Ok, ok, I'll add my name to the list... I started kayaking in 1992 with an Eddyline Raven and still have it. I know there are better boats to be had but the Raven still has some years left in it. I live in Portland, Maine on the edge of Casco Bay. For those not familier with Maine, the coastline measures about two to three hundred miles unless you measure all of the indents, bays, and cuts. Then the distance grows to over 2,000 miles long. In Casco Bay alone there are over 300 islands. A coastline like that, and the Maine Island Trail, make it difficult not to start kayaking. I started my outdoor life hiking and backpacking. In my 20s I spent 6 years in Virginia and started sailing a catamaran in Chesapeake Bay. The catamaran sits in my mother's barn with 2 flat tires on the trailer. I haven't taken it out in about 15 years. The Raven, on the other hand, has been joined by a Sea Lion for my daughter and a Solstice for my SO. Unlike many on the list (as far as I can tell), I don't paddle for the joy of paddling. I paddle to be out amongst and on the ocean islands. I seldom take day trips. Most of my paddles are 2 or more days so as to enjoy the experience of staying on a remote island, listening to the sea, and having a "dining room" with a tremendous view and spectacular atmosphere. Similar to many on the list, I recently hit 50 (last year) but I like to think that I'm redefining what a 50-year old is like. None of this business with sitting and watching TV each night and gradually slipping into poor fitness and poor health. My weeknights include 2 hours at the gym with weights and aerobic equipment. My weekends often include winter climbing, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, backpacking, or kayaking. I often wonder how my fellow list members fit in work, sleeping, kayaking, and as much responding to posts as you all do. I joined Wavelength several years ago shortly after it started and then joined Paddlewise a few months after Jackie saw the need for a better paddling forum. It's been quite a ride. Bill Ridlon Southern Maine Sea Kayaking Network *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************
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