My Trip to Yellowknife 2

July 29th, 2010 |

Went to Yellowknife, NWT in Canada to visit my family for a week. I had a great time and took many pictures. In this video you will get a look at “Old Town” and my first time kayaking. ENJOY!! Thank-you Heidi for making my intro. Check her videos and channel out @ www.youtube.com Please visit Kevin Macleods’ website @ www.incompetech.com and his channel @ http

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kayakmendotajune2010.flv

July 27th, 2010 |

This little Section of the Holston River is about perfect for Recreational Style Kayaking! Good Times!!

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , ,

Kayak Fishing for Golden Perch

July 25th, 2010 |

Kayak fishing for Golden Perch in a remote river. Kayaks used were Ocean Kayak Prowler 13, Old Town Dirigo & home made fibreglass. Lures use were spinnerbaits, paddlers, bloopers & floating / diving minnows. Questions and comment to www.sweetwaterfishing.com.au

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Canoe Adventure Part II - Cartecay River, Ellijay, GA (filmed with Kodak Playsport Camera)

July 23rd, 2010 |

Cartecay River on June 5, 2010. Ellijay, GA. Water was just over 2.1. Put in at Holts Bridge and took out at DNR takeout. Shot video with Kodak Playsport Camera. As you can see in the video we we still have a little sketchiness that needs to be ironed out.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

redneck kayaking in pool

July 21st, 2010 |

First attempt at kayaking in the pool with a Oldtown Otter kayak

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

Could someone correct my translation in British-English? My native language is Croatian.Thanks a lot!?

July 20th, 2010 |

From the outdoor activities especially interesting was the visit of Heon - a nice town, by the way the capital of the Province of Heon. There, through a quiz prepared by BIOK and CERT office, the participants were given a paper with questions to find the most remarkable sights in the town. It was interesting to roam the boulevards and the narrow streets of the old part of the city, looking for the Heon’s most interesting points.
We also will not forget the hiking to the Norquero Cave. Spending around 4 hours to reach it, walking and climbing and enjoying a forest fruits. One day we went to do a kayak on a lake, which was very wonderful, especially for those who did it for a first time. Outdoors activities provided us with one more useful experience by examining the river Imanas. That activity was carried out with members of BIOK, most of them teachers in natural sciences at the Heon University. The river, full with trouts and clear like tear was great refreshment. We simply stuck in it swimming and playing a ball.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

We Got A Great Deal On Two Used Kayaks

July 19th, 2010 |

We got both a used Old Town Loon III , a Dimension Typhoon, 3 life vests, 2 wet suits, three sets of snap together wood paddles, and a bungee cord to tie it all down with for 300.00. I almost felt bad for taking such a deal. (We are not in anyway promoting these products nor are we getting paid by these companies. We are just telling about a good deal.)

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

I feel so depressed.How do you think of my kayak coach and my parents?

July 18th, 2010 |

I am a 23-year-old gay man. I study an undergarduate course in Australia. Now I am taking a study break until Feb 2009.I am at Hong Kong, my home town now.Yesterday I took a kayak exam in the sea.During exam,no one allowed to wear glasses.When it’s my turn,I asked my classmate if he can take care of my glasses for a while.He said no problem.After exam,my classmate says he had dropped my glasses into the sea.I said I requested for a compensation.My classmate said he wouldn’t comensate for the glasses.The coach said,"If I drop your glasses into the sea, I wouldn’t compensate for yours as well. So is your classmate.Since your classmate doesn’t lose your glasses on purpose, he’s not responsible for that." The coach said,"If I lose all the 8 classmates belongings, does it mean I need to make compensation to all of you?If yes,I don’t need to work as a coach!" Then I said it’s unreasonable. I quarrel with the coach and the classmate until the class ended. I keep on demanding the compensation. Back home, I talked about what happened with my family.
Today, it’s my another kayak exam. I went to there as usual. As I reach the watersports centre,I found my dad unexpectedly.He said he had secretly followed me to the watersports centre.As soon as he saw to coach,he came up to her and chatted.I said" Dad,I am the victim, not you. Can you please let me bargain with the coach and classmate ON MY OWN? I am 23 already."My dad refused and shouted at me" Go away,son.Get out of my sight until I finished talking with your classmate and coach.If you don’t, I will beat you up in public!".He roared and beat me and everyone was looking at me and dad.My coach said" Keep away from me and your dad.We need a private chat." I said," Why can’t I listen about the bargain of compensation?I am the victim of the accident ?"Then asked me to shut up together.After 30 mins, my dad came up to me and said"We’ve made an agreement to compensate half of the eye-glasses price ($HK 400) to you.We’ve signed all the documents."

