“We are such stuff as dreams are made on And our little lives are rounded with a sleep.”
Prospero/The Tempest
William Shakespeare
Living the Tsunami dream
Eric Soares was a great dreamer. That is why he accomplished so much. Eric and his great friend Jim Kakuk spent hours daydreaming about life and coming up with ideas and plans for the future. Their relationship was all about freedom, equality and opportunity, and it allowed them and their visions to flourish. They formed the Tsunami Ranger kayak team and went on adventures. In fact, Eric often used the time spent during one adventure to brainstorm with his teammates and form plans for the next. One of Eric’s favorite lines was “What’s next for the Tsunami Rangers?”
Eric once told me that many if not most of his ideas never came to fruition, but instead of a failure, he saw that as an inevitable result of the sheer number of ideas he had. His best ideas did manifest, such as the forming of the Tsunami Rangers, the inception of the Sea Gypsy Race, the Tsunami Ranger retreats, the many videos and articles he produced, and his books. Another of the visions he brought to fruition was his website and blog post.
One of the great things about this site is that we get to share our photos with the world
Since he moved to Ashland, Oregon in 2008, Eric spent less time surfing waves and more time surfing the Internet. But he started his blog, and he loved it. He spent hours talking about topics for posts and researching and writing, and he loved seeing who would comment and what kind of comments he’d receive. The blog allowed him to reach out to kayakers all over the world, and some amazing discussions came out of it, often but not always about kayaking. It was Eric’s dream that his blog would continue after his death.
This leads me to an interesting aspect of dreams. A dream can be bigger than the dreamer. The blog was Eric’s vision, not mine. It never occurred to me that I would have a role in it other than being a sounding board for Eric. But when it looked like no one wanted to take it on, I realized I didn’t want to see it go away. It meant so much to Eric. It is too big a project for me alone, but Eric and I always appreciated the value of a team. Much can be accomplished by a group where one would founder. That was the whole point of the Tsunami Rangers – to allow individuals to safely kayak together in rocks and caves where it would be foolhardy (and boring) to go alone. So I asked the Tsunami Rangers to help me with the blog, and Eric’s brother John offered to teach me to run the site. Now together we will continue this interesting and valuable contribution to the kayaking community. The blog will be another team effort, this time online. Eric’s vision has now involved all of us who will participate, creating new relationships, new challenges, and new adventures. Once again, Eric is bringing people together.
Dreamer Island, where the Tsunami Rangers go to dream.
Needless to say, the blog will become less focused on Eric and more focused on the Tsunami Rangers as a group and on kayaking in general. Each of the Rangers has a unique perspective. They are all strong, intelligent and capable kayakers. And some of them can really write! Eric attracted the best. We are also thinking of soliciting suggestions from readers and passing them on to the Ranger who can best address the issue at hand. We may ask for people to send in questions that could spark new articles and discussions. We will intersperse our posts with pieces Eric had already written. The good news is that Eric left us many stories, poems, unpublished articles, and other writings which he would have liked to have shared. All we ask is that people keep reading and participating.
Tsunami playground – the Rangers returned to this beauty spot again and again to retreat and reconnect
I’d like to say a few more words about dreams. We need time and freedom to daydream. How can we create that space in our lives? I remember sitting around the breakfast table with Eric and my son Nick discussing our dreams of the night before. Who can we share our visions with? I remember a year or two before Eric and I moved in to our house on Harbor Drive across from Pillar Point Harbor I had a dream in which I was floating about 20 feet above the ocean on a dark night about a mile and a half out to sea. I was looking back at the land and the lights of a small town were sparkling against the low hills. I was dancing to the Boz Scaggs song “Harbor Lights” and I was supremely happy. Can we have faith that our dreams will lead us to our bliss? I have had many dreams of Eric since he died, and two waking visions. Dreams guide us, comfort us, and exhort us. Dreams can be prophetic. What can we learn from them? All great adventures begin with a dream, a daydream, or a vision of one kind or another.
Eric would be the first to encourage us to follow our dreams. What’s your kayaking dream? Share it with us below.
I remember spending a very fun (and slightly drunken) evening with Kevin Mansel (Jersey sea kayak ghuru) ‘planning’ my dream of a circumnavigation of the world by kayak. It all seemed very do-able with a single malt for Dutch courage. Although the crossings from Greenland to Iceland and Iceland to the Faroes look a little sketchy to me now.
