First Saturday Paddle

At the clubhouse. No one has a WiFi connection I can piggy back on. No WiFi at all for that matter. Cheapo. All the guys with expensive motor boats and not WiFi. We should get a grant from the telephone company to have free WiFi.

Anyway, what am I doing at the clubhouse on a Tuesday you ask? Well there is several reasons. The main one would be because I lock my key in my kayak container again and have to stop by pick it up when John W. is here since he have the key to my container. John also asked me if I can wait for the water deliver, which should be here between 9AM and 4PM. John finally get them to narrow the time frame down to 1PM to 1:30PM. I could have drive home after picking up the key and helping John with a couple of errands but I decided since I brought everything I need why not stay and enjoy the sea breeze, and my alternate parking last till 11AM. Also it is hot as hell in my apartment. I should thing about getting my AC install.

Also, there is much less distraction here then at home to finish a couple of things; like updating all my blogs. I am still a bit out of date with the kayak blog. I am only half way through writing about my Monday Orhard Beach trip with Tony, I assisted a Saturday paddle this prevous weekend, and I have an interesting Trip Leading Workship on Sunday. I also need to work on my job search strategies. I need to get at least 4 interviews a week for the next 4 months in order to get a job, averaging the change of getting a job 1 in 40 interviews.

Saturday Paddle is at the same time as the Blessing of The Fleet. We get 11 walk-in guests before 9AM so it is going to be a busy summer. Everyone is between 25 and 30 mostly, along with several club members. Betty is probably the oldest person on the

paddle but she is a very good paddle. One of the woman was at open house, and she brought a couple of her friends. Nice looking group.

Pete P. is leading the trip so I don’t have to do much since he take charge of everything. Stevie M. is also assisting so I just stay out of the way. We get everyone ready and launch by 10:30. The weather is perfect for a beginner paddle. We have to wait a bit as a large group of motor boats set out for the blessing of the fleet. It was impressive to follow a light of 5 big boats down the channel. We have to make way for one boat that have to return to it slip due to shortage of gas. With Peter orchastrating everyone from the back we have no problem keeping clear of the boat.

I take point and lead everyone toward the bridge. We rafted up before the bridge to assess how everyone is doing. No one lagged behind or mauranding all over the place so we have good group of stronger beginners. I lead everyone under the bridge, and along Bergen Beach. I was supprised not to see any motor boats on Jamaica Bay. Apparently they all line up on the other side of Chesea Pier. I set a slow study pace so we have the group nice and thight together. We get to the Salt Marsh in no time at all, 11:10. I two Eskimo rolls while we waited for everyone to catch up and take a rest. I was not at all confortable with neither roll. One the second one I did not do a clean roll, instead I did a sculing roll up when I was not able to get up doing a C to C roll.

We did not have to be back till 12PM so it was decided after we raft up in front of the Marsh that we should go in and have a look around. High Tide have not peak yet there is still a chance that there may no be enough water for the heaver paddlers so I scouted the way head, looking for the deepest way to get into the Marchs. Water is still flowing into the Marsh so it is not quite full up yet. We have about 1 and a half feet of water to paddle in, everyone managed to get through to the Marsh. Everyone is impress as how quiet and isolated the feel of the March is compare to the noice of the highway just on the other side. We looking around for a couple of minutes, till 11:30 then decided to start heading back.

We get to the bridge right as the Sebago continuents of the Blessing of the Fleet came back. The war canoe lead the way back, and behind it is about half a dozen kayakers. They crossed under the bridge before us so they have first dip at the dock. We rafted at the cove before the marina and waited. I did a couple of roll while we were waiting. It was getting hot in the dry suit. While were were waiting the motor boats from the Blessing of the Fleet start comeing in. After the first batch of motor boats come throught we decided that it is time to proceed back to the dock. When we get to the right side coming into the inlet, and right at the first marina, there is a confusion as to what the motor boat intention were. Several of them were caming right down the channel, but one is sitting right in the middle with the bow pointed toward were we were. I thought that the boat was going to back up into a slip on the opposite marina but it turn out they want to come into the slip in which were are blocking. We were waiting for him to back up but he was waiting for us to transit so he can dock. One of the fella on the slip told us to move so we move down the channel and clear the area so the boat can dock.

We wrapped up the paddle by noon. Everyone was very helpful with the washing of the boats and equipments and putting everything way. I enjoyed the open paddle. Great chance to meet new people.

Orchard Beach

Somehow or other the subject of paddling on Monday come up during our sunday paddle. I learned that Tony, JohnW and Walter is planning a Monday paddle up at Orchard Beach. Since I don't have anything better to do on Monday I asked them if I can tag alone. The only problem I see is getting my dry suit dry over night.

I arrived at the club at 7:30AM. I was hoping that John come early also so we can start out early for Tony house where we are meeting Tony and Walter. The plan was to meet up at Tony's at 9AM so John and I plan to be at the club at 8:30 to pick up our boats. Probably cut the timing a bit tight. I get there early just in case John come early and we can start heading out before 8:30. John come at 8AM and we get everything ready by 8:30. The drive up to Tony did take longer due to traffic on the Van Wyck. It turned out Walter was late getting to Tony also so we did not feel bad about being late. We get there at about 9:15AM. Spend a couple of minutes talking to Walter, planning our trip up to Orchard Beach. Walter forget to closed the back gate of his SUV as we drove away. He did not goes far thought before he stopped and get out to close it. Close call, cooler with the wind was right on the edge of the back of the trunk.

Get up to Ochard Beach without any delay. There wasn't many car on the parking lot, so parked as close to the boat ramp as we can. We still have to carry our kayak a good distance to the ramp. We get on the water at 11AM. Just about were I thought we would . The day was perfect for a relaxing paddle. We launch at a good time, right at high tide. We paddled out out into Long Island Sound and head North East toward some group of Islands.


Kayaks at the boat ramp.



John and Walter getting ready to Launch.


These two mating horseshoe craps was right on the side of the launch ramp. They come to that position when we arrived, and 20 minutes later when we get ready to launch they were still there. They finally find more quiet place to do they thing.


Walter and John as we start our paddle.


Get a very good view of the Brog Neck Bridge on our way into the Long Island Sound. We head away from the bridge and toward a couple of island to the east of City Island.




I believed this is at 1PM so this is after lunch .

Sunday Surprise

Get an email from Tony on Saturday evening about a short relaxing paddle he want to do on Sunday. Tony is a fun guy and paddle with him are always pleasant, even if unpredictable. We usually did not have a set plan when we set out as to where we are going. I was planning to go out on a paddle on Sunday morning anyway so I jump on the opportunity to paddle. I would never have actually get up at 7AM to go paddling by myself. I did not know how many other people respond to Tony Email so I don't know who is coming or their skills level. Tony did not specify how long the trip is going to be so I did not pack any lunch - I should have know better from previous paddle with Tony.

I get there just as Tony pull up to the clubhouse gate. There were already several car there. I was not expecting so many cars at the club on a Sunday. Turn out a group of Boy Scout camp out on the club's ground and are preparing to go out canoing to practive for an upcoming trip.

We launch at 9AM after the Boy Scouts launched, and went head short east toward Mill Basin. We did not decide at that moment where were were going yet. It was decided as we went down the shore that we should paddle to Floyd Bennett Field. It take must just under one hour to get there. There wasn't much wind so there wasn't any big wave coming off the sea wall. As we were approaching the the seaplane ramp, we saw another paddling in the opposition direction. Tony asked if anyone have a Sebago booklet. I told him mine are all in my car, and paddle pass the newcomer. I pretend I did not see him. Tony, being a more social fella paddle up to the newcomer and introduce himself. I don't know what transpired but the newcomer decided to have a paddle with us.

After resting for a couple of minutes while the group talk with the newcomer - I did not remember his name, Tony told me to lead everyone to a beach before Gil Hodges Bridge. The new guy is a fast paddler so he was in front with me most of the trip. The Washing Machine was off today. We have very good current going out and the wind was light so there is not much wave action. Instead of landing at the beach we decided to continue under the bridge since it was only 11:30 something when we get there. I was feeling good so did not mind just going a bit further. We still do not have a definite turn around destination at this point. Just see how far we can go till we have to get back. At Dead Horse Bay we have a mini conference as to where were want to go. The choices were Gerrison Beach or Sheepshead Bay. I think Sheepshead Bay would be too far. I was not expecting a four hours trip. I suggested Gerrison Bay for lunch since there is good beach there. Lunch - I meant rest because I did not expect us to come back after lunch time I did not bring anything to eat.

There is a lot of boat traffic on Rockaway Inlet when we get there, and most of them boats were running at full speed into Gerrison Beach. We managed to get under the bridge just as a big motor come through. We did not goes far into the Inlet, just at the mouth there were a good beach, and away from the ATV ridding family on the other side. While everyone landed, I stay out and do a couple of rolls. The water was still cold not I need the cool down after 3 hours of paddling in my dry suit.

