Capt'n of the "O" Dark 30

Legend or Myth...

2012-01-14T11:09:00.003-06:00

Photo by Sandy Krueger

"The river holds the answer" - The Capt'n

Ramp up... fee free...

2012-01-14T10:35:00.002-06:00

The Michigan Challenge 2012

Oscoda to Manistee in Canoes, Kayaks and Small Sail Boats

Human and/or Wind Powered

General Overview

The Michigan Challenges 2012 are journeys for canoes, kayaks and small sailboats. The distances are roughly 300 miles for the Shore to Shore and Tip of the Mitt and 150 miles for the Manistee 150 and Lake Michigan 150, depending on your route and course selection.

Shore to Shore

Start in the town of Oscoda Michigan. Paddle and portage up the AuSable River some 113 miles and 561 vertical feet. Up and over 6 hydro electric dams and across 6 open water dam impoundments to the town of Grayling. Take out of the AuSable River at The Old AuSable Fly Shop for the start of the 7 mile portage to the Manistee River. Portage West on M-72 past Lake Margrethe to the Manistee River. Put in on the Manistee River. Paddle and portage down 160 miles and 561 vertical feet, over 2 hydro electric dams and finish at the Insta Launch Campground just before the Manistee River dumps into Lake Manistee.

We will start the Shore to Shore 2012 in Oscoda on Saturday June 23 at 8am. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm. We will have a Captains meeting on Friday, June 22 at 6pm on the beach in Oscoda.

There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate.

Tip of the Mitt

Start in the town of Oscoda Michigan. Paddle/Sail north along the Lake Huron coast. Pass under the Mackinaw Bridge and head south on Lake Michigan to the town of Manistee.

We will start the Tip of the Mitt 2012 in Oscoda on Saturday June 23 at 8am. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm. We will have a Captains meeting on Friday, June 22 at 6pm on the beach in Oscoda.

There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate.

Manistee 150

Start at the M-72 bridge over the Manistee River in Grayling. Paddle and portage down the Manistee River, over 2 hydro electric dams and finish at the Insta Launch Campground just before the Manistee River dumps into Lake Manistee.

The start for the Manistee 150 will be at 8 AM, June 27. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm.

There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate.

Lake Michigan 150

Start at the Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground in Mackinaw City. Paddle / sail under the Mackinaw Bridge and south on Lake Michigan to the town of Manistee.

The start for the Lake Michigan 150 will be at 8 AM, June 26. Finish in Manistee by Saturday, June 30 at 6pm.

There are no charges or fees of any kind to participate.

More info - here

Storm the castle

2012-01-14T09:18:00.002-06:00

There are do overs in life, each day offers a new beginning, put to rest your demons regrets and past, Storm the castle, Make bold strokes, make mistakes, succeed. ~ "Soar...."
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The Capt'n

Into the wild...

2012-01-14T08:57:00.006-06:00

I find pleasure in the simple things; good conversation, good food and nature. I have been looping the movie "Into the wild" for about a week now. The sound track, is outstanding; the man's journey, epic; and of course his walk into the wild, a courtship with death.
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I spend many hours watching the river, studying its form; drawn to water it's my journey, my wild.
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The Capt'n

daughters... 1.1 and 1.2 - high speed / low drag

2011-12-31T09:52:00.002-06:00

Happy 2012
"paddle paddle... SAIL!!"

Style babe e, style

2011-12-15T04:33:00.003-06:00

As SOS works on his highly anticipated one off design multi-hull for the up-coming Ultimate Florida Challenge, The "Mosquito" - click here; I'm working on my own creation, The "Burrito" - click here .
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Bring it SOS, bring it on...
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The Capt'n

safety babe e

2011-12-10T10:22:00.000-06:00

paddle paddle SAIL!!