It will remain a dream for me now that I have two wonderful children who would never forgive me if I embarked on such a long and dangerous voyage. But I can still dream can’t I? That’s the beauty of dreams – they make the impossible seem real and once in a while we get the opportunity to turn a dream into reality and if Eric taught us anything by his example it is to grasp those opportunities with both hands.
Thanks for keeping this blog alive Nancy and I’ll be happy to contribute whenever I feel I have something relevant to say.
My best wishes….Sean
Sean, thanks for sharing your dream. I had to laugh! And yet, who knows, someone may circumnavigate the world by kayak yet. It’s amazing what a little scotch can do for the soul.
Eric loved your comments and we will all look forward to hearing from you!
This is so awesome, Nancy! I feel Dad beaming (cosmically, of course).
My kayaking dream… to pass on the love and respect my father and grandfather had for the water onto my daughter.
Micaila, thanks for commenting. Maybe if you come up in summer sometime we can take the kayaks out. Emigrant Lake and Applegate Lake are nearby and Eric and I went out on both of them. Applegate in particular is very pretty. It would be safe and fun for P.
Thanks, Nancy, for continuing the dreams – of all kinds – with us.
My dreaming at night is often quite insightful (probably simply processing the “things” of the day which didn’t get enough attention then) and sometimes seemingly disconnected from life. But they are all still ME and I enjoy contemplating and discussing them later.
But my favorite “dreams” are those which become inspiration and which I might turn into reality. As long as I have no expectation that most will actually become reality, especially in all their incarnations, my mind, whether wandering or focused, is a rich guide. Whatever happens during the planning and dissolution or execution of a dream is always exciting and fulfilling.
Since Eric left us, I have reread his Confessions of a Wave Warrior book. It has been a perfect opportunity to reconnect with Eric and the Rangers, and with the fun, stories, challenges, friendship and love that Eric, Jim and many others share. If anyone wants to connect with that spirit, I heartily encourage reading Confessions.
Joanne, I loved your comment. It’s great to hear from a fellow dreamer. One of my challenges is to keep kayaking now I don’t have Eric to spur me on. But I have 3 beautiful Tsunami kayaks, an X-3, an X-15 (my fave), and an
X-0 (great rock gardening boat). I may have to part with the X-3 though – I’d need a partner who can help me lift it – it weighs 150 lbs. and right now I’ve got a bad shoulder. So one of my dreams is to get back on the water, doing the surfing and rock gardening Eric taught me to love and improving my skills.
And PS, thanks for plugging Confessions. It really is a great read. I think a lot of us are rereading it just now.
I’m not one to idolize anyone just because they have a popular talent.”Music gods”, “sports hero” “super star actor” what ever. I had the fortune to cross paths with Eric a couple times most notably being in the class that went to hell in the confessions book. And most recently last years GGSKS. E
OOPSSS, DON’T HIT SUBMIT JUST YET!
Continuing……every time I ran into him a again I couldn’t help but think what a fun combination of talent at it’s peak or close, humor, passion of what he loved.
I don’t idolize him but
Jack, I’m so impressed that in one sentence you said you had the “fortune” to cross paths with Eric in the “Worst Class Ever” (see his book “Confessions of a Wave Warrior”). Eric never forgot that class. It was an humbling experience for him and there were some who suggested it wasn’t something he should put in the book because it didn’t make him look so good. However, he saw it this way; the book was about confessing the truth about his life as a wave warrior, and it wasn’t all guts and glory. That particular story goes to show that just because you’re a great kayaker, it doesn’t mean you’re a great teacher. Actually, Jim and Eric are two of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered, and not just with regard to kayaking. But even the best make mistakes, and it’s a lesson worth remembering.
OOPSSS, DON’T HIT SUBMIT JUST YET!
Continuing……every time I ran into him a again I couldn’t help but think what a fun combination of talent at it’s peak or close, humor, passion of what he loved and the ability to share that passion or at least certainly have it rub off on you.
I don’t idolize him but I sure as hell know when I’ve met someone on a different level altogether and who is really IS a “someone” having been worth knowing.
I really appreciate that trait and am happy to have crossed paths with him. What a character! Let there be more like him.
