End of this line...

Been without a computer for a while and not yet used to this one (hence the lack of postings). The year is rapidly running out on a warm December that allowed me to paddle 3-4 times a week (including today). Tomorrow I head for the east coast to visit my grandson and his people. Home new years day.

It's been a heavy year for me, and I cannot say why. I felt angst, seemed overwhelmed many times; yet I was doing what I've always done. Perhaps this was the year I realized college "students" see themselves as customers shopping for grades rather than consumers of knowledge. I need to address that up front when the new term begins.

I didn't lose the weight as intended, something new for me. I fear it will damage my health soon if I do not shed the pounds, at least 15.

The good things this year included my wonderful family. My daughters are great moms, and Lady Linda is more beautiful each year. I think, too, that my paddling improved, and I intend to take a step up (more on that eventually). For now, I feel blessed and am grateful for all I have...including the many years of life.

My wish for all of you is peace, happiness and a feeling of contributing to the greater good. Maybe we can still pull this planet together.

Paddle safe...
DS

Where the Heck is Yorkville?

When Geneva Kayak (in Illinois) was looking for a new location an unusual opportunity presented itself. A small town had property on the Fox River and would allow GK to build and work out of the area. The location had a good deal to recommend it, especially the fact that the river there is wide and moving well. There's more:

 There is a damn there that apparently had proven hazardous to some hapless souls. In an act of creativity, rocks were moved around and a short channel of rapids was produced. Now, there was a  place to launch, play and even change clothes.

To be sure, the location is one you unlikely to stumble upon as it is at the end of a road and bracketed by the river and a railroad yard. (I happen to be there because I rode along with JB who was taking in his Explorer for a keel strip).

While I was waiting, a chap named Ray got on the water and played along the rapids. He got caught on a rock and chose to turn over and roll up on the other side. All in all, well done. But, I digress. Yourkville is somewhere in Illinois, and there is a shop there called Geneva Kayak and a river in which to paddle. Oh yes, there is an elegant changing area for your convenience.

Paddle safe...

DS

What if...
...when you took your first lesson or began on your own...what if no one ever showed you or talked about feathering a paddle? What if you had been handed an unfeathered one ( or a Greenland stick) and just paddled with it? Would it have ever occur to you, at any time along the way, to feather the paddle?

If you can, imagine you never feathered and someone came along and showed you how to make the blades sit at different angles. Imagine they told you to do such and such with your wrists so that each blade entered the water at the correct angle. Wouldn't you have found that a bit awkward?  Would you have change?

Apparently this whole feathering thing began so that slalom racers could have a top blade that did not hit the hanging gait markers. I know folks tell us that we feather so that the top blade slices into the wind, but that only is true when we go directly into the wind. More over, the feathered blade is ripe for catching a beam wind. So why bother? Why not just do what you probably do any way and lower your angle of paddling when going into the wind?

Now honestly, is feathering what you love, have just gotten used to or a habit?

Paddle safe...
DS

Enough, o'plenty...

The other day I was grocery shopping with lady Linda when I suddenly realized what was all around me. First, food. Tons of it with a vast selection of brands and amounts of everything. There were staples and candies and fresh meats and fresh fruits and vegetables and canned goods from around the world. Several counters were covered with a selections of wines. What I couldn't see could be ordered.

And people. There were shoppers, folks keeping the shelves full, men cutting meat, some ladies slicing fruits for packaging. Behind closed doors were heaven knows how many more people working to keep the supplies coming. And, there were check out people and baggers and truck drivers unloading their goodies.

And I realized that I live in heaven, in the land of plenty...and I was humbled, and just a bit uncomfortable knowing how little some people have in this world and, even, in my own home town.

This morning's paper had a letter to the editor talking about how our NFL team (the Green Bay Packers) are selling shares of the team for $250. The shares are useless and only of "fan" value. The letter writer pointed out how nice it would be for people to donate that money to a food pantry. The paper also has an article on the agencies in my city that are working hard to find places for homeless families to stay during the cold winter.

The imagery of that picture and what I saw in the super market are now swirling around in my head. I am feeling a bit off and a whole lot grateful.

Paddle safe...
DS

Pool rules...
As my annul service to the kayaking community, I once again present the rules you need to know if you will be using an indoor pool to practice with your boat.