Back home, my mom critisized me for not cooperating and obeying with my dad.She said " Let dad do what he wants.He is your dad even though you are 23 already. You are so stupid that you make your dad angry."

1) How do you think of my Chinese dad, Chinese mum and my coach? Bullying?

2) Do you think it’s ironic that I am the victim of the incident but I was not allowed to take part in the negotiation on the 2nd day ?

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Kayak Fishing for Murray Cod

July 17th, 2010 |

Fishing for Murray Cod from kayaks. Not alot of fish caught but a beautiful place to paddle. Fished topwater with bloopers and paddlers and subsurface with spinnerbaits and hard body lures. Post comments and questions at sweetwaterfishing.com.au

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I want to go on vacation 7-9 days in US solo girl?

July 16th, 2010 |

Hello everybody,
I am single girl 25 years old.
In July or August I want to go on vacation 7-9 days in US…I live near NYC and I work sometimes 12-14 hours on day and I really really need good quite relax vacation where I can to try something new like kayaking,golf or to hiking,biking…or to be in NP,or near beach…not big cities or towns or clubs,nightlife or drinking I am not in that … I looking where is peace,quite where I can to relax ,exploring,and to read and sleep …but on first to relax and to I say after I am back and I am have nice vacation and to charge my batteries because after summer season I have a lot of work and I need break now.
My budget is max 700-800$ for all,I don’t look some luxury..I am for every good idea …if is some river,lodge,mountain or near beach…here I am…
Thank you…
Only in USA,not somewhere else ,please.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,

How to Flip a Kayak 101

July 15th, 2010 |

Out on Craig Lake…..we decided to go above the beaver dam up one of the rivers. Well when you go up, you have to come back down. After Dave, myself and Andy all made it down successfully, it was Lee’s turn….Hilarity ensues.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Any crazy ideas for a summer to do list?

July 14th, 2010 |

Me and my friends (15 year old girls) are making a summer to do list and we are trying to get 100 things on it. we have about 50 so far and we really want crazy out of the box fun ideas. any would help! here is our list so far:
LIST OF SUMMER THINGS TO DO
1.Pull an all nighter
2.Midnight bowling
3.Midnight mini golfing
4.Have a bonfire party
5.Go to Catalina
6.Have a picnic
7.Go to Arizona
8.Lemonade stand and bake sale
9.Slip-n-slide!
10.Tie-dye t-shirts with kool-aid
11.Camping in my backyard
12.Go shopping
13.Work out
14.Ultimate water balloon war
15.Go to the fair
16.6 flags!
17.Ice blocking
18.Have a bake-a-thon
19.Go to legoland
20.ZOO!
21.Paint balling
22.Sight see in Hollywood
23.Go-karting
24.Drive-in movies
25. Throw a party!
26.Go to thrift store, buy clothes and walk around town
27.Play hide and seek in the mall
28.City wide scavenger hunt
29.Get a black and white disposable camera
30.Dye hair
31.Have a picnic out on the ocean
32.Kayaking
33.Go laser tagging
34.Food fight party
35.Jello wrestling
36.Ice Skating
37.Beach # competition
38.Teepee someon’s house
39.Make a music video
40.Watch the notebook and a walk to remember
41. Walk through a drive through
42.start a chain reaction @ a drive through
43.Makeovers
44.Junk food potluck sleepover!
45.Picture scavenger hunt!
46.Paint fight
47.Mall tag
48.Sleep outside
49.Learn how to skateboard
50. Kidnap eachother
51.Play flashlight tag
52.Play cellphone tag
53.Make some money—job!
54.Make a splatter painting

