: To John B, David White, Craig, Ross, James, Ronnie, Robert and Reg, I thank
: you all for your words of wisdom, but more importantly the "Pure
: Encouragement ". Collectively you asked a lot of questions that I'm
: fearfull of answering lest I'm assailed with a million reasons why I
: should not be doing this, anyhow here goes.

: I am wait for it! 71 years of age, never paddled before, my thing has always
: been light aircraft, a number of which I"ve built and flown, as a
: result I'm no stranger to meticulous construction projects, likewise my
: sport has aquainted me with lone travel and the demons that can nibble at
: one's resolve when we make that total committment.

: I can no longer fly as a result of deficient hearing, but this problem has no
: major disadvantages as I see it in kayaking, as to the inherent dangers
: that exist, well I never figured on dying in bed. As to my stamina, I play
: at least 4 eighteen hole of golf each week and frequently do thirty six if
: I can find a partner, this without an electric golf cart I might add.

: I am a firm believer in the "use it or lose it " addage, I am
: satisfied that I have the mental faculties and physical capability to
: undertake this challenge, I have to do this thing!!, the alternative
: doesn't bear thinking about and to moderate it would be a comprimise I
: just cant make. After all an aged Sir Francis Chichester sailed a circum
: navigation single handed and suffering cancer.

: Thanks again for all your thoughts. Edith W.

Verlen Kruger is close to 80 and holds the record of 90,000 lifetime canoe miles. He is also a former pilot like yourself. You may enjoy checking out his biography and design philosophy at http://www.krugercanoes.com/