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Testimonials: |
We officially hit the one-day weather window as today is howling out of the northwest! That was a fantastic event folks-thanks to everyone.
I can't wait to see the pictures……..Paul
As you can see it's a different weather day out there, with fog and who knows what other conditions. I swung by the beach this morning and the place looks great. Great job to the gals. I just wonder if Rusty ever found his boat.
It's impossible to duplicate that weekend!!!! Love ya all..…dk
Great trip
It was a pleasure having the chance to hang out with such a great group of guys! Thanks for putting this together!! David Kravitz
Just went down to Sean's boat to get some items and hooked up with Arick (Andy) Fuller and DK. Wanted to hang there all day and recount more stories....just can't let it go. That last 15-20 minutes and then going into the beach is something I'll never forget. I hope I don't forget any of the other stuff either.
Many, many thanks to the captains and all who had a hand planning!! ………Tom K
Nothing but LOVE. Isn't this great!!! ……… Steve B
Can we do it again next weekend? …….Paul
Dear Gentlemen,
O.K. I have just been given the privilege of reading this morning's message swap. I am so glad that everyone had a great time. I felt blessed to witness such a memorable event. Great job and a high five to all of you. As far as setting -up for the party your wives and girlfriends were off the charts, very cool and I would help them out at moments notice. Thank you again. Big Hugs and Smiles, P.S I mentioned to Tad that perhaps we should hold this event next year in Costa Rica? Pavones to Matapalo? Any takers? Woops careful what you wish for. And by the way does Kelly cater in Costa Rica? …………..Lacey
Doug, In many years of playing in that ocean, yesterday was truly a remarkable day. Hanging out for tankers to pass, jumping back in forth on boats in the middle of the ocean, paddling with buddies over 300 feet depths, or just watching the days components unfold, it was unreal. The funny thing was that the best forecasters in the business called for likely fog and 10-15k winds. But like all forecasting, you never really know what is going to happen tomorrow. What is certain is that we maximized yesterday, and that was worth a celebrating. It was a pleasure to share that with you and your brothers, and to many more maximized days! Much thanks to Mosby and Ingalls and the generous boat captains. Hughes Morton
P.S. It is good to see that the next generation of Watermen are being properly
trained (Henry Hepp, Chase)
A day like yesterday - against all informed odds - is proof that Miracles do happen and that we must live our lives fully and actively. In the end it all boils down to family, friends and memories. Yesterday will be a big memory for me and all the rest of us I am sure. The emotional charge on the beach as we arrived and the strength and support of all in attendance was fantastic. I feel we are all privileged to have participated in such a worthwhile and memorable event. Great job everyone - Mark and John - way to go!!!
We love you Doug………Adam Rhodes
Nicks face in this Photo pretty much sums it all up. I have some of the greatest photos ever! That weekend was unexplainable for me……..Mike Long
I saw Roger Nance at Beach House and gave him a quick summary. (He was one of our sponsors). His eyes filled up and he was overwhelmed. Mike, unexplainable is the perfect description! Tad
The "Friendship Channel Crossing" seems to be on a course of its own. There is no doubt that what happened this last weekend has changed all of us forever. One magic moment after another. My guess is that this trip is far from over... Its been wonderful today reading all of the beautiful, prolific and hart felt testimonials from all of you guys. For me personally, the last few months have been amazing. The dream for me was that The Friendship Channel Crossing would foster and provide a platform for unconditional acts of love and kindness. Wow! Yesterday was a celebration of Love; Love of life, Love of family, friends and love of one another. I felt so blessed to have been part of something so incredible. Judging form the faces of those who greeted us on the beach with their smiles, their hugs, and their tears of joy this event has forever changed and touched many peoples lives. Thank you Doug! Thank you for being who you are. I am honored to be you friend. Our journey across the channel may be complete but our journey together through life is far from over.
I love you Bro……….Mark I
We would be happy to paddle rocks from Pavones to Matapalo or any other vehicles floating or not. I just want to say that I feel honored to have participated in such a worhtwhile and amazing group effort. The feeling of gratification I am experiencing goes to show that it is truly better to give than to receive. The love and emotion on the beach upon arrival is hard to find and made me feel like we really are living our lives like men... Way to stand up and be counted to one and all of you.……Adam Rhodes
What an incredible effort! It is truly a testament to John, Mark, Tad, Steve and all others who had an idea then made that idea real. Thank you for allowing the other participants - paddlers to donors - to be a part of your dream for Doug.
John Mosby asked me to comment on my feelings and visions as we paddled ashore.
Figuratively and symbolically the paddle into the beach was a homecoming. The family and friends who were gathered on the sand at Hope Ranch beach unfolded like a warm, familiar body. People spread out like arms to embrace Doug, his brothers and me. There was not a dry eye to be found. I felt my presence symbolized all of us, who are supporting Doug and his family along this very heroic voyage.
As we started the final paddle in it became very clear that Doug was hurting. His ribs were extremely sore, yet he was determined to finish the paddle. Surrounded by his brothers and accepting some assistance, Doug's little pack made its way into the beach. We asked if anyone had something to say, and Philip yelled, "We love you man!" That just seemed to sum it all up. Then we hit the beach and the emotions started to flow.
The next vision was that of you warriors coming ashore from the boats, clad in red paddling jerseys and with smiles across your faces. The family and friends on the beach again opened their arms and enveloped everyone emerging from the water. I felt this is what family and community is all about.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent all of you on the final leg. You blessed me with a lifelong experience.
Jeff Chase
I'm still blown away by the experience we all shared crossing the channel together. If I am speechless, Doug, has to still be trying to breath. Never! Ever! In my life have I been fortunate enough to have been part of such a first class show of love and friendship. Thank you for including me and experiencing this with me; this memory has become a highlight of my adulthood. We will all look back on this event for years to come with a common bond and sense of accomplishment. Most importantly, instead of searching for the right words to say, we can be proud of the actions we have taken to support Doug.
A special thanks to MI and JM for superior leadership, this would not have happened without your vision. DI and DK -- many thanks for the fuel. Nick, SR, RB, PK, FH, and DC -- that was quite an armada you unselfishly assembled to support Doug. I am grateful to have gotten to know all of you.
Love you Doug.
Rich Coffin
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