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clips from “paddling the recreational kayak”

July 13th, 2010 |

This clip is a mix of video from Quietwater Films’ DVD - “paddling the recreational kayak”. It’s sort of a “missing owner’s manual” for a recreational kayak. You can find this DVD at REI stores across the country, or you can check out www.quietwaterfilms.com for more info!

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Predator K-111 Kayak

July 11th, 2010 |

CustomCamps.net Presents the Old Town Predator K-111 Kayak on the Napa River. The maiden journey completly stock. Stay tuned for the upgrades and the transformation to a FishHunter Yak.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

washington state?

July 10th, 2010 |

I just went to Washington state at a suburb outside of Seattle and it was the most beautiful place I have ever been too and I have been to man nice places like Hawaii, Maui and Mexico. I stayed at my Aunt’s house and the air was fresh, they had tons of tall green trees and we could do tons of outdoors activities. U can go to places that are really private like walking there labs hiking in the trails, there’s mountains, mountain biking, kayaking, shooting guns, and swimming in the many lakes there. It’s awesome and u can go into town where there are many nice shops and restaurantes. I REALLY WANT TO MOVE THERE! I live in stupid Illinois a suburb outside of Chicago and the only outdoors thing to do is go to lake michigan which gets old. Any way’s what do u guys think of washington and what is ur favorite U.S.?

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

LLBean’s New Dirigo XT Tandem Kayak - Made in Maine

July 9th, 2010 |

Built in Maine by Old Town, LLBean’s newest tandem kayak is fun to paddle, stable and exceptionally comfortable. This kayak features a snap-in, removable child/pet seat that holds a passenger up to 60 pounds (Rover can join you on your next paddle, but you’ll have to do all the work!) Made in Maine 79.00 bit.ly

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stressing life. What is next for me…. ?? ://?

July 8th, 2010 |

I’m only 12 years old, almost 13 on July 16th.
But my life is so stressful. I make everything harder then it really is.
Periods are one of the stressful things in my life..
A while ago on Aprill 22nd, worst day of my life, I think my period really did start. That has scarred me until today.
I had the chance to goto a waterpark which I was waiting for for about 1-2 years with a friend. But I didn’t go, too scared of periods. So that day when everybody was having fun, I was inside working on a math project.
At my neighbor’s sons graduation party, it was like a pool party, and I LOVE my neighbor’s pool. But I didn’t go in.
Because I was too scared of my period starting..
Since April 22nd, I’ve been wearing pads, 3-4-5 set of underware.
I started wearing my gymnastics shorts and swimming suit under my clothes incase my period might start, nobody would know, and it wouldn’t shock me.
But the thing is, no blood happend, well noticable through all this time.
But now to this day, I fear, it’s coming up, I already waisted a section of my childhood worrying. Stressing, fearing.

I worry about this everyday. And one of my friends is going to invite me to her birthday party in about 13 days, kayaking. In the water.
I bet i’d just miss it in fear of my period..
On the 16th of July, my birthday party is coming.
Pool Party. I don’t know what i’d do.. I’m just stressing.
Why is it so hard to be me!?!!?!?

I also stress on my bday party because I am going to invite 9 of my friends, so 10 including me I am going to invite, and hopefully all have a sleepover and fun.
But I’m nervous most of my friends would be out of town or on vacation.
I only know kinda that 6 of my friends can make it to this date.
I worry about this, too, what if my birthday all goes wrong!??!
What if my period starts because I stress so much!?!?!

I just feel useless, and I just want to go back in time and change everything, my eating habits, excersize plans, my life.
So I would not have a period..

