Road Trip, U.S.A.

Nothing like an all American road trip, seeing the real U.S of A. Our adventures this summer took us past this very unique shop. Could have spent hours there.

We stopped at this very authentic Mexican restaurant, where they served salsa from a big mixer. How did they know salsa is king? Wish I had my original Beatles lunch box to take some home in.

Then there are the guitars. Plenty of them in all sorts of disarray. Mark picks up a steel guitar and picks his way through a sobering tune, my foot starts a tapp'n.

An American original, pics by number #1 daughter - The Capt'n

Like kids on the water

Pretty excited to have my laptop up and running... I'm like a kid on the water!!

Here is a shot of Boo and Zoe coming out of the mill pond. Zoe is getting the hang of it. About three minutes of instruction, then go let them play. Over instruction can ruin the experience.

Boo has become very fond of the Sea Wind, now Zoe has claimed the Azul... thank goodness there are a couple solo boats still in the boat house. dang...

I think I've lost my ride - The Capt'n

Good news... in fact great news!

The Good in fact great news is for no reason what so ever, my laptop is working!! When I took it in to get it analysed, they said the mother board was fried. I was so bummed as I had not backed up any photos from it when it went down.

So I was fiddling around with it and when I booted it up I saw that the battery light was doing weird things. So I took the battery out, and walla... It works as long as it is plugged into the wall socket. Bingo!!! A golden moment!!

So like a kid in a candy store, I went through picture files and found these two. I remember this conversation well. Boo and I were at Flamingo during the WaterTribe Challenge. I was explaining the need to paddle like "Hell" into the 20 plus mph wind, that sailing would mean a lot of tacking back an forth.

A candid shot of Mark myself and Boo. Last day after the storm front passed over. High winds out of the north west. We are preparing to depart from a random key we paddled to in darkness.

RiverJohn took the photo, his Sea Wind in the fore front. Wishing you a speedy recovery River John!! Missed you at the MR 340.

Looking forward to paddling with you again! Sending positive energy your way!! All the best and take care!!

You meet the most incredible people out on the water... - The Capt'n

Do you know where your child is...

Actually no, well sort of... she and a friend went out for a paddle, darkness ensued and then an uneasy feeling came over me.

I guess I shouldn't worry. When I was a lad, on the water by 7:00am and return before dark. Non-the-less!!!

Boo played it smart, as darkness came knocking she hugged the shoreline with Zoe and returned unscathed to the beach park. I guess my only real worry was that Lake Mills was having their annual beach bash and there tend to be a few weekend warriors out on the water after too many cocktails.

I got this sympathetic /pathetic look from Boo who I am sure was thinking. "Dad get a grip, it's Rock Lake, it's not like I don't know where I am or haven't paddled in the dark before"

Just another "Nervous Nellie" moment for - The Capt'n

and they're off...

Boo and Zoe take to the water... Me, lawn work laundry and sorting of gear that has been sitting on the front porch since our return from the MR340... then more laundry; getting a bit of the Missouri out of the gear is a chore.

Summer is finally here, balmy weather light breezes out of the south. The kids head around Rock lake then off to Sandy Beach. hmmm? Screw the laundry, cleaning and sorting... the lawns finished...

The Capt'n says "Let's paddle!!"

A quick check......

A quick check in with human resources to verify vacations day left for 2009, has left me short for participating in the Watertribe NC Challenge or the Kruger Canoe Ultimate Challenge 2009. This pesky work thing keeps getting in the way. But it does make you appreciate the days you do get off!!

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I'll check in with Boo and see if she wants to head over and do the 100 mile Kruger Challenge on October 3rd. I need to check and see if the ferry stops running out of Manitowoc/Ludington.

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Oh ya then there is the doctor's visit tomorrow for the double hernia which may throw a kayak paddle into the mix and mess everything up..... forgot about that sitting at my comfy desk.

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Need to get my friend John out paddling... word on the river is the Paddlin shop is closing due to hard economic times... shuzbutt!!

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Can ya feel it... that's the summer breeze blowing across your face on an early morning paddle - The Capt'n

slide show...paddle fast live slow...

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel – Following Team Kruger

• http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/52454332.html

• http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/52583277.html

• http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/52606797.html

• http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/52644887.html

• http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/52690892.html