Jack
It would be wonderful if this forum continues on! And what a perfect subject to start with – DREAMS! Eric, through his teachings and by his wonderful example taught so many of us to dream about kayaking in new and expanded ways. For example, whenever I paddle past or into a sea cave that makes a particularly deep sound, my thoughts always wander to the Balrog dwelling deep inside the cave! What an amazing metaphor… And whenever everyday work seems particularly mundane, it is never far for the mind to wander away to the next kayaking adventure. For me, my dream is to better live up to Eric’s commandment #9 – “Though shalt go on quests”. I often dream about and plan for “long journeys to distant shores”.
Anders, I love your comment!!! “Thou shalt go on quests!” I mean really, what else is there? And a quest can mean so many things. I hope you will share your journeys with us from time to time – nothing is more uplifting than hearing about someone who is fulfilling a dream.
This forum will continue as long as there are those of us who can allow ourselves to dream…and do something about it!
You are so very welcome:)
Dreams, whether conscious or unconscious are how the mind can expand its boundaries; visualize, explore, and manifest.
I was also in The Worst Class Ever, I thought it was a blast (especially Day 2).
It was disconcerting that Andy a I left the beach last, and were the first of our group to get back to the put in. We were cool. Eric paired us up and told us to stay together, no problem. It was after we got back, that we heard the rest of the story.
Thanks for keeping the blog going, it is a special place.
It is interesting that in any given scenario, no two people see quite the same thing. Any cop will tell you that about witnesses. And if you’ve ever watched the movie Rashomon, well, it speaks for itself. The Worst Class Ever amply illustrates that point. Eric and Jim were out of sync, a thing that I don’t think had ever happened to them until that day, certainly not to the extent that it compromised anyone’s safety, and it was completely unexpected. An incident like that could have irreparably damaged their friendship but because their relationship as manifested in their shared dreams and vision was more powerful than any falling out, they worked it out and if anything their bond was stronger than ever. Thanks for your comment, Rainer. We’ll look forward to your feedback on the blog.
Great stuff, Nancy:
Here’s a little quote from my book, “In the Wake of the Jomon” that seems applicable: “In my youth, I had assumed that romanticism is frilly faced and soft bellied, and logic and pragmatism must underlie strong deeds. But I don’t believe that anymore….I had followed my internal voices for two years and 3,000 hardscrabble miles, and in that space and time I learned that great accomplishments are driven by quixotic images and quiet but persistent dreams.”
Beautiful, Jon!
Ah, the internal voices. Sometimes our lives are so full of sound and fury that we don’t listen, or simply can’t hear. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve regretted not listening, but I will say that as I’ve gotten older I’ve quieted both my internal and external worlds to the point that I mostly hear and obey, especially when it comes to the big stuff.
I dig the direction Eric’s blog is going in. For some crazy reason, when I think of dreams, I think of songs about dreaming
Supertramp’s “Dreamer”, Mama Cass’ “Dream A Little Dream Of Me”, Aerosmith’s “Dream on”, John Lennon’s “#9 Dream”, and how about the Electric Prunes’ “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night”–all songs Eric dug.
Marc Soares
Hi Nancy
I looked forward to reading Eric’s blog posts as they were published and I visit often to refer to old posts for tips and information and to enjoy the discussions that arose.
It seems fitting that Eric’s blog is evolving and changing just as our dreams do.
Dreamer Tess
It’s wonderful, Nancy, that you are continuing this wonderful blog, the best in the kayaking world in my opinion. I plan on being a “regular”, and will post whenever I have something to say. Thanks for keeping Eric’s dream and spirit of adventure alive!
Tony
Actually kayaking kind of puts me into a dream state. It’s a bit of a contradiction, because at the same time I’m wide awake with full awareness and concentration. That is necessary considering where you are when out on the sea in a tiny boat! Awareness is heightened but it feels dreamlike. So let’s call it a “heightened awareness dream state.” It doesn’t happen all the time, but more often out on the water than elsewhere, in my experience.
Thanks for your comment, John. What you’re describing reminds me of something Nick was talking about on FB the other day about “lucid dreams” where you’re asleep and dreaming but you know it. He had a link to a site where they talked about studies where the dreamers used eye movement to indicate when they were dreaming. I didn’t know you could do that! There’s a lot we don’t know about how our minds work.