I joined the rest of the group after my cool down roll. They were seating aways from the boat, on the other side of the sand dune that formed the beach where we can't see out boats which is something I usually want to avoid. Not at all happy with the prospect of coming back and find our boats floating away. Tony offered me some dry fruits so I have a couple of dry banana for lunch.

We make our way back at at 1nish something. The wind was starting to pick up, and the current was still coming out so the paddle back was bit shower. The waves are more interesting at the Washing Machine our morning trip through it. We are get around Floyd Bennett Field without any problem. We landed at the second Seaplane ramps to say good by to our guest. I wandered off to find the facility. It was all the way across from the old air field - now parking lot. It is a open pit design so it was not something I would have normally use, but since I walk a good 10 minutes to find it I might as well use it. I held me breath as long as I can.

I came back just in time to say good bye our new friend.

We get a bit of wind and wave by the time we get back to the club. Everyone was asking if we see the Boy Scout canoeists on the way back. I looked out for the canoes that went out in the morning before us, I assumed that they came back when I did not see on our way back. I did not know how long their trip was plan for but I did no expect anything longer then our trip. It was 2:45 when we get back so it had been 7 hours since they left the dock. That is a very long canoe trip. Everyone was worry if the kids can handle the canoe in the strengthening wind. Jim and Andy tried a couple of time to raise them on the marine radio but not luck (we learned later that they take a club radio - which did not work).

Holly come back in the Sunfish to tell us that she talk the Boy Scouts group and tell us where they are. It was suggested that someone paddle out and escorted them into the inlet. My boat and equipments was already washed so I wasn't thinking of going out again but after thinking it over I decided to goes out to see where they are. I wasn't going to be able to drive home anyway till they come back so I might as well be doing something.

Jim was getting the safety boat prep but was not sure about launching because there was much gas in the tank. When I get to the bridge two canoes were coming in so I radioed back to Jimmy that the canoeists arrived at the inlet so he don't have to risk taking the safety canoe out. Jim wanted to launch any just in case it was need. I paddle out to the bay and see the four remaining canoes and a kayaker spread out a bit but doing fine. I radioed in. I meet up with the kayaker and we paddle back to the bridge. The Boy Scouts paddling the last canoe was having problem keeping it going straight so the going was slow. Jim come out with the safety boat as we get the buoy before the bridge. He was having problem keeping the motor running. He have to start it several time and go very slowly to be able to make it back to the dock. I was paddling faster then him as I follow him just in case I have to tow him home. I would not enjoy that. Fortunately he make it back with just the fume in the engine.

All the canoeist went through the motor boat channel under the bridge. I was not able to get them to go to the side. Oop. I did keep a watchful eye out for boat as they went under the bridge so there weren't any real danger. I radioed a general warning just in case. Everyone get home ok so all is well that end well.

Memorial Weekend.

Memorial weekend was a blast. Spend lot of time on the water, I get a bit of sun poisoning to prove it.

Let start with Sebago Open House on Saturday. I get there at 8:45AM, and before I know it it was 6PM in the evening. I help with the first two morning paddles. We get a good big group of people waiting to paddle by 10:30. I wasn't expecting to get out till at least 11AM, but the weather was good, and apparently most people decide to stay in the city for the weekend to save on gas money. I end up taking the lead on the first paddle. I don't mind leading the trip, except for the talking part of it. I hate public speaking ( I hate talking to stranger period so one or 10 really don't matter.) I try to hand it off to Steve, but he kicked it back to me. I managed not to mess the orientation too bad. The wind was blowing at about 10 to 15 mph with some strong gust. We only have one guest cutting the trip short. The rest of the group went half a mile up against the wind toward the head of the bay, then back down to the end of the marina and back again to the dock without any mishap.

Laurie already have a large group of new guests line up for the second paddle. I take 15 minutes or so to get something to drink, and just wander around getting used to the huge number of people hanging around. I think this may be our most successful open house that I can remember.

The second paddle I take point. I try to keep a slow study speed. We did not goes more then pass the dock on our way back. Phil wanted us back because there is another large group waiting to go out. I was fine with that I need to get back and eat something anyway, it was 12:30PM. Another group of trip leaders take out the next two groups of guests.

I don't do much mingling. Just eat my hot dogs and try to keep out of the way. I talk to some member that I haven't seen for a while. Embarrassingly I don't remember any of their name. I get to get better to retaining name.

I was railroad into a war canoe ride as I was waiting on the dock. The canoe is perfect for small children, because it take about 8 people to paddle it, and it is relative stable. The canoe ride itself was ok except for the one kid that keep yelling that he want to get off, that his sister is getting him wet. Definitely one kid I would not want on the car ride on a long trip. I was so glad when we finally get back to the dock.

I help with one other trip out before having enough. After the last trip goes out, the rest of us on land get the unused boats wash and put away. It was 4:30 when the last paddle come back.

I don't know what I did but I did not leave till almost 7PM.

Monday I help with Phil first Jamaica Bay trip. I get there early, 10AM but not earlier then Phil who is already in his paddling cloth when I pulled in. It don't take long till everyone else show up. We launch a bit after 11AM. At the first stop before the bridge I decided to see if I can turn my long, 17 feet boat 360 degree with just two stroke. I was leaning way back to do a reverse sweep stroke when my right knee come loose from the knee brace. I wasn't able to return the boat to an up right position but I was not fully capsize either. I have my back arched and extended when I lost control of the boat, the boat stay on it side but I can't get the leverage to get the boat back up. Since I am in a sculling position I decide to get up with a sculling roll. I manage to get up enough to get some air but no luck getting back up. After trying a couple of time to scull back up with one leg inside the boat and the other almost outside the boat, I wisd up and decided to fully capsize the boat and set up properly. I get my head completely under water and re-seat myself. I was definitely tire and running out of air by that time. Seating upside down, under water, I decided that the group need a demonstration on wet exit and t rescue so I slide back out, and come up beside my boat. Elizabeth was there, I up right my boat, she pulled it up and empty the boat, and I am in my boat in less then 2 minutes. A very efficient rescue.

I manage to stay up right the rest of the trip. The wind was stronger then we expected but there was no problem getting to Mill Basin. We stop many time to let everyone catch up and rest. We explored the right inlet with all the expensive house. I was more interest in the Coast Guard cutter on dry dock. It was a beautiful piece of machinery.

We were supposed to explore the left inlet on the way back but it was decide by the majority of the group to start heading back since it was already 1PM, and exploring the left inlet will mean getting back to the clubhouse at 4PM at the earliest. Phil asked my to take point since I had a radio ( a very staticky one at that.) I take a slow pace and keep everyone very much together till pass Mill Basin Bridge. At the Mill Basin Channel, and the turn north east there is a sand bars that cause all kind of weird waves, normally I would preferred to go as far out as I can pass this send bar and the weird waves as possible but there was a boat full of fishermen pulling out so I decide to the shore side of the boat, which is a bit close to the sand bar but not onto it. I was cautions the people to my side to keep away from the sand bar, and staying head of the couple of faster paddles and rolling with with the waves that collide at the sand bar when the guy next to me, named Joe, capside. I yelled capsize right away and asked Severn to do the rescue because I don't want to lose control of the lead group. But in the confusion Severn did not hear me so I end up taking hold of Joe's boat.

Joe was standing in waist deep water so there is no danger of him floating away. He insisted on waking his boat 50 feet onto the beach, which I thought will take too much time but I decide not fight it. I let him dragged his boat onto shore, and see two other boat, headding right onto the sand bar. They end up end up beach and have to drag their boats where they can launch without being push against the shore. At this point there were a lot of yelling and confusion. I end up trying to round up the lead group before they get to far. I managed to catch up with the lead group and get everyone raft up so we can wait for the people that beached, and the group that went further out to get way for the crazy waves.

I had the group wait for 5 minutes before the wind blow us toward shore. It was decided that we should continue to our bridge rather then wait their for the rest of the group to sort themselve out. I don't know how that was decide because that wasn't my idea. I would preferred to maintain that position till I get everyone together but the group was nervous about getting blow to shore and fighting the wind and current which were getting worst. The group very much break up by itself and started paddle to Paerdegat Bridge. I wasn't able to catch up with the lead group of paddle so I told everyone to paddle to the last green nun before the bridge and wait. Of course everyone was eager to get under the bridge and into the protection of the inlet so I end up telling Elizabeth to make sure everyone wait on the other side of the bridge. We stayed there till Phil bring up the rest of the group. We did a head count and miraculously we have the same number of the paddlers as when we left the dock.

It was an interesting paddle, and a learning experience. I keep on re-running the trip over in my mind and trying to see if I should have done anything differently. I felt I lost control of the group after the capsize. I should have been more assertive in keeping the group together. It is not just in this paddle thought. In every group paddle I have been in, the paddle back always became a free for all.