2011-11-30T06:14:00.005-06:00

Well been kicking around in all my boats this past month; I have a rule that if they don't get out at least once a year they should go. I hate that rule as I ended up selling two Bell canoes I had that I will not be able to replace any time soon.
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WaterTribe has a lot of action on its website with all the new small boats being built for the up-coming UFC EC and UM events in March. Initially it had me thinking of entering in my 9'10' Pennant pictured above; It's more of a tender, sails high and dry and only max's out at about 4 knots - I rowed around with the GPS to take a look at what things might look like if I had to be on the oars for a couple of days. 1.5 knots ---yikes.
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I took the Sea Wind out last weekend, blowing stink, cold water, bundled up like a newborn... Out of control sailing with the paddling rudder on and the 1.5 PAS that got to be a tangled mess under the starboard aka and ama - which then released the pin that holds the aka to the main tube. Whew, got it back in with out incident; definitely did not want to tip and go for a swim; amateur hour almost making the evening news. So it just made sense at that point to...
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Throw my name in the hopper for the EC; finances, kids vacation, work and other particulars come in to play - like getting there in my jeep with 260,000 miles on the ticker. Anyway we will see what happens, till then keep your nose to the wind and your head in the clouds, dream big ~ stay thirsty my friends.

Pennant vs. the Sea Wind (Pennant 0 / Sea Wind 1)
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The Capt'n

America's Cup World Series

2011-11-20T06:08:00.000-06:00

Back on the water

2011-11-16T05:34:00.004-06:00

Good weather brought on an opportunity to get out and do some paddling; Headed out on the Oconomowoc River, felt good after 6 weeks of recovery. What a great day. This picture is right before Koa rolled in something; I have a dog why?

Tucked in on a small river is a great choice when the wind is blowing; I picked the right river as the wind was never an issue.

Today was a day that I re-booted an old Garmin 12 GPS; some how I have mis-placed my Lowrance H2O GPS and my Fugi waterproof camera. So I set waypoints as I went up the river formatting a route. I then turned around and with out looking up made my way back just following the GPS. It worked well on big sections of the river but was dicey on tight sections where it was really twisty.

When I got off the river, I decided to take the Sea Wind out on Rock Lake for what might be the last paddle on the Lake for me before the ice comes in. We'll see, I plan on doing some paddling next week over the long holiday weekend, most likely stay local, I don't think we will have ice that quickly.

Need to pick your paddling outdoor destinations carefully next couple of weeks, as there will be plenty of hunters in the woods with shiny new bullets.

Waterwalker

2011-11-11T04:43:00.000-06:00

Posted this before; worth another look...again and again.

Decisions

2011-11-03T05:49:00.004-05:00

Decisions decisions ~

The Capt'n

I hear banjo music and bells

2011-11-01T05:36:00.005-05:00

Click pic to enlarge

The Santa Fe River is a 75-mile river in northern Florida. There is a convenient Outpost to do shuttles and stock supplies; this is a perfect river for my re-entry into paddle sport since being down and out with a ventral hernia repair.

The Santa Fe is one crazy river, in that it completely disappears, drops into a large sinkhole in O' Leno State Park and magically reappears 3 miles down stream in the River Rise Preserve State Park. Glad they are putting in south of that.

There have been black bear, panthers, bobcats , manatees, whales (Bill) and even a Toby or two sighted in them there parts.

Southern Boys ( Stan, Toby, Bill, Doug, Jeff ) are pulling together a river trip on the Santa Fe. I put some feelers out to see if I could invite myself along; nobody called foul so I may just mosey on down and get a little more of the Southern experience... (21 hour 1150 mile drive one way)

Toby, I just finished off the last of the Beverly's Southern Pecan Pie ~ It was the bomb!!

Looking further into the trip I came across this:

Canoe Outpost is dog friendly. However, the majority of public and private springs do not allow dogs. (this is not good for the Capt'n) Lily Springs allows dogs but requires them to be on a leash at all times. This is a concern for me as I love paddling with Koa; leaving her behind, more to think about.

The Capt'n

In theory

2011-10-27T06:51:00.002-05:00

A house is a poorly built boat; a boat is a poorly built canoe; but everyone loves a big woody which throws the theory right out the window - click here

I think I'm feeling better, bits and pieces are where they should be; light paddle pending this weekend... gitty up!

The Capt'n

Rituals as they are

2011-10-27T05:35:00.005-05:00

Camp cruisers
A creature of habit a ritual of sorts, my mornings coffee in hand, I find myself deep into blue water myth and lore chasing down small sailing and paddling craft; You may not know this but I am into small boats of any kind, sailboats are always on my mind; what's wrong with me?
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As I was pining for more information on SOS's blog about his custom one off build, I ventured over to the Duckwork's site and looked through the classified ads and came across this beauty. A Core Sound 17 with all the fixings - Now I wont be throwing any coin down anytime soon, but a man can dream can't he?