1. Radios: Channel 16 monitory, while still a good idea, is no longer mandatory.
2. Be sure to file a float plan before launching.
3. Clean your boat so no invasive species get hold in the pool.
4. While seal launches may be allowed, catching a beam wave and boogie-boarding ashore is not.
5. Always check a weather forecast an hour or so before launching.
6. Need I say it? Carry a spare paddle in case yours is blown away.
7. Maintain group integrity: assign, at the very least, a lead paddler and a sweep paddler.
8. Keep your flare gun on your pfd in case you get separated from your boat.
9. Daylight hours are short, have a light available to put on deck so you can be seen (remember that your strobe is for emergencies only).
10. Carry fresh water: DO NOT DRINK FROM THE POOL (especially if there are children swimming near by).

Paddle safe...
DS

Because we can...

The yachties have their expensive vessels all stored away for winter. Some have gone south, some with their boats. We kayakers, however, remain here in the northern latitudes to deal with the weather and to find a way to spend time and get exercise. So yesterday, with a 30mph NE blowing, Sherri and I went for a paddle. Why?

Because we can.

Paddle safe...
DS

Looking at 2012:

As winter chills my bones, I have to look ahead to the fun stuff coming up next year in order to keep my mojo going. So let's have a look-see:

February, 2012: Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin. I look forward to staffing, meeting old friends, hearing all sorts of experts from around the world and seeing all the new gizmos I cannot live without.

June: No symposium this year: The one in Washburn, Wisconsin...near the Apostle Islands...is every other year.

July: weekend after 4th of July (July 12th-15th): Door County Sea Kayak Symposium sponsored by my peeps at Rutabaga in Madison, Wisconsin. This annual event is held in Door County on the tip of the thumb of Wisconsin. Great weekend to learn, trip and perfect techniques. I look forward to staffing.

July: one weekend after DKSKS: Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium at Grand Marais, Michigan, Upper Peninsula:  Beautiful location with Kelly Blade's, et al, leading. I look forward to staffing again.

Between the last two, I look forward to a 3-4 day camp out on the shores of Lake Superior with my man JB. Relaxing, paddling, good food in town and JB's Irish Whiskey. Hopefully, Sherri will also make it this year.
Hey, the winter isn't looking so bad after all.

Paddle safe...
DS

Long and Short of it...

In summer it is easy to choose how to dress on the water. Same in the winter when it is bitter cold. In between is when various combinations of layers present endless possibilities for dressing. Often, it comes down to deciding between a farmer John/Jane or a shorty. In many minds (including my own until recently), the shorty was for warmer weather while the full length farmer outfit with thick neoprene was warmer. Then I read a letter to the editor which brought out some excellent points.

Yes, the farmer john covers the legs and chest with 2-4 mm neoprene; but the shortie covers the armpits and upper arms, areas where water can sap a lot of heat from the body. This being the case, why don't we have available a 3-4 mm neoprene embellished farmer John/Jane that does everything the basic farmer suits do plus cover over the armpits (axillae) and upper arm for protection? This would be warmer than the farmer outfit alone and extend the season for those not willing to buy a dry suit.

Paddle safe...
DS

More thoughts on the shmangling blog: this time from Brain Day

(disclaimer: Brian is with P&H Kayaks here in the states. I paddle a Cetus MV and have Brian's very old and many times repaired
Romany)

In response to the previous blog, Brian wrote (edited to condense):

Hey Silbs.  I’m with you that the definitions of high-angle and low-angle paddling are getting a bit confusing these days...

Nowadays it seems that pretty much everybody teaches a “top hand high” forward stroke. Which makes the question of low or high angle is mostly moot. If you keep your top hand roughly at shoulder level and you immerse the blade to the throat, your “paddle angle” will be a function of overall shaft length. Go with a shorter shaft and you will have a higher angle...
.  These days it seems that the closest thing to what used to be considered low-angle paddling is Greenland style forward stroke. Hands are held at chest level or below. Elbows are down. Not much strain on the shoulder from holding up the paddle. That is what used to be considered a low angle style. But with paddles getting shorter and teaching technique becoming more uniform you don’t see it that much anymore in touring kayak circles...

There was more, but I think I caught the essence of Brian's knowledgeable comments. I appreciate them.

Paddle safe...
DS

Wisdom of Gary Simon...

