Kayaking through Siberia, Part 3 I needed help and I needed it badly, for not only was my bike wobbling heavily, I was in danger of more spokes breaking and the whole wheel collapsing. Help came in the form of Vladimir. I met him through an American couple, whose address I received in this city. He showed up in a car and promptly took me to a bike repair shop where my problem was resolved in short order. Vladimir and I exchanged addresses and stayed in contact. Over time, I learned that he … [Read more...]

My departure was delayed, waiting for the arrival of a sail I had ordered from the kayak manufacturer in Germany. By the time I finally took off, it was almost October. Too late, much too late in the season for such a dangerous venture! Strong winds pounded me heavily and whipped up treacherous swells. Water got into the boat. By the third day, I had developed severe sciatica. My response to the pain most likely saved my life for I turned around long before I reached the open sea, which most … [Read more...]