In The Beginning...

I paddled through rain up to Manitowoc where I watched (with anxiety...but I digress) while the same crew that once tore the side view mirror off my Blazer now drove my fragile SOF onto the boat. I had previously tied red flags to both ends of the boat in hopes of preventing it being mashed by a bigger vehicle.

The crossing was uneventful, and I watched (with relief) as Peter Strand's creation came off the boat in Michigan.I had planned a relaxed pace. So, I found an inexpensive place to crash for the night, did some reading and made the hour and half drive up to Frankfort the next morning. I bummed around town, had coffee and brownies and bought a book to read. Later that day I drove to the parking lot where the car would stay for the weekend. I got my gear onto the waiting pontoon boat which would bring my stuff over later in the day. Then, at last, I launched and headed out to Camp Overlook where the QAJAQ weekend camp was to be held. I had my Mitchel paddle on deck, but during the weekend I mostly used the more robust paddle that Mark Rodgers of Superior Kayaks (in Wisconsin) had made. I also had on board a Norsak he'd made as well. After a short paddle I saw a pier. What was on it indicated I was, indeed, in the right place and that my QAJAQ mates were near by.to be continued...

Congratulations to our Wisconsin adventurers:

Sam Crowley has completed his circumnavigation of Ireland, and we await his safe return home.

Derrick Mayoleth has completed his foray around Puerto Rico. All seemed to have gone well. I hope to hear first person accounts from both men. Mean while...

Paddle safe...

DS