Busy Weekend

Cutting Christmas Trees with friends over the weekend ... awoke to some new snow Sunday morning ... pool sessions ... Tis the season!

Black Friday

I took a different drive in to work this morning so I could check out the shopping activities at Ridgedale, but only a drive by for me ... I have no idea why anyone would subject themselves to the mess of crowded crazed shoppers. I avoid such situations at all cost. I am one of those people that will do ALL of my Christmas shopping in one outing, and for the most part just do a gift certificate. This morning though, it didn't look at all that busy. In fact this route is normally bumper to bumper and crawling along at about walking speed at 7:30am ... it looked to be a quiet day in my part of the Twin Cities today.

Thanksgiving

Wishing all a good Thanksgiving.

They say it's your birthday!

Hot dish night at Grumpys is getting to be a local tradition lately, always a fine selection of brews on tap. Tonight was a special occasion because we were celebrating a couple birthdays ... friends, a couple good beers, chocolate cake, and tater tot hot dish. It doesn't get much better than that!

Quiet Time

I used to always have a book in the process of being read ... lately I seem to have so many things going on in my life that a book just doesn't have a high enough priority. I picked this up the other day to have on hand if a quiet evening should somehow present itself.

Pool Sessions

A small group at the pool today, Midwest Mountaineering had their "Outdoor Adventure Expo" this weekend and many of our regulars may have been checking out new winter gear. We did have a good day however ... Ron from Novorca Paddles was getting his "stand up on the boat trick" looking pretty good. Greg, Kurt, and Fran made some good head ways on their rolls .. in fact I think Greg got a first roll in today! Congrats Greg! Herb got a first off side roll in today. Me ... after some "stand up on the boat tricks" practice both Ron and I did some "stand in the pool and help the rollers" tricks.

Lake Independence

Stopped by Lake Independence today to check out the ice conditions, and found two Trumpeter Swans along the edge of ice. They saw me and headed out to another part of the lake before I could get close enough for a good photo.

The Vasaloppet

I sent in my registration for the 42K Classic Vasaloppet this winter. It's a ski race through the hills and trails around Mora Minnesota. Last year our group the SKOAC Renegades did the Relay Race with temps around -16f and plenty of wind to drive the cold right through the best cold weather gear. Courtney put together a slide show of the race.

42K is a long race for me. I'll need to be committed to get out and train most every night after work, and some long distance training on weekends. One of my goals last spring was to train for and enter a short triathlon over the summer, and I never really got it together. The Two Harbors 18 mile kayak race was the one race I did, and even though I didn't train for it, I managed to beat my prior time by about 20 minutes, but I think I can contribute that to an 18 foot boat verses a 16 foot boat. So I'll be looking for snow soon, and try and keep on task this fall.

Elm Creek

I spent my lunch break today driving over to Elm Creek to check out the snow making activities. They look like they are going to be ready for skiers and snow boarders soon! My youngest is an avid snow boarder, he has convinced me I need to give snow boarding a try ... This could be interesting.

The Hunting Shack

It's a warm and comfy place in the middle of 200 acres of woodlands in northern Minnesota. The only way back in is either a long walk, or a ride in something a bit smaller than a pickup.

Photo Op

The little waterproof cameras are great for keeping in your pfd pocket, or hanging on a cord while paddling. But for opportunities like a Great Horned Owl, a SLR would have been a much better camera. This guy stopped by for a visit while I was sitting in the deer stand last weekend.

Pool Sessions

Its that time of year again.

Veterans Day

Just a short note to take the time to thank those who have served our country. Those close to me include many Friends, young Colin who has returned safe, and my father along with his brother who served in Korea together. Many thanks to all.

SKOAC Night at Midwest

A night at Midwest Mountaineering in the Expedition room with fellow SKOAC members sharing the last seasons paddling experiences with photos and videos. From local paddling, to the Canadian shores of Lake Superior we had some great stories and photos to share. When this group gets together every fall to share the last year, you realize the bond we all have sharing the outdoors. It's a good feeling.

Sea Caves

The sea caves near Meyers Beach are definitely worth the short paddle out for a visit. The forecast was calling for perfect conditions all day Friday so Dave, Chris, and I while en route to the "Annual Grouse Kill," decided to take advantage of the nice Fall weather and do some paddling. In the videos I tried to capture the echos of the water throughout the caves. The little cameras just don't do the sounds justice.