that you can see what's all around you?

The River Rat returns

After two years in Korea the Traveling River Rat returns to familiar seas.

Living on the St. Lawrence River for over 20 years, I finally left for S.Korea. While in S.Korea I met awesome people and often talked about my life on the river. After 2 years there, I started to miss things that I used to find fun, but also tedious.

Like kayaking, I've always loved to do it, but never really appreciated the grace that goes into it and that it is the prefect way to see the river. When I decided to come back to the river after 2 years in Korea, I promised myself that I would no longer take living in such a glorious place for granted. That I would take my sense of adventure and exploration and apply it to my summer.

I'm proud to say that I've kept to my promise (even amidst the killer jetlag that has me getting at most 4 hours of sleep a night). But I've been pushing through it and getting out on the river and doing what I've been wanting to do for a long time.

One of the missions that I set myself on, is to get the ultimate shot of the iconic Blue Heron. While I've been successful on some fronts I still think that I can do better. And my mission is going to be a tough one, as the heron is a skittish bird and takes flight over the smallest noise. But its not in my blood to give up, so my mission continues.

One forth of the worlds fresh water flows as the St. Lawrence river. It's amazing to think about and even more awesome to be on. The past two days of kayaking around have been my greatest bliss. When I'm out on the river, I am in just pure heaven. I've seen some pretty awesome things in my travels but so far, nothing can really compare to being in a kayak, gliding along the water's surface; among fish, bugs and the abundance of birds that call the river home.

I missed the river, I missed the wildlife and ecology that surrounds the river. Living and watching nature happen right infront of you, is more of an education than any book can teach.

Destination: Heaven

Place: Mt. Halla, Jeju, South Korea.

Height: 1950 meters

Length: Gwaneumsa Route: 6.8km

Time: 8-9 hours. I did it in exactly 8 hours

Condition: Trail - grueling Mine - exhausted.

Trail: Straight up, nonstop. Rugged and ever changing.

Purpose: To see the Heavenly Lake that awaits those willing to risk life and limb.

Mission: Complete.

Mt. Halla, the highest mountain of South Korea and the one that dominates the island of Jeju, is not a mountain to take lightly. Located in the center of Jeju island, Mt. Halla is a sight to be seen. But what is more than the mountain itself is what the summit holds. The carter lake. The soul purpose that many are drawn to attempt the climb.

While I was preparing my adventure to Jeju, I came across pictures of the famed Baengnok (뱅녹) Lake. From the moment I saw it, I knew that I wanted to see it with my own eyes. So after a few days of roaming around Jeju island and seeing waterfalls and temples. I took a day of rest on Sunday and then on Monday, I got up early for the adventure that still has my legs fretting any type of climbing.

The climb started out relatively easy, but about half way there, the trail started to incline, steadily. And a short km later, I was huffing and puffing trying to catch my breath. But I was determined to get to the top, so on I pushed. And as I passed Koreans on their way down, I was greeted with smiles and cheers. When I reached the first check station, I took a 10 minute break for a snack of snickers, an egg sandwich and some beef jerky and a ton of water.

Then, after talking to some Koreans about myself and why I was hiking, I pressed on. The trail really took a turn for the wicked. And the more you tried to go up, the more the mountain seemed to pull you back. Like gravity was trying to throw you down. And not to mention that the high you go, the thinner the air. But not long after the first rest station you clear the tree line and this is revealed. At this sight, you almost want to say that it is enough. It can't get prettier than this.

Let me tell you that it can. And it does.

This is not the summit. But we are on our way. Like something out of a fantasy movie or video game this stunning scenery hits you. And as you almost collapse from fatigue, exhaustion and overheating, the mountain throws you a favor and it starts to lightly rain. A welcomed sign from the Gods that they favor your endeavor. So I picked myself up and continued on, letting the rain cool my body and catching what I could for hydration.

Then I found a second gift, pure, drinkable, mountain stream water. It was perfect timing too, because my camel pack was dry and my water bottle was on its last leg. The clear, clean, crisp mountain water truly was a gift from the Gods. Because as I drank it, I could feel my energy return. I also came to find out that drinking this water adds 100 years to your life. Just like a video game.

The final push. Now, you are over 1000 meters high, you are exhausted from the 6km you've just pushed yourself up. And now you have .8 more to go. Do you decide that this is it, you've seen enough? Do you give up so close to your goal? No! The mountain is testing you, don't let its ever increasing trails and thinning air detour you. Push! The reward is waiting! Steel your resolve and swallow your pride, Heaven is waiting! This is what I heard in my head as I took one last break and gulp of fresh mountain water. Cracking my neck and repeating Niche in my head "What doesn't destroy me only makes me stronger", I got my final wind. And to Heaven, I climbed, almost could call it crawled.

But when I broke the summit, I could feel the grueling agony of the hike lift. All when I saw this:

There is it folks, the crater lake. The grand prize for killing yourself. I still feel like a part of me is still there, marveling.