Gary is one of the founding fathers of our Milwuakee kayaking community. He is an excellent teacher and has a gift for clearly explaining the difficult. With his permission, I am publishing here an e  mail he sent to me this morning. (Bold accent are my own)

Paddle safe...
DS
I will try to explain my understanding of the benefit of a more vertical paddle blade, which is based on and related to the concept of slippage.
1. Slippage. As you know, the concept is that the blade remains fixed once it is planted, and the paddler pulls the kayak, ski, etc. to the fixed paddle blade. Stop-action video has proven that, while this is a valid concept, the blade in fact moves back a little towards the paddler (that is, "slips") during the power phase. The less the slippage, the more solid the plant and the more efficient the stroke since all of the power is transmitted to the blade. (Reduction of slippage is the sole reason behind the wing paddle. The airfoil blade creates a lower pressure area on the back of the blade and a high pressure on the face, thus allowing for less slippage. But there is still some slippage, especially if the blade is not vertical; and it is impossible to have a completely vertical blade.)
2. Blade surface area. The more surface area of the blade squared to the water, the less the slippage. One way to visualize this is to think of the difference between a square piece of plywood affixed to a round shaft acting as a blade, and just a round shaft. The square piece would clearly provide for less slippage and a more powerful catch right before and during the power phase. Now, imagine a spotlight shining on the non-power face of the blade and the shadow cast by that light. A perfectly vertical blade of, say 900 sq. inches, would cast a shadow of 900 sq. inches. Now, lean the blade either forward or backward--the shadow the blade now casts is less than 900 sq. inches. So, a more vertical blade will present more area to the water, and should provide for a more solid catch and power phase.
3. The height of the blade varies throughout the recovery through the completion of the catch, when in theory is when the blade is completely buried. I raise my top hand to slightly above my head just before starting the catch, and try to have the top hand somewhere around my chin upon completion of the catch and during the power phase. Pictures can be misleading if one does not try to figure out where the paddler is during his stroke. For example, in the one you posted today of my stroke (last pic), I was somewhere right before or at the start of the catch phase when the top hand was coming down as the blade was inserted into the water during the catch. How high one goes depends on paddle length, paddler size, energy levels, paddle conditions, and various other factors. Does not much matter, but I always try to "think vertical paddle", unless hanging on for dear life. GS

Angle, Shmangle...

I love asking others how they define high angle paddling because of the variety of answers I get. Some point out that the blade is shaped differently and the shaft generally a bit shorter than a paddle for low angle work. Each shape, of course, allows the blade to meet the water at a different angle. Then comes the discussion of what is high angle.

One fellow tells me it means your top hand is above your head. Other say the hand must be over the forehead, above the eyebrows, at eye level, above the chine, etc., etc.. I wonder if none of the above are correct. For instance, what if someone uses a relatively short high angle paddle (205), paddles with a vertical blade and their top hand is about chin high? They are using the blade efficiently while keeping from lifting the top arm high and exposing it to injury. Is that not high angle paddling?

The blade passes close to and parallel to the hull and, except for any criteria of top hand height, is in every way high angle paddling. Or am I missing something here? Should the angle of paddling be defined by the angle of paddling?

Paddle safe...
DS

Once Upon a Time...

...when I was a baby doctor (not to be confused with a pediatrician) at Washington D.C. General Hospital, I had a patient from whom I learned a life lesson. He was in his forties and had moderately severe hypertension. Back then there were only a few meds available, and I was unable to get his pressure down. I presented this to my Chief who told me to put the patient in the hospital. "And do what?", I asked. "Just admit him," was the reply. I did, and within 36 hours the man had a normal blood pressure. Excited, I told the Chief who, in turn, said I could now discharge the patient. When I asked what would happen to the patient, the Chief told me that the man's pressure would quickly rise again and he would eventually die of a stroke.

Why, I asked, had I bothered to admit him. The Chief's answer still stays with me.

"So you could learn that the cause of high blood pressure is life."

Since then, there have been studies that have shown that blood pressure can be lowered in patients who give up TV, radio and newspapers. That is, pressure goes down when people have less exposure to the troubles of the world and all the angst around us. As someone once said (I paraphrase), "Life is too much with us."

You can keep your eye on the national debt for me today while listening to the newscasts on world economic disasters and the rest. Or, you could go for a nice paddle, even if it's just for an hour after work.

