OMG! It’s just a little over a month until the race. Am I freaking out? Absolutely!!!
This week I should know for sure if my entry has been accepted (fingers crossed). I’m keeping a close eye on the mailbox to say the least. I’m also getting geared up for the big event. I ordered a Thule rack for the roof of my car. Those of you who’ve seen my car will understand that the roof rack will encompass the entire worth of that vehicle. This means I’m gonna start locking my doors. :) Anyway, hopefully the rack will be in any day now.
I spent my evening, last night, calling every Wilderness kayak dealer within 30 miles of my house to see if they carry the Wilderness Tsunami 145 with Rudder (sheesh). REI is the only one that has it and the second Dan gets that Thule rack installed on my car I’ll be headed to the store to her pick up. I’ll surely let you know when I’ve got it.
In the meantime, I’ve been planning my weekend paddles to work up the strength to complete the 90-miler. Weather kept me from completing the 20-miles I wanted to accomplish last week. I only got it 10. This weekend I’m off to a rafting adventure on the Delaware River. Losing another couple days of hard paddling. The plan is that once I’ve got the new boat then I’ll be on the water at least four days a week. I better get that boat soon!!
Tuesday, August 4
Monday, June 15
6 hours of driving + 2 hours of research = 1 nap
I recently found out that the worst type of kayak you can use in the Adirondack Canoe Classic is a short, fat one - aka my recreational kayak. This was some discouraging news. Looks like another chunk of money I'm gonna be spending. So, I hit the road on Saturday before my husband was even out of bed and made it to the canoe/kayak demo in Farmville, Va in three hours.
Though I drove around the little town for 20 minutes, I finally found the poorly marked entrance to the top of Wilkes Lake. The parking lot... err, field was starting to fill up. I made my way over to the boats, signed in and got fitted with life vest. The shore of this lake, which would be considered merely a pond in NY, was lined with all different types of kayaks and canoes. The angler crowd was there, white water kayakers, first time boaters looking for a rec. kayak or canoe, there were surf kayaks, kayaks with sails and catamarans. It was your basic one-stop-shop for self propelled water craft. I seemed to be the only one looking for a boat to complete a marathon paddle.
After wandering for a bit, I finally got the attention of staff member. Nice guy. Can't remember his name. He was from New Hampshire and I was glad that he'd actually heard of my 90-miler. He told me some war stories of friend of his... I really didn't need to hear about his friend, in great shape, who couldn't finish the race. Anyway, he was stoked to help me out and showed me a great touring kayak - the Wilderness Tsunami 165 (though he said the 160 would be better for me since I have a smaller frame). This boat has some nice bells and whistles that my current kayak can't even dream of. Adjustable seat, thigh and hip support, and a ratcheting backband to keep your posture on point. I was impressed.
He told me to ditch my Teva's. Asked me if I minded stepping onto the mucky bottom of the lake. And steadied the boat as I slipped down the bank and stepped into the kayak. Everything about it felt more comfortable then what I'm currently using... except the crappy paddle.
Note: If you go to demo a kayak BRING YOUR OWN PADDLE! It makes a huge difference and is just as important a piece of equipment as your boat.
The Tsunami weighs a heft 65-lbs and I could feel the difference a bit as I paddled. Because the lake was so small I couldn't really get a good reading on if I was cutting through the water efficiently or not. Plus, I had to dodge all the other people on the water. Many of them didn't know how to steer and a touring kayak doesn't turn like a rec. kayak. There were no collisions.
After 20 minutes or so I headed back to shore. I climbed out. Was glad that I didn't tip her since I'm not used to the narrow design. I was then directed to the P&H kayak dealer. These boats are classified as sea kayaks and are lighter (55-lbs) and more narrow than the boat I just left. Didn't have the same great adjustable options as the Tsunami but is supposed to be made of a layered plastic that's more ridged. This info is a bit lost on me cause I'm not at that level yet. Getting it out on the water I could feel how much less stable I was. The kayak wobbled in the water with each stroke. I grabbed a worse paddle than before and it seemed to be welded with the blades at too great an angle from one another. I had an annoying 15 minutes in the water veering left. I felt like a total novice.