The Capt'n

it's a wrap...

2011-10-25T05:58:00.005-05:00

The Wisconsin River kicking up her heels, giving the group a "how bout an a what fer"; this is an amazing picture by Sandy, I've never seen it this rough on the river before.

2011-10-20T04:11:00.002-05:00

Wyalusing, WI Weather Forecast

3:26 PM CDT WED OCT 19 2011

TONIGHT - Mostly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s. North winds 15 to 20 mph. Gusts around 30 mph after midnight.

THURSDAY - Mostly cloudy. Breezy. Highs in the upper 40s. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts around 30 mph.

THURSDAY NIGHT - Mostly clear. Areas of frost through the night. Lows around 30. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.

FRIDAY - Sunny. Widespread frost in the morning. Highs in the mid 50s. West winds 5 to 10 mph.

day 3

2011-10-18T06:29:00.004-05:00

Morning Camp Fire Report:

Mike and Bob called this morning, lots of laughter around a raging morning fire; Paula (Nevada girl) a tad chilly, the boys can't pry her out of her tent and sleeping bag! Bob's sporting a tank-top Bermuda shorts and marachee sandals - They look to be on the water by 8:45am

2011-10-18T05:21:00.000-05:00

Follow along with SPOT - click here

day 3

2011-10-18T05:03:00.005-05:00

Here is an overview of the wind and velocity for today; almost in the thick of it, keep it moving if you can!

Cold air dropping in, gonna be in the 40's today; brisk to say the least when it has been in the high 50's.

Then the rain comes, just to add a little heartache to the drama of wind and cold; I still want to be out there. If it gets really crappy they may lay over in Muscuda with all the amenities a Wisconsin town can bring.

click to enlarge

Chance for replenishing ice cream and coffee; opportunity to restock if necessary. It's nice they will be doing this section during the day and will be camping in a more remote area tonight as long as they keep moving forward. This is the section where hwy 60 is the closest to the river and sometimes you get road noise. Nothing like the Missouri River where you have a train go by every 15 minutes.

An O Dark 30 moment

2011-10-18T03:34:00.003-05:00

Sandy sent a pic of the sunrise over the Wisconsin river; a true O dark 30 moment for sure; almost like your there, almost.

On the River

2011-10-18T03:26:00.005-05:00

All Smiles on the Wisconsin River; Jack doing his impression of Eminem out of 9 mile with his hoody up.

BFF

The Fun Meter is at MAX as it should be on an adventure like this; though wind and waves have been on the menu for the first two days, we can only hope the weather man is wrong with the pending rain.

day 2

2011-10-17T18:51:00.004-05:00

It appears Bob didn't get the memo that it is October in Wisconsin; Dawning shorts and water shoes Bob prepares for the Wisconsin River.

The day was full of ups and downs, up one wave down the other; another day of find Doty as he ventured off. (tisk tisk)

Sandy reports they pushed from shore just a little passed 900am; Mike S. reports that they are having a great time but lots of wind.

A quick check of the SPOT puts the motley crew in the heart of canoe country; dang missing it!!

Follow along - click here

day 1

2011-10-17T05:18:00.004-05:00

"Sandy Paula depart - Koa wants to go too"

After getting word back to Sandy that the group was on opposite ends of the same island (go figure), the plan was to find shelter from the wind; Sandy reports they found a great spot with south east exposure to catch the morning sun; they are setting camp for the night.

River levels look good after poor reporting from calls to "river spotters", which in turn made for a good current; good current and wind coming from the west is a recipe for big waves. Sandy reports big waves, big as she has seen on the river, lots of whitecaps; Welcome to the Wisconsin River.

The Capt'n

Like Herding Cats

2011-10-16T15:52:00.003-05:00

Received a call from Sandy, appears the group got separated in the high winds and waves; After a quick check of the SPOT, I acertained that they were on opposite ends of the same island. Bob and Mike D in (Red) and Jack, Mike S, Paula and Sandy in (Blue).

Wind is coming out of the West, waves stacking up pretty high; Stay together, meow...

Making Good on the Wisconsin River Adventure

2011-10-16T14:43:00.002-05:00

Follow along click here

And they're off....

