Definition of Success

Day 88 • September 16, 2022

In 2012, I participated in my first Yukon River Quest. It’s a fantastic 444 mile race down the Yukon River, in Canada.

That year, we were a team of 6, friends and all outrigger paddlers, using a local river canoe called a Voyager. My team mates were Leif, Roman, Matt, Tony and Dan. We did great and arrived 2nd place overall in 43h or so, right behind a great team of Australians.

On the plane back home to California, I was next to Leif, who started to think out loud about what « success » is. We had set out to win the race, which we did not, so if we take that definition we weren’t successful. But for him, EVERYTHING else was. He started to mention what he considered the most important things about that trip: friendship and sharing an adventure together, effort and being here for each other, laughter and fun times, memories for a lifetime. I really liked his points. This trip was a total success. Put us 6 together around any table and you’ll see that indeed it was, lol.

Regarding my crossing, Dave and I had a similar conversations prior to departure.

- 1st was clear for both of us: success means staying alive. Safety has always been in the forefront of my mind in all the decisions in this project, from boat design to gear to logistic to team…. Etc.

- 2nd was « get there ». It didn’t matter how fast, what mattered was the arrival to the islands.

- 3rd was to enjoy the journey: why do such an expedition if you don’t? If you forget that it should a pleasure, that’s kinda outside the point, isn’t it? Dave, Galen and Ashley were always here to text it to me: « enjoy the day », « be in the now », « take it all in »

And that’s it pretty much.

Other ones could be: don’t come back crazy, don’t come back permanently injured with consequences for life, don’t forget to call mom,… haha.

One item of success that was unexpected but is definitely part of the list: The amount of passionate people enjoying the daily news, and making it a routine to take the time to read about the trip each morning. That is amazing. Thank you, thank you.

Ok, a few more days on the water paddling and we can call call it a success!! Hilo here I come!

Aloha to all, love to all.

Distance to Hilo: 131.18nm

Cass • 16 Sep, 2022

There is a quote from Thornton Wilder that your third goal reminded me of... "The test of an adventure is that when you're in the middle of it, you say to yourself, 'Oh, now I've got myself into an awful mess; I wish I were sitting quietly at home.' And the sign that something's wrong with you is when you sit quietly at home wishing you were out having lots of adventure." Success to you on this adventure and may you have many more!

Linda • 16 Sep, 2022

Just remember…. You can’t be anywhere else than where you are at this very moment!! Paddle on!!

Annette • 16 Sep, 2022

Can't wait for the time when you see that beautiful island sticking out of the water just awaiting your arrival! Stay safe...paddle on... strength in all body, mind, and spirit!

Dee • 16 Sep, 2022

You will know you have succeeded when you feel your mama’s arms wrapped tightly around you and see the tears of joy in her eyes. For only a mother could love a Viking. Hmmmm paddle in late Monday night or drift in Tuesday morning hmmm?

Sarah • 16 Sep, 2022

I look forward to your posts daily because it means you are still safe and OK. Excited for your landing, wish I could be there! Aloha!

Deborah • 16 Sep, 2022

The worst part for me about your whole journey is that I won’t be able to witness your finish 👏 awesome job grasshopper 😋

Jules • 16 Sep, 2022

almost there! almost there!!! wooohooooo

Adrien • 16 Sep, 2022

And what a success it will be! such an amazing adventure and such a fantastic way to share it, day after day, with your friends. Thank you for it!

Thierry • 16 Sep, 2022

Tu as acquis des ailes de poisson pour parcourir de telles distances , en un jour ? Tu nous as parlé de tes objectifs avant ta traversée, mais quel est ton ressenti aujourd 'hui, à quelques dizaines de miles de Hilo? De la joie, de la fierté, de l'appréhension peut-être à l'idée de devoir quitter ton " Valentine ", fidèle compagnon de 90 jours, tout comme tes amies la mer et la solitude, complices de ce temps suspendu? Chut....Écoute, écoute, tu n'entends pas le " no Hoa he'e nalu" ...la vahiné, elle est jolie, jolie madame elle est ma vahiné ...les chants de la terre...profites bien de ces derniers jours d'ivresse. Gde embrasse

Wendi • 16 Sep, 2022

I just realized that I can drive over to Hilo to see you arrive! Do you know the location that you plan to land at?

Mitch • 16 Sep, 2022

So close. May you embrace these last days, and feel the richness of the experience! Land is near. Start doing some squats. Get those land legs back. See you on the California side of things. Su amigo, Mitch

Peter Salamone • 16 Sep, 2022

Paddle on my brother! Success is both a personal concept and a perception by others. Which matters most to you? “There’s only one way to succeed at anything and that is to give everything.” “Mental toughness is essential to success.” “The successful man is himself. To be successful you’ve got to be honest with yourself.” “The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work.” “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” “Success demands singleness of purpose.” Probably my last post Cyril, I am boarding a plane to Hawaii in the morning. See you on the beach.

Joe • 17 Sep, 2022

You’re getting so close Cyril! It won’t be long before you see the peaks of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea in the distance, you’ll start to hear the ukulele’s and smell the sweet fragrance of the plumeria’s, and you’ll hear Bruddah Iz on the radio singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow! Keep on trucking Bra! Aloha

Ronald • 17 Sep, 2022

Nice NM Cyril.

Julie • 17 Sep, 2022

Yes! Live in the now. Take it all in.