Kayaks Destruction by Racoons

 I finally get around to having a proper kayak maintenance and repair workday.  Only four people (not counting the usual suspects - Phil, John, and Stevie) show to help but if is still an official workday I organize so I will take it.  We actually get a lot done.  Stevie help me with most of the repair.

We reattached the forward bulkhead on Pete's plastic Romany. Technically its a private boat, but it was damage while on loan to the club.

Nesting Materials

The the bulkhead behind the cockpit on the Avolet is re-sealed, won't know for sure if it work until I can water test it.  The seat totally destroy by raccoon is clean out and replace by another seat also partially destroy maybe by the same racoon (or sqirrel)
We repair two Chatham 16, replace bungees, velcro seat into position for one, replace the back band adjustment for another. We also fix the skeg on one of the Chatham which get knock off while we were moving it in the storage rack.  It was a pain to re-attached - take 3 people to do it.  We can't adjust the toggle to give it enough slack to put it back in the slot - take a plier and another guy to man handle the cable back in to skeg.

Velcro back seat on on Necky Soar.  All the Necky boat seats need new velcro to stay secure to the boat. Another work day and more supplies are need for that.

Put new neoprene pad for the yellow Lincoln.  Stevie handy work.   The foam seat on this boat also badly damage by animal and must be replace at a later date.  I counted 3 new seats needing replacement so far at cost of at least $200 total.

Kevin and other guy find some seat metal and cover that hole where the raccoons enter the storage container.  Hopefully it is now secure from the destructive animal. 

Kevin find my pricey sunglass while moving the boats in Container 15 which I give up at lost.

Stevie, other member and I have Jamaican food for lunch while waiting for the glue to set.

All in all it was a good day of work.

 Next up:

1. Wash all the boats, 
2. Replace bad velcro attaching seats to boat on some of the Necky Soar.
3. praying UV protectant on all PFD, Boats and plastic seals.  
4. Finish refitting the huntsman
5. Better waterproofing for the Montauk hatches.  Attach hatch to boat to prevent accidental lost.
6. Mark all Sebago boat with Sebago name and number.
7.  Replace skeg cable on Montauk, Saurios, Avocets 

Also have to find time to fix my own boat. 

Any Kayak season.

Getting ready for another kayaking season. Hope to do more long distance open water kayaking.  I should really write more on this blog or delete it.   Don't have anything to write about.   I can't even write something decent even when I get thing to say.  I don't think anyone read this anyway.

Phoenix raising.

I am getting on a early morning flight to Phoenix tomorrow.    This will be my first destination race of any kind and also my very first away marathon.  I am complete unprepare.    My goal is to have fun, take my time and enjoy the scenery.

See you in Phoenix.

Busy Kayaking weekend.

We had our Frostbite Party/General meeting on Saturday.  Before the party some of us crazy people went out paddling.   I wake up late and almost don't make the paddle.    It was high tide so we have a chance to went into a couple of marsh and plan in the ice sheet.  I ran up a sheet of ice and drag myself by my knucle back into the water.   We then went to Raffle Bar and explore the salt marsh in the back.  Definitely no short cut that way. 

Get back in time to have  a hearty party then the meeting.   I left as soon as the meet wind down.

Sunday was spend at the pool.  I am still getting back into the hang of it. 

Get a bad migraine after the pool session, feel like my head is splitting open and my eyes are popping out.

2011 Paddling Goals

1.  More long distance paddles.
2. Expand my comfort zone.  More open water paddle.
3. Get more more articulate and accurate in my instruction.
4. Paddle with wider group of people.
5. Take initiative.

2011 May it be better then the last one.

One day of the year away and 364 days to go.   For the first time since I been member of Sebago Canoe Club, we cancel our Frost Bite Regatta.   I am very disappointed.   I thought we could have make it work. 

Anyway,  New Year did not started the way I planned.   This year I was to finally do the Emerald Nut New Year run.   I walked part of the course and stop by NYRR headquarter to pick up my goodies.    The course was wet and some part very narry due to snow.   Road Runner decided to make it a fun race instead of a time race so I don't see any reason th wait till four just to walk the course and went home.  Watch Doc Who marathon till it pass midnight.  Burn some garlic and  make my apartment and the rest of the building smell like roasted garlic all night. 

I am not making any resolution this year. Epically fail on last year resolutions and worst yet think I am regressing in the social department.   I keep in missing so many opportunity to make my self notice.

Well like I say 364 days to go.