2011-10-16T14:21:00.002-05:00

Everyone busy readying the boats, not a soul on the river, wind out of the west northwest, things are looking good.

Clouds exit stage right, blue sky and the warmth of the sun brings smiles to everyone's face; life is good on the river.

2011-10-16T14:14:00.002-05:00

Crew makes good at the Mazo put-in; The players Left to right - Sandy Paula Bob Jack Mike and Michael. It was tough watching them push off after being bumped to "Shuttle Boy".

Koa was all confused wondering why we were not part of the entourage; She kept eyeballing Paula in the Sea Wind.

2011-10-16T14:08:00.002-05:00

The Crew assembles for a send off photo at Casa Weber's; Good to see everyone was up and moving after last nights pre-departure party! Epic, what happens in Lake Mills Stays in Lake Mills.

Things are looking up for the Wisconsin River

2011-10-15T07:16:00.001-05:00

The weather Gods have spoken!

It's all happening...

2011-10-15T04:58:00.004-05:00

Hoping for these conditions on the Wisconsin river; right now gusts to 50 mph, hopefully it will blow its self out before the peeps put in on the river.

Paula made it from Vegas, excitement builds; On the todo list for Paula, Fishfry and Carmel apples upon arrival; the rest of the motley crew arrives this afternoon.

Mike Doty SPOT click here

Mike Smith SPOT click here

Tonight down to the Carp's landing to watch and listen and support the Knight's of Columbus fundraiser - Jake's Room will be rocking the house!

Let the adventure begin

2011-10-13T07:11:00.004-05:00

The Peeps will start rolling in tomorrow for what looks to be quite an adventure on the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers; yours truly will be doing the shuttle (no can go do to recent surgery).

Friday will find us at Crawfish Junction for fish fry; and Saturday will find us at the airport, Rutabaga's (inclusive of Carmel apples and root beer floats) ~ rest of the clan arrives and coming for a soft Carp's Landing for the din din and music by Jake's Room.

Sunday is the shuttle - drop the group off up at Blackhawk, near Sauk. ~ Let the adventure begin - The Capt'n

Messing around in boats...

2011-10-10T05:34:00.004-05:00

The ULS Barn Sale happened this past weekend, up for auction were a variety of watercraft; I got a notice in the mail that there was a Wayfarer on the list, so I made the trek in to see it. In the past there have been some outstanding boats up for bid, I had a VIP pass so I got in early and spent a lot of time looking her over.

In the end I did not return for the auction; a great project boat for someone with time money and skills. I thought about going back just to see what she ended up going for, but it is quite a drive and I probably would have bid on it. I do not need any more projects; (trailer was iffy and I could see myself on the side of the road with the boat launched into some cornfield).

Some how a walk in the woods checking out fall colors seemed a better choice.

Bullets: A day in the life of Brian

2011-10-07T08:19:00.003-05:00

This is an unbelievable October -fantastic!

The Wisconsin paddling trip has been resurrected with Bob Jack Mike Paula and Sandy heading out next weekend. Me to shuttle.

The 54th Annual ULS Barn sale is this weekend; Live auction on Saturday offering a couple of sailboats up for bid - yeah my thought exactly, more boats!!

Today is the the first day I really feel my old self; not ready to portage a 70lb Cruiser over my head, but feeling a whole lot better!!

Bob Voyage

2011-10-05T09:32:00.003-05:00

Mike and Bob Bradford

As the Captain's plans for the Wisconsin River Trip comes to an end; Bob Bradford steps up - I'm calling it the "Bob Voyage" ~
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Those that push from shore with Bob next week are in for a treat; If you don't know who Bob is, now's your chance. Mississippi Challenges Just Google Bob Bradford paddling
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The Capt'n

Autumn's reflection

2011-10-05T04:25:00.006-05:00

It's amazing to me how I can fill a day milling around the lake, shuffling through the new fallen leaves; mind wanders as "Koa" playfully chases a wayward monarch.
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I may just mosey on down to the Farmer's Market today and have myself a caramel apple; pick up some jalapeno jelly cream cheese and crackers and have a picnic.
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It's gonna be a great day.

