“It’s a wild place son. No place for you in that boat!”
The boat in question is a well used 3.5m (11.5′) inflatable dingy, with a small outboard motor. And the place my Dad was referring to was D’Urville Island, with its savage currents, whirlpools and winds that can whip into a frenzy with very little notice. Were we crazy to consider loading up this little boat of ours to embark on a 3 day expedition to circumnavigate the island?
Most people who venture out into the most remote waters around the island have well appointed boats that cost significantly more than our second hand four thousand dollar one.
My dad, bless him, was looking out for us by offering his perspective. Initially, this turned my bright white excitement into a black sludge of doubt and fear. And for a time, I believed he might be right.
But here’s what I know – we all have different views on what crazy is, and what uncomfortable is, and what dangerous is, and what we need for any given experience.
My dad, looking through his lens, saw danger and discomfort and crazy. He’s an experienced yachtsman and fisherman yes, but not an experienced adventurer.
Rather than ignore his perspective I looked through his lens for a bit and tested my assumptions. I did some more research and made sure we were prepared for the worst case scenario. I reflected on the wisdom I had earned from many years of adventure and my confidence returned.
Through my lens I could once again see the potential for calm waters (when the tides and weather were just right), beautiful campsites surrounded by native bush, access to world class fishing and the peace and quiet that can only come from such a remote place.
Next time you tell someone they’re crazy, or when someone tells you the same, I encourage you to think about the lens you are looking through and explore what crazy really is.
To see how the trip unfolded, watch the vlogs below. (P.S. Is this crazy to you?)
Here’s to living the greater than life!
Mike