TR thank you for keeping Eric’s dreams and the stories alive.
I drempt of meeting and paddling with the Tsunami Rangers. One day out of the fog at Russian Gulch Eric, Jim, Michael, and a few others appeared. A friendship was born.
Thank you Nancy for spearheading this!
Jeff, I am so glad you got a chance to fulfull your dream of meeting the TR’s. Especially at Russian Gulch – such a beautiful place. Thank you for helping to keep the dream alive! (I wonder how many stories of people meeting Eric and the Rangers start with the words “Out of the fog”?)
Nancy, I’m so glad you’re going to keep Eric’s blog going! I know many folks who consider it to be the finest sea kayaking site on the web, and I look forward to seeing it grow and evolve in your capable and loving hands.
One of my favorite quotes related to new ventures of any kind was penned by Goethe:
“Whatever you do
Or dream you can
Begin It.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic
In it.
My dream is to start a National Center for Cold Water Safety. Eric was the first person who agreed to be on our Board of Advisors, and I feel him on my shoulder as I move forward to make that dream come true.
Dreams give wings to creativity and they’re the birthplace of adventure and great deeds. We’d live in a dull and impoverished world without them. Eric’s advice to me about my dream? He said “Make it so.” I said I would, and intend to keep my promise – to him and to myself.
Thanks, Moulton, for a lovely comment. I’m going to do my best to continue posting quality pieces. The Goethe quote is great. Boldness indeed has genius, power, and magic in it. I don’t know if you know this, but “Make it so” was Capt. Picard’s line on the Star Trek Voyager Series. We watched that all the time. It’s a good saying. Good luck with your dream. I’ll share another of Eric’s faves with you. It’s from “Alexander the Great” as played by Richard Burton: “So be it!”
Thank you Nancy this blog, for nurturing the dreamer and dreams of Eric and in all of us. For some reason I was thinking about one of Erics dreams, and he had so many as you said. I was thinking about the journey to Azores that Eric had visualized. There is no question in my mind that Eric was a whaler and a pirate, based in Azores in one of his past lives. It would be great to take a journey or quest to the Azores, to make an offering there on Don Diegos behalf. Not sure when, not sure who, not sure what the offering would be but thats a dream of mine to fulfill that dream of Don Diegos.
I also wanted to share a wonderful story about a photographer and artist, who would dream about landscapes, places in the far north and south of the planet, Arctic, Greenland and the like. She would dream about specific places in the evening, wake up and then tell her husband, “we need to go to Greenland this summer” for her photographic journey documenting changes in the ice cap. She then would would plan the journey and go with husband and daughters. That happened a number of times, the destination appearing in the a dream then she went and took stunning images of these places.
So may we all be so fortunate to actualize our dreams, she and Don Diego!
Great comment, Steve! I like your idea of a trip to the Azores. Eric and I had toyed with the idea but never actually brought it to fruition. Michael has been talking to Gordon about filming the Molokai trip we had planned next year, but maybe an Azores trip could follow. A topic for discussion on the next retreat?
Hi, I just came across this blog and reading your story about Eric, you and your dreams are very inspirational especially because as a person with great passion for kayaking, everything becomes a challenge when you’re in the waters, whether within the calm waves or the raging, turbulent ones. Because of that, every challenge makes the dream bigger and it transforms a person into a better person.
Kayaker, I completely agree. One of my biggest challenges just now is to continue to kayak without my partner, especially now I live in Ashland. But I just spent 2 days at Sea Ranch on the Mendocino Coast and was able to get out on the water with a couple of the TR’s and some friends. We found a new cove to play in and a new beach to land on and hunted abalone. And even though getting the boat on the truck and tied down without Eric presented its own challenges, I had to rise to the occasion, so I did, and I do feel stronger and more positive that I pulled the trip off successfully. Thanks for your comment:)
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Great article Aunt Nancy! I’m very proud of you!
Thanks, Kasey! Now if I can just get my gravatar in gear (yuck yuck).
I remember spending a very fun (and slightly drunken) evening with Kevin Mansel (Jersey sea kayak ghuru) ‘planning’ my dream of a circumnavigation of the world by kayak. It all seemed very do-able with a single malt for Dutch courage. Although the crossings from Greenland to Iceland and Iceland to the Faroes look a little sketchy to me now.