Challenges

2011-10-03T06:22:00.004-05:00

What a great weekend for sports in Wisconsin; Badgers, Brewers and the Packers come up with big wins; the small boat challenges through out the weekend were great book ends to the sports weekend!
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Here are link(s) to the the NCC Challenge through WaterTribe that are worth a look see; the diversity of the crafts to the start of the event.
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The crafts - The start - On the water
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The Capt'n

Out of the woods, but not on the water

2011-09-29T08:27:00.008-05:00

Ventral hernia repair went well; Home now recovering setting up for some excitement with the Iron Mushroom and NCC challenges this weekend.
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Hats off to Mark P (manitoucruiser) for pulling the Iron Mushroom together and Dawn S. (sandybottom) for the North Carolina Challenge; both will be participating respectfully in their events; No paddling for the Capt'n., I am down and out for 6 weeks...
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Good Luck to all!!
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The Capt'n

A Day In The Life

2011-09-27T06:04:00.006-05:00

Homecoming dances; Out west adventures; Paddling trips and what? .... Surgery.
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Not to dampen any ones spirits, but it has been raining here in Wisconsin; a much needed rain, but when it rains it pours.
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Big week for me as the girls are returning to Lake Mills - WOO HOO!!
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Marissa coming out for the Lake Mills High School Homecoming gala; Emily coming home from a whirlwind adventure in St. Louis and Las Vegas - photos (participating in medical field work experiences); Me getting ready to settle in and watch the NCC and the Iron Mushroom Challenges; Along with the final planning for our 5 day Wisconsin River Trip. - Questions loom, not sure of my level of participation; shuttle boy comes to mind.
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But just to make things interesting I'll throw in a quickened (I have an obstruction) surgery. So I will be under the crusted spoon and have a Ventral Hernia repaired on Wednesday, They will be putting in some chain linked fencing for good measure.
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Just another day in the life of an aging broken down Lilly dipper paddle duffer.
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The Capt'n

34 degrees...

2011-09-15T07:22:00.003-05:00

Who'd a known there would be days like these

Vintage DELTA BLUES 1880's-1910 BottleNeck Dust Bowl Blues

2011-09-13T07:43:00.000-05:00

What a glorious weekend

2011-09-12T05:42:00.004-05:00

I can't say that the Cats were having much fun floating around under a postponement flag, but I sure was; glass like conditions made for a glorious paddle. The wind did build in the afternoon and they got a couple of races off, but not before I blazed past them with 36 sq feet of mylar..... and a paddle.
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John and I paddle / sailed Mendota up to Picnic Point; that is the state capitol in the background. The second season of paddling is upon us and I am loving it. If you have never experienced Autumn and the fall colors, you are missing out on one of nature's most spectacular times.
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"The sail, the play of its pulse so like our own lives: so thin and yet so full of life, so noiseless when it labors hardest, so noisy and impatient when least effective." -Hank Thoreau
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The Capt'n

2011-09-02T07:30:00.003-05:00

The Labor Day weekend is upon us; the last push for summer dwellers in the area. Those of us that live here year round look forward to the second season, Indian summer - the harvest.
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Just a banner morning as Beth paddles the reed grass, sun straining as it moves across the sky; the air dense with humidity, the warm breeze.... aah yes - The Capt'n

The Waning hours

2011-09-01T06:53:00.006-05:00

What bounty, Rock Lake Sunset

Into the Mystic

2011-08-20T06:28:00.002-05:00

A little Van - music

Welcome to...

2011-08-19T07:40:00.004-05:00

Wyoming Country

For those that were worried that I had gone off the grid and was finished as a blogger. Oh I'm still stumbling around in the dark waiting for the "O" 30 to take hold.
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The Capt'n

Camp Fire ~ Steel Cut ~ 1920

2011-08-19T07:09:00.005-05:00

Oh there is a lot to be said about campfire coffee; I look for multiple opportunities to be brewing over open fire the next couple of months, paddling trips abound.
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Mornings are cooler now, sunrise staggers in late as if having endured a long night out with friends; the density of the air has changed, sun's rays move south, clouds offer unique perspectives on sunsets, the rivers and lakes beckon to be explored; these our the days of the paddler, get up get out and get your paddle camp on. Coffee and Fire
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The Capt'n

Shiny Happy People...

2011-08-12T07:06:00.004-05:00

Daughter 1.1 - One of the Shiny Happy People

Paddles up!

