I just completed a 6 day kayaking expedition with a small group into 10,000 islands in SW Florida. Even though I have done a lot of river kayaking, this was my first experience of having to carry all our food, water and equipment across open water in rough seas and windy conditions. we learned how to pack the kayaks: A for Access, B for balance and C for compression. I hope these poems give you an idea what this trip was like.
Kayaking - The First Night
Time to sleep
approaching waves
get louder and louder
as the tide creeps up
As the tide recedes
The sounds become
a sweet water lullaby
and my aching body
drifts into sleep
getting ready
for another day
Riding the waves
Day two- aching back
Aching back,
Cramping fingers
holding too tight
expanding pain
no thought of joy
Only hoping to get through
to stretch and rest.
There must be a better way.
Anthony shows me
coaching me
upright posture
straight arms
turning shoulders
feet to hips
rotating, twisting
motion is lotion.
Slowly things get better
movement becomes smoother
effort becomes less
my whole body
begins to share its power
The kayak understands now
we can glide together
in the pause
between the strokes
There is no thought
still breath, still mind
fully present
in this gorgeous moment
of now.
Day Three
Into wind and waves
bright sunlight
splashing sparkling
rhythmically slicing
through waves
ready to brace
when broadside hits
fear transmutes
into exhilaration and confidence
that the kayak and I
are moving as one
toward our daily destination.
We change direction
the wind behind us
the waves lifting us up
the kayak and I start to ride
with a powerful push
as the bow falls
the wave holds us
surfing now
carried effortlessly
toward the shoreline
Day Four - speed is your friend
Speed is your friend
into the wind and sparkling water
cutting through waves and swells
becoming one with the boat
the waves the water.
All is one,
the rhythm of the sea
losing fear, feeling confidence
being prepared, digging in
as the wave hits sideways
again and again,
Speed is your friend
The Last Night
Another glorious sunset
far away from city lights
pure darkness descends
sparkling diamonds emerge
stars and planets
then the milky way
spirals across the sky.
Towards the north
a manmade flash of light
Artemis launched
A Bright flame drops
the booster separated
returns home.
We settle in again
into the vast universe,
distant stars and planets
remind us
to be grateful
for our beautiful planet
supporting life
in so many forms,
in the oceans
on the land
and in the skies
above.
Coming Home
The last long day
completing our circle.
Everglades city
the beginning and end.
Leaving behind the sand,
sand in my clothes
sand in my tent
five sandy nights
seventeen sandy meals.
How will I adjust
to clean sheets
on a soft mattress,
washing in fresh water
Food without sand?
I’ll bring a bucket of sand
to sprinkle on food
put into my shoes.
Maybe even in bed too.
©MartinStrasmore2026
