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Westchester Native Kayaks From Lake Champlain To Key West

YORKTOWN, N.Y. -- Larry Jensen is on the trip of a lifetime.

Larry Jensen is kayaking from Lake Champlain to Key West.

Larry Jensen is kayaking from Lake Champlain to Key West.

Photo Credit: Larry Jensen

Jensen, who grew up in Yorktown, is kayaking by himself from Lake Champlain to Key West. Jensen, who started the trip on July 2, was in Brooklyn about to head to New Jersey on August 3. He said he expects the trip to take six to eight months.

Jensen decided to embark on his journey to help him cope with the loss of his dog, Lexi, who died last December of cancer.

"This is a soul searching event," Jensen said. "I'm turning to the water to try to grasp what happened so I can move on. I'm finding comfort in the water." 

Lexi and Jensen kayaked, motorcycled, sailed and motorcycled together, Jensen said.

"We went everywhere and did everything together," Jensen said. "She was like my child."

Jensen began kayaking in 2012 and immediately fell in love with it.

"You're completely reliant on your own power," Jensen said. "You can only go as far as you can paddle. It's just you and nature." 

The trip has been amazing so far, Jensen said. He said he has met people who have allowed him to camp out at marinas and yacht clubs, or even put him up for the night.

Jensen said the journey can get very lonely, but he's met people who have been following him on his blog, www.lifewithlarry.com 

"There are people who have been helping me out," Jensen said. "I've met old friends, made new friends. With everything going on in the news, a lot of people view the world as bad. But I've seen how wonderful people are. Most people you meet are really good folks who would bend over backwards for you."

Health wise, Jensen said he is doing well, but his butt does get sore. He said he will kayak in anything, except for lightning and a hurricane. He generally paddles between 16-20 miles a day, he said.

"If you're paddling right, it doesn't feel like exercise," Jensen said. "It's like breathing, it's very natural movement. That's the amazing part of kayaking."

When he finishes his journey, Jensen said he expects to feel like he accomplished something.

"Each day is a mental and physical challenge," Jensen said. "I'm sure there will be a mixture of joy and sadness when it's over."

Jensen said he will never forget padding under bridges on the Hudson River or seeing the New York City skyline from the water.

To follow Jensen on his journey, visit www.lifewithlarry.com 

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