Paddle safe...
DS

Enough...

There is a 4+ year old boy on my mind this Veteran's day. He happens to be my grandson. I am unlikely to be around when he reaches the age of 18, so I want to make my wishes for him known now. I wish for him a world of peace. I wish for him to not have to pick up a fire arm unless he chooses to target shoot. I wish for him a time of no wars and a time with none of our armies on foreign soil. I wish him the gift of world peace.

I was born just before the attack on Pearl Harbor and have never known a time without wars. I have seen war and it ain't pretty. There are, I can tell you, better ways to gather memories.

I know others who have had the same experiences including Bill, next door, and my mentor JB. I know that look when I face another man who has served, especially in 'Nam and that teary gaze we share. I know the monuments in Washington D.C. and The Wall I can never approach without crying. I know, or knew, some of the men listed there.

I know what I know, and I don't want my grandson to know of such things. Yes, I want him to know our history and what has gone on, but I want it to serve as a lesson to him how terribly wrong things can go.

I appreciate the "thank you" comments that have been coming my way. I don't know about other vets but, for me, a smile and a knowing nod would be plenty of thanks. Then, pray for peace for my grandson.

Paddle safe...
DS

Maybe I'm too Old School...
I read many blogs, most on kayaking. When I have time I peruse paddlingplanet.comand visit some of the sites I see. I have noticed more and more how complicated (to this old head) it has become to comment on some of them (the comments are virtually always +).

I am asked for credentials, identities and verifications and often denied posting my comment because I cannot be verified. The blogspot.com sites take my comments and some take them if I ID myself by my blogspot address. More and more, however, it has become too hard to post, so I don't. Sometimes I can link the posting to my FaceBook page and do so.

I guess I am computer-challenged and haven't kept up with the new ways. Oh well, I have to go fix my typewriter now.

Paddle safe...
DS

Tough Decision...

Do I really want to go back to the noise and stress?

Paddle safe...
DS

F.A.K.E.

   We have often discussed how many kayaks are enough and why. Most of us are not presently paddling the first kayak we ever purchased and it is likely we no longer own that boat. More over, it is likely that we have owned several different boats at different times and presently own more than one. Now, why is that?

   Sometimes, because there is only a limited opportunity to test paddle kayaks, we find that that perfect new boat doesn't work in certain conditions as well as we had hoped. More often, and usually right after taking delivery of our new (or used) kayak, we cast our eyes on some new offering that has lines that speak to us in a way a great work of art speaks to an artist. End game: we want that boat...too.

    Right now, how many boats do you own? How many boats do you own that you hardly ever (if ever) paddle but cannot let go of because it is a classic (e.g. my Romany)? How many boats do you have that you know you will not use and which would serve you better being sold to put cash in your pocket? I don't need answers to these questions, but I pose them to make us all aware of our sickness. Yes, our sickness. We, my fellow paddlers and lovers-of-kayaks are addicted to boats.

   For some of us it is the sensuousness of the curves, or the mimicking of traditional Greenland lines or colors or materials or...or just kayaks in general. Face it, we need help, but a search of the medical literature shows that we are an ignored, disadvantaged minority in this country. Never, in a search of the Congressional Record, has a senator or representative risen to the floor to proclaim the pain and need of the kayak addict (KA). Never has the AMA or any other medical group or college offered training on the treatment for the KA. My dear friends and colleagues, there is no treatment. I am an MD and have discussed this with my colleagues in psychiatry; and I can tell you: that they have little interest in our plight. Knowing all this and realizing that we will not likely see a cure in our life time, we need to address the main secondary need of the KA patient: money.

   Unless the country wants to see crime rates rise as we, like all addicts, pursue the quest for the money we need to satisfy our addiction, our government must pass the F.A.K.E act which I hereby propose:

   The Federal Assistance act for Kayak Enthusiasts is a simple act asking that recognized addicted kayakers (come on, ACA, you need to find a way to credential us) be given a yearly stipend that would have to be applied to the purchase of a new or used kayak. Passing this is critical to our interests, the needs of kayakers and the needs of our country. Upon its enactment:

   1. Crime rates would plunge as we would have the cash we need.

   2. The economy would surge as money flowed from kayaker to kayaker to kayak dealer.

   3. As a result, employment would rise dramatically.

   It isn't going to be easy, so the sooner we get started on this the sooner it will happen. We need a steering committee to organize our campaign for the rights we deserve. We need to write letters, take out TV ads, contact our people in government, organize demonstrations (peaceful) and just get the word out. We are people of action and we take risks. WE CAN DO THIS.

