I get a lot of questions about the name of my boat, La Leyenda. La Leyenda means the "The Legend" in Spanish and I thought the Spanish pronunciation sounded more beautiful so I went with that. What does it mean to me?
For years I have lived and worked in Alaska and I have had the opportunity to be with a plethora of like minded individuals. For a few summer's I worked in southeast Alaska in and around the Haines/Skagway area and this time of my life surely influenced my approach towards my everyday outlook and mentality. I was working for Alaska Mountain Guides or AMG and was really fortunate to receive some tremendous opportunities to climb some of the highest mountains in the world. I also was able travel to these remote locations with incredible people and learn from them in numerous ways.
In a short period of time we at AMG formed a brotherhood and sisterhood that thrived on positivity and adventure! The many lessons I learned while attending the University of AMG are unforgettable. While there I was lucky enough to form a friendship with Nic Cunningham. Nic had very good life experience, he had travelled to over 60 countries and climbed the seven summits including Mt. Vinson and Everest. He was only 25 when I met him. I wondered what fueled that level of motivation and drive? After countless Alaskan summer nights around the fire we had come to realize that our mindset and the mindset of our friends where not unique. People that displayed this drive all were very similar in the simple fact that positivity fueled their accomplishments. Sometimes that positive outlook was displayed in an aggressive manner other times it was more introspective, but it was always an underlying theme of the accomplishment. The power of thought is what made people successful or not successful. With the help of Nic and many other AMG alumni we began to refer to this outlook as living like a legend.
Over time this life way, mentality or whatever you want to term it became a habit. A happy, relaxed approach that gives you peace because you know that eventually, success is the only option.
We took this a step farther and realized that everybody can live like a legend, not just the 25 year old that climbs the seven summits or the girl that drops the 30 foot waterfall on a kayak or the solo circumnavigator. Everybody is a potential legend.
To me and Troy the name, La Leyenda, is a reminder that everyone possesses the legend potential and with our circumnavigation we hope to meet legends around the world. Whether it be the guy in Chile' starting the rural community school, the girl in El Salvador volunteering to help the sick or the 25 year old from Alaska climbing the seven summits, we feel exercising the power of positive thinking makes you a legend and we would love to shine some light on those people.
The first legend I want to honor is Eric Schulenberg
When I was a teen Eric was a mentor to me. He acted as a brother and father to me at times but most of all he acted with class. He was a devout father towards his two young girls and he was the most admirable person I have ever met. He surfed, he fished, he swam and told stories of his life of adventure. He was always happy even when he came home late from commercial lobster fishing and got up early to take his daughter surfing. We would sit in his back yard in silence and listen to the swell grow. He would teach you more about life and yourself in one sentence than a life time of school could ever do. Eric defines legend and he is an inspiration for every adventure I have ever gone on. He will be on La Leyenda with us for sure.
Here is an exert from his obituary:
Eric Schulenberg
1954 - 2009, Santa Barbara
November 6, 1954 - June 25, 2009
Our beloved brother, father, and friend Eric Schulenberg died Thursday, June 25, of a heart attack, at home.
Eric was born in Honolulu Hawaii when it was still a territory, November 6, 1954. Our Dad was a Navy officer so when Eric was young he lived in Texas, Maryland, Hawaii, and California. Our Dad retired in 1966 in San Diego and Eric enjoyed a great childhood in rural Bonita. He graduated from Bonita Vista High School, Southwestern College, and graduated in 1978 with a BS in Geography from Chico State.
He spent most of his working life in the Santa Barbara harbor. He knew and loved the Islands and was loved and respected by every one who knew him. He loved the ocean and surfed most days of his life. A childhood highlight was meeting Duke Kahanamoko.
He loved being a Waterman. He was totally at home at sea whether on a surfboard or one of his boats. He was a free spirit with a curious mind and a loving heart, which led to travels all over the world.
He was a talented self taught musician and played fiddle, piano, banjo, and mandolin to the delight of his friends and family.
He had two daughters, Amanda Katherine and Ava Rose, 16 and 12. He doted on his family and was immeasurably proud of his girls. He was preceded in death by our Mom Judy Schulenberg. He is survived by sister and brother in law Abby and Jurgen Kogler of Del Mar, and sister Sarah Miller of Greensboro NC; his father Dewey Schulenberg; loving nieces Hannah, Emma, and Carolyn and nephew Andrew, and Dr. Liz Kim.
