Question:

Who launches a kayak alone into the cold waters of the Mohawk River in late fall during the notorious Atlantic storm season, then paddles on to NYC and into the Atlantic via the Hudson River, before joining up with the more sheltered 3,000-mile Intracoastal Waterway, and then paddles his kayak all the way to Key West? Who then turns around, jumps on a bike, and  pedals his way back to Glenville, NY, ending an over 4,000 mile epic journey on February 4, 2023? 

And mind you... this winter journey ended on the same weekend that featured the Mount Washington Observatory recording a record cold temperature of  -46 degrees and a record smashing wind chill temperature of -108 degrees, while Schenectady County was also gripped in an arctic blast of freezing temperatures and wind. It was difficult to stand outside for more than 10 minutes, let alone ride a bike for miles!  

And who completed this epic journey for the sole purpose of supporting fellow veterans- who want to get a service dog to improve their life?  

Answer: Saratoga County resident and Army veteran Jimmy Thomas. 

Jimmy knows the value that a service dog can add to a veteran's life, thanks to receiving his very own Golden Retriever "Boots," whom Jimmy credits with helping him understand the benefit of service dogs. Jimmy has clearly seen the need to raise awareness and funding so that other veterans can feel the kind of support "Boots" provided in Jimmys life, and hopefully get their own service dog. Many are going without and having a very difficult time. 

Out of this concern, the DOGGIE PADDLE project was born.  Jimmy wanted to do something BIG that would attract people’s attention to this very important cause, so he proposed a 4,000 miles plus route that would start September 24, 2023, and end in mid-winter. When first proposed, many thought Jimmy's idea was impossible, even dangerous. Jimmy was putting a kayak in the water in late fall. He admits he had only some river experience using a kayak and had never been on the ocean. He would be ending his awareness journey on a bike, riding 2,000 miles mid-winter with possible snow, ice, and cold conditions. 

Tough time of year for using a bike and kayak as one's main mode of transportation.  At least cars have a roof, a heater, and a radio.   

Naturally Jimmy needed help pulling off this epic journey.  

Rotary organizations have a long history of supporting veterans' causes. The Glenville Rotary got behind Jimmy's idea, with many Rotary volunteers playing strategic roles to help carry out Jimmy's dream.  The Glenville Rotary team contacted numerous Rotary organizations up and down the East Coast to ask that they also support Jimmy. Many did by providing food, shelter (Jimmy did not travel at night) and a platform for Jimmy to speak at, in the community that he was invited to stay in. 

The marine world is nothing to trifle with during storm season. Any sea captain would tell you that Jimmy did not choose the easiest time of the year to take a 2,000 mile trip on the water, especially in a small kayak.  Lifelong friend, past President of the Glenville Rotary and current Assistant Governor for Rotary District; Beth Kissinger managed Jimmy from her home base, speaking to him every night on the phone.  The weather conditions and evening plans were a regular topic, along with any concerns.  Beth worried often about Jimmy's safety on the Atlantic and Intercoastal Highway, which is used heavily for commercial boating traffic. She followed weather and sea condition reports regularly to share with Jimmy.  Jimmy was often bone tired after fighting strong currents and steep waves.  Beth arranged to meet him several times during the trip, including when he safely reached Key West. 

Some said Jimmy’s proposal brought too much risk.  

That didn't stop Jimmy. And risky conditions did occur. This in turn kept his managing partner Beth up at night.  Storms can blow up into Nor’easters bringing along sudden freezing temperature drops. 

At the beginning of the trip, Jimmy was ordered out of the Hudson River by the US Coast Guard when Hurricane Ian came calling here in our area. While kayaking down the eastern seaboard Jimmy and his kayak were nearly sucked under by a passing ferry. Jimmy experienced ocean storms with accompanying high winds and waves while sitting low in the water with a heavily packed kayak... not exactly an enviable position. He had to take out some weight from his kayak eventually to lighten the load. Many rivers emptied into the waters Jimmy kayaked into. Where rivers meet the ocean, the water conditions can reveal a fearsome place with confused waters, floating debris, and industrial waste. Huge steel ships would be unable to steer around or even spot Jimmy and his kayak up close, especially in foggy conditions. Jimmy had to watch for dead heads - (vertical floating logs with only the tops visible on the water surface.) He had to face wind, driving rain and steep waves. He got soaked. He got cold. He lost 40 pounds. He slept outside in a tent in 25-degree weather. He was often tired out from sea conditions. On the road with his bike, he was hit by cars twice. Not serious crashes, but enough to get attention. One guy got mad after hitting Jimmy with his car and wanted to fight him. Numerous times Jimmy himself had to maneuver his bike out of the way so that he didn't get hit by other motorists. He peddled through the Appalachian Mountain Range, hitting snow in Harrisburg.  Jimmy was passed by thousands of speeding motorists per day on main highways. Jimmy said he had to have his head on a swivel, and that making sure he didn't get killed was the hardest part of his journey.  

As for marine life, I asked Jimmy if he had seen any whales. He said no, but he did say he was surrounded by sharks throughout the Keys! Jimmy also reported that an alligator rammed his kayak, spun him around, and then disappeared around Key Largo. Dolphins often played around Jimmy's kayak.  A manatee lifted his kayak up a few inches until Jimmy poked him, and the manatee slipped back under the water. Jimmy also had to deal with navigating his kayak between big ships. Jimmy got used to the rhythm of those that make a living from the sea due to his daily runs. He reported that fishing boats left out of ports early in the morning, and came back later in the day, like clockwork. Numerous fishermen came up alongside of him and told Jimmy that they had heard about a crazy guy kayaking to Key West. Jimmy was that guy!! The US Marine Highways have great communication channels, just like truckers do, to help stay on top of weather forecasts, and Jimmy was the talk of the marine airwaves! 

Jimmy made it back to Schenectady County on February 4, 2023. The plan was for Jimmy to be escorted through Schenectady by a huge escort of our finest police departments - Schenectady PD, Schenectady Sheriffs, the NYS Police, Rotterdam PD, and Glenville PD., to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, (ESAM). Meanwhile Jimmy was experiencing  one last threat to his safety - brutally cold wind chill temperatures - so cold in fact - he had to stop in Schenectady to warm up for a short period of time due to his eyes watering and then freezing shut. We all remember February 4 for good reason. Most citizens stayed in the comfort on their warm homes that day due to the extreme cold temperatures that a recently arrived Arctic front brought with it. The night before, the Mt. Washington Observatory weather station recorded a record-breaking wind chill of -100 degrees below zero. Albany in turn recorded a low of -34 degrees the night before. The day Jimmy arrived in Schenectady was still frigidly cold and windy out.  With just a quick stop to unglue and warm up, Jimmy was on the road again with his escorts.  

Upon arriving at ESAM, Jimmy landed  into a sea of press, town, city and state officials, Rotarians, civic organizations and much more. A big beautiful American flag was hoisted high by the Thomas Corners Fire Department. Cameras flashed. Cheers went up. Jimmy was welcomed back as a hometown hero, and as someone who is a stand for all veterans in need of a service dog. I bet you he slept very well in his own bed that evening. 

I think we can all agree that Jimmy Thomas is one tough guy with a razor-sharp focus.  He did what he set out to accomplish - he raised awareness for veterans everywhere in need of a service dog. 

Welcome Home Jimmy!

If Jimmy's journey to help veterans inspires you, and you would like to donate to the Doggie Paddle cause, contact doggiepaddle.org