2011-08-09T07:15:00.005-05:00

Banner day out on the water; O Dark 30 Daughter 1.1

Wind building, fun meter running high, warm breeze out of the southwest
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You know you are having a golden moment when you teenage daughter 1.1 says; "Hey Poppy, let's paddle" and it is 5:30am. "golden" - The Capt'n

Toes up...

2011-08-08T05:41:00.006-05:00

Big Weekend - Tom Petty

First off a big shout out Paula who made the big jump from Vegas (babe e) to Madison (Mad-town) over the weekend, Lots of music, good eats and a little paddling. A toes up relaxing weekend.

My brother Nic showed up on Saturday from Hollywierd - more food and more drinks, lots off laughs; man it was good to see him.

Life moves pretty fast, if you don't slow down and look around, you might just miss out. - The Capt'n

Now you'll know where to find me

2011-08-05T06:08:00.002-05:00

Music to ponder

Family Reunion

2011-07-31T06:41:00.002-05:00

Family

Highlight Reel

Checkerboard sweet corn - lots of corn; brat burgers and wieners; coleslaw and barley pops.
Outstanding time with family and friends - lots of corn.
Adrift on Lac La Belle - cousin Dave broke the boat and we wont let him forget it.
Dogs, lots of dogs - Skipper, Elle, Biscuit, Teddy, Ralph, Koa - lots of corn.
Sailboats, watching the Saturday C scow series race.
A stroll down the cobbled walkway of memory lane.
Kids, kids and more kids; friends showed up from the lake we have not seen in years.
Perfect weather, I mean down right picturesque.
Corn, did I mention sweet corn dripping in real butter.
And the top reunion highlight - You could feel the love; I mean the real deal, the stuff that holds families together through thick and thin.

The weekend

2011-07-24T20:16:00.003-05:00

The girls dawn dresses and hang with their pop for Robin's wedding; how did I get so lucky!!
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Followed by a Sunday out on the water in the Sea Wind; Lake Mendota watching the E scows tearing it up in lite to moderate winds.
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2011-07-21T21:45:00.002-05:00

Great song great photos; Priscilla Ahn is a big fan of Neil Young

2011-07-21T04:56:00.002-05:00

Wisconsin rivers

2011-07-19T17:26:00.001-05:00

Click to enlarge

The section on National River Law discusses river ownership, use, and conservation law throughout the United States. Following is a review of what individual states can and cannot lawfully do with the rivers within their borders.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that rivers that are navigable, for title purposes, are owned by the states, "held in trust" for the public. This applies in all fifty states, under the "Equal Footing Doctrine."
Rivers that do meet the federal test are automatically navigable, and therefore owned by the state. No court or government agency has to designate them as such.
The federal test of navigability is not a technical test. There are no measurements of river width, depth, flow, or steepness involved. The test is simply whether the river is usable as a route by the public, even in small craft such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Such a river is legally navigable even if it contains big rapids, waterfalls, and other obstructions at which boaters get out, walk around, then re-enter the water.
The states own these rivers up to the "ordinary high water mark." This is the mark that people can actually see on the ground, where the high water has left debris, sand, and gravel during its ordinary annual cycle. (Not during unusual flooding.) It is not a theoretical line requiring engineering calculations. Where the river banks are fairly flat, this mark can be quite a distance from the edge of the water during medium water flows. There is often plenty of room for standing, fishing, camping, and other visits.
States cannot sell or give away these rivers and lands up to the ordinary high water mark. Under the "Public Trust Doctrine," they must hold them in perpetuity for public use.
The three public uses that the courts have traditionally mentioned are navigation, fishing, and commerce. But the courts have ruled that any and all non-destructive activities on these land are legally protected, including picnics, camping, walking, and other activities. The public can fish, from the river or from the shore below the "ordinary high water mark." (Note that the fish and wildlife are owned by the state in any case.) The public can walk, roll a baby carriage, and other activities, according to court decisions.
States do have authority and latitude in the way they manage rivers, but their management must protect the public uses mentioned above. They can (and must) prohibit or restrict activities that conflict with the Public Trust Doctrine. "Responsible recreation" must be allowed, but activities that could be harmful, such as building fires, leaving trash, and making noise, can legally be limited, or prohibited, in various areas. Motorized trips and commercial trips can legally be limited or prohibited by state governments.
State and local restrictions on use of navigable rivers have to be legitimately related to enhancing public trust value, not reducing it. Rivers cannot be closed or partially closed to appease adjacent landowners, or to appease people who want to dedicate the river to fishing only, or to make life easier for local law enforcement agencies.
State governments (through state courts and legislatures) cannot reduce public rights to navigate and visit navigable rivers within their borders, but they can expand those rights, and some states have done so. They can create a floatage easement, a public right to navigate even on rivers that might not qualify for state ownership for some reason, even if it is assumed that the bed and banks of the river are private land. Note that this floatage easement is a matter of state law that varies from state to state, but the question of whether a river is navigable, for title purposes, and therefore owned by the state, is a matter of federal law, and does not vary from state to state. Note that a state floatage easement is something that comes and goes with the water: When the water is there, people have a right to be there on it, and when it dries up, people have no right to be there. But rivers that are navigable for title purposes are public land up to the ordinary high water mark, so that even when the river runs dry, people still have the right to walk along the bed of the river.
Only federal courts can modify the test of standards that make a river navigable for title purposes. States cannot create their own standards, either narrower or wider in scope. They can’t make definitive rulings about which rivers are navigable for title purposes, only a federal court can.
The situation gets confusing when a state agency or commission holds hearings about navigability and public use of rivers. Landowners, sheriffs, and other people tend to think that such an agency or commission can create state standards that determine which rivers are public and which are private. But these are matters of federal law which state agencies cannot change.
State agencies should make provisional determinations that various rivers meet the federal test of navigability for title purposes. These provisional determinations should be based simply on the rivers' usability by canoes, kayaks, and rafts. They should then proceed to the question of how to manage navigation and other public uses of the river. In these days of government cut-backs, the agency should look for solutions that use existing enforcement agencies rather than setting up new ones. Littering, illegal fires, offensive behavior, trespassing on private land, and numerous other offenses are all covered by existing laws, and offenders can be cited by the local police, sheriff's office or state police.

