I must, I must

Milkweed

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Another outstanding day for late November! Mid 50's and the sun shown bright. Big hike with the girls walking new established prairie lands that the DNR / County are restoring. Big push from our county to buy up homesteads and farmland for preservation. Pretty cool stuff!
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Paddling was equally enjoyable. Couldn't get anyone up and moving so I went alone. I must be losing my touch, even my provoking post from yesterday to get some conversation on canoe vs. kayak drew no takers.
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Here's a candid shot of the Pops and cherubs. With teenage girls anytime you can get them to agree on anything and smiling is golden. I must have something going on!!
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Raising teenage girls is like nailing Jell-O to a tree. - (finesse babe e finesse) - Unknown

Banner Day

A banner day out on the bay. Weather is fantastic with a light off shore breeze. Back in the Kayak single blading it. I was a little rusty yesterday pretty protective of my hernia repairs. Today felt really good, pushing it a bit getting the boat up to speed.
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I'm a heck of a lot faster in a kayak, just wish they were more comfortable. I did have a guy ask me why I wasn't using a kayak paddle when I went under Goose Pond Bridge. My response was easy; "I suck at kayaking, but can hold my own in a canoe" Man I felt good out on the water today!
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Key to single blading a kayak, don't think of it being a kayak, just a really uncomfortable canoe!! No really, drop your paddle shaft length down a couple inches. I throw a 48" around pretty effortlessly.
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Kayak vs. canoe; Kind a like a house, a poorly built live aboard yacht. - The Capt'n

Pays to be skinny

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I was hoping to snake out the Azul Kayak for some paddling. It pays to be skinny when you have to serpentine your way through a maze of boats hanging in the garage.
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Disaster struck, when skinny just wasn't good enough and I had wedge myself and the boat in between the trailer and the lawn mower. (don't ask, but it involved almost dropping the boat and a bit of a slip fall and wedging myself as I went down) Where's a camera when you need it.
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After squeezing myself out of a precarious situation I contemplated my next move.... "The garage door had to be opened"
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Nursing a hernia repair... I carefully positioned myself and lifted the garage door. The mantra, lift with your legs lift with your legs... BINGO!! The boats have been set free!
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Man a great morning on the water. It's been 5 weeks since I have been able to paddle. I'm Back!! The Azul is a responsive craft which keeps the ride interesting. Great boat for day paddling.
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I was thankful for the smooth water, having been out of a kayak for a while. No sense swimming with the fishes in 40 degree water if you don't have to -
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Glass like conditions, outstanding! - The Capt'n

This just popped up

Jenny alerted me to this picture over in the young paddlers section of Kialoa paddles website of the girls as the prepared for the MR340.
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By the way the custom narrow shaft and tear drop blades worked wonders for the girls. Paddle length was 48"; t - grip, composite paddle.
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A picture is worth a thousand words and their smiles the explanation point!.
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The Capt'n

ready set GO!!

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A lot of hard work and dedication from the Verlen Kruger Memorial Board. Their dream realized. Looks like the dedication will be on June 26th, 2010. Mark your calendars!!
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Up to date information can always be found at the Verlen Kruger Memorial website - Click Here
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Don't know about you, but it makes me feel like paddling beyond the pond - The Capt'n

Boo Speaks

Got the word early this morning, Boo states it's Team Weber / Weber for the 2010 running of the MR340. Most likely our only competitive event in 2010.
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We had discussed a solo campaign, but after weighing the options. We'll go mixed tandem in a Cruiser - In a newly formed division - unsupported. Registration opens January 1, 2010.
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This is going to open the door for some other non-competitive paddling adventures we have been kicking around for awhile. Lots of water to paddle/sail in the Midwest and beyond.
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Stay tuned - The Capt'n

Local boy makes good

SandyBottom alerted me to the Portage to Portage - a 5000 mile solo kayak journey around the Eastern United States. Pretty much dropped the ball on identifying this adventure right in my backyard. Makes you wonder, do I have both oars in the water?
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On December 5th, adventure kayaker Jake Stachovak will be putting in an hour and 10 minutes away from Casa Weber in the bustling metropolis of Portage Wisconsin. Jake is from Wausau Wisconsin. Local boy makes good.
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Head to his website for all the 411 on a very clean and crisp website.
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The Captain has approved private displays of enthusiasm and self expression. Please feel free to sing in the shower and dance in the rain or paddle your a@@ off where ever when ever. - The Capt'n