We Remember
Doug Winter, R.I.P.

Yesterday, we paddled together heading south along the shoreline. It was a route we had done so many times before, often with Doug along side. We returned early to gather at the home of Rick and Jennifer

to remember and memorialize Doug. There was, of course, food...but most of the time was spent telling stories and looking at pictures of Doug taken over the years we've known him.Some of us wrote notes that we would like to send to his sister in California.Leslie, an artist (among other skills) had prepared a rock which we will place on the break wall next spring.Doug Winter
Kayaker
Teacher
Friend

When it came time for a group picture, we wondered aloud what we should do. It seems we decided to smile...perhaps to smile at Doug so he would know how fondly he is remembered.We struggled for the right words as we talked, and I think Sue summed it up best when she told us how she would call and e mail Doug to come paddle. He would seldom respond. But when she sent a message that she needed help, Doug was instantly there. That's who he was. That's how I will remember him.

Good bye, friend.

Paddle safe...
DS

4th Hatch

The Cetus features, as many of you know, a fourth hatch located just ahead of the cockpit. As sea kayakers, we all know that it is a no-no to open the forward or rear hatch while on the water. To do so is an invitation to disaster and a Cleopatra's Needle. So, along came the day hatch, a smaller compartment located just behind, on he left, of the paddler. Smaller, opening it only risks taking on a small amount of water, albeit amid ship where it would not be much of a problem. In high seas, however, paddlers inexperience in Yoga or pretzel bending may have some trouble getting to it. The stage is set for the 4th hatch.

My first concern was that my knees would be constantly banging into it. No such problem as the space it takes below deck is actually beyond my knees. the only problem is that I lost my favorite place to hang my pump. I don't believe it will go behind the seat (I just bought a new pump and haven't tried to put it there), and it is not skinny enough to go between the hull and the seat support. I do not want to carry it on deck where it is in the way and can be washed off.

So, I am happy to report that I have not yet solved all the problems of life. Who said, Duct Tape?"

Paddle safe...
DS

Ah Yes, I Remember

This pic was taken almost 5 years ago and reminds me of what is coming up for us paddlers on Lake Michigan. We never had a real summer this year. On the other hand, it has been fairly mild this fall with rare temperatures down to freezing at night.

But as I sit here with my many layers and wait for the house to warm up a bit, I am reminded of the frayed gasket on the right sleeve of my dry suit that needs attention (duck tape has worked up until now, but the water will be getting seriously cold soon enough). I'm also taking stock of my layers and supply of fleece clothes.

Looking at my calendar, I was surprised to see that pool sessions start in a few weeks. I am looking forward to the warm water in which to get a good feel for the Cetus' secondary stability point and do some rolling. I also want to see if, with the wider back deck, I will have more success using a cowboy or rodeo re entry.

Just a matter of time and the snow will fall. Then ice will begin lining the shore making launching and recovery a whole sport unto itself. Oh well, Lady Linda and I got a bargain price on a cruise in January.

Paddle safe...
DS

Group Integrity

It can drive a trip leader nuts. Keeping a group together, that is. Even on our unofficial Sunday morning paddles we have folks suddenly disappearing or going off by themselves for a brief time. Since we are not an "official" group, a sort of live and let live attitude predominates. So far, so good.

But it is getting colder up hear, and survival times in the water will quickly drop over the next few months. Now I always think in terms of taking care of myself and continually (well, mostly in warmer times) practice my self rescue skills as well as rescuing others. Still, as I get older and the water gets colder I find comfort in knowing I am amidst others with similar skills.

In the October, 2009 issue of Atlantic Coastal Kayaker (thanks JB) Wayne Horodowich (founder of the University of Sea Kayaking) has a nice article, Group Paddling Creed, that takes on this very problem. Core to what he has to say is the necessity for members of the group to agree on what they are about (I paraphrase) and what is expected of each paddler. He talks about being on time, pace of travel, equipment expected and other essentials to making the group experience enjoyable and safe.

'nuff said.

Paddle safe...DS

'Tween Time

It's not winter here--yet, and it sure as heck isn't summer any more. It's 'tween time. Okay, I know some of you want to tell me that it is fall or autumn, that time of year when the trees are in various stages of shedding their foliage. But, at least to me, fall is that pretty part of the year that flashes by at the end of summer. It is that time when shockingly beautiful colors decorate all the trees. Then there is usually a rainstorm or two and, suddenly, it's 'tween time.You can see it in the steely sky and feel it when deciding how to dress to paddle. The water is below 50 F, and dry suits are the dress of the day. Still, the air temp is often 5-10 degrees higher, so plan on sweating bullets while hoping you don't fall into the drink. Soon enough it will be time to take out the heavier neoprene mittens and think about a head covering that shields the nose from the wind.