Back to the Woods

Spend last weekend at the ACA cabin in Harriman Park.

The drive up there was a nightmare. I left at 8AM, and did not get there to well over 10AM. BQE was worst then usually. Thought I can seat through the traffic and skip on the 5 dollar poll for the tunnel but end up taking the tunnel anyway. I learned why the B.Q.E is back up when I get the the tunnel - the outbound tube was close so both outbound and inbound traffics are going through just on tube so the speed limit is 25MPH. Take a good 30 minutes to get out of the tunnel to Manhattan.

The rest of the trip up was uneventful. Some heavy traffic delay here and there not nothing major.

I stopped by Campmore, buy some butane for my BBQ. Get to the cabin a bit before 11AM.

I ran into Stevie as he parked his car at the group camping parking lot, and ran into Ade and Joy as the walk up the road.

John, Pete and Cody were already working on the window in the cabin when I walked in. Get my food stashed away in the fridge before helping John removed the old window. The window replace went smoothly. Me and John removed the old windows, Pete and his son Cody put up the new window. We had an hour lunch break. We return to worked after lunch and get everything done by 2PM.

Cody and I joined Stevie, on the water after we finished up the window. Adele and Joy just went back to the cabin as Cody and I get ready for the water. I did on Eskimo roll just to test out the water. We send a good amount of time doing the English Gate. Stevie show is the English gate exercise with Eskimo rolls throw in. At the end of his demonstration, on his last Eskimo roll, Stevie had cramp on his leg and have to wet exit his boat. It was a total surprise. I have not seen Stevie wet exit in such a long time that I was total did not see that possibility. Cody was closest to him so he went over to stabilize Stevie's boat so he can get back in. I had to come in on the other side when Stevie have problem getting in to his boat. After Stevie get back in his boat and pump out the water we decided that that was enough fun for the day.

Come back and check back into dry clothing, and went to Stevie's camp site to help him prepare the fire. It was raining all day on Friday so getting a fire started with all the wet woods was difficult. Stevie and his toys get a fire going in no time thought. We spend all afternoon by the fire eating and talking.

Joy somehow get her feet cut on some broken glass bottle while wandering around the back of the camp site. She decided not to used her tent which she already seat up so I decide to use it instead of sleeping in the cabin. I was cold most of the night. I wake up at 3AM to a big chill and fumble around my backpack looking for my sweater. I did not get up to do my morning constitution because I really do not feel like going behind the tree in the freezing night. Get up good and early - 6AM.

John, Cody and I decided to set out for a short hike before breakfast. I took my trail map, and nothing else. We end up making several critical mistake on the hike. I should have turn back when I did not find my landmark - the Dutch Doctor Shelter which indicated out turn from the Red Trail to the Yellow trail. It turned out I take the wrong trail map with me. I was 99 confidence that I every see this part of the trail before on my previous hike but we keep pressing on. We end up at an overlook with spectacular view of the valley, but no where near where we should be in order to get back for our 8AM breakfast appointment.

At the overlook we find two sleeping backpackers, a guy and his girlfriend. I decided to swallow my pride and asked the girl for direction. We continued on the Red trail further then we should have. We doubled back till where I am sure we make the wrong turn. We walk a couple of feet on the wide mining trail, and around the turn was the Dutch Doctor Shelter and the junction of Red and Yellow Trail. We take yellow trail which goes around a hill and back into our lake. Without a map I did not take the unmarked trail to the lake instead we goes around the hill, and then along the shores of the lake to get back to the road that would take us back to the ACA camp. We make it back by 9AM. We take a half an hour hike into 2 hours.

We run into the hikers at the dinner where we had breakfast.

After breakfast John, Pete and I decide to go for the hike again this time with the proper map. We decided to do it in reverse. I had to use the facility so I told John and Pete to go ahead without me. I ran after them but did not find them. I was surprise because I did not expect them to go too far in the 3 minutes I take to use the restroom. We agree to go counter clockwise on the trail but I did not meet them till half way into the trail. John forget that we agree on going counter clockwise. I leaded them on the unmarked trail toward the lake and we get back in less then half an hour.

Stevie was still out due to leg cramp, and was taking a nap so I end up paddle along after my hike. I did not paddle to far just from our dock to the swimming dock and back, with a couple of roll thrown in for fun. I rolled a dozen time with a couple on my off side. When I get back John, Pete and Cody already left for their trip back to the city. I planned to go home after lunch, at about 2PM. Joy wanted a ride home with me instead of waiting for Stevie's midnight ride back to the city. Adele convince me to wait till 5PM to start back home. I decided I was in no rush so I waited till I was bore by 4PM so we started home. Joy was good company the whole ride so I did not notice the traffic jam we encounter along the way.

It take 2 and a half hours to get back to the city. I drop Joy off at her place, ran into her boyfriend Adam who pulled his car right behind me at I was parking. I also meet the long hear about Bruno, Joy's Pit Bull. A sweep little fella.

New Kayaking Season

I have a very eventful kayaking winter. I did not write much about it because I am just downright lazy.

Our club season opener was today. I have a great time even thought the day start out with a light rain and continue to be cloudy and cool much of the day. I should say that it was a great day to paddle in a dry suit because of the cool weather and overcast sky.

I wake up not feeling particularly like kayaking. My body aches all over from running yesterday. I don't know why my upper body would be aching from running. I was glad I decide to bring all my kayaking gears with me anyway. I get there at 10AM. Forget that Stevie and Adele were going to go out at 9AM. They were already out on the water when I get to the club. There were only 3 cars in the one the ground so I know that not many people show up yet. It was raining on my drive to the club so I don't expect a high turn out.

Steve H. is relaunching is entirely rebuilt skin on frame. We have a little ceremony for the relaunching. I thought a couple of photographs with my camera after we find out that his camera is out of battery. Steve set out on his maiden voyage. Jerry and Anne arrived. Jerry was going out so I decide to go out with him. We set out to find Adele and Stevie, and maybe Steve H. We meet up with Stevie and Adele on their way back. After chatting with them we set out to find Steve H. We did not see him and assume he went around the island so turn back.

I finally get something decent in my stomach while I wait for more people to show up so we can have a proper Season Open Paddle.

LI Symposium

Done my first public rolling demonstration at the LI Symposium in open water.

It went well. I did not embarrassed myself. Everyone else done great.

Other Water Activities...where I can die.

Spend a great time skiing in Killington, Vermont last weekend. The driver is a bad tempered Russian, in batter charter bus that leaks. I end up being almost the last person to get on the bus. I asked if a seat open as I walked by each row with an empty seat but they saved from someone so I am not actually the last person to get on. By the time I get to the middle of the bus, I realized that I don't want to end up standing around looking for a seat, and don't want to asked each person with an empty seat if its available, so I yelled out if anyone have an empty seat available next to them. A fella all the way at the back of the bus rise his hand. It's right next to the toilet but as they said beggar can't be chooser. My seat mate introduce himself as Doug. I might have meet Doug on last year ski trip. We don't talk much the whole trip up. Doug read the New Yorker and then nap. I hate small talk so it was fine with me.

Across from me is another matter. The girl (woman if you like) across from me and two rows up is a chatterbox and a social butterfly. She introduced herself to me as Nicole, her friend and seat mate Jennifer(who is not talkative) and then proceed to introduce everyone seating around her. I don't remembered them all now. I did not have a prolong conversation with her or with the people around me. I just don't feel like taking the effects and really did not care that I can't be bother to make an effect to talk to people which is unusual. Nicole chatter with everyone around for the rest of the trip up. I learned a lot about her just from listening, probably more then I care to know.

We arrived at our hotel at 12AM on Friday night. The trip was supposed to last just 5 hours but end being more then 8 hours. The driver take a wrong turn while looking for a place to stop for dinner. The road condition do not help. Snow started to fall late in the evening till we get to the hotel. We were greeted at the hotel door by two St. Barnard, the hotel mascots. I roomed with a guy name Jeffrey, who I may have roomed with last year on my Steamboat trip. I arrived late so I end up with the smaller bed.

I hit the bed as soon as I get out of my clothing.

Some Pic of the Lodge, unfortunately not pictures of the two gigantic dogs.




As you can see from the above picture which is taken on Saturday morning, it is still snowing when we get up in the morning.


Grab breakfast, and get on the bus to get to the mountain before it open at 9AM on Saturday. They have an efficient operation at Killington. I get my ski equipments in less then 15 minutes and is on my way up the lift by 9:30AM. I ride a couple of easy trails, and then graduated to the blue trial by lunch time. It was beautiful. The snow is nice and powdery with just enough packing to be enjoyable. I tried a couple of black diamond trails. The great thing about Killington is that there are short difficult trail that connect back to easy trail so I can try the difficult trails without fearing I would not make it all the way down.