   And, once we have celebrated the passage and enactment of F.A.K.E. we can start working on the B.O.O.B., act: Booty Only Offered to buy Blades.

   Clearly,we have our work cut out for us

Paddle safe...

DS

A day "off"...

 Off the lake, that is. Last Saturday was glorious with bright sunshine, little wind and no waves on the lake. So, why not do a little relaxing paddle on the Milwaukee River and enjoy the fall colors?

I launched from a site north of Milwaukee and enjoyed, for a while, a relaxed paddle. I saw a father-daughter duo chatting while enjoying their time on the water, and the colors were great. I meandered from side to side of the river looking at detail, occasionally snapping a picture I knew I would later erase, and generally enjoying the day.

When I turned to head back, the large Ikelos came out and I did a nice aerobic work out. Next morning, I knew I had had some fun and worked my torso well the previous day. It was Sunday, blowing quite a bit. I headed for the big lake.

Paddle safe...
DS

Best Idea of the Week! 

                                                                       (check out rear deck...
                                                                        yep...a portopotty)
Paddle safe...

DS

So...You know first aid.
   My friend and mentor, John Browning, is like a dust mop that picks up knowledge where ever he finds it. In addition to being a L4 instructor, he is an instructor trainer, and EMT and a Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Not bad. I have learned from him and been along side him in some gnarly situations. I have taken one of his first aid courses (yes, doctors can benefit from such training) and interacted with him in some interesting situations. That's nice. So what is my point, where am I going with this?

   We all know folks who handle their boat well and do some fancy stuff in calm conditions. Some, however, seldom practice that roll or T-rescue in level 3-4 conditions so that when the need arises they do not perform to expectations. (At last, he gets to his point): Some folks have had a high level of training in wilderness first aid, CPR and the like. The thing is (and there is no real way to "fake" this), they haven't had to fact the real thing. They haven't had to deal with the pale and injured person as they slip into shock or, even worse, the close friend who lies before them with no pulse. It is in those situations that we all learn how well we can utilize the "knowledge" we've worked so hard to acquire.

   In medicine, this is accomplished by years of working along side experienced nurses and doctors and emulating their behavior. In that "protected" setting one gets to learn and practice with the safety net of more experienced people. Hopefully, we do that in our paddling as well. We go out in more and more challenging conditions along with highly skilled people who help keep us safe. Medicine, first aid and human lives in danger present a slightly different challenge.

   The father of one of my medical residence once told me that his doctor-son said about me, "He couldn't believe how excited you never got in an emergency." It may be dramatic to watch CPR on television; it is different when it is the real thing and you are the one in the arena. When the need arises, one has to forget about themselves and how they are going to do or how they are going to appear to others. The injured person must become the focus of all attention and thinking...and that is what takes time to master.

   At a recent symposium a shout went out for help. An older woman, near shore, was in great  pain and was holding her left arm against her chest. I waded over and quickly realized that she had dislocated the shoulder. I helped her immobilize the arm as we made our way to shore and got her seated comfortably. All the while, I engaged her in conversation, felt her skin for signs of shock and otherwise kept the process moving.

   Once ashore, I turned her care over to JB and a paramedic from Chicago. Why? I was the licensed doctor on the scene, a specialist in cardiology. Shouldn't I be the one in charge? I have treated these things before, even putting dislocated shoulders back while on ski hills (the sooner you put them back in the easier they go).Well, maybe; but being in charge isn't the same as doing the operation. After all, I had two men there who were experts in field injuries. Upon seeing this woman and realizing her age, I made the judgment that it would be dangerous to try and reduce her shoulder. My medical obligation became making her comfortable and getting her safely to a hospital. The other two men on the scene were experts in doing just that. I was an expert in realizing that and doing what was best for the patient.

 All very nice, but where does that leave all of us who know some first aid and have never applied a band aid? Well, it means re-reading your books, taking refresher courses and, if at all possible, getting some field experience along side a mentor. When all else fails, never forger: First, do no harm.

Paddle safe...