That wrapped it up for me. I was wet (not sure how all that water got in the kayaks before I tried them out), hot from paddling in blazing sun, and not looking forward to the three hours back to northern Virginia. I don't think I found "my" new kayak at the demo day but talking to the staff there I have a much better understanding of what I need to get. Now it's time to surf the net and find the boat of my dreams... or a boat I can afford. Either one will do :)
Though I drove around the little town for 20 minutes, I finally found the poorly marked entrance to the top of Wilkes Lake. The parking lot... err, field was starting to fill up. I made my way over to the boats, signed in and got fitted with life vest. The shore of this lake, which would be considered merely a pond in NY, was lined with all different types of kayaks and canoes. The angler crowd was there, white water kayakers, first time boaters looking for a rec. kayak or canoe, there were surf kayaks, kayaks with sails and catamarans. It was your basic one-stop-shop for self propelled water craft. I seemed to be the only one looking for a boat to complete a marathon paddle.
After wandering for a bit, I finally got the attention of staff member. Nice guy. Can't remember his name. He was from New Hampshire and I was glad that he'd actually heard of my 90-miler. He told me some war stories of friend of his... I really didn't need to hear about his friend, in great shape, who couldn't finish the race. Anyway, he was stoked to help me out and showed me a great touring kayak - the Wilderness Tsunami 165 (though he said the 160 would be better for me since I have a smaller frame). This boat has some nice bells and whistles that my current kayak can't even dream of. Adjustable seat, thigh and hip support, and a ratcheting backband to keep your posture on point. I was impressed.
He told me to ditch my Teva's. Asked me if I minded stepping onto the mucky bottom of the lake. And steadied the boat as I slipped down the bank and stepped into the kayak. Everything about it felt more comfortable then what I'm currently using... except the crappy paddle.
Note: If you go to demo a kayak BRING YOUR OWN PADDLE! It makes a huge difference and is just as important a piece of equipment as your boat.
The Tsunami weighs a heft 65-lbs and I could feel the difference a bit as I paddled. Because the lake was so small I couldn't really get a good reading on if I was cutting through the water efficiently or not. Plus, I had to dodge all the other people on the water. Many of them didn't know how to steer and a touring kayak doesn't turn like a rec. kayak. There were no collisions.
After 20 minutes or so I headed back to shore. I climbed out. Was glad that I didn't tip her since I'm not used to the narrow design. I was then directed to the P&H kayak dealer. These boats are classified as sea kayaks and are lighter (55-lbs) and more narrow than the boat I just left. Didn't have the same great adjustable options as the Tsunami but is supposed to be made of a layered plastic that's more ridged. This info is a bit lost on me cause I'm not at that level yet. Getting it out on the water I could feel how much less stable I was. The kayak wobbled in the water with each stroke. I grabbed a worse paddle than before and it seemed to be welded with the blades at too great an angle from one another. I had an annoying 15 minutes in the water veering left. I felt like a total novice.
That wrapped it up for me. I was wet (not sure how all that water got in the kayaks before I tried them out), hot from paddling in blazing sun, and not looking forward to the three hours back to northern Virginia. I don't think I found "my" new kayak at the demo day but talking to the staff there I have a much better understanding of what I need to get. Now it's time to surf the net and find the boat of my dreams... or a boat I can afford. Either one will do :)
Saturday, June 13
Quest for a New Kayak
Well, I'm just about to head out the door to Farmville, VA to check out Demo Day 2009. I'm wisely driving my compact car the 3-hours south-west and not my husband's truck. That would have been too tempting to throw a kayak in the back of.
I'm also just about a week away from receiving the application forms for the Adirondack Canoe Classic. I've been finding some folks online who are blogging about the race. I'll post those links in the coming day or two.
I'm also just about a week away from receiving the application forms for the Adirondack Canoe Classic. I've been finding some folks online who are blogging about the race. I'll post those links in the coming day or two.