The group plan was to meet up with the rest of the group for a after ski drink then the bus back to the hotel by 5PM. My plan was to take the last gondola up at 3:49PM (all lifts closed at 4PM) to top of the mountain, then slowly ski down the blue and green trail till 4:45PM to meet up with the bus. When I get to the top of the mountain the fog was starting to come in but no snow. I have ski in fog before so I was thinking that this would not be a problem.

Here the thing, I went on these trip to meet people my age. I am never comfortable with people my age. All the people I trusted, and feel comfortable being with are at least in their fifty's. I was especially put off and aloft this entire trip even thought I try to get myself into the mentality to meet people. I did get introduce to a couple of my neighbor on th bus, and i already meet a couple of them on last year ski trips. Courtney is on this trip. I was surprise to see her. I try to say hi to her on the bus but she did not hear me and I did not put the extra effect into getting her attention.

Anyway back to why my plan to avoid happy hours almost cost me my life or maybe at least a couple toes. When I get up the the top of the mountain, the weather turn for the worst. Dense fog cover the mountain, and it start to snow. I started down a trail that I have been skiing all day. In less then 15 minutes, I find myself in complete white out condition, with visibility less then 10 feet. I ski down till I meet a turn off, one continuing on the green trail and a turn off for a blue trail that I have been meaning to try. I stopped off the read the signs, and consult the trail make. A slope personal wave to me and asked if I need direction. I told her that I am fine, and proceed to consider if I should take on last blue trail which look like it would meet up with the same green trail that I was on a bit further down hill. I decided to make me way down the blue trail, wave good bye to the ski patrol person. She waved for me to wait as she ski toward me. I told her I wanted to ski down the blue trail and meet up with the green trail again. I was informed that is not the case. Even thought it look like it on the map, there is no cross over between the two trails.

By the time I get half way down the trail to the lodge, it started to snow heavily, and the wind was gusting. I was fine till I get to a weird grouping of signs. One arrow for my the trail I was on, and two arrows for two other black diamond trails. I can't figure if the green trail that I wanted to be on continue further down, or around a now closed chair lift. I guessed from the sign it could be a bit further down from where the sign is then it would split off from the two black diamond trails. I guessed wrong. By the time I realized there is no green trail I was too far down to climb back up, and visibility was practically zero.

Now I have try this particular black diamond in the morning. It is difficult but not impossible. In the blinding snow it was impossible. I ran ski end first into a mogul and end up on my face. Luckily the ski did not come off so I pick myself up and continue, and ran into another mogul. This time I did lost one of the ski and slid down 10 feet. The ski that come off stay stuck on the side of the mogal so I drag myself up a couple of foots to retrieve it. It was on my 5th attempt to get my ski back on, and trying not to slide down the mountain that a ski patrol come out of the fog uphill and asked me if I need help. Which was a good thing because I was seriously considering how cold the weather get when the sun come down and how I was to summon help if worse come to worse. I break one golden rule of skiing, like kayaking, never ski alone.

I told him that I take a wrong turn from a green trail into a black diamond and that I did ski this before when visibility was better. I get help getting the ski on, then asked if I should proceed down the trail. I was told that the turn off to the easy trail is just a bit further down. I proceed down to the connection back to the green trail without incident.

It was slow going due to the flatness of the trail, and the almost complete lack of visibility. I did get come to one intersections and stopped to consider my option when a pack of 5 ski patrols and other slope personals ski by, and was directed down the right trail by one of them. I following them down to K1 Lodge, is one ski lift up from the base lodge where the bus is picking us up. It was 4:45PM when I get to K1, get into the lodge to see if anyone from our group is in there. I thought that Christie, our glorious leader saying something about meeting at K1 for a drink before meeting the bus at 5PM. I did not find anyone that look remotely familiar so I went back outside and ski back down to the base lodge. I have spend the last two day ski between the top of the mountain, and the middle where K1 is. I have no idea how to ski down from K1 to the base lodge. It was 4:55PM and considering how grudgy our bus driver is, the bus probably leave at exactly 5PM so I know that I will miss our bus, but it not a problem because there is a free town bus that stop at Summit Inn where we are staying.

The problem is getting down their to catch any bus. I realized as I walk down the slope with my skis in my hands that I could have just wait outside at K1 and catch the bus down to the base lodge, store my ski for the night, and pick up my shoes. Instead I walked down with a couple of people who I find out is also from Zogsports. The trail is a beginner trail called Idle Trail. It shouldn't really be call a beginner skii trail because it is more suit to snowshoeing then skiing. After 30 minutes of walking, cross country skiing and a little bit of down hill skiing at the end, I get to the base lodge. I get to the ski storage area right before the guy lock up. There was no one at the free basket storage where I left my shoe, so I called to a worker saying good night to his co worker to get my shoe. He don't even work in that area.

I end up riding the bus on the step well back to the Inn, and walked up the hill to the entrance. Christie was leaving the lodge as I was getting out of my ski boots asking if I am going out for a drink.

No likely, I just want a sauna, jacuzzi and a nap before dinner was my reply.

One of the reason why I was in no rush after I missed our bus is that I have nothing plan with anybody after skiing. The group have two things going after skiing, both involve drinking. They are going out for a drink right after getting back from the slope at a local bar with life music, then a event at 9AM at another bar that have life music from someone worth pre-paying 20 dollars to get VIP door ticket. I did not opt to pay the 20 dollars so I have nothing except for a sauna and dinner to look forward to.

My first priority is to get out of my skiing cloth, and into my bathing trunk. I did not know where the jacuzzi/sauna/outdoor pool but I am determined to find out. I end up follow the smell of chlorine right to the jacuzzi. It was full with people from Zogsports. I manage to squeeze myself in. It was heavenly after a full day of skiing. I stay there for 5 minutes, asked the girl next to me where the bus was this afternoon, and told everyone my misadventure. Decide to change it up a bit, so I get out and went looking for the outdoor pool. I find it but wasn't ready to get back out into the cold.

The sauna is next on my list. I find a sign that say LADY ROOM SAUNA, which is perplexing. It a LADY ROOM/SAUNA or is a SAUNA just for Lady? I spend a couple of minutes in front of that sign considering it. Before I end up in the lady room I should look for the MAN FROM SAUNA. They is not a sign around for the MAN ROOM SAUNA. I was checking all the doors when one door, with no sigh or anything open up and I see a guy I know from the bus come out. Turn out it was the MAN ROOM SAUNA. Send a good 30minutes trying to get a good sweat from the sauna. I was ready to try to outdoor pool when I get out of the sauna. The water was nice compare to the outdoor air. I don't want to get out of the water. I stay their for at least 10minutes wading in the pool as the snow come down.

When I get back to the jacuzzi everyone had left. There were about 4 people there. Two from our group, and two other guests of the hotel. I end up spending a bit of time talking about running, then we all decided we have enough. I went back to my room to take a shower and get dress for dinner.

I did not notice that this trip, unlike the last trip dinner was included but not on this trip. Its everyone for himself/herself when it come to finding dinner. I opted for having dinner at the inn, which it turn out was in the hotel bar. There were a couple of table with Zogsports people, but I did not feel comfortable asking if I can join them. I end up standing around like a idiot waiting for the waitress/bar maid to seat me. After 5 minutes I was afraid that no one notice me standing there waiting to be seated. The sign in front say wait to be seated so I wait.

A waitress finally finished serving everyone and come by to seat me. I indicated I want to be seat away from the crowd but the waitress insist on a table where everyone is. I end up being seat in front of the big screen tv. I ordered a coke, and then wait for the waitress to return for my dinner order. When I finally get my order in, the wait for the food take forever. I think the waitress is being worn down just climbing up and down to stair to the kitchen which is quite a few distance from the bar. I was also wondering if they really do take 12 hours to cooked my Yankee roast, and I would have to wait the full 12 hours for my dinner. The waitress stopped by to apologies a couple of time and offer me a refill on the coke. I have all night so there is really no rush.

I finally get my dinner, interest roast with mash potato, and greens. I love the mash potato with skins and all. I can used some more vegetable thought. The vegetable is some kind of Gallard Green. I was half way through my meal when Nicole and her friend stop by and asked if they can join me for a moment while their waitress went and get their check. We have a bit of small talk about her job, which is the same job that I had for the last 6 years. I did not told her that I am presently unemployed. I try to get her friend into the conversation but the girl is just not talkative. She is the better looking of the two thought. Jennifer order tea so they stay till Jennifer finished then left to get ready for their night out. I finished my dinner and wait for the waitress to notice that I am ready for the check. I ordered another coke and the check when the waitress come by.

An old man, with a drink in his hand start powering up the electronic keyboard in front of me, so I know the life music part of the evening is coming up and audience participation is probably part of the act. I indicated that the check is ready for pickup and wait for a waitress to pick it up. The total come to $16.45 not including 3 drinks which are free. I sat through a couple of the guy's song, and they are really funny. I may enjoy seat through it for the night except for the possibility of the audience participation. I end up leaving my 20 dollar in the check minifolder and went the sitting area just off the bar/dinning room area with the massive fireplace. I can still hear the music but is not part of the audience. The local real estate magazine and the local magazines is interesting, but too organic for me. I am not much into organic farming and horse raising.

