Duke University Marine Lab, thank you for being a leader in sustainability.
"The Duke University Marine Lab, in Beaufort, NC, has eliminated single use bottles of water from life and work on campus.  This elimination of single use bottles includes Dining Operations, Catering and all vending machines on the Pivers’s Island Campus.
Faculty, students, staff and visiting groups are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to events where bulk filtered water is provided from the campus dining hall.  Vending machines are being retrofitted to exclude bottled water.  Catering services on the island will provide bulk water containers for field trips and boat trips from the campus."

Read more about this, and Duke University's other campus initiatives here:
http://sustainability.duke.edu/campus_initiatives/water/bottledwater.html
 
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We got our PocketFuel in the mail today! Lots of it!

PocketFuel is a company based in Hood River OR. Their products are made from 100% natural, whole food ingredients found in nuts, seeds and fruits. It is also gluten free, dairy free, vegan, soy free and corn free! Nothing but goodness in these pouches.

We reached out to PocketFuel for support on this mission because we needed a product that would be a healthy source of energy day after day, easy to digest, and that would support physical and mental endurance. It doesn't hurt that its all delicious either!

PocketFuel is also packaged in eco-friendly pouches that are 100% reusable and have a resealable cap. Instead of tossing the small pouch after you've finished it, you can reduce waste by cleaning it and refilling it using one of the large 20oz pouches and their Refueler system. We love this idea!

Learn more about PocketFuel on their website: http://pocketfuelnaturals.com/
or on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PocketFuel

 
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We checked a HUGE item off our to-do list today! We got a boat!!!!

As luck would have it a team rider for ULI inflatable boards heard about our mission and passed the word along to his brother in South Carolina. We then received this email from Harry Koerner, aka "HB"...

"My brother, Chris, is an experienced SUP enthusiast, and represents ULI surfboards in events and competition. He emailed an article to me about your proposed adventure up the NC coast and thought perhaps it might coincide with my plans. 
I own a Pacific Seacraft 31 sailboat, and have made the passage, both offshore and inshore, from Charleston, SC to Oriental, NC, and to Ocracoke, many times. I'm considering taking her north this summer, to the Chesapeake Bay, and perhaps further, but my travel plans had been delayed, and the weather certainly has played a part....."

After exchanging a few emails and a phone call, it had been settled. We will be teaming up with Captain HB for our trip up the waterway and we couldn't be more excited or more grateful.

Having a support boat like this means that we do not have to reach a certain location every day. We can paddle what the day allows for. More in good conditions, less in not-so-good conditions. We are also a lot safer. If a storm comes up we have a way to get off the water quickly. It provides quick and easy access to fresh water and food without having the extra weight on our boards. Having HB as our captain is also a huge blessing. He is very familiar with the waterways, tides, currents and the location of marinas.

Today was a massive success for us. We feel incredibly fortunate and thankful for all of your donations and support, for the way all the pieces of the puzzle keep coming together, and for HB, whose help and generosity is invaluable.  -kim

 
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Kacie stopped by a marine supply shop the other day to get maps for our trip. Her text later that day read, "I have maps!! We only have to paddle 4 charts worth." She also showed me where we will start and finish, in great detail. So excited for this adventure, 4 charts doesn't sound too bad. -kim