Hank said: <snip> <<Really enjoyed reading both Doug's and Natalie's narratives. Thank you to both of you. When shall I come, Doug?>> Anytime is okay, but preferably winter storm season when I'm in shape and you can see that "size doesn't matter". And if you see that Natalie gal down yonder, tell her she needs to travel further north to Alaska to meet those big, burly, black-bearded male kayakers :-). I think Melissa said she wants to head up to Alaska too, some day. She says the move is desirable so as to take her and her wee little boatie to a paddler's dream area. However, we know the real reason don't we? Yup, there's big, black bearded kayakers up in them-thar hills. Well, actually Henry, in all seriousness, one of the reasons I like paddling as a sport so much is that it isn't a respecter of person. It doesn't matter if you a short, tall, thin, pleasantly plump, handsome as JR, gorgeous as Elisabeth Hurely, or as ugly as sin, the ocean (and/or lakes, rivers) only ask that you show respect and indicate some growth -- and come with an open heart. I spent years as a lonely single, yet enjoying the comfort and solitude the sea provided. I called it my "sea of love" (_there's_ a theme song for ya). Some of us are lucky in life: we are good looking, easily find a partner, employment, etc. Others perhaps, are not so lucky, and can't even get a decent date at times or whatever -- or get left behind in the dust of divorce. But in all this, the sea is there, calling to all equally to partake, to be enriched by all its beauty, wildness, and life-giving bounty. Sorry for the digression. Glad you enjoyed the mini trip reports. Natalie's narrative was a bit embarrassing for me with her bits of adjuration, but we did have a great time - and Natalie got lucky with the weather as Victoria was in between seasons and unusually calm. BTW, the last shot on Nat's web page is me sitting in the Huntsman kayak she used. You also said: <Also, I very much appreciate all the tent information that has come forth. Any more info about what tents other paddlewisers have and what you like or don't like about them will similarly be much appreciated.> <snip> I personally don't like single walled tents. Too much condensation around here, anyway. Also, the folks i paddle with who have them, always put a big tarp over them anyway. I use North Face tent which are a good compromise of economy and durability/design. So when do you want to go camping? BC'in Ya Doug Lloyd (205 lbs, 5' 7", with extra blubber layer for thermal insulation, and receding hairline for better aerodynamics in storms) *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Oct 18 2000 - 23:46:32 PDT
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