Here’s your chance to do two great things: go kayaking, and help
raise mooney for several important charities. It’s called
Kayak for a Cause and it happens July
23rd. This is the fifth one of these things, and they expect over 200 paddlers this year. It’s a cool event. They
paddle from Norwalk, CT to Long Island. Quite a haul. The event was started by Scott Carlin and Miles Spencer who did
the paddle way back when and now run the organization and raise the cash for charities like the
Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Sweet Paddle Alabama
I was tempted to cue the Deliverance theme, but that would have been too easy.
So instead, picture yourself paddling along Alabama’s Bartram Canoe Trail, finding a spot of your own along 150
bending miles of marked canoe trails. Swamp, bayou, open water, gators, big catfish. All yours. Doesn’t sound half bad,
thought I wonder a bit about the mosquitoes. This article from Canoe
and Kayak takes you there, and makes a nice introduction to paddling the South, especially for people who don’t really
think of Alabama when they think paddling. The trail has shiteloads of little tribs and nooks, great for exploration.
And since it is nicely mapped, and marked, you won’t have to worry about getting lost nor being asked (kindly on would
hope) to squeal like a pig.
Nice Paddle
Got back a little bit ago from a nice little paddle up here in Newburyport, MA, where I’m hanging out for a few days
before heading to Maine for a Final Cut Pro class. Thought I’d post some
photos of the area. It’s beautiful up here. I was even considering
going whale watching, although I doubt I’ll get out to do it as it’s getting a bit overcast and I’ve got a bunch of
other work to do. Gotta love the ability to take your office with you wherever you go. Cheers!
Photo of the Day: (7/06/05)
Ben Moon is an adventure/travel photographer who lives in Oregon
(why does it seem there are so many adventure travel photographers living in the Northwest?). His
stuff is all about color, the pictures are vivid and clear and expertly
composed. This photo is just one of numerous beautiful pictures that you can see on his
Web site. He shoots lots of outdoor sports including surfing, paddling and
climbing.
Sea Kayaker Gear List
You know how when you’re packing for a trip you always SAY you’re going to write down a list of things to bring, but
you really don’t do it, and instead rely on memory. And you know how you get to where you’re going and then realize –
sh*t! – you forgot something.
Well the whole making a list thing just got easier. Sea Kayaker Magazine, one of the better
paddle mags out there, has got a nicely formatted (PDF),
easy-to-print gear list for your downloading pleasure.
From clothing to rescue needs to signaling and more, the list is very comprehensive. Chances are you won’t need or
don’t even have many of the items on the list. But I assure you that you will find the list useful, even if you’re not
planning on going away for weeks on end. I suppose the list might also provide some nice X-mas or birthday ideas as
well. Maybe print this one out and slip it under your honey’s pillow.