It's a little like those 'tween years that fall somewhere just after puberty and are over (for some of us) by age 20. It's hard to define, but you know it when you see it...and, it can be difficult to tolerate.

Paddle safe...
DS

Cetus Joins The Fleet

While waiting for my new skeg control, I decided to go out in the Cetus with the skeg up. Seeing the boat on shore, I realized that her weather cocking tendencies are due, in part, to the amount of rocker seen above (the pavement on the left is a bit lower and emphasizes the look of the amount of rocker). The boat did seem easier to control as I've gotten more used to how much sweep and edging is required as compared to my Romany (which wouldn't have required any in these conditions). I am wondering if adding ballast would make her track better.In any event, after our usual military-like line up near the shore......we had ourselves a nice paddle, catching some nice rollers when we cleared the south end of the breakwater. All returned to shore safely......including those in the witness protection program.

Paddle safe...
DS

I picked up the Optio that I bad-mouthed in a previous blog...and it works.

Paddle safe...
DS

Enough, Already

I'm Calling In a Consultant

Paddle safe...
DS

No Point, Really

It's just that this is the first morning of the season that I've gone out (in the dark) to get the morning paper and found ice on the windshield of my car. Winter is coming, and I needed a little picture of warmer weather to ground me.

Paddle safe...
DS

Now I can tell It
Kudos to P&H

The other day, the skeg on my new Cetus got harder and harder to use until I could not compress the little lever at all. I essentially had no skeg. I was very upset (and a little afraid that I had an unsolvable problem...but that's the pessimist in me) and fired off e mails to P&H and Brian Day. I didn't want to do a big blog on it because they have had some line problems with this gizmo, and I knew I was in a fould mood.

Now I can tell you that I have had responses from the company and a personal call from Brian Day (remember, I still have his old Romany). They both requested pictures of the devise, and one is shown above. They promised to get back to me by Monday when the guy who knew about this stuff would be there. Meanwhile, Brian took it upon himself to call me Sunday and express his concern and to assure me it would be handled. He was sympathetic about my circumstances.

Well, he called back Monday with the news that one of a few faulty skeg controls got into my boat, and he offered me 3 different avenues to remedy it. As of now, I hope to meet him in Madison just before Christmas where he plans to replace the skeg control box with a new unit.

Meanwhile, we had an excellent discussion on boat control, feathering and edging. You might want to check out his posting on the blog I just did on feathering.

I feel better now and my faith is renewed. I am glad I waited until now to post on this as P&H, and Brian, have excellent reputations for quality work. I believe it will work out well. The bonus is the discussion I got to have with Brian around paddling.

Paddle safe...
DS
x

To Feather
or Not To Feather
(that is the question)

I have never been a proponent of the feathering of paddles. I know the reasoning: The high feathered blade cuts cleanly through the headwind. And why, I ask, are you always paddling into a headwind? Besides, this same set up wreaks havoc when the wind is on the beam and that feathered high blade is perpendicular to the breeze.

In addition (I've reasoned), I paddle with a Greenland stick at times, and I don't want any confusion as to blade position when I need to roll (with the Euro blade). Then came yesterday.

JB and I found a nice breeze and some calopotis chop out on Lake Michigan. I was in my Cetus with the skeg up and was having some weather cocking problems. The usual slight edging would not keep me on course. Then I watched my (unfeathred) blades in the water and saw something I've noticed in the past. My right blade was not entering as perpindicular to the water as was the left blade. What to do?

I remembered conversations with many paddlers who use just 15 degrees of feathering. They have said it gave them a more natural motion from one side to the other. So I tried it, and it helped a lot. Both blades had clean entries with good postitioning to grab the water. I still had a bit of weather cocking, but adding just a bit more edge smoothed that out. I will continue to use this for a while and see how it works out.

I cannot believe I am writing this after advocating the unfeathered paddle for so long. Oh well, it's just a light touch of a difference.

Paddle safe...
DS

Just to Bring Closure....This is a skate key. It was used to tighten the two jaws that clamped the roller skates to the toes of one's shoes. Ann ankle strap held the back part on. The lower right squarish hold fit over the toggle on the skate, and you turned the whole thing like a wrench or screw driver. Now all the comments should make sens.

