Kayakers Dana Skytta and Sean Kutzler paddle under the Mackinac Bridge into Lake Michigan Friday, May 8, to begin their 1,000-mile kayak journey around the lake. The two plan to travel 15 to 35 miles each day over the next three months. Friends Sean Kutzler and Dana Skytta set out on a 1,000-mile kayak journey around Lake Michigan Friday morning, May 8, from the Fort Michilimackinac Welcome Center in Mackinaw City. The two friends plan to paddle 15 to 35 miles each day over the next three months to complete their ambitious adventure on the lake.

The two recent Lake Superior State University graduates packed only essentials into their small kayak compartments, including sleeping bags, a tent, clothes, food, and maps. They plan to paddle only a few hundred feet away from shore all the way around the lake, stopping in various cities to spread awareness about both blood donation and lake preservation, and to raise money for the Chippewa County chapter of the American Red Cross. They have raised almost $5,000 since they began planning the trip last September.

Brian Davie of the Chippewa County chapter of the American Red Cross goes over last minute details with Sean Kutzler before Mr. Kutzler begins a kayak trip around Lake Michigan with fellow volunteer Dana Skytta. The two kayakers plan to paddle 1,000 miles around the lake over the next three months. The two met while running track together at the university, where they discovered they each had a passion for kayaking; both have been involved in the sport for about six years.

About a year ago, Mr. Skytta planned to make the journey around the lake solo, but his trip fell through as he didn't have enough planning and time. He approached the Red Cross to see about making the journey more worthwhile by benefiting the nonprofit organization. When Mr. Kutzler heard about the journey and its connection to Red Cross, he decided to make the journey with him.

He wanted to join because he was born with Rh Disease, a blood disorder in which a newborn rejects its own blood and must have a transfusion to survive; he needed 25% of his blood transfused.

Mackinaw City Village Manager Jeff Lawson (from left) stands with kayakers Dana Skytta and Sean Kutzler, and Brian Davie of American Red Cross Chippewa County chapter Friday, May 8, at the Fort Michilimackinac Welcome Center in Mackinaw City. Mr. Lawson and Mr. Davie were among the 20 people to watch the two kayakers start their journey around Lake Michigan. "I've been a blood recipient and that saved my life. I've been an avid donor. I thought, 'What can I do to give back?' This is a chance to help out a local chapter," he said.

Brian Davie, executive director of the Chippewa County chapter, jumped at the opportunity to help the two friends as well as raise awareness for the organization.

"We're working with other chapters of the Red Cross around the state and in other states, as well" to get the word out about their journey, he said. Through these contacts, they plan to give kayak demonstrations and raise awareness about their cause at stops around the lake.

"They've trained and have been involved in all of the planning. I think the guys are ready," Mr. Davie said as the pair finished preparing to shove off in Mackinaw City.

Dana Skytta and Sean Kutzler pack supplies into their kayaks Friday, May 8, in Mackinaw City. Their gear is stored inside special watertight bags and then sealed in plastic bags. They began training for their long journey in January in the pool at the Norris Center on the university campus. The university donated the use of the pool to allow them to train during the winter.

"Lake Superior State has been very helpful and supportive of our endeavor," Mr. Kutzler said.

All of their gear is packed in watertight bags so it will stay dry if water gets into their kayaks. They packed plenty of fruit, granola bars, jerky, and cheese in sealed plastic bags to last them a couple of weeks. They packed more food into boxes, ready to ship, that Mr. Skytta's mother will send to them when they need it; they have a wind-up electrical charger to charge their cell phones to keep in contact.

They chose Lake Michigan because it is the only Great Lake located completely inside the United States, so they won't have to deal with crossing the international border into Canada, and because it is a little closer to their families; Mr. Kutzler is from Sault Ste. Marie and Mr. Skytta is from Michigamme. They have no aspirations to paddle around any of the other Great Lakes, the pair said, because they're focused now on completing the journey ahead of them.

Friends and family will be able to track their progress online. Mr. Skytta has a global positioning system device that will allow him to send e-mails and locations to be posted on the blog site, www.paddleforapurpose. blogspot.com.

"We couldn't have asked for a better day. We're as ready as we'll ever be," Mr. Kutzler said of the sunny weather at the Mackinaw City shoreline, before he climbed into his kayak and paddled away.

Donations to the cause are being accepted on the online site, and through Mr. Davie at the Chippewa County Red Cross chapter, at 632-8111.