It will remain a dream for me now that I have two wonderful children who would never forgive me if I embarked on such a long and dangerous voyage. But I can still dream can’t I? That’s the beauty of dreams – they make the impossible seem real and once in a while we get the opportunity to turn a dream into reality and if Eric taught us anything by his example it is to grasp those opportunities with both hands.
Thanks for keeping this blog alive Nancy and I’ll be happy to contribute whenever I feel I have something relevant to say.
My best wishes….Sean
Sean, thanks for sharing your dream. I had to laugh! And yet, who knows, someone may circumnavigate the world by kayak yet. It’s amazing what a little scotch can do for the soul.
Eric loved your comments and we will all look forward to hearing from you!
This is so awesome, Nancy! I feel Dad beaming (cosmically, of course).
My kayaking dream… to pass on the love and respect my father and grandfather had for the water onto my daughter.
Micaila, thanks for commenting. Maybe if you come up in summer sometime we can take the kayaks out. Emigrant Lake and Applegate Lake are nearby and Eric and I went out on both of them. Applegate in particular is very pretty. It would be safe and fun for P.
Thanks, Nancy, for continuing the dreams – of all kinds – with us.
My dreaming at night is often quite insightful (probably simply processing the “things” of the day which didn’t get enough attention then) and sometimes seemingly disconnected from life. But they are all still ME and I enjoy contemplating and discussing them later.
But my favorite “dreams” are those which become inspiration and which I might turn into reality. As long as I have no expectation that most will actually become reality, especially in all their incarnations, my mind, whether wandering or focused, is a rich guide. Whatever happens during the planning and dissolution or execution of a dream is always exciting and fulfilling.
Since Eric left us, I have reread his Confessions of a Wave Warrior book. It has been a perfect opportunity to reconnect with Eric and the Rangers, and with the fun, stories, challenges, friendship and love that Eric, Jim and many others share. If anyone wants to connect with that spirit, I heartily encourage reading Confessions.
And, yes, paddle happy! Joanne
Joanne, I loved your comment. It’s great to hear from a fellow dreamer. One of my challenges is to keep kayaking now I don’t have Eric to spur me on. But I have 3 beautiful Tsunami kayaks, an X-3, an X-15 (my fave), and an
X-0 (great rock gardening boat). I may have to part with the X-3 though – I’d need a partner who can help me lift it – it weighs 150 lbs. and right now I’ve got a bad shoulder. So one of my dreams is to get back on the water, doing the surfing and rock gardening Eric taught me to love and improving my skills.
And PS, thanks for plugging Confessions. It really is a great read. I think a lot of us are rereading it just now.
I’m not one to idolize anyone just because they have a popular talent.”Music gods”, “sports hero” “super star actor” what ever. I had the fortune to cross paths with Eric a couple times most notably being in the class that went to hell in the confessions book. And most recently last years GGSKS. E
OOPSSS, DON’T HIT SUBMIT JUST YET!
Continuing……every time I ran into him a again I couldn’t help but think what a fun combination of talent at it’s peak or close, humor, passion of what he loved.
I don’t idolize him but
Jack, I’m so impressed that in one sentence you said you had the “fortune” to cross paths with Eric in the “Worst Class Ever” (see his book “Confessions of a Wave Warrior”). Eric never forgot that class. It was an humbling experience for him and there were some who suggested it wasn’t something he should put in the book because it didn’t make him look so good. However, he saw it this way; the book was about confessing the truth about his life as a wave warrior, and it wasn’t all guts and glory. That particular story goes to show that just because you’re a great kayaker, it doesn’t mean you’re a great teacher. Actually, Jim and Eric are two of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered, and not just with regard to kayaking. But even the best make mistakes, and it’s a lesson worth remembering.
OOPSSS, DON’T HIT SUBMIT JUST YET!
Continuing……every time I ran into him a again I couldn’t help but think what a fun combination of talent at it’s peak or close, humor, passion of what he loved and the ability to share that passion or at least certainly have it rub off on you.
I don’t idolize him but I sure as hell know when I’ve met someone on a different level altogether and who is really IS a “someone” having been worth knowing.
I really appreciate that trait and am happy to have crossed paths with him. What a character! Let there be more like him.