I remember and I still do, I wish on eyelashes, times, wishes, stars, that "I wish I would never start my first peroid until I am 17 years old.".
17 is my lucky number, FROM THAT.

I just feel depressed it’s getting in the way of my gymnastics dreams, swimming, waterparks, fun, summer, beaches, vacations..

WHY CAN’T MY LIFE BE EASY!?????????????????????????
my heart hurts when I do this.
my heart hurts when I do this.
never kissed a guy other than my dad so no. I never had a boyfriend.
never kissed a guy other than my dad so no. I never had a boyfriend.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Predator K-111 Fishing Kayak

July 7th, 2010 |

This is my Old Town Predator K-11 Kayak ready for fishing. Complete with Eagle Fish Easy sonar, rod holders, and modified crate for battery and storage.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Can anyone please help me?

July 6th, 2010 |

I am 20 years old and I have no clue what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have goals but they are not the type that make me money in fact they do just the opposite. I have served in the US Army Infantry where I was shot and discharged by evil SGTs. I was given an award letter from my congressman over it but that is it I even had to give up my benefits.

I have attend college and while I pulled a 4.0 with ease it just isn’t something I enjoy at all I hate wasting time and I need to see a return on my efforts in real time not delayed.

I am 6′2 150 lbs and in great shape. I love to write novels and I have written 4 so far but I do not publish them for they are not worthy of it. I love to be active more than anything.

I love the outdoors and animals and going on camping trips and kayak trips are the best. I once made a 9 foot tall circular hut out of trees I cut down and stuck in the ground in this trench I made then filled it with cement so that one foot of the wood was firmly in the ground.

I have built many things out of wood including a gun cabinet with drop shelves that can raise or lower 4 feet by moving the pegs and metal lip.

I have been jobless for 4 months now and finding work in my small town and I do mean small town is hard. On top of that most jobs around here pay only 7.15 an hour.

I want to travel and see the world, I have traveled the US by train which was fun except the three days without showering you have to deal with.

I can’t re-enlist even though I am medically fit to serve, the Army has closed my window for Re-Enlistment until I change my code. I could easily do this by submitting the Pentagon’s report on the investigation that occurred on my behalf at Ft. Benning GA. But that could take at least 2 months to a year to fix so again I will lay idle for up to a year.

I have moved once already after the Army to San Fran where I was approached to be a model for abercrombie and fitch. I did that for a while but bills were too much and I wasn’t making enough to be comfortable.

What on earth am I to do? Lately I just lay in my bed and don’t want to get up and when I get to my computer I usually have nothing I want to do so I go back and lay down, its sad. I only eat 500 calories a day now cause I have no money and I am trying to make whats left in my cupboard last. Which sadly is now down to 12 packages of Ramen Noodles. I had a can opener and it broke and now I am without that and so my food supply has dropped to half.

So I will leave asking what on earth am I to do?

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clipper Canoe Hammer Test

July 5th, 2010 |

A Clipper 16″ Prospector Kevlar/Duraflex gets the hammer test!!

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I need some advice on life issues?

July 4th, 2010 |

I am 20 years old and I have no clue what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have goals but they are not the type that make me money in fact they do just the opposite. I have served in the US Army Infantry where I was shot and discharged by evil SGTs. I was given an award letter from my congressman over it but that is it I even had to give up my benefits.

I have attend college and while I pulled a 4.0 with ease it just isn’t something I enjoy at all I hate wasting time and I need to see a return on my efforts in real time not delayed.

I am 6′2 150 lbs and in great shape. I love to write novels and I have written 4 so far but I do not publish them for they are not worthy of it. I love to be active more than anything.

I love the outdoors and animals and going on camping trips and kayak trips are the best. I once made a 9 foot tall circular hut out of trees I cut down and stuck in the ground in this trench I made then filled it with cement so that one foot of the wood was firmly in the ground.

I have built many things out of wood including a gun cabinet with drop shelves that can raise or lower 4 feet by moving the pegs and metal lip.

