MBCKC Paddle Reports

Middle Bay Lighthouse - ACelebration in Memory of Larry McDuff
Point Clear, AL
June 15, 2005
by Gary and Brint

BIG BOY PADDLE: A DEDICATION TO LARRY MCDUFF

“SPIRITUAL HEALTH

A good gauge of spiritual health is to write down
The three things you most want.

If they in any way differ,
You are in trouble.”


There were 5 of us plus the great spirit of Larry that set out on this dedicated ceremony. I quickly fell behind in my canoe in the westerly chop and had no care. I was here to dedicate a special day to a special person. I had conversations and laughter with a man I was learning to love and respect among all I had ever known in my 61+ years. Then some of the crew waited and we had more Larry conversation, something that will be ongoing.

For me the paddle was not easy, but it did not matter. When we got to the lighthouse we had a ceremony performed by Carl in honor of Larry and filmed by Brint. A quick swim by all and then some good conversation and back to the 6 miles and more Larry conversation with temperatures now soaring above 90.

The three things all add up to: wanting to be as honorable and respected as Larry.


Due to the extraordinary circumstances of Larry McDuff's sudden death on Monday, June 13, 2005, Carl quickly put together a Flash Paddle for this morning, dedicated to Larry's memory. This was a celebration of his life, on a paddle course we know he loved, and planned to do again himself later this month. So, we felt honored to paddle the 11.4 miles this morning, giving each of us plenty of time to reflect on how Larry brought joy into our lives and will continue to influence our daily interaction with all we meet.

Carl, Gary, George, Roland and I met at the marina next to the Marriott Hotel on Point Clear, AL, this morning at 6:00 AM, and set our sights across Mobile Bay towards the Middle Bay Lighthouse. It was already 80 degrees with a slight westerly breeze creating about a one foot chop across a rising tide. Almost immediately we split apart, but all aimed southwesterly, with Roland and I making it to the Lighthouse first, covering the 5.7 miles in 1:19.

Once all arrived, we assembled on the lower wooden deck and toasted Larry's memory, with Carl taking a ceremonial high plunge. As the sun climbed higher and the temperature rose to 90 degrees, we decided to return. The breeze died down some, leaving a smaller chop we were able to use to our advantage. Roland led the way, and he and I made the return trip in 1:11. Since we both returned to the real world and our jobs for the second half of the day, we packed up and left before the remaining three were visible on the horizon. Each of us came away from the experience differently in our own way, but definately better for having taken the time to reflect on our experiences with Larry McDuff. He touched our lives and will forever be in our thoughts.