Habitat Crew Rows for a Cause
Two buddies decided to go on a 2,000 mile adventure in a rowboat just shy of 20 feet. Their journey began with an idea back in April.
Once on the crew team together at Cleveland State, graduate Tom Kotula and senior Jon Hauserman converted an old sailboat - even adding a solar panel for power - and set out on an adventure.
"We went on Google Earth and looked for waterway passages and, ah, found that natural route that actually brought Americans west," Kotula said.
More about Habitat for Humanity
Seth Doane's Blog about Habitat Crew here
They began a journey began down the river Henry Hudson first traveled 400 years ago.
Their mission - from Cleveland all the way to Key West - isn't historical. Rather, it's humanitarian. They're building houses at 12 Habitat for Humanity sites along the way.
"I wanted to go somewhere and volunteer. People go to South America, Africa. I kinda wanted to stay local," said Katola. "A lot of it had to do with the economy."
In Mamaroneck, NY, they helped rebuild a family's home destroyed in a flood. The family has been living with friends for two years.
While most people won't go to the lengths that Tom and Jon have, last year 62 million Americans volunteered. That's the most since 2005, and it was 16-25-year-olds who made up half the increase.
Despite the tight quarters, Katola said it's been mostly fun.
"We haven't gotten in any fist-fights yet," he said.
"No,'' said Hauserman.
They say they've gotten some help, from a third buddy on board - a picture of St. Nicholas.
"He is the patron saint of boaters and travelers," said Katola.
Together, they navigate the waters guided by their sense of adventure, and a quote from Mark Twain: "Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, dream, discover."