Monday, May 18
Try Before You Buy
It's been 2.5 months since I really started training for the Adirondack Canoe Classic. I've shed some pounds, built some muscle and may be outgrowing my kayak!
I told myself that when I complete the 90-miler that my gift to myself would be a new kayak. As the weeks go by I'm slowly realizing that my current kayak just isn't built for speed. What's a girl to do? Should I buy a new boat before my race? Just not sure yet.
What I do know is that I'm gonna head out to Farmville, Va next month to check out what's advertised as the "largest canoe and kayak demo day on the East Coast." I'm hoping the ad for this wasn't created by the same folks who pitched Cobleskill, NY's Maple Syrup Fest as "world famous."
Anyway - if you're intersted here are the details:
Demo Day 2009
June 13, 2009 - 9:00 to 3:00
Wilck's Lake Park, Farmville, Va
www.paddleva.com
I told myself that when I complete the 90-miler that my gift to myself would be a new kayak. As the weeks go by I'm slowly realizing that my current kayak just isn't built for speed. What's a girl to do? Should I buy a new boat before my race? Just not sure yet.
What I do know is that I'm gonna head out to Farmville, Va next month to check out what's advertised as the "largest canoe and kayak demo day on the East Coast." I'm hoping the ad for this wasn't created by the same folks who pitched Cobleskill, NY's Maple Syrup Fest as "world famous."
Anyway - if you're intersted here are the details:
Demo Day 2009
June 13, 2009 - 9:00 to 3:00
Wilck's Lake Park, Farmville, Va
www.paddleva.com
Wednesday, April 29
Go it alone
It seems that between all my kayaking and running I’m finding myself out there on my own. Not that I’m complaining – I get to set my own pace, wander if I see something of interest and simply spend time decompressing from the stresses of the work week.
There are so many random, funny and odd things that go through my mind when adventuring outdoors. The problem is that at some point I get bored of myself (yes, it’s possible) and all those thoughts. That’s when I started packing my iPod as essential piece of gear. When I’m out for a run I’ve got a case that allows me to clip my iPod to my clothes and I’ve also got a band that goes around my arm (caution: can cause strange tan lines). I’ve even got a waterproof case for when I’m kayaking.
Problem solved? Kinda. Now I’m completely over my playlists and even the surprise of shuffling songs. After a few hours out on the water I’m just not into it anymore. That’s when I had the bright idea of downloading an audio book onto my iPod – brilliant, if I do say so myself. I took to the water and listened to the first 3 hours of Life of Pi. It definitely helped me through my usual paddle and kept my brain going the whole time. I highly recommend it!
I’ll give one obvious warning though. If you do choose to wear an mp3 player while taking part in your favorite outdoor activity – please make sure you’re being as alert as possible. On the water you’ve still gotta look out for other boat activity. On a run you’ve still gotta be vigilant about your surroundings, cars and other runners/cyclist. I try to accomplish this by only putting in one ear bud. So far, so good.
There are so many random, funny and odd things that go through my mind when adventuring outdoors. The problem is that at some point I get bored of myself (yes, it’s possible) and all those thoughts. That’s when I started packing my iPod as essential piece of gear. When I’m out for a run I’ve got a case that allows me to clip my iPod to my clothes and I’ve also got a band that goes around my arm (caution: can cause strange tan lines). I’ve even got a waterproof case for when I’m kayaking.
Problem solved? Kinda. Now I’m completely over my playlists and even the surprise of shuffling songs. After a few hours out on the water I’m just not into it anymore. That’s when I had the bright idea of downloading an audio book onto my iPod – brilliant, if I do say so myself. I took to the water and listened to the first 3 hours of Life of Pi. It definitely helped me through my usual paddle and kept my brain going the whole time. I highly recommend it!
I’ll give one obvious warning though. If you do choose to wear an mp3 player while taking part in your favorite outdoor activity – please make sure you’re being as alert as possible. On the water you’ve still gotta look out for other boat activity. On a run you’ve still gotta be vigilant about your surroundings, cars and other runners/cyclist. I try to accomplish this by only putting in one ear bud. So far, so good.
