A case for short amas

Long vs. short; hard shell vs. inflatable - the debate continues... then there is a case for no amas at all, the purest

Deepwater recovery open canoe

A case for side buoyancy.

Jump...

Boo and I have been using the BOSS system and Kruger Cruiser combination for a few years now; always at the grace of Stan who has let us use his equipment; shuttle us all over Florida and opened his heart and home when we are down there; Dana too!
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Been toying with a variety of sail configurations for our Kruger Cruiser "Big Medicine ll" ; just can't come up with anything better, simplicity, compatibility and function are bar none the best I've seen. There are some new designs being developed which look promising, but it is funny how one goes with what one knows; guess I'm not so adventurous after all. We are going with the tried and true.

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So I threw down some coin and ordered the new Balogh BOSS System with all the trimmings; heck I'm featured on the Balogh website, I better own one, right? So the order is in the coin has been spent.

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Now, North Carolina Challenge or the rescheduled MR 340? Or paddle sailing with the boys from rendezvous? Ah the choices we make...
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The Capt'n

Cool temps bring in the morning mist

Morning glass on Rock Lake

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The postponement of the Missouri 340 has taken the starch right out of Boo. She is lost in a fog of disappointment; the question is how to build the fire of desire to get her back out paddling with Pops? Though I didn't paddle alone this morning...
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I had this little green frog in my canoe when I got out on the water; took me a while to get him out of the boat, he kept moving around. Finally he jumped on my paddle and I was able to get him to set on a tree.

The Capt'n

Heavy storms

Photo: wenderella.com

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For those out of the area, we got a dousing yesterday... I never heard of the Milwaukee Airport being closed due to runways being flooded; snow covered yes, flooded no. More info here
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Wisconsin river is way up too; safe but islands are scarce and sand beach campsites are fleeting and far between.
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Emily called me at midnight (she's in Shorewood); basement is flooded with a couple feet of water, she couldn't believe it! She took today off; Big clean up today!!

Powerful thunderstorms caused 7 1/2 inches of rain in Milwaukee, widespread flooding, closing down Milwaukee's airport and opening up a giant sink hole. The flooding may not necessarily be over. More info here

Sulking

Nothing like getting out on the water to clear the "Paddling Blues" away. Boo's been putting in the miles the last couple of weeks. "Single blade paddle; twice the woman"; but the Mighty Mo has the final say.

MR340 -

Postponed.
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Looks like we wont be able to make the rescheduled date; still trying to sort it all out. It's the square peg in a round hole senerio; just don't fit!
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The Might Mo Vs. The Capt'n - Might Mo 1 - Capt'n 0
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The Boundary waters adventure was a knee jerk reaction to paddle withdraw; realistically not sure what we are going to do; take vacation and piece something together or save the vacation for a later date. Not getting much feedback from the "Boo" ster - blah...
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The Capt'n

Well...

decisions decisions...

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There may be a postponement of the MR340; the Missouri river is way above flood stage; lack of shoreline, closed ramps and safety are a concern. We a wait the race directors decision. Follow the banter at rivermiles.com

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We are loaded for bear, so if the race is cancelled you'll find Boo and I up in the Boundary Waters. A strong plan B is important; plus I need a vacation and getting back on river time is good for the soul.

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The Capt'n

Break News Record Set!!

Random Catfish Photo

130lbs Catfish caught on the Missouri River - Why I don't swim in the Missouri River!!

Marissa and I did a pre-load of the cruiser; we're pretty much ready to go which is nice as family is in town and it's nice to visit without stressing over gear lists and packing.

Whoo hoo...

MR340: July 27th - 30th, 2010

is a week away.
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Marissa and I have been sorting gear, buying food, and other nessecities for the 5th running of the Missouri 340.
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We will be going expedition style (un-supported) packing all of our food and water, and taking our sleep system with us. A completely different approach then last year's fundraising adventure the girls put on.
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We're gonna miss the commeradery of Team RP Lumber and all those that supported us; that was a trip to remember.
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You can follow our tracks on SPOT: - Click Here
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Mobile Updates will be on Twitter - Screen right>>>>>>
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Gone Paddling, Adventure on! -
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The Capt'n

the question is....

Not where's the Capt'n been; but where's the Capt'n going?