Level 54: the Long Boat

In a few weeks, I level up to level 54. Happy birthday to me! Fifty-four is going to be a great year. When I look back over the last 6 years, I realize just how amazing life is and how much God has really blessed me. Just when I think, “Life can’t get ANY better than this,” I look around and think, “WOW! It just did!”

None of the obstacles in life have kept me from enjoying life. Sure there are temporary setbacks and anxieties, but overall, when I look back where I was 6 years ago, the transformation is amazing. I was unhappy, stressed, anxious and really not enjoying life. Sure, I loved my boys and homeschooling, but the rest of my life was flat and boring. I dreamed of hiking, camping, kayaking and being outdoors. None of those dreams came to fruition until these last 6 years. Just a few weeks ago, I received a text from a friend saying, “Happy 3 year Jeep anniversary!” My Jeep really got me to all the places I dreamed of going……and more.

So, what’s this got to do with level 54 and long boats? Touring! I have wanted a touring kayak for quite some time. I want to explore the ocean inlets and paddle the Everglades. So, for my next level, I bought a Carolina 14. It is beautiful. She glides so quickly across the water. I had been going to Get Outdoors and sitting in the Carolina 14 and a couple of others for a while. I sat in a Tsunami. I finally decided that the Carolina was the boat for me. I love my other Perception Kayak and they have upgraded the seats since I bought my old trusty blue boat. I like the larger cockpits on Perceptions, too. It’s a win.

The day I bought my Carolina, I took it out to a local lake to paddle. A few days later, my rudder kit arrived and I came home to find Marty installing it for me. This past Saturday, we paddled over 12 miles down the Catawba River. So beautiful and so much fun. Of course, if I had brought my XP9, I would have been able to go through some different places on the river. It’s good to have choices. <laughter>

Who ever knew that the second half century of life would far surpass the first half? People always say it is all downhill after 40, but I seem to be getting better with age. My goal is to be flexible enough to still tie my shoes when I’m in my eighties. I’m working on it……