Jack
Nancy,
It would be wonderful if this forum continues on! And what a perfect subject to start with – DREAMS! Eric, through his teachings and by his wonderful example taught so many of us to dream about kayaking in new and expanded ways. For example, whenever I paddle past or into a sea cave that makes a particularly deep sound, my thoughts always wander to the Balrog dwelling deep inside the cave! What an amazing metaphor… And whenever everyday work seems particularly mundane, it is never far for the mind to wander away to the next kayaking adventure. For me, my dream is to better live up to Eric’s commandment #9 – “Though shalt go on quests”. I often dream about and plan for “long journeys to distant shores”.
Thanks!
-Anders
Anders, I love your comment!!! “Thou shalt go on quests!” I mean really, what else is there? And a quest can mean so many things. I hope you will share your journeys with us from time to time – nothing is more uplifting than hearing about someone who is fulfilling a dream.
This forum will continue as long as there are those of us who can allow ourselves to dream…and do something about it!
You are so very welcome:)
Dreams, whether conscious or unconscious are how the mind can expand its boundaries; visualize, explore, and manifest.
I was also in The Worst Class Ever, I thought it was a blast (especially Day 2).
It was disconcerting that Andy a I left the beach last, and were the first of our group to get back to the put in. We were cool. Eric paired us up and told us to stay together, no problem. It was after we got back, that we heard the rest of the story.
Thanks for keeping the blog going, it is a special place.
It is interesting that in any given scenario, no two people see quite the same thing. Any cop will tell you that about witnesses. And if you’ve ever watched the movie Rashomon, well, it speaks for itself. The Worst Class Ever amply illustrates that point. Eric and Jim were out of sync, a thing that I don’t think had ever happened to them until that day, certainly not to the extent that it compromised anyone’s safety, and it was completely unexpected. An incident like that could have irreparably damaged their friendship but because their relationship as manifested in their shared dreams and vision was more powerful than any falling out, they worked it out and if anything their bond was stronger than ever. Thanks for your comment, Rainer. We’ll look forward to your feedback on the blog.
Great stuff, Nancy:
Here’s a little quote from my book, “In the Wake of the Jomon” that seems applicable: “In my youth, I had assumed that romanticism is frilly faced and soft bellied, and logic and pragmatism must underlie strong deeds. But I don’t believe that anymore….I had followed my internal voices for two years and 3,000 hardscrabble miles, and in that space and time I learned that great accomplishments are driven by quixotic images and quiet but persistent dreams.”
Beautiful, Jon!
Ah, the internal voices. Sometimes our lives are so full of sound and fury that we don’t listen, or simply can’t hear. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve regretted not listening, but I will say that as I’ve gotten older I’ve quieted both my internal and external worlds to the point that I mostly hear and obey, especially when it comes to the big stuff.
Beautiful quote Jon
I was hesitant to open Eric’s blog, but I’m glad I did. Why shouldn’t it carry on?
Thank you to Nancy
Thank you, Ann:)
I dig the direction Eric’s blog is going in. For some crazy reason, when I think of dreams, I think of songs about dreaming
Supertramp’s “Dreamer”, Mama Cass’ “Dream A Little Dream Of Me”, Aerosmith’s “Dream on”, John Lennon’s “#9 Dream”, and how about the Electric Prunes’ “I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night”–all songs Eric dug.
Marc Soares
Thanks for the vote of confidence Marc. I just want Eric to be proud of us.
Hi Nancy
I looked forward to reading Eric’s blog posts as they were published and I visit often to refer to old posts for tips and information and to enjoy the discussions that arose.
It seems fitting that Eric’s blog is evolving and changing just as our dreams do.
Dreamer Tess
Hi Dreamer Tess,
I hope you will continue to enjoy the blog. Since we’re kind of entering uncharted waters here we appreciate any feedback.
Nancy
It’s wonderful, Nancy, that you are continuing this wonderful blog, the best in the kayaking world in my opinion. I plan on being a “regular”, and will post whenever I have something to say. Thanks for keeping Eric’s dream and spirit of adventure alive!
Tony
Yay! Thanks, Tony. We’ll look forward to your contributions.
Great topic Nancy!
Actually kayaking kind of puts me into a dream state. It’s a bit of a contradiction, because at the same time I’m wide awake with full awareness and concentration. That is necessary considering where you are when out on the sea in a tiny boat! Awareness is heightened but it feels dreamlike. So let’s call it a “heightened awareness dream state.” It doesn’t happen all the time, but more often out on the water than elsewhere, in my experience.