I retired to my room by 10PM, and watch the local scifi show on cable bill 11:30PM when my roommate come in. I told him that I was disappointed in him, I expected him to stay out till at least 2AM. Turned out he didn't drink. I definitely roomed with him before I just don't remember on which ski trip last year. We end up watching Saturday night live for a bit then call it a night. He remind me to turn my watch alarm for 6:30AM off because if I was his brother he would have kill me saturday morning when it walk him up at 6:30AM. I make sure that all my alarmed are turn off, and double check it to make sure. I went to brush me tooth and returned to find him passed out like a light with his street cloth on. Turned off the TV and goes to sleep.

Get up at 7:30 and went for breakfast on Sunday. End up seating at a table with one of the girl I meet on the bus. We were joined by another guy. The breakfast is included in the lodge package except for tips. I order my usual breakfast, Western omelet with sausage instead of ham. It was a good and full breakfast. My roommate come down at 8AM and seat with us but since we already order he join another table of zoggers that just get seated. Went back to my room to get ready for another day of skiing. Board the 9AM bus ride up to the mountain.

I was a bite less adventurous on Sunday then Saturday. I joined everyone, on time and at the right place for once, for lunch but did not join in on the conversation. I skied all day by myself on the upper mountain till 2PM, and get back down to the beginner slope right on top of the base lodge where we were to meet our bus for the trip home at 4PM. I skied the beginner slopes 4 time before I decided I have enough. I went looking for the bus since I left my shoe in the bus this time. There is about 5 charter buses sitting a the bus parking area. I really can't remember what my bus look like. I walk the 500 feets of slushy parking area to the buses hoping that I would recognize someone or the bus. The first couple of buses can't be it, the bus drivers are all very helpful and cheery. I came to a bus that I am sure is the right one due to the curtains on the windows. I knocked on the door to the bus, the bus driver opened up and I asked if this bus is the Zogsports bus. He told me no. I was sure that it is the right bus, I repeat it again, but he still say no. I returned to the lodge, and wait to see if anyone I recognize is also looking for the Zogsport's bus.

I finally returned to the same bus where people are starting to pack. I looked inside for my backpack, and sure enough it was the right bus. The bastard lied to me, and make me wait for 30minutes looking for another bus. I get my shoe, return where I left my ski and take all my equipment to the return area. I change out of my ski pant also since I am wearing my jean under it.

I get back to the bus, and wait for everyone to show up. I try to make it look like I am saving a seat for someone so that I would have a free seat for my stuff. Work till right before the bus left. Some big tall guy who like to seat with his legs wide open as if the seat is free. I should have lie and say that the seat was taken.

The ride home is eerily quiet. There is no happy hours on the bus this time. Everyone was too tire and was sleeping till we get to the rest stop for dinner. When we come into the rest stop 4 other charter bus, probably also coming from Killington pulled in. I rushed ahead before all the people invade the rest stop. I get Roy Roger chicken and find a table in 5 minutes.

We piled back into the bus in less then 30 minutes and continue our trip home.

I arrived at the same area in Manhattan that we left on Friday at 10PM. I get my backpacked and left without sticking around to say good by. I should really working on my farewell so that I don't look like such a jackass.

Wish I was at the Pool

Did not go to the pool this Sunday. I had an appointment with 13.1miles of asphalts in the Bronx.

I was for some reason anxious about this race. I did not goes to the race course and have a look of the course before the race. I have never been in that part of the Bronx before but I know it would be a challenge. For one thing, running on city streets is very my favorite part of any any race. The Bronx Half-Marathon called for going down a large parkway, 3 time, back up and around a small reservoir twice, and down a very large street in the Bronx called the Grand Concourse. The weatherman predict bad weather and high wind. I don't know what to expect when I wake up at 4 on Sunday Morning, but I know it would not be a relaxing run.

I get my sick sister, and my mother to drive with me up to the Bronx. I stopped by my parents place at 5:30AM, and my sister drove. No traffic at all that early in the morning so we get there by 6:20AM. Number and chip picks up was not till 7AM, and the race at 8AM so we are a bit early. After driving around the general area for a good 30minutes we find a place that is not off limit because of the race. We end up parking very close to the race start and finished.

We walked around to the starting line, and then back to the car. While we were siting in the car I putted ignition of accessory(this is important later) to listen to the radio. It was on for 15minutes when some passerby/runners walk by and told us that the car headlights are on. I turned off the ignition, but was afraid that there may be problem. Since I can't do anything about it at the time, I did not brought it up.

Anyway. We sate in the car for a good 30 minutes waiting for the race to start, with my sister, who may be coming down with a bad case of the flu. Probably not wise on my part or my sister.

I started the race off strong. The sun was out, and the wind were light. I actually manage a 7.4minute mile for the first mile, and a 14 minutes at my second miles. Since I have never walk the course before, every turn was a surprise. I feel fine till I come down the Grand Concourse. There is no wind protection at all come down the broad avenue. I started to feel pain on my right hip and knee. I was surprised because usually it my left knee that take me out of the race.

The wind as blowing very strong as we come down a sturdy incline. The wind make come down the hill difficult, so I was not looking forward going back up hill. At we bottom out and come back up hill, the wind was blowing so hard that at time I thought I was not moving at all, or adjusting my steps to prevent my self from being blow side way. At the 8Miles, I realized that I may have problem with my right leg. I try to pick up speed at the Grand Concourse turnaround, and feel a shape pain on my hip, and my knee not bending as much as I run. I know at that moment that the best I can do is make the finish line, even if it would take longer then I like.

The last 3 miles were painful. I did not feel this much burns on my legs for a while. I manage to come in at 1 hours and 44 minutes. 5 Minutes longer the my last half marathon, and 15 minutes off my best half marathon time of 1h29miutes.

I did not find my sister and my mother at the finish line so I find my way to the car. The car was parked at on side of a four side open field, and I know that the car is not on two of those side because I just ran it to get to the finish line but I still follow the crowded to the wrong end. When I finally get to the car, my sister get out of the car and told me that the car won't start. I was afraid of that - oop. The headlights that I have left on while using the radio runned down the battery. We were lucky that one of the other runner one car away from us have a jumper cable. All we have to do is push the car out so that we can be engine to engine so that we can hook it up. I try to pushed the car by myself, but there is a bit of a down slope into the curb so it was hard. A couple of other runners saw us trying to push the car, and over to help. They make quick work of the car, and the I get a jumped. We were on our way to getting lost on the way home. GPS do not walk under elevated railway track.

I thought I can just goes on with my day like my last half-marathon but I was just out of it. Instead hanging out with my parents, I drove home, and take a hot bath. I get into bed by 3PM, planning on a short nap, but I end up not getting up till 8AM on Monday.

Should have spend Sunday rolling in a heated pool.

Sea Kayaking in a Pool.

Went to my first pool session last week. I thought I would be bored rolling in the pool since I already learn all the basic to rolling about I end up enjoying it. I get to learn how to teach it thought. I was not very good at teaching it.

I am going again this Sunday.

Frost Bite Paddle

Get in my first cold water roll today. It feel invigorating.

The roll was done at the end of a short paddle that our club have at the beginning of of each year, Frostbite Regatta. As far as I remember, no one ever have frostbite on one of our event in the time I was with the club. It more of a general meeting, pot luck party, and for the few brave or foolish souls a 2 hours paddle.

I get a chance to test out my rudder, need a bit of effort to make the rudder turn left but otherwise good enough. Our plan was to paddle around Ruffle Bar, around it and around the north end of Canarsie Pol. The trip to Ruffle Bar was called of because lightnings were sighted so we have to stay close to land. Instead we went around Canarsie Pol. We get get around the north end of the Island, the wind die down completely and the sun come out. A perfect time for pictures and showing off our rolls. The group, excluding me and Pete did a choreographed roll. Very impressive. I finally get up the courage to do one roll. I was very happy when I surface without the shocking feeling of water running down my back.

After everyone get enough of rolling we paddle back to the club for the planned general meeting and pot luck party. All together a very good way to spend the first day of the new year.

Getting Back on the Water

Get in a bit of winter paddling last weekend. Last Saturday I went out for my first cold weather paddle. I was not at all up to it. It was one of my more difficult paddle even thought we are going a very moderate distance and around an island that I have went around dozen of time before in the summer. My muscles just feel tight and wrong all over the place. My boat was weathercocking a bit, not as much as on the last day of my Long Island trip. Evey muscles in my body hurt the next day. I have not feel this much hurt since I started paddling 7 years ago.

By the time I round the back of the island, I was feel comfortable and handling the boat like I used to. We landed on a beach for me to pick up a rock to use as ballast. We end up walking around for a bit, looking for old glass bottles. Nothing interesting was found. We paddled back to the club at around 3PM.