DS

Mama nature and the Humanus Sedatus

(Endangered Species)

   Around here, the maple leafs are turning to beautiful colors and huge v-shaped flights of geese are gathering to head south. Up in the northern woods and not as obvious, bears are fattening up so they have enough calories stored to survive the upcoming hibernation.Soon they will go into a sleep-like state, thereby reducing their metabolic rate and energy needs. Yes, the trees and Ursa have a way of coping with winter that allows for the survival of their kind. If only humans were as wise.

((Head home to the couch?)

For all our smarts and "knowledge", many of our kind will be packing up their toys and taking them home. Many, ignoring the basic physiology the bears seem  to understand, will pack on the calories throughout the winter, eschewing hibernation and its slow metabolism for sitting on the sofa. Not only does this not equate with the slowing of metabolism that the bears will enjoy, it allows the still-awake-but-not-paddling-Humanis Sedatus to remain awake all winter while consuming all sorts of calories while burning few. Still, many will survive the Wisconsin winter while, paradoxically, slowly plugging their arteries and depositing belly fat.

Fortunately, a subspecies (Humanis Activus) has evolved and separated from the behavioral patterns of this group. Notable for their larger brains and more attractive bodies, these specimens also stay awake all winter (except for brief 5-8 hour sessions of refreshing sleep) and remain active, thus burning off much of the caloric load they consume. Unable to grow thickened fur coats, this subspecies has evolved a method of outer and inner wear to protect their warm-blooded bodies from the frigid cold.

Come spring, the Activus group not only weighs less than the Sedatus group: they prove to be (on psychological tests) happier and (according to neutral judges) better looking. It will be interesting to see which of these two groups falls under the factors outlined by Darwin.

Paddle safe...
DS

Nature doesn't suffer fools gladly...

 The Lake rested today; but it was blowing like hell a day ago, and some boat owners suffered from having poor holding gear.

 Two sloops were blown to shore which, fortunately, wasn't far away.

 Chaos looks parked, but she had her rudder post bent and her keel cracked at the hull line.

Popsy appears to have dragged an anchor. I do not know if that was added after she went aground or that was her poor substitute for a proper mooring. Her rudder was nowhere to be seen

Anyway, it was a lot calmer today.

Paddle safe...
DS

Et Tu, Valley?

  Valley has a long (and good) reputations for building fine sea kayak, most with traditional lines and fish form (widest ahead of cockpit) shapes. Heck, they brought us the Nordkapp. As you probably know, I paddle a P&H Cetus MV which has a Swede form (widest behind the cockpit) hull.
  Today, while reviewing issue 27 of Ocean Paddler, I came across a review of Valley's new Etain 17-5 (there is also a 17-7); and, lo and behold, it is a mild Swede form. Interestingly, the reviewer comments on the fine initial stability and acceleration, two qualities I have noticed in the Cetus series.
  I have to wonder if we will be seeing more of this shaped boats coming out and how folks will respond to them. What next, a Swede form skin on frame?

Paddle safe...
DS

Doug

You live in our memories

                                                              You left us too soon

Paddle safe...

DS

Contact: Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office
Coast Guard searching for missing kayaker in Lake Michigan after 2 rescued by local responders

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard and local first responders are searching the area near the New Buffalo, Mich., beach breakwall for a missing kayaker Saturday evening after two others were rescued from heavy waves.
Missing is Mitchell Fajman, 18, hometown unknown. The identities of the rescued men are not known at this time...

...On scene weather is currently 8-10-foot seas, with waves of 14-15 feet closer to shore.

These paddlers were in proper dress (including helmets) but aparently in conditions beyond their abilities. It seems I have been seeing more of these types of articles lately. Why?

Is it just that there are more of us going out in kayaks? Are we getting too over confident? Is it just my imagination?

Paddle safe...
DS

A new Religion?
or just art?

This structure is on the break wall, not far from where we launch. It has taken on different forms; but recently I noticed the "child" at the top. Perhaps it is an omen, or, maybe not. I have seen similar structures on the beach south of here.

paddle safe...
DS

For The Children...

I realize that my recent weekend camping/paddling with the CASKA folks was really a family affair. Strong, brave men passed up the opportunity to go off into the rugged wild to be sure that the two youngest members of our "family" got the experience they deserved.

Moms, aunts, dads and friends made sure the young men with us had a good time.

That meant we had a good time.

Paddle safe...
DS