Many ropes. We have rope on the bow (front) and stern (back) of the kayak, in case we get in any hairy situations. Also, we decided, from yesterday, everything sitting in the front of the kayak needs to be looped and connected together and tied to the front with a separate piece of rope.
What's loose? I have our safety bag, sitting between my legs at all times. If ejected, it floats. Our water bottles are loose; usually six plastic behemoth-sized ones in the front and another one in the back with me. Depending on the situation, a small sunscreen bottle and my sunglasses are somewhere around my feet, or close to the seat.
Pastel-colored roofs. Passing the coast of Jejudo, what is ubiquitous is the brightly colored roofs in pastel colors of orange, blue, brown, and sometimes green. Why is this? It is enlightening to find something unique about Korean (Jeju) architecture, but even when it is semi-unique, it is all the same. There are more than three or four colors in a box of crayons.
Haevichi Resort in the distance. I had been eyeing this the entire day. Finally, it arrived.
Swamp thing. I think Sherrin was wearing gloves at this point. Not only does she look amphibious, the fact we went through muck makes it even more plausible I photographed a swamp creature.
What happens if the kayak capsizes? Good question. Almost everything is tied to the boat. Just like a whitewater raft, the person will likely be extremely close to the kayak and the safety bag if out. Find the safety bag (if not already hanging on to it) and hold on to the kayak. Assess the water, turn over the kayak, and crawl back in either from the back or the side. If one oar is missing or not around, there is a spare safety oar tied to the side. Anything can happen. With Sherrin already in the water, she can provide two more hands to settle everything back to normal.
What's more dangerous, swimming and kayaking around Jeju or driving Jeju roads? Driving, without a doubt. On my scooter ride home, I saw a nasty bicycle accident. A car sideswiped a bicycle rider heading east on 1132 in the single lane past Jocheon toward Hamdeok. I stopped, but there were seven others around aiding the situation and the numerous gawkers. The victim had a bloody head. Driving in Korea, especially Jeju, is not worth the risk.
Camping on hiatus. I have officially camped two nights. Once the next rest day or two strikes, I will be up for it after. In the meantime, I have been scootering back and forth to Samyang for blogging, uploading pictures, showering, and sleeping. Endless e-mails!
Steve, sit down. These words, Sherrin said while taking a recent break. I have heard this phrase in various forms, a few times from different people. I sit six hours in a kayak. It's nice to stand and be relaxed.
A welcomed landing at Pyoseon. From right, Sung-mi (cell phone), who is making a film for The World Environment and Peace Summer School; Young-lim (sun hat), who is making a Korean documentary about our excursion; Justin (no shirt), who is making an English documentary, and Justin's girlfriend, Tara, in the background all made us feel better after a grinding day.
-Steve
No comments:
Post a Comment