Re: [Paddlewise] How was 2004?

From: RICHARD CULPEPER <culpeper_at_tbaytel.net>
Date: Wed, 08 Dec 2004 19:52:19 -0500
Paddled past a caribou.

Had another terrific year coaching my 25 person breast cancer survivor dragon boat crew. 
 These folks are my heros.

Had several trips out to the incredibly beautiful Victoria Island and a trip out to the 
raised cobble beaches of Detention Island, both without encountering anyone.

Came across an elderly couple in the woods near Neys and stayed the night in their cabin, 
listening to tales of multi-month trips in northern Labrador.

Gave a talk at the Rossport Sea Kayak Symposium on the Waterkeeper initiative.

Went south of the border to raced a six-person outrigger in what has since been described as 
"a stock car race in canoes."  Nobody died.  A good time was had by all.  Can't wait for 
next year.

While setting safety on the moving water section of a eco-challenge, I led a friend into 
burying his truck in the mud an hours drive from nowhere and having to walk out -- only to 
be picked up by blonde triplets who had traveled from New Brunswick to northern Ontario to 
visit a sled dog they had adopted but were not taking delivery of for a few more years.  A 
very odd day.

Crunched the thin sheen of ice at sunrise on Superior while paddling past blue-white 
ice-flows.
  
As with previous years, refereed a dragon boat race that after all expenses raised over 
$100K for charity, and refereed youth dragon boat race that put hundreds of kids into 
canoes.

Had one of those perfect little day trips working our way down a friendly river with other 
wild water paddling instructors.  A no worries day on a run in the sun.

Had some lovely evening paddles in the sprint kayak.

Telemarked about on Superior behind a double traction kite  wont be too long until I can 
do it again!


Richard Culpeper
http://my.tbaytel.net/culpeper/
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Received on Wed Dec 08 2004 - 16:52:36 PST

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