My second paddle was last Wednesday. We paddled out at 11AM. There were 7 of us, paddle out for lunch at restaurant, and back again. It take 2 hours for us to get to Cross Bay Blvd and a small DINO restaurant. We get back on the water by 1:30PM, and back at the club by 3PM.

Stevie and I worked on our boats on the previous Tuesday but I did not put on the rudder so on Wednesday I decided to be on the save side and take out on of the club boat that have a rudder just in case I have to deal with the wind. Turn out I did not need the rudder.

We have another work day on Thursday. I finally get the rudder back on my boat. I have to test it tomorrow.

Fleet Captain

Still a bit under the weather. Nothing full blown but just me be a feel case flu any moment now. I felt it coming since last weekend but there is really nothing I can do about it. Spend much of last weekend in bed. Friday and Saturday were fine days to spend in bed because it was windy and raining all day. Sunday the sun finally come out. I extracted myself from the bed and head out to my kayak club because I promised a new member that I would show him what kind of work I need done on some of the wooden kayaks, and he is a woodworker. I really don't have that much work to do on the book, nothing that I can't do myself. If if given a choose between coordinating work with someone and doing it by myself, I would prefer to do thing on my own and on my own schedule.

I do have to figure out what I need done thought. Being the club Fleet Captain is not bad except for the coordinating thing.

Cross Linking Blog of Long Island Trip

Bonnie, one of the paddler on last weekend Long Island Trip has a great picture of me as the sunrise on Day 1 of the trip.

LI Cnav2007_Day 2

LI Cnav2007_Day 2
Originally uploaded by Spigquax

We have breakfast at at dinner near the inn, and bought grocery (beefs for BBQ, potatoes and vegetable for salad) to carry to our destination for Day 2.

We launched at the same parking lot that we landed at the end of Day 1, behind Paddy McGee. Everyone was in good spirite. The sky is overcast when we laugh at 11AM. We were in no rush to launch earlier since tide would not be critical for this part of the paddle.

It was a leisurely paddle. There were little wind and the current is not fighting us. The only diffulties is keeping clear of the motor boats since the area we paddle are very narrow at time. On one occation we end up paddling in the middle of the channel without noticing it because the red market indicating where the motor boat channel it end up on shores so we have no safe right hand side of the channel anymore. And there were two busy inlets leading to the Atlantic Ocean that we have to cross. Jone Bay Inlet was busy, but at least we have good visibility when we cross it.

We paddled in a light drizzles as the afternoon progress. Stopping at the only sandy beach we can find for lunch - it stop raining when we take lunch. I putted on a wind breaker when I landed for lunch because I was wet and feeling chilly.

Fog was setting in when we finally approach our second inlet, Fire Island Inlet. We have about a half mile visibility by the time we approach the bridge before the inlet. I was so glad that my have my GPS with me, and I finally personalize it so that I can use it for sea navigation. We have a couple of closed encounter with motor boats coming out of the fog as we crossed but all of them a good distance aways so we were never in danger of being run over. We manage to get our bearing just right to place us right before our destination for the day. We were greeted by a lighhouse on the shores as we make our way out of the fog and sight land after 2 hours of paddle without seeing land. We paddle about 2 miles after crossing over to our rented apartments on Fire Island. It was dark when we landed in a small beach on the side of the apartment complex.

LI Cnav2007_Day 1

Long Island Circumnavigation 2007
Originally uploaded by Spigquax

An overview of our 3 days, 70 odd miles trips in our first years leg circumnavigation of Long Island.

LI Cnav2007_Day 1
Originally uploaded by Spigquax

8 of us launched from Sebago Canoe Club in brooklyn at about 6AM on friday for the first part of our around Long Island Trip. I was the last on to sign up for this trip - 3 days before the trip. I was afraid I was not able to handle the ocean condition.

Luckily for me the ocean was flat. I have never see the ocean that flat. The only wave action I get was the surf land for lunch. We land on the beach on the Atlantic side of the Rockaway. I ride the wave in and lean into the wave as it break for a picture perfect landing. Since I was the first on to land, there is no one on land to take a picture but if there is it would be picture perfect. Launchig after lunch was a bit more difficult. It take a couple of fail attempted before i was able to get my boat position and launched instead of a wave come in and pushed my boat into beach again.

We paddled back into protect water and make a short landing at the tip of a Peninsula. The water there was crystal clear. We landed on a private summer resort that rent out/or sell shares in cabina. We saw rows and rows of them. But the cabanas all face into each other and not into our side of the shores. I can't imaged what the family who owned or rent these cabana would do there durring the summer.

We continued to our pickup point for the day two bridges down at a restaurant called Paddy McGee. This is our most difficult and dangerous landing of the whole trip. We have land the boat against rock and concrete debre. We all managed to land and get our boats onto the trailer without any mishap. Two of the paddler went with John and the trailer with our kayaks to the hotel where we are staying for the night, the rest of us waited for pickup by our other support car. We waited for at least 2 hours before our ride get there. I take the time to explore the area, and the rest of the group grabbed a couple of drinks from Paddy McGee's bar.

We get two rooms at the Best Western 5 miles away. Each room have two full beds, and there are 8 paddle, 3 supports crew for a total of 11 people. We manage 6 people in one room and 5 people in the other. With some people on the floor and 2 person to a bed. We were to tire to be bother by the sleeping arrangement. I was fast aleep as soon as I hitted the bed.

But before bed, we head to dinner at a local Italian restaurant one of the paddler know. It was a feastive dinner. The foods are good, better companies.

LI Cnav2007_Day 1_End at Paddy McGees
Originally uploaded by Spigquax

Our landing site at the end of Day 1 behind Paddy McGee.

LI Cnav2007_Day 1_Trip to Best Western
Originally uploaded by Spigquax

End of day one. The drive from our landing site to Best Western Inn where we are staying for the night.

Thendara Mountain Club

Do a lot of eating and a little kayaking this weekend.

I was upstate but not at Sebago Lake. I was two lakes north, at Lake Tiorati, a guest of the Thendara Mountain Club . They have a great lodgy cabin on top of a hill overlooking the south end of the lake. The Sebago gang get there at about 10:00AM on Saturday.

After introduction and a tour of the cabin, we get our stuff into respective room. Once that is settle we have to work the logistic of getting our kayaks to their dock once we scout of the boat down from their clubhouse to the dock and find it to be barely managable just hiking down much less with a 17feet book. It was decided that the only way to get our boats to the dock is to drive around the lake to a park boat launch and paddle the boat over to the dock, off course someone would have to drive the cars back. It end up my boat was towed to the dock and I drove my car back to the club. The other two cars also get a drive to drove them back to the club.

When we get back to the club, it was brunch time but we should just call it lunch since it was noon by the time we were ready to eat.

After lunch we hiked down to the dock for a tour of the lake. The dock was not design for kayak so it is a bit high for getting into and out of the kayak. I get in without any problem but it was tricky for other in our group. We paddled along the shore, around a couple of island, and back up north to the public beach. It was a good 2 hours paddlying. Because of the lake not close cockpit kayak rule I was not able to used my sprayskirt. I have it one, but did not used it because I don't want to cause any trouble. I feel a bit naked and unsecure without my skirt one, and it also mean I can't Eskimo role or do any tricks. I was done by the time we are ready to head back to the dock. This is the only time I went kayaking at Lake Tiorati. It is just too much trouble to get down to the dock just to go sigh seeing. After return from kayaking I went swimming. I just jump in and jump out again. I was not into it.

The rest of the day is just seating around listening to people talking. Happy hours started at 6PM, with everyone bringing out their contribution of alcohols to argment the abundants amount of wine already provided by our host. Thankfully happy hour is also accompany by lot of good finger foods. It is a very Italian affair with lot of cheese, smoke salmons, cookcut on breads. By 7PM we moved the alcohol indoor to have dinner. We dinner we have bbq beefs, roasted chicken, and 3 different salad. I get a little of each. I was not a particularly good dinner guests being that I usually don't talk at the table. My follow Sebagoian make up for my lack of dinner conversation with their antics. Let just say that a little wines were spill, and a blueberry desert end up on the floor during the course of the dinner.

Talking of Blueberry desert, every for a person who normally do not do desert after dinner, desert was great. We have Blueberry pie topped with ice cream, mix fruit salad, and italian ices in a tube.) After dinner and desert, we went for a nigh work down to the gate, a good one mile down very steep hill. Everyone was in good spirits as we make our way down to the gate, and take a couple of pictures. After the worked I end up leading everyone (the four person that actually goes all the way down to the gate) back up the the clubhouse. We try to goes back up without using flash light. We were almost back to the clubhouse when some cheated and turn on her flashlight. As we get closed to the club we encounters the rest of the group, sitting on a rock off the side of the road. They are practicing for the rest of the night, siting around waiting for the meteor shower.