Suumer has arrived

2011-07-17T18:31:00.005-05:00

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As temps. soared, I hit the water with a vengeance this week. I was out on the water everyday which does much for the soul.
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Paddling before work really does wonders for me, but what really excites me is my knee feels really good and I have been able to get out on my bike the last three days as well; Summer has arrived, now to get back to fighting weight.
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I have a good friends Scott and Jackie Erwin who have given me the keys (so to speak) to their 17 foot Vanguard Nomad Sailboat. (Nice cause it is kept on Rock Lake, no trailers or launch fees to deal with or hassle)
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With Emily working at the Bakery and Marissa not feeling well (headache) after having a light fixture fall on her head (don't ask) I put the word out to see if anyone was interested in dodging jet-skis and ski boats and up for a Sunday sail.
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Called friends Bonnie and Rick Kappus; Rick had plans, but Bonnie was up for a sail so I swung by the beach park and picked her up.
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Outstanding day on the water as the wind built through the afternoon; much needed relief with mid 90 temperatures.

The early morning paddle

2011-07-15T06:04:00.003-05:00

Ah I long for the early morning paddle; early morning riser Olga works her way to the landing in the morning mist; I can't believe that an Autumn feel is in the air right now.

Late Hatch for sure; these little guys need to put on some weight and build up some strength if they are going to be able to make it; though they were pretty friendly, city ducks that may not fly south.

Wind in the reeds as the sun crests the shore; water clear as day as fish dart to and fro. These are the days my friend these are the days...
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The Capt'n

Wisconsin River

2011-07-15T05:32:00.004-05:00

Wisconsin River Trip October 15th - 23rd 2011
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· Canoe / kayak trip; expedition style; roughly 100 miles; remote camping; pack for cool inclement weather; pack food and other necessities.

· Sauk City to Wyalusing – 92 miles of protected waterway with islands and beaches to camp from; it’s the bomb.

· Participants are responsible for all costs and their own safety – NO FEE EVENT!!

· Rendezvous on the 15^th to camp shop /
Stage vehicles on the 16^th

· On the water paddling 10:00am on the 17^th / Off the water on afternoon of the 21^st – figure 20 miles a day with plenty of time to explore, enjoy!.

