Friday, November 23, 2007

Frozen Lakes


Well, the plan was to get some paddling in this weekend. Last weekend there was some discussion about a "full moon" paddle for this weekend, but had a hard time getting takers. Then John and I decided to make some plans for Sunday on Lake Independence ... So far today, every lake I have driven past is frozen over. Looks like its either a river paddle, or wait for the upcoming pool sessions. I'll make a drive past Independence this evening, but it's not looking good.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Chinook


If you hang out at the airport long enough, every now and again something interesting will stop by ... a Chinook CH-47 was out doing maneuvers yesterday.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Gales of November


Wednesday was a day to take a half day off work, and do the third annual "Gales of November" paddle. This year we had some real wind, waves, and cold to deal with .. along with the occasional snow showers. Chris, Courtney, Steve, Colleen, Dave, Jill, and I launched from Cooks Bay on Lake Minnetonka, and paddled out to Goose Island hopefully to meet up with Duane, who had planned on getting out early and getting a fire going. Well we ran a bit behind and missed Duane, but a quick phone call, and since he still had his paddling gear on, me made the half mile paddle out from his home on the bay. A glass of wine, some cheese, some of Dave's venison sausage, and a piece of pumpkin pie. We managed a bit of night navigation for a return to Cook Bay through Black Lake, and Seton Channel. A stop at the Narrows Saloon in Spring Park finished of a great afternoon. Looking forward to the 4th Annual!

Monday, November 12, 2007

"As If"




What a day on Minnetonka, 63F in November! ISK had paddling day planned for "as if" we were planning an all day trip on Lake Superior. This would give people an opportunity to gain some experience in leadership, and navigation roles, for a day on Lake Superior. A good deal of emphasis was put into hypothermia awareness ... heck, the water was 41 degrees, and the air temp a balmy 63F. A perfect recipe for trouble on the lake. We had a great turn out, 17 people in all. Breaking up into three groups, and all taking different routes from Cooks Bay in the city of Mound, to Goose, and Spray Island for a quick break, then onto Big Island for lunch. Planned talks on hypothermia, proper gear, and clothing for the trip. Then those who had taken navigation, and group leading roles, switched. Then the paddle back to Cooks Bay. We returned a bit before sunset, loaded up, and stopped for a pizza, and a cold one at a local tavern. Its good to see clubs offering the training that the paddling community really needs. We hear all to often about the "kayaker" that succumbs to hypothermia after tipping over in one of the local lakes, and wasn't dressed properly, was alone and couldn't get back in their boat. Its a story we need to change, and it can start with experiences like this last Sundays trip on Lake Minnetonka.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Cold Rolls


A weekend at camp with Dave and friends will always be one to remember. Friday afternoon found Dave, Chris, Tom, and I, en route with a stop at the "Angry Minnow" in Hayward to pick up a growler. Then off to camp O. I was up for the annual fishing opener this spring, and noticed the almost total lack of fishing equipment that was brought along by the participants, and was not surprised to find a similar lack of hunting equipment brought along this fall for the Annual Grouse Kill. We had the foresight to bring along one guitar, and 4 kayaks, to keep ourselves out of mischief for the weekend. Some rolling in Lake O was the plan for Saturday. An interesting phenomena where the lake water, although very clean, is dark enough that when upside down in the kayak, is as black as midnight. Its as though you roll into a black cloud. After the rolling session we hit the sauna for some much needed heat. Saturday night there were a fair number of adult beverages served, along with a fantastic dinner. The cooking here is outstanding! Then music until the wee hours. The boys put on a good show, they even allowed me to sit in on a few songs.
After Sunday breakfast, we headed home, with a planned stop to do some paddling through the Bark Bay Slough, then to Bark Bay on Lake Superior. We all did a few rolls ... If your on Lake Superior in November ... it just must be done. The picture was just after loading up in Bark Bay. Credits to Dave for the pictures, I managed to leave my camera back at home this weekend.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Gone Paddling

Gone for the weekend for some paddling, and maybe some grouse hunting ... should be a great weekend either way!

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Plowing Snow


It shouldn't be long and I'll be out late nights plowing snow. I've just enough to keep me busy for about 5 or 6 hours after a good snowfall. Here's hoping we get plenty of snow this season ... if I can't be paddling, I'd just as soon be skiing.