[Paddlewise] Peo-ple not a Per-son?

Some of you may recall that I spent much of my time in coma "paddling my 
kayak and rolling it as I travelled about Lake Washington..."

	My final success with tide/current charts was what I considered a 
"stopper" as far as kayaking goes and is there [at least on a limited 
basis] no longer.  Weather is of course something that will change my plans 
for paddling on a certain day of course, but as I indicated in my previous 
post, this weekend looks good.

	I have also signed up with the kayak club for a pool session using my 
remaining w/w boat and we all know what a pool session is usually about.  I 
have found a lake much like those in inland Michigan very near by-no deeper 
than 12ft, etc... as well as two locations I can launch into the Sound 
relatively safely, so that I might get to the process of "re-learning" 
things I once knew...

	I have discussed learning to roll with my therapist that is a w/w paddler, 
and he has responded with encouragement indicating it may help me with some 
of the things I am working on via "traditional therapy." <!!!>  My mention 
of the local lake was also encouraged-especially for my continued efforts 
at learning how to roll while NOT in a coma!<VBG>

	Thing is that as I work at making my paddling plans, I notice that I 
really am not all that concerned about ensuring that I paddle with someone 
else anymore...  If it happens and works out that would be 
GREAT!  But  I've done [and intend to continue to do] everything I can to 
ensure I can manage this on my own also.  I have [thanks in part to 
discussions on this list] a marine VHF, a very good paddle float, compass, 
chart, flares, very good PFD, HAM rig [I'm still working at re-learning] 
wet suit/drytop, drysuit, neoprene hood, ear plugs, nose plug, neo-gloves, 
boots and socks, etc...   I still have an electric pump, and a heavier pair 
of gloves [Okay, I hate the cold!<g>] on my list as well as perhaps some 
curtains for my truck cap so I can get out of my suit in privacy and keep 
the salt off my truck seat...<g>

	I do have 4 kayaks, but only one of them worth more than just a little, 
and probably six paddles-three of them I like, the others?  Good for guests 
in the rec boats I guess.  I have a drivers license and no longer NEED a 
paddling partner [though I believe it is a good idea]  I also have a copy 
of Deep Trouble, and consider it almost a Bible for kayaking-George taught 
me lessons that I have not lost both in print, and in person.  Same with 
Nigel.  I also read SK magazine when I can afford it...

	I've still the camping gear I obtained while motorcycling [Hondas and 
BMW's-sorry no "hogs..." so if and when the time comes that I can manage 
the stamina both mental and physical, I intend to do at least an 
over-nighter, perhaps this season?

	Though kayaking appears to be on the upsurge, it still seems to me that we 
are a very select group, and that many of us at any rate, seem to be 
relatively individualistic.  What the heck, paddling companions or no, I'm 
still 10-15 minutes from the Sound and a Lake, with the mountains being no 
more than 90 minutes away.  I have a wonderful dog, and though most people 
would not even think of living in a 20ft RV, it seems to handle both of us 
just fine...  [I'd like to be able to take more than a 10 minute shower but 
what the heck 8-)]  So I gotta get real here! 8-)

	Peo-ple or Per-son?  "The only requirement for membership in the kayaking 
community is to have access to a kayak" not "a coffee pot and a resentment" 
like another organization I know...;-)

	I am interested as Steve is, in how other people feel about these things 
too...
	
	Okay, I've blabbered enough until after I get in the water I guess...<g>

		Take care,
		
			TomW...

	
A kayak paddler with a brain injury that is VERY glad
He no longer lives in the close vicinity of seattle...
            <gadfly911_at_earthlink.net>
               homepage: none yet

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