I have been jobless for 4 months now and finding work in my small town and I do mean small town is hard. On top of that most jobs around here pay only 7.15 an hour.

I want to travel and see the world, I have traveled the US by train which was fun except the three days without showering you have to deal with.

I can’t re-enlist even though I am medically fit to serve, the Army has closed my window for Re-Enlistment until I change my code. I could easily do this by submitting the Pentagon’s report on the investigation that occurred on my behalf at Ft. Benning GA. But that could take at least 2 months to a year to fix so again I will lay idle for up to a year.

I have moved once already after the Army to San Fran where I was approached to be a model for abercrombie and fitch. I did that for a while but bills were too much and I wasn’t making enough to be comfortable.

What on earth am I to do? Lately I just lay in my bed and don’t want to get up and when I get to my computer I usually have nothing I want to do so I go back and lay down, its sad. I only eat 500 calories a day now cause I have no money and I am trying to make whats left in my cupboard last. Which sadly is now down to 12 packages of Ramen Noodles. I had a can opener and it broke and now I am without that and so my food supply has dropped to half.

So I will leave asking what on earth am I to do?

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Russian River,Friends and Family

July 3rd, 2010 |

pictures and video of some of our family and friends, old and new.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

is my life crappy or am i just overreacting?

July 2nd, 2010 |

i understand if you dont wanna read all this cause its so long. but i need help.

so i grew up in a perfect family. i lived in a peaceful place in canada. i had a wonderful older brother who i looked up to. i had a beautiful older sister who loved me & i had 2 parents who loved each other. we were perfect. we had money, cars, a beautiful home, a beautiful town, luck, life, etc.. we had everything.
my sister went to work in germany when she was 22 in 2006. she called me every night but i refused to talk to her cause it made me cry talking to her since i missed her so much. i avoided her pretty much. it would be more of a surprise when i saw her come home. but in February 2006, she drowned in a kayak training accident. she was missing for a month and while my parents were over in germany looking for her i stayed with my parents, giving everyone hope and positivity. bad things didnt happen to our family and tiffany (my sister) was soo good of a person to die at such a young age. but she did and life began to fall apart for us.
my brother started getting in fights at his high school, got into ufc classes, starting drinking, had many management classes and my parents are always blaming him for so many things. my parents have both been diagnosed with depression and my mom hasnt gone to work for 4 years. my dad is a carpenter so its hard for him to get money in the winter times but he tries. as for me, im alone. all my best friends have left me. im not beautiful. my family is not even getting by. & now, instead of being known as the perfect family, we’re known as the family who lost everything. i find its harder to be the one watching people fall apart then to actually be the one whos doing it.
i hate my mom. sits on her ass all day & i understand shes sad but she still has kids to raise and my father is the only one trying.
i miss my old life. i miss my brother and most of all.. i miss my best friend. i miss the parents i use to have. and there has been times that ive been so alone that i just want to end my life cause it seems so pointless.
i loved my sister so much and now that i think about it.. she was the only thing that made our family perfect.
i used to be a really big catholic but now that tiff’s gone.. i dont believe. i dont believe because.. what kind of horrible thing would take such a wonderful girl from this earth and turn a beautiful family into hell? but the weird thing is.. i still pray. I dont believe in god anymore.. but i believe in HER.
i dont want to talk to my parents about this and i hate talking to people that dont understand. but i need help or im afraid im going to do something stupid.
i need help.. if theres a website i can go to to talk to cancellers.. that would be great but i dont like talking over phone and in person cause im really emotional.
even if whoever is reading this right now and you think that you yourself can help me.. i have nothing to lose.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Eagle Easy Lift Canoe Trailer

July 1st, 2010 |

New hydraulic canoe and kayak trailer, takes the sting out of lifting and transporting large quantities of canoes and kayaks. For more information call 01389 756 251.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Could someone correct my translation in British-English? My native language is Croatian.Thanks a lot!?

