Few days ago I listened to the ladies I work with (I'd say over 50 years old at average?) talk about iPads and Smartphones; it was funny to hear how they know way more about these things that I do as a 26 year old. This world is moving towards technology, and it's moving fast; like it or not- everyone has to adapt.
Seeing manual skill such as Josie's is becoming rare these days and it makes me appreciate it this much more. I absolutely cannot wait to see the kayaks finished, run my hand over the wood, and imagine all the hours of hard work that had gone into building them. Check out some photographs from the process and what Josie has to say about it below! /Adam
Over the past four months I have been very busy building kayaks and I didn’t have time to think of the trip that lies ahead. But now that the leaving date is imminent I am thinking. Firstly, long distance sailing is completely new to me and something that I have dreamed of doing since I was a young lad which is many years ago now. I have been fascinated with Greenland for years and I have read anything that I could find about Greenland. The way that the Inuit's lived in such a harsh climate and dealt with everyday problems is amazing. The scenery in Greenland is stunning and the best way to see it close up is by kayak. I feel privileged to be going on this expedition.
The idea of building cedar strip kayaks was Jamie’s. It will be interesting to see what the Inuit kayakers think of my kayaks and compare them with their own more elegant skin on frame kayaks. It probably takes me a lot longer to build my cedar strip kayaks than it takes them. Their way of joining together short strips of wood or bone for sled building and kayak building is ingenious and takes great skill and patience.
I would like to meet Inuit people who make and use their own kayaks and to tell them how popular the kayak is in Ireland. We in Ireland also have remarkable scenery and the best way to see the coastal scenery is from a kayak. The sea is alive, it has its moods with the ebb and the flow, the currents and the marine life. We visit coastal villages where people interact with the sea and make a living from the sea. We visit the islands, inhabited and deserted. They draw us with their history and stories. We rarely kayak alone, we are a social bunch and we like to paddle in small groups and discuss life as well as paddling.
I am grateful to all our sponsors, only for their support, I could take part in this expedition. I am grateful to my family who have helped me along the way with support and patience. My friends too who have shown loyalty, belief in my abilities and a willingness to support me in whatever way they can.
/ Josie Ó Giobúin