I end up hiking in the dark down to the dock to watch the light show. It was a very long and uncomfortable 3 hours way to see 6 confirms sighting of a strick of lights in the night sky. It was cold and damn hard on the neck laying on the metal dock waiting. I called it quit at 12:30AM and goes to bed.

Get up at 8AM for breakfast. Part of the requirement as invited guest is to voluntee for a duty. I voluntee for breakfast clean up and cleaning up the grill. It take forever to rinse all the dishes, and clean the baking pans. Susan end up doing much of the grill cleaning otherwise I would have to spend all day doing it.

After breakfast most of the group when paddling. I loaned my boat to one of the Thendaran since I was not interest in paddling that morning. I was tired and sweating just going up and down the path to the dock. While people paddled, I packed my car and get ready for the trip home in the evening. When people get back we rested a bit, then two persons paddle the boat over to the park launch while three of use drove to the launch to put the boats onto our car. It was noon by the time we get back to the lodge.

I end up runnning around looking for Susan who I promised to help with her tent. I can find her anyway so I end up dismantling the tent by myself and leave the folding up of the tent to her. I finally find her sleeping on the hammock nearby. I was helping her with the tent when the hike schedule for the afternoon get underway. We hurry up to meet them down by the entrance gate. It was a pleasant hike, our guide was very informative. We get back by 3:30PM. I have my lunch then we started to our drive home. My passenger on the way up on Saturday agree to find another ride home so I can stop by Sebago Lake on the way.

It is fortunated that I was able to find other ride for my passenger because I end up staying Sunday night over at Sebago Lake. When I arrived at the lake I ran into Matty and her parents(mother and stepdad). I meet Matty last weekend and hit if off right away. A very happy and outgoing woman. I thought that she would be at the lake the next weekend but I was wrong. It turn out they arrived at 1pm on Sunday and end up swimming much of the time because all the boat is being used. It was a busy weekend for Sebago. I paddle out to meet them then back to the dock. Matty mom wanted to change boat, and Matty to grab something to eat. After Matty come back I take them on a tour of my favority corner of the lake. After paddling Matty, her mother, Sandy and I went swiming. Correction, they went swiming, I just jump in and out again due to uncontrollable shivering. The water was not cold, but my body is losing too much heat in the chilly air. I was to have dinner with them at a local restaurant but decided that the logistic just would not work at so I cancelled.

I end up staying at the cabin over night. I attempted to stay up to see more meteor shower but after spending 2 hours waiting, getting biten by bugs I give up and went to sleep by 11PM.

Get up at 5:30AM, and decided I don't want to drive back home for work. Get up again at 9AM to have breakfast, one english muffen with butter and a single serving box of AppleJack without milk. After breakfast take the boat out for some rolling practices and a short paddle. Get back by noon to go swimming. End up watching the kids attempted to catch fishes with a net. Surprisingly they did catched a couple of good side fishes with just bread and a kid fishing net. I end up not swimming. The air is a bit cold and blowing a bit so I don't want to get wet (surprising because I send two hours before rolling).

I have a sandwich with baloney coldcut with fresh mints and honey mustard, two soft boil eggs and a bowl of Lo Mein noodle. I decided to start back to NYC a bit early, 1:30PM instead of 2PM as planned.

After all the careful planning and making sure that everything is in order before departureI still end up forgeting a couple of important matter. One, the forget to take the garbage out, two I did not remember to clean the pot I used to boil the eggs, and third I did not remember my cooler with my peanut butter, jam and bread. The bread will spoil by the time I get to it next weekend. One other item with I am 99 percent sure about is the coffee maker. I am very sure I turn it off after making hot water for tea last night.

Get home at 5PM due to traffic and a short stop at Ikea on the way back.

Will post pictures of the Thendara lodge later.

Where were they when I was younger?

Spend a lot of time at the lake last weekend.

Aug 2 was ACA Youth Regatta at the lake. I get there by 7AM. I wasn't expecting anyone in the cabin on a Thursday so I was surprise to find the door unlocked. Just in case, I hollowed "Anyone in here." A pretty a pretty woman in her twenty with bond dreadlocks hair stick her head out of the "couple" room. I asked her if I meet here before. I have not. Turn out her name is Laura and she is Scott's daughter, here to help out with the Youth Regatta. I brought my stuff into one of the bunk room and lift to give Laura some privacy.

I was expecting hustling of activities in preparation for the race but I find no car in the parking lot, and no one walking around. I walked up to Linda's cabin, and find her there. Turn out everyone already went to Sebago Beach, a couple of miles away from where we are but the race itself will not commence to 9:30. I went back to Sebago cabin, and ran into Scott and his wife who is getting ready to drive to the Sebago beach. Laura apparently get up and dress while I was talking to Linda, when I get back she was ready to drive her truck with the trailer to Sebago Beach. Scott and his wife follow in their own car.

Since there is nothing for me to do and it still 2 hours till the race, I setted up my sleeping pad, and sleeping bag and went back to bed. I did not get up till 8:3o, when Paul knocked on the door. I had not seen Paul in a long time, since at least 2 winters ago when we spend a lot of time together helping with the cabin renovation. Paul drove a large converted van, with beds and other comfort of home. Paul introduced me to his friend (who name I forget right away.) We talked a bit, I informed him that everyone is already at Sebago Beach. Before Paul drove off, I asked him to help me load one of the club's kayak on top of my car so I can drive it to Sebago Beach later on.

After Paul drove off in his mobile home, I site on the front deck and eat my breakfast. While eating my breakfast, I saw Anne come out of her cabin. I asked her if she is driving with her kayak to Sebago beach, she informed me that she and Jerry are paddling over. I never thought of that. I have paddle to Sebago numerous time, but I never thought that it was an option for this event. Since I already have my boat up, and tied down and everything I was hesitant to undo everything but in the end I end up paddling over the Sebago Beach with Jerry and Anne.


Along the right shores next to Sebago Beach is a grassy area where coal fire bbq and picnic is allowed, the various camps that participate in the Youth Regatta have their own little area where they can set up their boats and cheering section. ACA, being the smallest group there have the smallest section, right next to the Korean Campers. I paddled up to the ACA encampment, and say hello to Linda, her daughter Tiffany (or Steffiny), her son Cody, Pete, Paul, Paul's friend, Paul's wife Sandy, a young woman with the most spontaneous smile I ever seen, Paul's stepdaughter, Matty. I must have return her contagious smile because she get on one of the sit on top kayak and paddle out to meet me.


"Is there any restriction on where we can paddle" Matty asked me as she paddle out to meet me.
"Not as far as I know, except for the Beach, and we have to stay away from the racer when it start" I reply, not know if she mean at this moment or for the race itself.


We paddled out together. Matty want to compare the various touring kayak stroke with white water stroke, which she knew. Me showing off my sea kayaking moves as she compare it to her whitewater strokes. I think she was impress by some of my skills.

Our along time did not last long. I have to get back to shore to get some water, and rest before the canoe race get start. Somehow I did not notice if Matty come ashore with me or not. When I returned to the water to get ready for the race I did not know where she is. I spotted someone alone at the finish line of the race course. I have veryt poor distance eye sight. I can't see any detail more then 5 feet in front of me. This is usually not a problem except when I need to read a computer screen when showing my boss where a file is, or when I am trying to find a pretty girl I want to hang out with. It turned out the long paddle at the finish line was not Matty, just some fella with a cowboy hat, which if I have my subscription class on I would have seen. Since I paddle all the way to the finish line already, I have to stay they when the race start. I end up directing traffic, and yelling encouragement to the 9 to 12 years old boys and girls as they finished their race. It was an interesting even even if boring after the 20th time one see a race.

I left my position at the finish line after the more mature paddlers start to race since they should all know where to go when they crossed the finish line.

When I return to the water, I paddled along the side instead of siting at the finish line. Run into Matty a couple of time, and we did a couple of rescues together. After the race end, Matty and her parents drive back to the cabin while I stay around to see the camp spirit contest.

I paddled back to Sebago dock at 6PM and went for a swim. Meet Matty there but she did not stay long. For the first time I actually swim out to the diving dock. I am not a strong swimmer so I have never left the safety of swimming dock or the wading pool. I decided to swim out with a bunch of kids just because. I spend about an hour swimming from platforms to platforms. Meet another cute girl at the platform and end up playing tag with her and a couple of kids that hang out on the diving platform. It was fun and tiring.

After an hour someone come down and say that the pizza is here for the after race pizza party. Matty and her parents were at the pizza party but I end up spending most of the time talking to her dad. Matty and her parent have to leave that evening so there was not much time to talk.


