Oconomowoc river 2010

Off for a day paddle on the Oconomowoc river; I've reported on many times, but sharing this childhood (fav.) river with the kids is a time warp to the past. Boo loves to hear the same stories over and over again, or at least I think she does.

.The QCC Canoe really seems to be a good choice for Boo. We got into some exposed areas and she was able to hold a good line and push through the wind swept areas with ease.
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Boo is quick too! Bar having parental boasting syndrome, she is fast. It really makes for some fun paddling. On a sprint of 100 yards I barely edged her out. Seriously.

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She is such a kid, having her own boat she is off in the cattails exploring, no fear no worries. The water is pretty cold low 40's and shes rocking from side to side getting a feel for stability or just goofing off, it's a mystery.

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Now we have 4 expedition boats, which gives everyone a great boat to paddle if we go tripping. The Azul Expedition Kayak, The Sea Wind, The QCC 500, and the Kruger Cruiser tandem. I hope I can get Emily back in a boat for an adventure this summer before she goes to college next Fall. It would be great to do a big family camp canoe trip this summer.

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Emily just got back from two days of camping and caving up in Richland Center. Can't wait to see the pics.

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An over the shoulder action pic; yeah that's Boo with her tongue out, such the comedian! - The Capt'n

Spring Paddle Rock Lake

Boo and I take a spin on Rock lake; The ice is out, three days old.

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Like a duck to Water, Boo works the paddle magic.
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Switched from single blade to double blade; the winner single paddle.
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The rudder makes all the difference throwing the single blade.

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Yeah that's her waiting for me; she can really keep it moving!

Wisconsin River March 2010

Saturday started out with frost on the pumpkin and snow in the trees; still we knew that the weather was going to get better as the day progressed; just too beautiful to pass up.

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A little walk in the woods to stretch the legs; man it was so quite until the coyote's howl and yip and the geese announce their presence.

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John built this kayak himself, for the life of me I can't remember the designs it was taken from; a compilation of sorts, 17 years old!

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John and his world famous Thermos of tomato soup. Two things you can count on, John not being late to the put-in and his tomato soup.

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Balancing the hat on the stick was the only way I could keep Koa from snatching the fire stirring stick.

Wisconsin River Paddle

Gone paddling

With a fresh snow fall overnight we are heading to the Wisconsin River for an overnight paddle and camp. SPOT will be activated to follow our tracks.
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Float Plan: Put in at Arena paddle up hill. The river is clear of ice and winter debris in this section.

SPOT TRACKING - Click here
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The Capt'n

Feeling special

Pre-start WaterTribe 2010

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I was just contacted by a Nigerian fellow who states if I send him a small $500.00 processing fee he will transfer millions into my bank account. Feeling kinda special; this frees me up to paddle / sail more: :-/
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Thou shall only paddle on days ending in Y.
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The Capt'n

Paddling Season

Boo and the Capt'n UM 2010 ICW

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It's that time of year; Canoecopia the WaterTribe events are going strong and the MadCity Paddlers have posted their paddling adventures for 2010. It just doesn't get any better then this.
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Emily turns 18 on the 17th; So its off to the Dells with some of her friends after a day at Canoecopia for a hoot and a holler birthday celebration.

Bearing 270 to Fun Island!

The Capt'n

Watertribe 2010 boats

We're Back...

What an amazing 5 days! The WaterTribe exceeded our expectations once again. It was tough getting back on the plane with the FC and EC still underway.

Marissa (Boo) was giving me the business for two days about continuing on. We ended catching Mark (Manitou) on the outside in high wind and surf like conditions; he offered to go down with us to Key Largo as we only had charts to Grand Tours. But in the end, we stuck to our plan and returned home. Dogs school work and the world were waiting.

The lead up to these events, the time on the beach socializing and looking at all the different crafts is truly amazing. So many home builds this year, from the simplistic to the complex extreme. I'll post more pics later

Not that we were keeping score or were really racing, but we did end up 3rd over all in the UM to CP 1; 14 hours and some change, which ain't to shabby.

There were a few capsizes the first day and repairs the second. Spent about 4 hours repairing Snore's Balogh rig that blew apart after getting tossed around like a fruit salad in the surf. Snore was totally spent after being awake for 24 hours +. Hats off for him getting back in the boat and pushing on to make up lost time.

I'll be over on the KCA blog updating the Kruger Boys and Toby as they make there way around Florida; swing on by to see how its done. The leaders are already in Key Largo.

Like Chief said, these events will change your life.

The Capt'n

Gone Paddling

This is it! Mobile updates to the right should keep you in the know! We'll be mobile and on the move. Arriving Desoto Thursday evening. The tribal drums are calling...

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Gone Paddling! - The Capt'n

BIRTHRIGHT

BIRTHRIGHT from Sean Mullens on Vimeo.