July 1st, 2010 |

From the outdoor activities especially interesting was the visit of Heon - a nice town, by the way the capital of the Province of Heon. There, through a quiz prepared by BIOK and CERT office, the participants were given a paper with questions to find the most remarkable sights in the town. It was interesting to roam the boulevards and the narrow streets of the old part of the city, looking for the Heon’s most interesting points.
We also will not forget the hiking to the Norquero Cave. Spending around 4 hours to reach it, walking and climbing and enjoying a forest fruits. One day we went to do a kayak on a lake, which was very wonderful, especially for those who did it for a first time. Outdoors activities provided us with one more useful experience by examining the river Imanas. That activity was carried out with members of BIOK, most of them teachers in natural sciences at the Heon University. The river, full with trouts and clear like tear was great refreshment. We simply stuck in it swimming and playing a ball.

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

I feel so depressed.How do you think of my kayak coach and my parents?

June 29th, 2010 |

I am a 23-year-old gay man. I study an undergarduate course in Australia. Now I am taking a study break until Feb 2009.I am at Hong Kong, my home town now.Yesterday I took a kayak exam in the sea.During exam,no one allowed to wear glasses.When it’s my turn,I asked my classmate if he can take care of my glasses for a while.He said no problem.After exam,my classmate says he had dropped my glasses into the sea.I said I requested for a compensation.My classmate said he wouldn’t comensate for the glasses.The coach said,"If I drop your glasses into the sea, I wouldn’t compensate for yours as well. So is your classmate.Since your classmate doesn’t lose your glasses on purpose, he’s not responsible for that." The coach said,"If I lose all the 8 classmates belongings, does it mean I need to make compensation to all of you?If yes,I don’t need to work as a coach!" Then I said it’s unreasonable. I quarrel with the coach and the classmate until the class ended. I keep on demanding the compensation. Back home, I talked about what happened with my family.
Today, it’s my another kayak exam. I went to there as usual. As I reach the watersports centre,I found my dad unexpectedly.He said he had secretly followed me to the watersports centre.As soon as he saw to coach,he came up to her and chatted.I said" Dad,I am the victim, not you. Can you please let me bargain with the coach and classmate? I am 23 already."My dad refused and shouted at me" Go away,son.Get out of my sight until I finished talking with your classmate and coach.It’s not your business".He roared and everyone was looking at me and dad.My coach said" Keep away from me and your dad.We need a private chat." I said," Why can’t I listen about the bargain of compensation?I am the victim of the accident ?"Then asked me to shut up together.After 30 mins, my dad came up to me and said"We’ve made an agreement to compensate half of the eye-glasses price ($HK 400) to you.We’ve signed all the documents."

Back home, my mom critisized me for not cooperating and obeying with my dad.She said " Let dad do what he wants.He is your dad even though you are 23 already. You are so stupid that you make your dad angry."

How do you think of my dad and my coach? Bullying?
How do you think of my Chinese parents? Also the female kayak coach?
Am I normal to feel sad because of that?

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Etowah River Canoe Adventure (filmed using waterproof Kodak Playsport camera)

June 29th, 2010 |

Canoeing down the Etowah River near Dahlonega, GA. From HWY 9 to HWY 136. Rapids, drinks and the usual chaos. We also went through the tunnel (a distance of .22 miles) gold miners used to divert the river over 150 years ago. CFS was aprox 375. Filmed using waterproof Kodak Playsport video camera. Music Tim Barry - Memento Mori. (Disclaimer: we are aware that work is needed on our white water technique and execution. Feel free to tear us apart on our skills.)

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I have a description of a trip that I took that I was wondering if someone could re-write in authentic French?

June 27th, 2010 |

Here is the story that I wanted to have re-written in conversational French, as it would be described by a French resident with their forms of speaking and idioms and phrases used, versus a word for word translation which is what I think I already have from a program used.

