History in the making

and

I Was There

and You are too
(Disclaimer: What you will read and see here is of such excitement and historical importance that those with heart conditions and proclivities toward wide mood swings should consult a physician before proceeding)

First, let me set the scene. It was yesterday, a monday, an over cast day with a 6 knot north east wind that had the potential to increase to hurricaine force. The place, Lake Michigan, a body of water that has claimed lives and ships with impunity. Everything was in place that could evolve to disasterous conditions.

The young woman, in her mid twenties had never (that is correct, never) been in a kayak, yet she didn't hesitate to take part in what you will read here. It was my humble honor to have been present and to have assisted her only with words during her ordeal and triumph.

After dressing in borrowed clothes (thanks, JB, for the farmer Jane), and outfitting her with a heavy paddle and a boat (that is actually for sale), the hull was taken to the lake at the infamous and dreaded South Shore launch area where such greats as JB, Sherri M, Bob B, Greg F, Jennifer F, Jeff, Sue, Leslie, Joel and so many other greats have gone before (but, once again, I digress).

After the briefest of instructions, she was in the boat...just like that, as if she had done it a millioin times before. With relaxed determination on her face, she was pushed into the unforgiving (and sometimes highly polluted) waters, and the first picture was captured for the Historical Society's archieves:

As near as I can recall (you can imagine how excited I was at this point), I only gave her a few very basic tips, and she was off. I mean, she was paddling with the highly difficult and coveted forward stroke. Another picture saves the moment for history:


Well, dear reader, I will spare you all the exhausting excitement that followed, but know that in the next several moments this young person paddled (in, remember, those threatening conditions) that boat forward, then backward, then sideways. Before this historical event was over, she was doing sweep strokes. Yes, sweep strokes.

And now you, too, have shared in this historical, once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-repeated event. If I have captured the true moment it probably seems as real to you as if you had been there. So, in a way, you have been part of this historical and mind-boggling event: The day my daughter, Tammy, took her first kayak lesson.

Tammy, you padle safe...and have the kayak home by nine.

DS