Thanks for your comment, John. What you’re describing reminds me of something Nick was talking about on FB the other day about “lucid dreams” where you’re asleep and dreaming but you know it. He had a link to a site where they talked about studies where the dreamers used eye movement to indicate when they were dreaming. I didn’t know you could do that! There’s a lot we don’t know about how our minds work.
TR thank you for keeping Eric’s dreams and the stories alive.
I drempt of meeting and paddling with the Tsunami Rangers. One day out of the fog at Russian Gulch Eric, Jim, Michael, and a few others appeared. A friendship was born.
Thank you Nancy for spearheading this!
Jeff, I am so glad you got a chance to fulfull your dream of meeting the TR’s. Especially at Russian Gulch – such a beautiful place. Thank you for helping to keep the dream alive! (I wonder how many stories of people meeting Eric and the Rangers start with the words “Out of the fog”?)
Nancy, I’m so glad you’re going to keep Eric’s blog going! I know many folks who consider it to be the finest sea kayaking site on the web, and I look forward to seeing it grow and evolve in your capable and loving hands.
One of my favorite quotes related to new ventures of any kind was penned by Goethe:
“Whatever you do
Or dream you can
Begin It.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic
In it.
My dream is to start a National Center for Cold Water Safety. Eric was the first person who agreed to be on our Board of Advisors, and I feel him on my shoulder as I move forward to make that dream come true.
Dreams give wings to creativity and they’re the birthplace of adventure and great deeds. We’d live in a dull and impoverished world without them. Eric’s advice to me about my dream? He said “Make it so.” I said I would, and intend to keep my promise – to him and to myself.
Thanks, Moulton, for a lovely comment. I’m going to do my best to continue posting quality pieces. The Goethe quote is great. Boldness indeed has genius, power, and magic in it. I don’t know if you know this, but “Make it so” was Capt. Picard’s line on the Star Trek Voyager Series. We watched that all the time. It’s a good saying. Good luck with your dream. I’ll share another of Eric’s faves with you. It’s from “Alexander the Great” as played by Richard Burton: “So be it!”
Thank you Nancy this blog, for nurturing the dreamer and dreams of Eric and in all of us. For some reason I was thinking about one of Erics dreams, and he had so many as you said. I was thinking about the journey to Azores that Eric had visualized. There is no question in my mind that Eric was a whaler and a pirate, based in Azores in one of his past lives. It would be great to take a journey or quest to the Azores, to make an offering there on Don Diegos behalf. Not sure when, not sure who, not sure what the offering would be but thats a dream of mine to fulfill that dream of Don Diegos.
I also wanted to share a wonderful story about a photographer and artist, who would dream about landscapes, places in the far north and south of the planet, Arctic, Greenland and the like. She would dream about specific places in the evening, wake up and then tell her husband, “we need to go to Greenland this summer” for her photographic journey documenting changes in the ice cap. She then would would plan the journey and go with husband and daughters. That happened a number of times, the destination appearing in the a dream then she went and took stunning images of these places.
So may we all be so fortunate to actualize our dreams, she and Don Diego!
Great comment, Steve! I like your idea of a trip to the Azores. Eric and I had toyed with the idea but never actually brought it to fruition. Michael has been talking to Gordon about filming the Molokai trip we had planned next year, but maybe an Azores trip could follow. A topic for discussion on the next retreat?
Hi, I just came across this blog and reading your story about Eric, you and your dreams are very inspirational especially because as a person with great passion for kayaking, everything becomes a challenge when you’re in the waters, whether within the calm waves or the raging, turbulent ones. Because of that, every challenge makes the dream bigger and it transforms a person into a better person.
Kayaker, I completely agree. One of my biggest challenges just now is to continue to kayak without my partner, especially now I live in Ashland. But I just spent 2 days at Sea Ranch on the Mendocino Coast and was able to get out on the water with a couple of the TR’s and some friends. We found a new cove to play in and a new beach to land on and hunted abalone. And even though getting the boat on the truck and tied down without Eric presented its own challenges, I had to rise to the occasion, so I did, and I do feel stronger and more positive that I pulled the trip off successfully. Thanks for your comment:)