Monday, April 6
Hiking 101
This past Saturday I had the good fortune to do my first hike of the year with two great friends, two cute dogs and on a gorgeous but windy day. I’m all about planning, so before the trek I carefully picked out a route that 1) I hadn’t done before so I could see some new sites and 2) would be just the right amount of time to scratch the outdoors itch but not leave me limping for the next three days. I made a list of gear to bring and an itinerary for the day, which I shared with my gal pals. All there was left to do was make it out to Shenandoah National Park and hit the trail.
The girls and I parked at the lot just past Hogback Overlook. The dogs were going crazy greeting each other and I just couldn’t wait to get going. Having thoroughly reviewed the map of the 5.2 mile loop and having read through the hike description several times we were off! Start at the cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, check. At the next trail marker take a right and follow the blue blazes down a wooded hillside, check. Pass by Mathew’s Arm campground… errr, wait, what? Ugh… Mathew’s Arm campground is not on the map and I should know cause I’m supposed to be the leader of this hiking party, the one who’s got all the details covered, right?
Fortunately it was a good time to stop and grab some lunch and let the dogs play. As I pulled out my map and directions and stared dumfounded I realize that there must have been a second cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, one that would take us across Skyline Drive and around our planned loop. How could I have missed this? My hiking partners were good sports about it all, though I’m sure I’m not gonna live this one down for a while (1 year, 2 years – only time will tell).
At the end of the day, we put in a good 3 hours of hiking and there’s the promise a do-over to conquer our originally planned trek. The dogs were tired. We felt somewhat accomplished and happily celebrated with some hike’s-end cupcakes J Did I feel dumb? Yeah. Will I redeem myself next time? Definitely!!
The girls and I parked at the lot just past Hogback Overlook. The dogs were going crazy greeting each other and I just couldn’t wait to get going. Having thoroughly reviewed the map of the 5.2 mile loop and having read through the hike description several times we were off! Start at the cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, check. At the next trail marker take a right and follow the blue blazes down a wooded hillside, check. Pass by Mathew’s Arm campground… errr, wait, what? Ugh… Mathew’s Arm campground is not on the map and I should know cause I’m supposed to be the leader of this hiking party, the one who’s got all the details covered, right?
Fortunately it was a good time to stop and grab some lunch and let the dogs play. As I pulled out my map and directions and stared dumfounded I realize that there must have been a second cement marker at the south side of the parking lot, one that would take us across Skyline Drive and around our planned loop. How could I have missed this? My hiking partners were good sports about it all, though I’m sure I’m not gonna live this one down for a while (1 year, 2 years – only time will tell).
At the end of the day, we put in a good 3 hours of hiking and there’s the promise a do-over to conquer our originally planned trek. The dogs were tired. We felt somewhat accomplished and happily celebrated with some hike’s-end cupcakes J Did I feel dumb? Yeah. Will I redeem myself next time? Definitely!!
Wednesday, April 1
Don't Try This @ Home
Did anyone hear that kayaker Pedro Olivia recently broke the world record for highest waterfall descent by a kayaker? Yeah – didn’t think so. It seems like not many media outlets picked up this news story from early-March. Plus, I’m guess it wasn’t as sexy as the unprotected, naked guy who went over Niagara Falls a week later.
It made me think, is this guy really a kayaker or just a daredevil? By pure definition alone he’s definitely a kayaker, one who uses a kayak. But hmmm… he’s definitely a daredevil. I’m not really into stunts or breaking non-sense records, though I’ve got to admit that I’m intrigued by this story.
Either way, I’m steering my boat clear of any ominous waterfalls even if you triple dog dare me!
Pedro’s Stats
March 4, 2009 – Pedro Olivia plunges 127 feet off Salto Belo Falls in Central Brazil breaking the record for highest waterfall decent by a kayaker.
March 24, 2009 – Ann Curry tries undressing Pedro Olivia with her eyes in a “Today” show interview.
April 1, 2009 – Pedro Olivia returns to obscurity
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