"Paddle for your life!"

Four of us had traveled 4,000 miles to test our kayaking skills against some of the world's most extreme weather and sea conditions. The last people to kayak among these islands were the Aleuts, who had invented the kayak centuries before. Although they mysteriously abandoned these islands more than a hundred years ago, we could feel their presence as we paddled their waters and explored their lands.

We knew our equipment was top-of-the-line, and we had spent a year planning for every emergency we could think of. Would this be enough? Only time would tell, but we were certain of one thing: This would be an adventure we'd never forget! -- J.B.