Last summer, I took a trip out to Kaua’i, HI, where my parents live to visit them and see remaining old friends from when I used to live there a few years earlier. I was interested in being more active this time out there and didn’t want to be inside the house as often as I had been before in the past. So, I left my laptop here in Virginia, packed more realistically for what I wanted to do, such as mountain biking, kayaking, a re-venture of surfing, any hiking that might be possible to get others to come along for, and hopefully a day of paintball. The biking is what I did on the days when nothing else could be planned to do. The first time was an invite from a friend from my old church who asked me if I’d want to hit some trails with him the next town over. So I agreed, happy at the idea to have a challenging trip out with someone else, and saw new spots of my former island that I’d never seen before, which was really cool because I like seeing new places, especially of what I thought I already knew.

I went out biking another day on my own and revisited the same tracks and had a great workout while soaking in what ended up being too much sun. At the end of that ride, I walked the bike through the sand of a popular beach that was on the way back and washed the sweat off me and swam around briefly in the surf. I had had ideas of getting in one of my parents’ kayaks and going on a solo tour around part of the coast, but that never happened and mostly for the reason that I’m not at the same par to paddle the sensitive-to-rolling kayaks that they’ve always owned in open ocean as I once was, as I was raised doing with them on rivers back when we all lived in Virginia. I also never got to do any paintballing, but I had done that the last trip when I was there for my birthday and still had good memories from that to suffice until my next visit.

What I did get invited out to join, that was already being planned, which I had had no prior knowledge of until friends of parents informed them of and asked if I’d want to join in, was a 4 day camping trip at this secluded beach and ground that one has to hike 12 miles in to get to, with everything they plan on bringing to eat, drink and sleep with hiked in. I had always heard wonderful things about the beauty of the valley they were planning on staying at, called Kalalau, and had wanted to go and so agreed. It was a very difficult hike and I was one of the slowest of the group, who most mostly comprised of youth younger than me who could navigate the steep and narrow trails (if some of what we were walking on could even be called that) with ease and enthusiasm. I had a great time out and had some important times by myself while I was out there, reflecting on the beauty of the nature and the mountains just behind us, with the dark clouds of another mountain sprinkle at the ready to activate perpetually hovering halfway down them, and the vast ocean to our front which was always there ready to greet your thoughts and stand as company in agreement to your conclusion of the moment. It was a good time out overall for me, but not because of happy circumstances that I had while out there, but because it further reaffirmed to me that where I’m at now is my element and where to continue on from, and that as beautiful as the island is, it is not my home and I am not its kind of person, of whose priorities and views are a part of their identity and mine, which would clash, would not make any sort of a peaceable living there possible- which is the importance of finding where you fit.

—– And my acquired verbatim translation that I fear is not entirely how it would be expressed from one France resident to another.. —–

L’été dernier, j’ai pris un tour au Kaua’i, HI, où mes parents vivent à leur rendre visite et voir encore de vieux amis de quand j’avais l’habitude d’y vivre quelques années plus tôt.
Je me suis intéressé à être plus actifs de ce temps là-bas et je ne voulais pas être à l’intérieur de la maison aussi souvent que je l’étais avant dans le passé. Alors, j’ai laissé mon portable ici, en Virginie, emballées de façon plus réaliste de ce que je voulais faire, comme le VTT, le kayak, une ré-venture de surf, de randonnée pédestre qui tout pourrait être possible d’amener les autres à venir le long de, et, espérons - une journée de paintball. Le cyclisme est ce que j’ai fait les jours où rien ne pouvait être planifié de faire. La première fois, c’était une invitation d’un ami de mon ancienne église qui m’a demandé si j’avais veulent frapper quelques pistes avec lui la ville d’à côté. Alors j’ai accepté, heureux à l’idée d’avoir un voyage difficile avec quelqu’un d’au

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Short Kayaking Film

June 27th, 2010 |

Mixture of clips from Maine and Lancaster. Just wanted to get them on youtube. Enjoy!

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

what else to do in San Diego?