· Autumn colors should be amazing!!
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October 15^th, travel day – meet Casa Weber’s if so inclined.
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October 16^th, Shop / Sort/ Stage vehicles
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Start Paddle October 17^th, Monday 10:00am: Blackhawk Canoe Launch Hwy Y, Sauk City, WI

Sauk City, Wisconsin north of Madison by 30 miles. HWY 12 takes you into Sauk City. Take HWY 12 to the West side of the river. Take HWY 78 south about 1 mile to the south and then take HWY Y to the right (west/South for about 1-2 miles to the Blackhawk Canoe Launch. Parking lot is to the left, launch is on the right.
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Finish Paddle October 21^st, Friday Afternoon: Wyalusing Campground make reservation: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/wyalusing/ Phone (608) 996-2261 – 1 night.
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Saturday October 22^nd – Sunday October 23rd Return Travel Days – Far West side of Wisconsin – extra day for no rush no hassle fun filled return!!

Contact: Brian (CaptainOdark30) for questions / answers

The Wisconsin River

2011-07-11T05:25:00.007-05:00

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If you want the written word on the Wisconsin River click here, but the Wisconsin River needs to be paddled to be understood, put it on your destination bucket list, you wont regret it.
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A busy weekend on the river, tubers paddlers fisherman abound; but there was certainly enough river for everyone, especially when you get your own beach or island to play on.
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Paddled the Sawyer Summersong, canvas bags and wooden paddles, taking a step back and slowing it down, that defines the Wisconsin River for me. Great that Patrick and Sandy could make it, a shout out to the usual suspects left us with three, perfect.
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I may have found my calling "Paddle Tramp" seeker of truth; give me a hot steamy cup of coffee and some blue water and we're good to go...
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Happy Monday! ~ The Capt'n

See ya on the pond...

2011-07-08T05:29:00.002-05:00

Photo: Toby Nipper

Thanks Toby for sending this photo my way, It's a shot of Marissa and me on the Platte River before we pulled "Gabby" out for the evening to make camp - It was also my Birthday, which made it the fondest of memories.
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Looks like I am headed to the Wisconsin river this weekend; hook up with a few paddle tramps and tell stories, I'm sure we'll even paddle a bit.
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The Capt'n

The winds of time

2011-07-04T10:03:00.003-05:00

The wind dropped off stowed the pram and the canoe hit the water; I went out on the Goose pond south end of Rock Lake, the stillness.
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Hugging close to Goose Island gave ample opportunity to reflect and check out the aquatics above the weed bed; turtles and fish darting to and fro.
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More yaks on the water then I have ever seen on Rock lake at any one time nice to see. Nara a Sea-do in sight.
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Oh this is dangerous leaving this cat unattended especially in my delicate condition; a new boat to the lake, looking good.

Ah the summer breeze...

2011-07-04T06:35:00.004-05:00

Up before the crack of dawn, before all the crazies hit the water and start bombing around on jet-skis and wave runners; peaceful sail in the pram coffee mug in hand. The random fisherman gets it, offers a friendly wave as we share the morning.
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I have had this rule about not owning any boats that I can't car-top or pick up myself; thank goodness I could wrestle the pram up on the jeep, close though, I think I need to start working out again.
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I do have to admit I been looking at sailboats, from live a boards to camp-cruisers; Well it's fun to look anyway. The Wayferer and the Norseboat that were in the Tip O Mitt had me reaching for the tiller wanting and yearning.
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There is a Wayferer on our lake, maybe I'll go over and sit in it and play real sailor; I do have access to a Vanguard Nomad Sailboat that's just sitting on the lift right now at a friends house; hope the weather keeps building today, headed back to the water either way, to bash waves or sail.
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The Capt'n

Fireworks.... wOo hOo!!

2011-07-03T07:03:00.002-05:00

A paddle out on Fowler lake via the Oconomowoc River for weekend fireworks gave us this great natural firework - sunset.
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Calm picturesque moment as we float patiently for the festivities to begin; music all around us as we watch this juvenile otter check us out.
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Emily, Marisaa and Koa make the trip,we load up in the Cruiser; it's nice when the police boat gives you a nod of appreciation. I had full navigation lights. green, red and white light for the stern.
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And in the end it's the time you spend with your kids, sharing your passions, listening to their excitement, delving into their dreams and aspirations; They wont remember or care what color the new couch was, but they'll remember nights like this. - The Capt'n