An excellent day out on the water yesterday - temperatures were forecast for around C13 degrees or so (mid-F50s), but it was much warmer, with a clear blue sky. Even had to take my jacket off not two minutes from the put in.
A paddle for three purposes: to shock the heck out of myself with nigh on 20 miles (32kms) to ensure that, yes, indeed, I did need to get my training act together for the upcoming Everglades Challenge - and that sure worked. It was an excellent sail down the lake, and I knew I'd pay for it with headwinds all the way home. Took two hours down, and two-and-a-half back. And my arms were a wee bit weary by the time I hit the beach. So, yes, it's panic mode training levels now.
Second, another test for the SPOT tracker - I'd had it on the top of my PFD, where my strobe normally goes, but that was still not enough line of sight to the heavens. So this time I had it clipped on to the back of the boat. But more on that later. I'm still not 100% convinced that this fun bit of equipment is all that it's cracked up to be, particularly for hikers who are in and out of bush etc.
And, third, a test of the new base I'd bought some months ago for my Pacific Action Sail. Wind pressure had been causing my precious for'deck to implode, thus I'd had to bring the sail feet further aft near the for'ad hatch, where the deck was a bit stronger. With this new base, I can put the sail back in its original position, get a better sail shape, and not worry about my deck. Thoroughly recommend it. You can order them from Greg at Xstreamline on 310-514-9514 - and all up, it's around $90 or so. Greg will ask you for the camber angle on your deck, where the base will sit, and he'll cut the foam to fit - or you can cut it yourself.
All-in-all, an excellent day out. And no pain the next morning.
4 comments:
Being able to paddle in January when it is 50 degrees, that sounds nice. It's a little hard to paddle in Minnesota this time of year. However, going cross country and snow shoeing is a lot of fun. Have you had much experience with kites on your boat before? One of the local outfitters here in Minneapolis just started carrying them. I have not seen to many people with them yet. Well I hope the rest of your paddling season is as nice as the first day on the water. I think our real first day on the water will be in April - definetly drysuit weather here in frozen tundra of Minnesota. Quick question do you know any good Aussie jokes - my boyfriend is from Aus. Anyway, Happy Paddling and have a great season on the water.
How's this:
Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven, God went missing for Six days. Eventually, Michael the Archangel found him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God, "Where have you been?"
God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds, "Look Michael, look what I've made." Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, "What is it?"
"It's a planet, replied God, "and I've put LIFE on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance".
"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.
God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth.
"For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Southern Europe is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot."
"Over there I've placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people" God continued, pointing to different countries. "And over there, I call this place America.
North America will be rich and powerful and cold, while South America will be poor, and hot and friendly. And the little spot in the middle is Central America which is a Hot spot. Can you see the balance?"
"Yes" said the Archangel, impressed by Gods work, then he pointed to a smallish land mass and asked, "What's that one?"
"Ah" said God. "That's New Zealand, the most glorious place on Earth. There are beautiful mountains, rainforests, rivers, streams and an exquisite coast line. The people are good looking, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found traveling the world. They'll be extremely sociable, hard-working and high-achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats and carriers of peace. I'm also going to give them super- human, undefeatable, strong in character citizens who will be admired and feared by all who come across them".
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then exclaimed, "You said there will be BALANCE!"
God replied wisely. "Wait until you see the buggers I'm putting next to them"
Just one more, last one I promise:
The seven dwarfs went off to work in the mine one day, while Snow White stayed at home to do the housework and cook their lunch.
However when she went to the mine to deliver their lunches, she found there had been a cave-in, and there was no sign of the dwarfs.
Tearfully she yelled in to the mine entrance: "hello - is anyone there. Can anyone hear me".
A voice floated up from the bowels of the mine:
" Australia will win the Rugby World Cup"
"Thank god" said Snow White "at least Dopey's still alive"
So what are your initial feelings on the SPOT? In theory this should be an awesome tool, but do I hear some dissatisfaction with it? I'm dying to get my hands on one, but want to wait until I hear some feedback from someone.
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