Legends of the Sea

Day 22 • July 12, 2022

🇺🇸 - I have been on the ocean for 3 full weeks. Every day that passes and I experience more life on a kayak in the high seas I am more in awe of Ed Gillet and what he has accomplished. He is a legend in my eyes, everyday a bit more.

A few days back, I started to imagine him paddling next to me about 10 feet away in his kayak. I guess this is what happens when you haven't seen a face in 22 days. HA!

Each day that passes I appreciate small pleasures of my day more- brushing my teeth and taking care of my hygiene. Clean, sanitize and dry everything. My feet especially are wet all day so its crucial that I dry them every night.

Note: Ed Gillet and the book Pacific Alone about Ed Gillet's 1987 kayak journey was a major source of inspiration for Cyril's own adventure. Cyril has 6 copies on his nightstand at home and it was basically required reading for everyone on Cyril's land support team. If you haven't read it pick it up- it gives amazing insight into the mind of a legendary adventurer and what its like out in the open ocean.

🇫🇷 - Je suis sur l'océan depuis maintenant 3 semaines !

Chaque jour qui passe me permet d'acquérir un peu plus d'expérience sur ce qu'est la vie sur un kayak en haute mer, et je suis de plus en plus admiratif de l'exploit qu'avait accompli Ed Gillet*.

Chaque jour qui passe il est encore plus une légende à mes yeux.

Depuis quelques jours, je me plais à l'imaginer, pagayant à mes côtés dans son kayak. C'est probablement normal d'avoir ce genre de réaction lorsqu'on ne voit personne depuis 22 jours !

Tous les jours me font apprécier davantage les petits plaisirs de mes journées. Et en particulier me brosser les dents et prendre soin de mon hygiène. Me mettoyer, me désinfecter et me sécher entièrement. Mes pieds en particulier sont mouillés toute la journée, il est donc crucial que je les sèche tous les soirs.

*Ed Gillet et le livre "Pacific Alone" qui raconte le voyage en kayak d'Ed Gillet en 1987 ont été une source d'inspiration majeure pour l'aventure de Cyril. Cyril en a d'ailleurs 6 exemplaires sur sa table de chevet et a imposé cette lecture à tous les membres de son équipe de soutien terrestre.

Si vous ne l'avez pas lu, faites-le ! Il donne un aperçu incroyable de l'esprit d'un aventurier légendaire et de ce qu'est la vie en pleine mer.

Peter Salamone • 12 Jul, 2022

Hi once again Cyril! I am loving your adventure, what a great challenge to take on! The mental discipline necessary to succeed is underrated. The rewards are untold. Cherish every day, every minute... remember - the journey IS the reward! “If you’ll not settle for anything less than your best, you will be amazed at what you can accomplish in your life.”

Ed • 12 Jul, 2022

Thanks for the shout out, Cyril! I am closely following your trip, checking for new posts every day. I remember that ghostly companion feeling very well, and lots of solo adventurers have felt similar things. Reading your posts is really special to me because the feelings, sights, sounds, and anxieties that you describe so well echo my experiences those many years ago. Hang in there brother, the best days a just ahead.

Claire • 12 Jul, 2022

Thank you for sharing all your experiences Cyril! This is an amazing journey for sure!

Olaf • 12 Jul, 2022

Just reading the book “Pacific alone” actually. And to see the person who experienced it, commenting here, gives me goosebumps! That’s very special! Neither good book is “Malama Honua” the voyage of the sailing canoe Hokule’a around the world.

Dee • 13 Jul, 2022

You imagining Ed with you makes sense since he was your inspiration. Its awesome that he is here following your journey. 3 weeks… Hmmm must be getting close to bathing and laundry. 🙊

Liz • 13 Jul, 2022

Oh, wow! Looks like you might have paddled a lot last night battling a strong northwest wind. From the weather map it looks like a piece of work getting west into those winds pushing towards Hawaii! Awesome progress, Cyril!