Snowshoes

My friends and family always seem to know exactly what I want for Christmas. They are painfully aware that I like the outdoors. So they get me gift cards to stores that specialize in outdoor gear. Truth is, they don't have a clue what to get me, but they know I am happy with the gift cards. So this year I picked out a couple of cool items.

Snowshoes are something that I have wanted for awhile. So I picked out a pair for a large heavy person, and now I plan to try to get some fresh air and exercise this winter, while changing the scenery a little bit. This picture of me, was taken by my brother a couple of years ago. I plan to day-hike sections of the same trail this winter until its warm enough to paddle again. This trail is about 47 miles long one way, and is maintained by a local Boyscout troop. I have walked its entirety once before, in sections, both ways, on weekend afternoons.

I also bought a Tilley hat, because I need to stop burning the tops of my ears when I paddle.

I also got a new tow-belt for kayaking.

I also bought both of the DVD's This is the Sea and This is the Sea 2, and I have been watching them non-stop. It's cool to see people that I have met and paddled with, paddling on a world famous video production.

Pictures

I like blogs with pictures. Here's a nice blog with some great pictures. I wish I could paddle in Michigan, in December, on a river, while wearing shorts. The ice fishermen have been out on my local lakes, the water here is very hard.
Above is a picture of my friend Barry at Drummond Island.

Happily Married

We Interrupt This Winter....

Just day-dreaming about paddling. Miners Castle, Lake Superior.

Will You Marry Me?

I am reminded of an advertisement that I saw once, it said: "Ask her to marry you again." Of course this ad was referring to a three stone anniversary ring, but I liked the thought of the surprise and romance and joy that would bring. So I am going to do just that, right here and right now. "Yvette, will you marry me?"

A Happy Birthday

I celebrated my birthday with my fiance on 29 November 2005. First thing in the morning Yvette gave me my birthday present, a shiny new Pentax Optio WP, now I can be a proper kayaker/photo-blogger. We then drove a couple hours north to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and visited the casino where I converted $100 in twenties into $80 in quarters. Yvette didn't fare as well, but didn't lose her entire $100 either. We then went to a nice "brew pub" that was recommended by my good friend Don the Pit Boss, where I had the Cajun chicken fettuccini and a Cow Catcher Amber Ale and Yvette had the BBQ brisket , garlic mashed potatoes and water. Afterwards we went to the movie theater and saw "Walk the Line". I do enjoy spending birthdays with someone special.