June 25th, 2010 |

My gf and I will be in San Diego and wondering what else to do there. I think we have one more free day and not sure what to do with it. We have been to Disneyland and Seaworld before and spending the week prior to this in LA. Below I wrote out our plan of events, if something doesn’t sound right it is my poor planning so let me know what should change.

Here is what the plan is so far:

Day 1: Zoo

Day 2: kayak La jolla caves, rent bikes and ride to La Jolla Cove and also Mission Beach. (Mission Beach: 5 mile ride)

Day 3: Balboa park

Day 4: Tour Old Town, drive over to Coronado ferry and park (parking issue in this part of SD?). Take ferry to rent bikes on Coronado Beach (not sure where else to go on Coronado Island).

Day 5 ?

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Active Comfort System (ACS) Seat

June 25th, 2010 |

Video overview of the “Active Comfort System” (ACS) kayak seat. This seat is featured on the Old Town Dirigo and Cayuga Series kayaks. For more information on Old Town products go to www.oldtowncanoe.com

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

how is this itinerary for 10 days in SoCal?

June 23rd, 2010 |

how does this itinerary look for 10 days in SoCal? my gf and I are 30 and want to see as much as we can while we are there. we are considering skipping Disneyland. We are going LA just for Magic Mountain and not sure what we should do for the other days. most of these ideas came from this place Y.A. and just need help with any rearranging. feel free to cut and paste what I have. you can delete what is there and replace it with something cooler or let me know if too much is packed into one day. also if something should be done on a weekday vs. a weekend feel free to switch things around.

Wednesday - check in Santa Monica Holiday Inn
Thursday - Magic Mountain
Friday - day trip to Santa Barbara
Saturday - Getty Center, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach
Sunday - Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park
Monday - Farmer’s Market and Hollywood & Highland
Tuesday - Univ Studios and City Walk
—check out of Santa Barbara and staying somewhere in San Diego—
Wednesday - Old Town
Thursday - San Diego Zoo
Friday - Balboa Park
Saturday - Coronado, LaJolla, and kayak the LaJolla caves
Sunday - check out of some cheap San Diego hotel, drive back to LAX and fly home

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Old Town Adventure 139 XL Maiden Voyage

June 23rd, 2010 |

Maiden Voyage in my “new to me” Adventure 139 XL Kayak

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , ,

How is this itinerary for 10 days in SoCal?

June 21st, 2010 |

how does this itinerary look for 10 days in SoCal? my gf and I are 30 and want to see as much as we can while we are there. we are considering skipping Disneyland. We are going LA just for Magic Mountain and not sure what we should do for the other days. most of these ideas came from this place Y.A. and just need help with any rearranging. feel free to cut and paste what I have. you can delete what is there and replace it with something cooler or let me know if too much is packed into one day. also if something should be done on a weekday vs. a weekend feel free to switch things around.

Wednesday - check in Santa Monica Holiday Inn
Thursday - Magic Mountain
Friday - day trip to Santa Barbara
Saturday - Getty Center, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach
Sunday - Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park
Monday - Farmer’s Market and Hollywood & Highland
Tuesday - Univ Studios and City Walk
—check out of Santa Barbara and staying somewhere in San Diego—
Wednesday - Old Town
Thursday - San Diego Zoo
Friday - Balboa Park
Saturday - Coronado, LaJolla, and kayak the LaJolla caves
Sunday - check out of some cheap San Diego hotel, drive back to LAX and fly home
yep, first answerer is correct, I meant checking out of santa monica, not checking out of santa barbara :) oh and forgot to add we have been to sea world already

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Carlisle Taboo SUP/Kayak Paddle 2 in 1 (overview and demo)

June 21st, 2010 |

Overview of the “Taboo” SUP/kayak paddle from Carlisle Paddles in Old Town. Easily converts from a stand up paddle to a kayak paddle. For more information go to www.carlislepaddles.com

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Powered by Yahoo! Answers
Powered by Yahoo! Answers