I took this picture up north Wisconsin a few weekends ago. One of my favorites!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Numero Dos
This weekend, I went kayaking on Beaver Dam. It is a 6000+ acre lake in Wisconsin. It was fun to paddle around and see the wildlife. It also just so happened to be a supermoon. For all of you science buffs, the technical term is the perigee-syzygy of the Earth-Moon-Sun system. The sunset was a gorgeous preclude to the supermoon, as the sun emitted red and orange throughout the sky. The clouds made the moon difficult to see at first, and the gusts of wind hindered any lingering to watch it. The lake was glass, allowing me to glide freely on top of her without much resistance at first. Then the tide turned, and I realized just how quickly the water can betray you. When the wind picked up, the waves got bigger and stronger. It was thrilling to overcome each wave one by one, as though it were a game. I kept telling myself that the worst thing that could happen is I would get momentarily beaten by a wave and kicked out of my kayak; left to fend for myself against her. That reassurance helped me to paddle on.
Irony showed his face on the way home. Sunday morning brought clouds and wind. When the rain started, I hastily tied my kayak to the roof and bike to the rear of my car. The remaining gear and luggage were scattered across the backseat as I left half of my tires on the driveway while skidding them on the way out of town. Lightning appeared and cast a shower of sparks into the air after striking an electrical line nearby. I was racing against the storm, heart in my hand. My white knuckles, which were gripping the wheel, laughed at how easy it was to overcome the waves in comparison to what they were faced with now. A strong gust of wind managed to loosen the kayak and sent the foam, which served as a cradle for the kayak, into a ditch nearby. Before the kayak could hit the ground, I was able to pull off to the side of the road. I secured the kayak back into place, although the cars whipping past were all eager to splash the pouring rain in every direction, including my own.
After another ten minutes passed, the rain subsided and the bold sun made every effort to shine. I conquered the storm! The steamy hot shower and chicken noodle soup soothed me after the long journey. As I was sinking into my mattress, underneath my covers, I smiled and drifted to sleep. My dreams were vivid and colorful throughout the night.
Irony showed his face on the way home. Sunday morning brought clouds and wind. When the rain started, I hastily tied my kayak to the roof and bike to the rear of my car. The remaining gear and luggage were scattered across the backseat as I left half of my tires on the driveway while skidding them on the way out of town. Lightning appeared and cast a shower of sparks into the air after striking an electrical line nearby. I was racing against the storm, heart in my hand. My white knuckles, which were gripping the wheel, laughed at how easy it was to overcome the waves in comparison to what they were faced with now. A strong gust of wind managed to loosen the kayak and sent the foam, which served as a cradle for the kayak, into a ditch nearby. Before the kayak could hit the ground, I was able to pull off to the side of the road. I secured the kayak back into place, although the cars whipping past were all eager to splash the pouring rain in every direction, including my own.
After another ten minutes passed, the rain subsided and the bold sun made every effort to shine. I conquered the storm! The steamy hot shower and chicken noodle soup soothed me after the long journey. As I was sinking into my mattress, underneath my covers, I smiled and drifted to sleep. My dreams were vivid and colorful throughout the night.
This is me, right before paddling out to view the beautiful sunset.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Commence Kayaking Season
Kayaking Season: Commence!
I recently bought an Otter XT, complete with kayak and roof rack from Craig's list. (Thanks Craig!) Milwaukee is surrounded by fresh water, so why not take advantage of it? My next thought was where to start...and where other than the Milwaukee River? Wait a second, I know what you're thinking. Your first thought is probably, "eww. gross. what?" Believe it or not, the Milwaukee River doesn't smell and it also offers unbelievable views of the city. In fact, there is a Milwaukee Urban Water Trail available for you to view available through www.mkeriverkeeper.org. It highlights areas you might want to avoid as well as great put-in spots throughout the river. For my first attempt, I chose Laacke & Joys on Water St. There are also kayaks for rent there if you don't have one of your own. They even lock the gate behind you after you park, so you don't have to worry about your car while you're on the river. After getting my feet wet so to speak, I was off paddling on my own. I was amazed at how stable the kayak was! I was also amazed at the great workout I received! The River doesn't flow nearly as fast as I thought it would and it left me in the driver's seat to really understand the basics of paddling. Dig and pull, dig and pull. Once you get a rhythm started, your body literally meets the paddle with every reach. I was surprised that I was the only one on the river, besides two patrol boats and one fishing boat. It is such a great view of the downtown area and the water felt great. Next time I paddle the Milwaukee, I will be sure to wear a wet suit and bring a water bottle. I am definitely looking forward to it!
Picture soon to follow :)
I recently bought an Otter XT, complete with kayak and roof rack from Craig's list. (Thanks Craig!) Milwaukee is surrounded by fresh water, so why not take advantage of it? My next thought was where to start...and where other than the Milwaukee River? Wait a second, I know what you're thinking. Your first thought is probably, "eww. gross. what?" Believe it or not, the Milwaukee River doesn't smell and it also offers unbelievable views of the city. In fact, there is a Milwaukee Urban Water Trail available for you to view available through www.mkeriverkeeper.org. It highlights areas you might want to avoid as well as great put-in spots throughout the river. For my first attempt, I chose Laacke & Joys on Water St. There are also kayaks for rent there if you don't have one of your own. They even lock the gate behind you after you park, so you don't have to worry about your car while you're on the river. After getting my feet wet so to speak, I was off paddling on my own. I was amazed at how stable the kayak was! I was also amazed at the great workout I received! The River doesn't flow nearly as fast as I thought it would and it left me in the driver's seat to really understand the basics of paddling. Dig and pull, dig and pull. Once you get a rhythm started, your body literally meets the paddle with every reach. I was surprised that I was the only one on the river, besides two patrol boats and one fishing boat. It is such a great view of the downtown area and the water felt great. Next time I paddle the Milwaukee, I will be sure to wear a wet suit and bring a water bottle. I am definitely looking forward to it!
Picture soon to follow :)
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