Friday Aug 3
Everyone left except for me and young paddlers campers. Get up relatively late, 9nish in the morning. Had breakfast, then take a kayak out to practice rolling. I borrowed Jerry's Greenland paddle as backup. I have never did eskimo roll without Stevie or someone experience as backup before so I was a bit nervous. I did a couple of rolls in front of the dock. I had no any problem rolling with the Greenland paddle. I make a couple of rolls as I paddled to the usual area where I normally practice rolling. My goal on Friday was to do as much rolling outside of my comfort area as possible and only go to the comfort area when I want to do some roll that I am not sure about. I don't want to have happen to me what happen when I did my Star 3 assessment. I wet exit out off my boats every time I capsided even thought I can roll because I panic. I realized then that I only roll when I am at the "Green" beach where I practiced with Stevie. I need to expand my comfort zone for rolling. I rolled a dozen time by the time I get the the Green Beach on Friday. It is so much more relaxing to roll with a mask on, no burning nose when I get back up.

I switched to my European paddle when I get to the Green beach. I need to practice with my Euro paddle because it is still a hit or miss. I am much more comfortable do static braces, and high braces with the euro paddle now then I was the week before but still not comfidence that I can do it in an emergency. I find that I can do my on side roll with 99% accuracy, but still a bit shaky on my off side with the euro paddle.

I have to wet exit once when I fail a an offside roll with the euro paddle. I went half way up, then end up back down again, reset and did it again, same result. I end up going out of breath and bailing out. I attempt a couple of time to do a reenter and roll but no luck. End up scrapping my left knee a bit. I attempt to swim the boat to shore but it was impossible to move it. I finally realize that I get the Greenland paddle with me. I reenter and roll with the greenland paddle to get back onto my boat, pumped it out and continue with my rolling practices.

I get back at noon to have lunch. Grilled myself some sausages and vegetable on my portable gas grill. After lunch it was more swimming with the kids. The cute girl that I meet at my swim on Thursday invited me to play Dubadubo with her and some of the kids. Its a diving game, where on person would dive down with a floating object, on our case an oak nut and released it. The people of the dock would look for the oak nut as it float up, if you see it you yell Dubdubo and dive in for it. Whoever get the oaknut "the Dubdubo" would then dive down with it and release it for everyone else on the dock to find. The game gave one the incentive to dive. We play that for a bout an hour and the same boy still keep on trying to drown me.

I went out for a paddle and more rolling practice in the evening. I think I spend almost 5 hours rolling on Friday, and 3 hours swimming.

Saturday Aug 4

Stay at the cabin by myself till about midnight when David and his girlfriend come in on his motocycle, in the rain. I end up vacating the queen side bed for them. I did not plan to stay the whole day because I was supposed to go around Manhattan on Sunday (a story for another day). I did a bit of paddling (more rolling practices) in the morning and come back right as Stevie and Adele were launching. I told Stevie that I would meet him after I get some padding for the knee braces.

When entered the Sebago Cabin, I noticed some belong that were not there before, some of which I identified as Stevie and Adele but also alot of food on the countertop. I did not notice that woman working in the kitchen till come into the cabin. I asked her if I meet her before? Not exactly a proper greeting. She told me she was a daughter of one of Sebago member. The woman was petit, Middle East characteristics, neither Lebanon or Isrealis. I did not recalled her name or her father's name whole I do not recognized till I see him at dinner. She asked me what to do with the used knife. I give her a bucket that I used to bring the dirty dishes to the public restroom to clean and the soap. I also told her I usually just put it in the freeze over night if I am using it again. I did not spend too much time chatting with her. I picked up what I need and get back in the water.

When I get to the Green Beach Stevie and Adele was no where to be find. I did meet up with two paddlers from Yonker who seen Stevie and Adele previously. I stay at the Green Beach and practive my rolls till they show up, which is about 1 hour later. As I excepted, they paddle around the lake to warm up. Stevied help another member, Jane I believes, learn to roll while I practiced my rolls on my own. The only roll I still get wrong everytime on my offside is teh shotgun roll. I keep on getting the set up wrong when I am upside down.

We did not get back for lunch till 2PM. I have some food that Stevie brought for lunch. I meet the woman from the cabin again, and finally meet her father, who I used to paddle with alot on last year Saturday paddle. I again get intoduce but again did not remember her name. It is a beautiful Isreal sounding name.

I did not went back out again in the afternoon. I decided, I have enough rolling for the time being. I end up swiming and play Dubadopo again with the kids.

I stay for dinner with Anne, Jerry, Stevie, Adele, the woman and her dad and a couple of other sebago members. It was a nice dinner. I learn about for the woman, she 26year old, Isreali and have a nose piecing with a very small diamond. I did not notice that the last couple of time I meet her earlier.

I end up driving home at 8:30PM.

Where were all the pretty girls when I was younger? I was with the club for 6 years and know some of the members for a couple of years and never know that they have such pretty daughters.

Update:
Get home at 10:30 PM. Left Pete a message inquiring as to when and where we were to meet for the around Manhattan trip. Get no reply when I went to bed at midnight.

Get up to check my voice mail and email at 4AM. No email or voice mail from Pete. I decided to get ready anyway and drove to the clubhouse. Get there before the sunrise. See a cop car in front of the sport club next door, and people driving out of their parking lot. Apparantly 4Am is when the parking lot party must end. I open our parking lot gate and drive in without any question from the cop next door. There is noone in the club. I check my voice mail again, still nothing. I decided to have a nap in my car. At 6AM, someone arrive at the club and wake me up. The club member went on the Manhattan trip on Saturday with Pete. He informed me that Pete get sick and most likely would not be leading this Sunday Manhatten trip. He also told me that he think Sunday Manhattan trip would be meeting at the same place as Saturday trip, except instead of 4AM, they would leave at 6AM. The launching site for Saturday Manhattan trip was Inwood, at the northernmost tip of Manhatten, at least a one hour drive from the clubhouse. If I know and plan ahead, I would have carry my boat to up to the lake on Thursday, and then just drive down from the lake to Inwood on Sunday morning. It would be faster then from the clubhouse in Brooklyn to inwood. It is already 6AM when I learn this. It is way too late to drive up to Inwood. I decided to make a workday of it. I went back to sleep and get up at 8AM to drove to the local Home Deport to buy some stuff that I need for a boat repair job I have been putting off.

Dockhand

I finally get around to actually doing Fleet Captain stuff last weekend. I stop by the club on Friday to prep a donated Lincoln kayak for fiber glassing. The left knee brace broken off and need to be reattach. Most of the close cell padding for the knee is already gone so I only have to clean up the stubborn pierces that remain. A good half hours of wiring brushing clean those up. I finished up by washing the boat inside and out. It was late by the time I finish. I get home before it started to rain.

Come back on Saturday after my race in NYC to do the actual fiber glassing. I have never did fiber glassing before so this is new territory. I can't imagine a couple of layer of fiberglass cloths and a cup worth of resin is going to be strong enough to reattach a knee brace. I have the procedure all planned out in my head before I did the job, but the actually work itself is much messier then I imagine. I cut two place of fiberglass to size and lay them out before I poured the resin into the mixing cup and adding the hardener. I thought 4 oz we be just right for the job not realizing how much 4 oz was. Once the hardener is added and stir I am on the clock to lay out the fiberglass over the join, brush on the mixed resin and try to hold my breath at the same time. The work space is confine, and upside down so I have to be on my knee as I stick my head into the opening.

The proper procedure is to put on one layer of fiberglass, brush on the resin and wet for the whole thing to dry before putting on the second layed, wait to dry then put on the third layer. The problem is I have mixed resin that would not wait to harden up. The end result being I put in all three layers as fast as I can before the last remainng 1 quartered of what I mixed harden up in the mixing cup. It did not take long for the repaired area to harden. I am surprise how strong join is after the repair. I still have to clean up the excess fiberglass that hang out pass the old knee brace and re-pad the knee brace area.

My next job is a personal project, restore my favorite club boat, an old beat up orange Huntsman. I bought two hatched to replace the old crack one. That that is a minor repair. The major repair is fixing seam line between the hull and the deck which is coming apart from the back of the cockpit to the tail on the left side and a but less on the right side. It would not be a problem it it is not also taking in water. I have to find a way to redo the seam tape so that it would prevent water from coming in. My original thought was to pour mixed resin in and let it fill out any holes inside the boat. I spoke someone at Atlantic Kayak Tours and he said to fiberglass it on the inside. That would not be a problem except for the fact that I have about 4 inch bulkhead, through a 5 inch hatch to work with in the Huntsman.

I was standing around trying to think of way to do it when Mike B. stopped by. Mike have a lot of experience fiberglass boat so I asked him to give my some advise. He end up take over much of the project. Instead of fiberglassing the inside, we removed the old seam gelcoat with a razer bladed down to the hull gelcoat. Mike then mix resin with filler, spray in some black car touch up color, and add hardener. We then put liberal amount of those stuff to make the new seam tape. It was a messed and take longet then I thought to harden up. I still have to send it down and remove the masking tape. I can't wait to finish it up and see what it like like.