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Powerboats whined in the distance,
partiers not watching where they were
going. I felt alone. Vulnerable.
If I were telling you this story face-
to-face, you’d stop me right now to say,
“Walt, what on earth were you doing
competing in a 72-mile kayak race at
your age with diabetes?”
It’s a fair question. I ask myself the
same thing sometimes, especially since
I’ve gone on to compete in many other
river races.
I’ve come up with various answers:
I love boats. I’ve got a competitive
streak. I live for a logistical challenge.ADVENTURER Walt (paddling on Standing
Bear Lake) built his kayak by hand.