Paddle (and skate) safe...
DS

x

Full Circle
From the Duluth News

UPDATED: Body found on Lake Superior shore was missing kayaker

The St. Louis County Medical Examiner confirmed that a body found Thursday near Flood Bay was that of missing Milwaukee kayaker Douglas Winter.

xThis was just brought to our attention by an anonymous reader. It is from the Duluth newspaper.

Body found on Lake Superior shore

The Lake County Sheriff's Department received a call Thursday afternoon alerting them that a body was found in the Flood Bay area. The body was taken to the St. Louis County Medical Examiner for an autopsy to confirm an identity and find a cause of death.

Paddle (extra) safe...

DS

Among The Great Symbols Of Our Time

There is the cross, the red cross, the caduceus and thousands of other symbols that are immediately recognized as representing a specific group, religion or organization. For the most part, most people recognize them and know what they represent.

There is, however, one great symbol (perhaps the greatest of them all) that represents an entire generation as well as a time and way of life. So deeply was its value held that even children willing wore it on strings around their necks.If you are one of those who recognizes this icon of life it is likely that the very sight of it will bring back a rush of memories. If you do not know what it is, chances are you are young and missed one of the greatest ages in which to grow up.

While I welcome your comments, please don't name the symbol as such, just share memories... or ask questions. Do not profane the sacred

Paddle safe...
DS

A Brief Comment
On Ethics and Disclosure

I just received an inquiry about how I came to own the Cetus I just obtained. To cut to the chase, I bought it. Now, sometimes you read a blogger who has received a boat from a company so that the writer can test drive it and, the company hopes, write nice things about it. The person who wrote to me indicated that some of these blog writers end up with a free boat (no such luck here). Apparently the person who wrote got the impression (from my posts) that I had never paddled the boat before and surmised I had gotten it free (probably because I was writing nice things about it).

Actually, I had paddled the boat up in Madison and tried to do so in as many conditions as possible. There is nothing like Lake Michigan up there, so my testing was limited. I did, however, do all the maneuvers in as many situations as I could, and I liked the boat. So, I ordered it.

Now it is a fact that after expenses for gear and gas I make just about $0.00 teaching kayaking, especially classes in Madison. Why do it? First, and for most, I love doing it. Secondly, and nothing to sneeze at, Rutabaga is kind enough to give instructors a discount on the purchases we make there. So, I did get such a discount when I bought the boat, but I still paid good money for it. Face it, having 2-3 regular readers isn't an inducement to any company to give me anything.

Now that that is cleared up, let me tell you that I will accept bribes to play your music if I ever get a radio show.

Paddle safe...
DS

Another Great ReadAaron Stander

I've written about Aaron before. In case you didn't catch it, he is a retired English professor, and we met at a QAJAQ training camp. I remember trying out the Yost designed SOF he had. We also spent some fine time guiding a trip at one of the symposiums. In any event, he gave me one of his books which I subsequently reviewed here. It was a great read.

Aaron wasn't at the training camp this year, but his wife mentioned that he had written another novel. Soon after arriving home, said book arrived in the mail. I avoided it for a few days because I know Aaron's style, and I knew I wouldn't be able to read just a few pages. I was right. I finally sat down with Deer Season and finished it in two sessions. It just reads so well that I was drawn into the story and turning pages with no awareness of time.

I won't go into the story. To say it is a murder mystery is to short change what it is all about. It is the setting, which Aaron knows well, and the character development which carries the reader along. I highly recommend the book and the others he has written. You might also want to check out his other books.

Paddle safe...
DS

Unbelievable...We Survived

All good things must come to an end...and that, in of itself, may be a good thing. Lady Linda and I are alive and well having survived both grand kids under the same roof for a few days. Now the little lady on the left is mellow, lay back and only makes a fuss when hungry.

Her older cousin is another story. He has harnessed the energy of the atom. He is either asleep or in 5th gear.

But we had great fun at home and at the wedding this weekend. Now, we must pray for good health: they are all coming back for Thanksgiving.

Paddle safe...
DS

First, We paddled...

...then we all went over to Sven's for coffee. I was delighted when I received a call from Doug's friend and neighbor saying he was accepting our invitation to sit with the group. He arrived minutes later. JB, Bob,. Vicki, Leslie, Sherri, Carl, Diane, Sue, Jeff, Karen and I sat quietly for the most part of an hour listening raptly while he told of his most recent contacts with Doug.

