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Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death

Posted By: Scott Lovrien
Date: Wednesday, 21 February 2007, at 4:26 p.m.

In Response To: Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death (Doug Manfred)

: Mr. McAuley was apparently willing to accept this risk even with a small
: child at home. I guess if you want the ultimate adventure you must be
: willing to pay the ultimate price.

I had followed Derrick's blog for days and felt/feel so bad for him, his wife and his child. However, as bad as it is, Andrew's own pain is over as the sea has claimed him. But what about his wife and child's pain? Especially his child, who had no voice in Andrew's "acceptance of this risk".

Sorry, but it angers me more than just a little bit as I have small children too. Taking on high danger/low chance of success expeditions for no other reason to see "if it can be done" seem foolhardy and unacceptable where wife/children are concerned. Some might say that he had a noble cause, a just reason to take on this challenge. However, we all know he did this by choice, not because he HAD TO DO THIS. This doesn't compare with the Inuit qajaqers who had no choice but to put themselves in high risk situations in order to survive and bring home food.

Maybe I am getting too old, but his acceptance of risk for sake of adventure showed he put his own desire to succeed above the needs of his wife and child. Because of it, they will no doubt suffer their entire lifetime missing him.

I know anyone who dips a paddle into water takes risks - as this or just about any sport can result in injury or death. Heck, any of us can die doing almost anything. But, putting yourself into an incredibly dangerous circumstance like his with no safety net and a small child at home hints of a disregard for everything but his own desire for achievement.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Andrew's child especially, who will no doubt wonder why when they get older.

Scott

"Flame shields up"

Messages In This Thread

Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death
SteveB -- Wednesday, 21 February 2007, at 12:11 p.m.

He is fetured in the new This Is The Sea 3 *NM*
Sheldon Penn -- Wednesday, 21 February 2007, at 1:03 p.m.

Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death
Doug Manfred -- Wednesday, 21 February 2007, at 3:41 p.m.

Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death
Scott Lovrien -- Wednesday, 21 February 2007, at 4:26 p.m.

Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death
Marcus -- Friday, 2 March 2007, at 1:15 p.m.

Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death
SteveB -- Friday, 2 March 2007, at 3:15 p.m.

Re: Andrew McAuley's likely kayaking death *LINK*
Nick Schade -- Friday, 2 March 2007, at 3:17 p.m.

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