What was imparted there is not for these pages. What I wanted to say here was what a blessing it was to be able to sit as a group and hear the story told as it is best know now. True, we are left with lose ends and no suggestion of closure...yet. However, I did think that a little healing took place today.

Paddle safe...
DS

CETUS
Sea Trial(photo by Leslie J.)

Okay, so the picture is on the pond, taken at Rutabaga the day I took delivery. Yesterday, however, I got down to the big lake (Michigan) and put her through her paces. Many observations:

First, she is made of Diolan and not noticeably heavier than the Romany which is almost 2 feet shorter. When I put the boat on the wall, I noticed it had more rocker than I had thought. That would explain a lot about how the boat handled.

Adjusting the foot pegs was all I had to do before being comfy. I was in a dry suit and fitted fine. The slightly too-high back strap didn't bother me, and I could still lay back.

In spite of the measurements of the boat (wider than the Romany), it is a Swede or delta form so the widest part is behind the hips. Forward of the hips, she was amazingly narrow, or at least felt that way. Suddenly, my 230 paddle was way too long, and I was more at ease with my 210 high angle blade.

I was in 20+ knot winds and, on the outside of the break wall, found some 3-4 footers where the bottom shallows up. A few were breaking. The boat rode them much like the Romany would and it turned just as easily. If anything, I think the ride was drier than in the Romany. The biggest surprise was running with the wind on the inside where there were only 6 inch to one footers. the boat got up and moved like the shorter Romany. At the end, there was a drop of water in the rear hatch, and I am not certain I had it properly closed.

I didn't roll, but I did scull and draw. Those went easily. I have heard that she goes past her secondary stability and goes over without the sense of locking in before tipping. I didn't test that today but will soon. (It won't likely be today as my grand daughter (Squeaky) is here soon to be joined by her older cousin Joe Joe. And you think kayaking is dangerous!).

The skeg worked well, and it will take just a few more times to get used to pinching the release before moving it. The bungies are new and quite tight. I don't know yet where I will be keeping my pump as I don't like it on deck. I also have to work out how to store the spare split up front (it doesn't , in my judgment, belong on the back). This is a long fore deck for me, and I need them secure yet reachable. I am thinking some small tubes under the most forward bungies into which the shafts could fit.

Bottom line: I had a good time and was happy with every aspect of the boats behavior. I now need to get into some rougher stuff and see how she goes down wind in a big blow, etc..

Paddle safe...
DS

The British Are Coming
(never mind, they're here)

She arrived Tuesday. I was on the phone with the driver and was in Madison when she arrived. First off, I checked her papers to be sure she had entered the country legally.She was shy at first...An important visitor like this got the top grade attention of the owner of Rutabaga.Guys being guys, we checked her bottom out, the keel strip that is.Then a short walk to the pond behind 'Baga....Where she posed for pictures.Pictures afloat to follow.

Paddle safe...
DS

Update PicsJB videos techniquesTeaching took place everywhereOne must relax after a hard day on the waterRescue opportunities presented themselvesAt the end, we were better paddlers and better teachers.

Paddle safe...
DS

x

Not All the News is Bad

Kudos to JB

This past weekend some ACA certified instructors gathered near Sheboygan, Wisconsin for an instructors update. JB was kind enough to let me tag along and hang out (I just did my update at the Inland Symposium).

As always happens when I spend time with him and other instructors, I learned (stole) some new teaching techniques. In addition, some of our on water time was in 25-30 knot winds with a building surf on a friendly beach. We paddled parallel to the shore and practiced bracing. So, that's what happened on the surface. There was more.

JB has clearly come into his own. Although he had a well planned ciriculum, he sat back and skilfully guided discussions that spontaneously broke out. These exchange of ideas (some arguements) took our thinking to a new level, and we all were the better for it. Still, JB got in all his material and even took time to video us (watch out Gordon Brown) on the water. What a wonderful and worthwhile weekend. I am proud that he is my mentor and prouder to number him among my friends. (Pics, taken on Lady Linda's camera to follow when I get the software for the camera onto my computer...res).

Doug, we miss you.

Paddle safe...
DS

Doug...Still Missing(Doug taking a rolling lesson with me
Photos courtesy of Leslie J.)

Missing for almost a week now, here's what we know: Doug stayed at someplace near Duluth, MN, and was seen there up through last Monday. He went out kayaking alone on waters with cliff lined shores in many areas. His kayak, his pfd and a medication bottle with his name on it washed ashore. On the night in question, he called someone and said he could not see shore. I do not know who he called or why he didn't phone 911.

His car with keys and his wallet were found where he was staying.

It is reported that he mailed letters to either family and/or friends and that some of them contained money. Most of us here, in Milwaukee, have not been in touch with him for a few months as he has not returned calls, answered our e mails or come to group paddles.Doug has friends here as well as a brother in Appleton, WI and a sister in California. Everyone is deeply concerned. Lake Superior waters can become treacherous, and hypothermia is a constant danger. We continue our vigil as the clock ticks.

Paddle Safe...
DS

One of Our Own: Doug Winter

Doug is a teacher in the Milwaukee Public School system. He is also a kayaker and, I would like to think, a good friend. He has done me innumerable favors and used to paddle regularly with the Milwaukee sea kayak group. Today, on our Yahoo site, someone posted an article from a Duluth newspaper (Minnesota). Apparently, a Ric Winter of Wisconsin was notified that a kayak registered to Doug (his brother) was found washed up on shore in the Duluth area. Doug's car, keys inside, were also found nearby. No sign of Doug. I fear the worse.
The web page of a local TV station has a picture of a kayak cockpit, and I believe it is the boat shown above. I have just spoken to the news room at the paper, and they have nothing new since Tuesday, 3 days ago.

Now and then I read of paddlers going amiss, some famous. I care about those stories because they are, after all, fellow paddlers. Doug is more than that. He's one of our own.

Please...
Paddle safe...
DS

Nothing is Forever

I never gave it a second thought. There simply was always some variation of the barber's pole outside the place we went for a haircut. Of course those were the days before everyone was a stylist. Back "in the day," the barber shop was a place to sit with the guys. It was a place to listen to the adults talk about stuff like sports and politics; even though, as kids, we didn't understand it all. Best of all, it was a place for the guys to hang out. No girls. Well, such places are far less common, and the pole is even rarer. I saw this one when we paddled near Lake Mills a few weeks ago, and I thought about it today because another piece of my past has gone into history.

I will be picking up my younger brother in a few hours, and we will drive down to Illinois for the funeral of our Uncle Sol. He was the last of 4 brothers, one being our own dad. It truly signifies, to me, the end of a generation. They were, after all, the ones who lived through the great depression and world war II. They were the ones who admonished my generation to get an education, "...so you won't have to work as hard as I do."

Appropriately, the skies are crying this morning.

Paddle safe...
DS

I HAVE A DREAM
Take a Cut?
(out of the garage )
(see pics on last two blogs)

Okay. My original plan was to trade in the Blazer on a shorter vehicle upon which I could 1, easily place my boat and 2, drive into my garage with the boat on top. This, in turn, would allow me to lift the boat via the Harken's sling already in place. That, along with my Hullavator, would eliminate having to lift my boat for ever. So I got the Subaru and cannot even drive into the garage with the rack assembled. Alas, what to do?

Over to the house comes my long time friend Erich. He is a can do and a creative guy. He listens, looks, commiserates and says I should call so and so who could, for a reasonable price, increase the height of my garage door by 16 inches, more than enough to make my dream come true. Amazing, I think as I envision effortless comings and goings with my new (coming next week) kayak atop my new car. Life suddenly takes on a definitely cheery hue.

Now, before I run off to wonderland, I do have two residual problems. One is cash. I have just spent more money than I am used to doing in such a short time. That I can work out by continuing to work until I am 110. No problems. The second problem, however, may be a deal killer. Call her Lady Linda.

My bride of 33 years (that says something about her judgment right there) wonders if it may not look too odd having a residential garage with two different size doors. I, never at a loss for well- researched data point out that when I was a kid we had just such a garage so my Dad's truck would fit inside. She, also never at a loss to see through my lunacy, suggests I move back to my old house (hey, it's an idea. I would only be about 6 blocks from JB's house).

So there it is, and here I sit. To be continued.

Paddle safe...
DS

Hullivator

As it turns out, the Forester is actually a bit higher than my old Blazer. So, I added a Thule Hullivator to lift my boat onto the vehicle. The present model of this device is much beefed up from the original and makes easy work of getting the boat up there. So far, I have only realized a few draw backs.

The saddles are tall enough that they must be removed before putting the car into the garage.Fortunately, this only involves pulling a pin on each saddle and lifting it down. In addition, some orifice on the the thing makes a whistling sound at 30 mph or faster. I read on a chat board that this can be handled with a piece of duct tape over said opening. I could not, however, tell which opening was causing the noise. It's always something.

Paddle safe...
DS